Senate president raises pressing challenges facing the Territory

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — During Tuesday’s session, Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean highlighted several pressing challenges facing the Territory. He urged senators to give each issue thoughtful consideration, conduct thorough investigations into the relevant circumstances, and work together to identify lasting, effective solutions.

The Senate President first raised concerns over the hospital morgue, where 53 deceased individuals are reportedly being held. He argued that it was both inappropriate and culturally disrespectful for grieving families to be compelled to conduct traditional Samoan funeral oratory and protocols within the hearse-port outside the hospital chapel, before transporting their loved ones home for final services.

Tuaolo further stated that he had received troubling reports indicating that some deceased individuals have remained at the hospital morgue for up to three years.

“The question is, why have they been kept there for so long?” he asked. “There should be an official hospital regulation stipulating the maximum length of time a deceased individual can be held at the morgue.”

He emphasized that such discrepancies underscored his long-standing call for the privatization of the morgue and funeral services, which he believes could ensure clearer standards and more timely, dignified handling of the deceased.

The Senate President then raised several issues of concern for the Senate Select Investigative Committee (SSIC) to investigate. He urged the SSIC chairman, Senator Togiola T.A. Tulafono, to examine each issue thoroughly.

The first one involved substantial loans, some reaching half a million dollars, approved by the Department of Commerce during the previous administration. Tuaolo said that some of these loans have not been repaid, and some of the individuals who received these loans were now employed again with DOC.

He called for a formal investigation and urged that the former DOC director be subpoenaed and questioned regarding the disbursement and use of loan funds. He stated that he possesses a list of projects funded through the loans, describing them as “preposterous.”

The second issue was why there are different lease rates for tenants of the Industrial Park. Tuaolo said the lease rates range from 10 cents to $1 per square-foot and there should be an explanation on why tenants are paying different rates. He stated that he has received many complaints from frustrated tenants who claim that this is very unfair. He added that many tenants are in arrears.

Tuaolo also noted a sharp rise in the number of taxis operating across the territory and raised concerns about whether all operators are complying with the mandated 15% tax on vehicles used for commercial transportation.

Another critical issue raised by the Senate leader was the quality of locally grown produce.

“I have already instructed our kitchen staff that, effective immediately, no more esi (papaya) is to be served to senators during breakfast,” President Tuaolo stated firmly. “As long as I am president of this chamber, I will not allow the health and well-being of any senator, or any member of the public, to be compromised.”

Senate President Tuaolo referenced KVZK-TV News footage showing some Asian farmers using mosquito coils to artificially ripen papayas and bananas stored in freezers — produce that was later sold to the public. He expressed serious concern, calling the practice a clear violation of health regulations and warning that it poses a significant risk to public health.

Tuaolo also drew attention to the growing number of vehicles imported from China, noting a surge in rental cars across the island. He remarked that nearly every retail establishment now displays a car rental sign, underscoring the rapid expansion of the local car rental market. He added that some of these rental cars are taking up parking space while some are parked near sidewalks and public roads.

He cited a car rental business in Nu‘uuli operating under the name “Tuana‘itau’s Car Rental.” He noted that some members of the public have voiced concerns, suggesting that senators and faipule may be supporting Chinese-owned enterprises. Tuaolo stated that he had raised the issue with Senator Tuana‘itau Malaki Togiola, who clarified that he is not involved in the rental operation and that the use of his chiefly title is currently under discussion with the business owners.

The Senate president delivered a firm warning, declaring that he will not accept outsiders exploiting the government of American Samoa. Addressing his colleagues in the Senate, he urged them not to remain passive in the face of growing concerns, emphasizing that future generations will hold them accountable.

“Our children will one day ask what we did to safeguard their future,” Tuaolo said. “If we fail to act now, there will come a time when the children of foreigners born here may undermine the very foundation of Tutuila and Manu‘a.”

BACKGROUND

Samoa News should point out that Tuaolo’s reference to rental car businesses importing their vehicles from China, by-passing local car dealerships was not made with any proof or evidence offered that such a thing is occurring.

It should further be noted that concerns over Chinese-owned businesses can be generally traced to who their local partners are. There are specific rules applicable to businesses that have alien ownership, such as sole owners must be a U.S national or citizen, and non-U.S. Nationals or Citizens that are a part of a partnership or corporation must provide an immigration clearance and personal financial report.

There is no explicit law in American Samoa mandating 51% ownership by US nationals or citizens for businesses, despite it being ‘cited’ in the community and generally an alleged rule-of-thumb by the government when issuing a business license.