Senators question how registering Nu’u Fou lands benefits public

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Senator Uti Petelo questioned Papalii Lauli’i Alofa’s motive in surveying lands that don’t belong to him, while citing that plans were to develop the lands for the public’s best interest.

“How can you say that development of these lands will in turn benefit the public in terms of development, yet you proposed to register these lands under your friends’ names — why is that?

“I am puzzled as to why you’re saying these lands if developed will benefit the public, yet, if registered to your friends as privately owned, how will that benefit everyone?” asked Senator Uti.

Papalii Lauli’i responded: “Well the registration did not pan out, but at the same time, I believe in my friends and what we’re trying to do. If we get a chance, to conduct a site visit on the said lands, you will all see how this would benefit everyone and to remove our names as interested parties in the Nu’u Fou lands.”

(Samoa News refers to Papalii Lauli’i Alofa as “Lauli’i” as he is well-known in the local community as Lauli’i, not Papalii.)

This was part of the hearing held before the Senate Select Investigative Committee (SSIC) regarding the surveying and proposed registration of close to 400 acres by Lauli’i and his friends.

Lauli’i was accompanied by his lawyer, Aitofele Sunia Jr. This was the fifth SSIC hearing regarding the survey of the Nu’u Fou land that was at the center of criticism by the public last year in July, and prompted the hearings.

According to Lauli’i, the initial move to publicize their names for registration purposes was to bring these lands to light.

“Our names have been removed, after the registration process was revoked,” he said.

Lauli’i was referring to a notice of registration published in Samoa News last year, claiming the acreage as “individually owned land” — but the notice was later withdrawn by the Office of the Territorial Registrar in July last year due to procedural issues.

Senator Uti, further asked if the registration process was not revoked, would they have been able to claim these lands; would the land have been their property? And Lauli’i said: “Yes, that is correct.”

Senator Alo Dr Paul Stevenson said lands are sacred to families and villages and the approach by Lauli’i was not right.

“There are barriers between villages long before palagis came with equipment to survey lands; and there is a huge part of Fagasa that is included in the survey in question.

“Our families have questioned how these surveys were done, which in fact are illegal and in violation of local laws and village laws.

“I tell you if this had reached the court they would recognize the authority of the village councils to stop these kinds of actions.

“Don’t ever doubt that,” said Alo.

The Senator welcomed the initiative to build roads in the undeveloped village lands but it should be done in a manner that is legitimate.

He then urged Lauli’i to work with the villages as he has the means, but to do it in a proper manner and adhere to the laws. According to the Senator the village laws should be respected on all counts.

“Village barriers have been in place before we were born, so please do it in a manner that is legitimate, if that is the case where you want to develop these lands,” said Alo to Lauli’i.

Senator Utu Sila Poasa echoed Alo ‘s sentiments to do the right thing.

“If you want to develop these lands, then do it in a proper manner,” he said.

Utu then asked how the surveyor was able to survey the land without following the laws whereas any land that is surveyed, the village mayor must issue a consent form.

“My only regret is that we didn’t know who own these lands and as I said from the beginning, my goal is to develop these lands for the benefit of the public,” Lauli’i said.

He pointed out there is a shortcut from Maleimi to Fagasa, behind the mountains that they want to develop and these secondary roads can be used in times of traffic.

“I want to proceed with the development to ensure that the public have access to their lands for farming development,” Lauli’i added.

He also pointed out that it is the surveyor’s job to ensure that he follows local laws when it comes to surveying lands.