Fono News: Quick action needed on legislation as session winds down

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The House bill to increase the salaries of the Governor and Lt. Governor was introduced in the House of Representatives last week and it’s now assigned to the House Budget committee.

House Speaker, Savali Talavou Ale told faipule that they need to take a quick look at this legislation and made a decision because this session is coming to an end and there are not enough working days left for the committees to conduct any lengthy examinations.

According to the bill amended in the Senate, the current law mandates that each former governor is entitled to a monetary allowance of 60% based on their salary when in office.”

However, with the fluctuating cost of living it is fitting for this allowance to reflect the salary of the current Governor; and it is proposed that these amendments are to be effective in the next administration in 2026.

HOUSE RESOLUTION COMMENDS ANZ AS BANK FOR ITS SERVICE

A house resolution commends and expresses gratitude and appreciation to the ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank for its extensive years of financial services to the government, organization and the people of American Samoa.

 “ANZ American Samoa Bank has made huge monetary donations in support of various community projects, giving generous donations to the local Red Cross chapter during the 2009 Tsunami disaster to assist in the recovery efforts for the local community, the neighboring Samoa and the Tongan Islands; as well as donating to help repair some of the longboats (vaa fautasi) damaged during the disaster,” the house resolution reads in part.

In 2019, ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank also gave $100, to Samoa’s National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) to support their work in the fight against the measles outbreak there.

ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank ceased business operations in our territory on Sept. 30, 2022 and the Fono, on behalf of the people, organizations and business communities respectfully conveys gratitude and deep appreciation for their dedication and commitment to serving the needs of the people of American Samoa for more than 20 years.

BILL ESTABLISHING A DEPT. OF CORRECTIONS  INTRODUCED

A bill establishing a Department of Corrections and transferring the responsibility for the Tafuna Correctional Facility and the Juvenile Detention Center from the Department of Public Safety to the Department of Corrections was introduced in the House of Representatives last week.

The bill, sponsored by Vice Speaker Fetui Fetu Jr was transferred to the House Department of Public Safety committee for review.

The bill states that corrections and rehabilitation are specialized functions that are distinct from those typically associated with law enforcement. It’s imperative for our correctional institution to maintain a safe and secure environment and the Tafuna Correctional Facility (TCF) has had numerous escapes.

“It is the desire of the American Samoa Government (ASG) to focus on improving the security of our community by establishing a separate DOC,” the bill says

Due to the urgent need to have the DOC up and running immediately and without delay, this Act shall become effective after passage by the Fono and approval by the Governor and the Governor shall appoint a Director of Corrections who is responsible to oversee all operations of the DOC.

For the power of arrest, the director may appoint law enforcement officers who are the graduates of a police academy that was approved by the Commissioner of Public Safety or otherwise authorized by law.

Law enforcement officers authorized under this code section may take arrests with an arrest warrant and without a warrant for offenses that occur on property under the control of the DOC and offenses of escape from commitment, escape from custody, escape from confinement, failure to return to confinement, aiding the escape of a prisoner, escape while on program release, intentional interfering with electronics monitoring device, resisting arrest, or an assault made by or on an inmate or juvenile detainee.

FONO RECESSES AFTER TODAY’S SESSION

After today’s session, the Fono will be taking a recess and will reconvene on November 14.

The House passed a concurrent resolution last Friday, which states that the recess is to save session days for review of the budget and remaining legislation.

Vice Speaker Fetui said this is a chance for faipule to visit their constituency one more time before the election next month. He acknowledged faipule who are running opposed and wished them luck.

Members of the House will face a general election November 8.

Vaetasi Tuumolimoli Saena Moilga is not seeking reelection while five members are facing opposition. They are Ape Mike Asifoa in Leasina; Vesiai Poyer Samuelu in Maoputasi #2; Vailoata Eteuati Amituana’i in Maoputasi #1; Avagafono Tuavao Vaimaga Maiava in Sua #2 and Luaitau Gene Pan of Sua #1.