Two candidates for the Territorial Planning Commission submitted to Fono

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Gov. Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Sialega Mauga has submitted for Fono confirmation two new members of the ASG Territorial Planning Commission, while he retains the other seven current members.

The newly nominated members introduced last Friday in the Senate with confirmation hearings slated for later this week, are Ale Tifimalae Ale for Planning District 1- Manu’a; and Patricia Tautai for Planning District 5- Ituau and Tualauta.

Local statute states that the governor appoints members of the commission — referred to as commissioners — subject to Fono confirmation: 6 commissioners who are representatives of each of the planning district areas designated by the Commission; 3 commissioners shall be representatives of industry and private business interests in American Samoa.

In his letter early this month to Fono leaders, the governor said that as members of the Territorial Planning Commission do not have fixed terms in office, he will retain current members who “have expressed interest in continuing their service.” And they are:

• Aliitasi Afuola, Planning District 2 - Vaifanua and Sua #2

• Fonoti Simanu, Planning District 3 - Sa’ole and Sua #1

• Veevalu Meauta Mageo, Planning District 4 - Fagaloa

• Sen. Fai’ivae Iuli Godinet, Planning District 6 - Fofo, Alataua, Leasina and Tualatai

The three current private sector members, who will also continue on the board are: Peter Crispin, who is also the chairman; Falana’i Ala, and Epenesa Te’o Jennings.

The seven commissioners who opted to continue their service were confirmed by the Fono in 2019.

The governor’s new appointees to this ASG commission, comes amid questions raised by several in the private sector and others in the community on whether the new infrastructure development planned by the Lemanu Administration, such as the major planned upgrade to the Lions Park has gone through the Territorial Planning Commission review and whether these new developments are inline with the General Territorial Plan.

The Commission was created by law for the purpose of establishing a public review body that authorizes the Territorial General Plan program for American Samoa. The Commission also is responsible to promote the general welfare of the territory’s citizens and create an orderly, healthy, and viable economic and living environment, according to the ASG Commerce Department.

And goals of the territorial general plan, which is required by law to be submitted to the governor and the Fono, includes creating a clear vision of the future; focus on issues of primary concern; and identify a strategic path & best use of funds.

The latest general plan, which doesn’t indicate when it was created, is posted to this link on the DOC website [https://doc.as/planning_grants/territorial-general-plan/].