Wonder where the governor has been? Would you guess South Korea?

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On Monday, September 26th, an American Samoa delegation led by Gov. Leman P.S. Mauga arrived in Incheon, Seoul, South Korea during a fact-finding mission that included a trip to Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.

 This small island government of South Korea is a leader in the areas of renewable energy, electrical vehicles, and information technology and is well known for its tourism, service, construction and infrastructure industries.

 In a press release issued Monday, Lemanu said the mission is an effort to learn more about the critical infrastructural development of Jeju island with respect to sustainability and adaptation.

“I believe Jeju Province to be the global standard in being environmentally conscious while still supporting responsible commercial development,” said the governor. “I hope to apply the successes of Jeju Province to not only the people and environment of American Samoa, but to other neighboring Asia and Pacific Island Countries.”

The fact finding mission is a follow-up meeting as a result of meetings Gov. Lemanu had during the US Department of Commerce SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington DC a few months ago.

Along with meeting with Governor Oh Young Hoon of the Jeju Special-Self Governing Province on Thursday, Sept.  29, Gov. Lemanu and the delegation visited the Environmental Resources Recirculation Center, and the Dodu Sewage Treatment Plant.

The following day Lemanu and his delegation met with Chairman Kim Kyung Hak of the Jeju Special Self-Governing Council and visited the World Cup stadium Convergence Charging Station. In the afternoon they were shown the Carbon Free Island (CFI) Future Hall of Energy, and the Uhsoongaeng Water Purification Plant.

On Saturday, September 31, the governor and his delegation traveled from Jeju to Pyeongtaek, where they had a special luncheon with the sons and daughters of Samoa stationed at Camp Humphrey.

“This trip has afforded us the opportunity to meet with fellow soldiers from Samoa. We thank you for your continued service to keep America safe, but most especially your Island home.” As a retired soldier, Gov. Lemanu reflected on the difficulties and struggles of being away from Samoa and especially family.

Other highlights of the fact-finding mission included observing the Water and Sewage Treatment Facility at the Korea Engineering Main Office (Seoul) and a meeting and luncheon hosted by the Chairman of Dongwon Industries (parent company of Starkist Co.) Kim Jae-Chul and executives. Also in attendance was the Starkist Samoa General Manager Injoo Ha.

During his recent fact-finding trip to South Korea, Gov. Lemanu P.S. Mauga visited the Korean War Memorial Museum where he signed the Korean War Guestbook. “To witness names of the fallen Toa o Samoa as a result of the Korean War bloodshed and devastation, is unfathomable. We honor the brave soldiers who answered the call to aid South Korea in their time of crisis, and to protect the peace and security in the Pacific. Although our debt to them can never be fully repaid, their ultimate sacrifice has ensured our freedom for generations to come,” Lemanu said. [ASG photo]

Accompanying the governor was Chief of Staff Loa T. Laupola, ASPA CEO Wallon Young Fong, Department of Public Works Director Faleosina Voigt, Department of Commerce Director Petti Matila, Territorial Energy Office Director Misipati Salanoa, and Governor’s Office-Hawaii Director Tuiafono V. Sua Jr.