Opposition surfaces to amphitheater project in Lions Park

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Concerned residents who regularly visit Lions Park with their families have voiced their strong disapproval of the government's proposal to build an amphitheater in the section of the park located opposite Nu'uuli Vocational Technical High School, adjacent to the site of the old satellite dishes.

They have denounced the proposed government project, labeling it a concrete monstrosity that will remove precious lawn space and spoil the tranquil, picturesque view of the lush, green park, where the turquoise expanse of the sea stretches out to the horizon.

Moreover, the only tree in that part of the park, a mature native tree within the designated construction site for the amphitheater, is slated to be cut down.

 "That native tree took many years to grow to its current size and is one of only a few of its kind left on the island," said Tino Fa'apale. "It provides much-needed shade on hot sunny days, offers shelter for birds, and serves as a perfect spot for picnics. Why cut it down to make way for an amphitheater, which could be constructed in a more suitable inland location?"

He argued that the structure would obstruct the relaxing view and block the refreshing sea breeze for passers-by.

"It spoils the entire ambiance of that part of Lions Park," lamented a father of four who wished to remain anonymous. "I go there to relax with my kids and enjoy nature, not to gaze at yet another concrete structure. I cherish strolling with my wife along the park's pathways, watching our children playing football on the grass.

"Others savor quiet moments on benches that offer perfect views of the ocean, while families gather at the picnic tables, enjoying meals accompanied by the joyful sounds of children laughing in the playground next to the tennis courts."

The proposed amphitheater project is an initiative led by the Department of Commerce (DOC) and financed through the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG).

The design was created by Silva Construction, the contractor responsible for the project, which on February 14, 2025, fenced off the designated construction site.

While the project is not yet ready for the construction phase, there appears to be a rush to commence work. This urgency stems from the requirement to utilize the grant funds by May 2025, as failure to do so would result in the DOC losing access to federal funding.

According to residents who reached out to Samoa News, there is a strong sentiment that a public hearing should have been convened to allow the community to express their concerns regarding the potential negative impacts of the proposed project.

Long-time resident James McGuire emphasized that any projects involving the construction of buildings or structures on public parklands must undergo a review by the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC).

The PRC, which is appointed by the Governor, is responsible for developing policies and programs for the administration, management, and operation of the park system and recreational activities. They also call public meetings to garner the public's opinions on proposed projects to be implemented on public parkland.

McGuire said many construction projects have been carried out on public parkland without any public input. The latest is the proposed football stadium to be built at Onesosopo Park.

It is not clear if a public hearing was held before the football stadium project was given the green light.

However, if a member of the public does find out about a major project like this before construction begins and wants to call a public hearing, the standard procedure requires that individual (or groups) to submit a formal written request to the Department of Commerce's (DOC) Project Notification Review System (PNRS) Board.

This whole process is regulated by statutory law and administered by the American Samoa Administrative Code (ASAC), which was updated last year by former Lt. Governor La'apui E.V. Ale after 34 years.

The ASAC is mandated by the Revised Constitution of American Samoa to be updated every two years.

McGuire emphasized that with the updated ASAC, it should be followed to the letter not only with issues concerning land use permit issues but for every government operation.

Regarding the proposed amphitheater to be constructed at Lions Park, he mentioned that a senior PNRS official informed him that the public had already been notified about the project through a "Combined Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact and Intent to Request a Release of Funds." This notice was published six times in Samoa News during March 2023. According to the official, no public comments were received.

However, McGuire argued that based on his experience, people often do not bother to read these public notices. He stated that this practice is irresponsible and has been used by the PNRS Board as an excuse to demonstrate that they have followed due process.

He argued that this defeats the purpose for which public parks were established and denies the people of American Samoa the right to voice their opinions on possible negative effects of the proposed projects.

He reasoned that the only way to get the people's attention is by advertising these proposed projects on radio and television as well.

McGuire, a member of the government Zoning Board, stated that it is his understanding that the PNRS Board has the legal authority to make environmental decisions solely on land use issues.

In contrast, the Zoning Board is the only body authorized to make decisions on land use permits related to building projects.

He argued that the Zoning Board has denied many land use permit applications that they deemed would have adverse effects on the public, such as the construction of warehouses in residential areas and near school compounds.

He suggested that the DOC should request a legal opinion from the Attorney General on whether a Zoning Board hearing is required for land use permit applications on local government lands, particularly public parklands.

He urged the public to exercise their right as mandated by law and voice their opinions on any proposed project involving construction on public parkland to ensure a pleasant and relaxing environment for everyone to enjoy at their leisure.

Efforts to contact PNRS Chair Gina Faiga-Naseri and DOC Director Lina Petaia for comments on this matter were unsuccessful.