CCCAS rejects government’s offer to purchase Naumati acreage

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa (CCCAS) has rejected the government's offer to buy the five acres of the Naumati Lowland Forest that they own for $2.1 million.

The five acres of land in question is directly opposite the CCCAS compound in Tafuna and is part of 27 acres of the Naumati Forest, the last remaining lowland forest left on Tutuila island.

The 27-acre Naumati Forest is owned by the Haleck family, who sold five acres to the CCCAS.

According to the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR) Director Taotasi Archie Soliai, the Haleck family has confirmed that they will sell their 22 acres.

On Wednesday, the American Samoa Government formally requested the CCCAS to consider selling its five acres of land in the Naumati rainforest to conserve in perpetuity, protecting it from threats of development.

A press release from the DMWR stated that based on a recent valuation, the Naumati forest is valued at $425,000 per acre, bringing the total offer to $2,167,000.

It also revealed that DMWR has submitted a project proposal to the Forest Legacy Program for funds to purchase the five acres from CCCAS, as well as 22 acres belonging to the Haleck family.

Also in attendance was Lt. Governor La'apui E.V. Ale, senior government officials and members of the Haleck family.

Held in the presence of over 600 delegates representing member churches from Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and American Samoa, Director Taotasi Archie Soliai delivered an impactful presentation on behalf of the government to help convince the church to sell their portion of the forest.

In his presentation, Director Taotasi highlighted several critical benefits of preserving the Naumati forest, including:

• Preserving God's Divine Creation: Emphasizing the spiritual and ecological significance of maintaining the natural environment.

• Protecting Groundwater Recharge Areas: Essential for providing clean drinking water.

• Flood Mitigation: Serving as a natural retention area for floodwaters, particularly benefiting the Tafuna Plains area.

• Protected and Endangered Species: Providing habitat for protected birds and bats, and endangered species such as the Eua zebrina snail.

• Ancient Cultural Aspects: Preserving significant cultural sites like Tia Seulupe (starmounds).

• Educational Awareness: Offering opportunities for youth to learn about conservation and the environment.

After his presentation, an opportunity was given to the gathering for questions and many asked a variety of questions regarding the matter.

A source at Kanana Fou who spoke to Samoa News on the condition of anonymity said that there were so many church members wanting to ask questions that the CCCAS Chairman intervened and ended the session.

Lt. Governor La'apui E.V. Ale spoke before they departed and reiterated on the importance of protecting and preserving the Naumati Forest for future generations.

He also touched on its status as a protected environmental area for the preservation of the biological diversity of plant and animal species found there.

He concluded with the phrase, "The bottomline is, the church cannot carry out any development on the land."

The anonymous source said this provoked the ire of many who were present, and a Reverend Elder from Hawaii immediately stood and asked if he meant that the church cannot do anything on its own land, to which the Lt. Governor replied in the affirmative.

The chairman again intervened and brought a close to the session and the government delegation departed while the church members discussed the matter.

The source said that discussion went on for more than an hour and many were adamant that the church should not sell the land. The matter was subsequently put to a vote and all wanted to retain the church asset, with no one voting to sell the land to the government despite the compelling offer.

Notable, to develop land local law requires that a land permit is needed — which includes review of any possible adverse action to the environment (PNRS).

Obtaining federal and territorial permits and approvals is the responsibility of the applicant, according to the law: 26.0207 Land use permit application procedures, fees, and penalties.