Marine Patrol makes urgent request to return to purview of DPS

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Marine Patrol Division of the Department of Search and Rescue has appealed to the Legislature to return the division to the Department of Public Safety, citing a “toxic environment.” 

In a petition endorsed by Chief Nofoaiga Ulberg and his staff, the division addressed the Senate President, Tuaolo Manaia Fruean, and Senators Gaoteote Tofau Palaie, Togiola Tulafono, and Magalei Logovi’i, dated December 20, 2025. 

The petition emphasizes a critical issue: the Marine Patrol can no longer operate effectively due to what they describe as a “toxic environment.” Consequently, they respectfully request that their division be reassigned back to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to better fulfill their essential duties as law enforcement officers dedicated to public safety.

The Marine Patrol personnel express serious concerns that their job security is at risk when providing crucial advice to the Director and his deputy directors regarding decisions that could adversely affect their division. These decisions have significant implications for continued financial support from the U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Safety Grant, which is vital for their operations.

The letter addresses several notable concerns regarding the allocation of grant funds intended for Marine Patrol activities. 

One major allegation is that the grant, designed to support the Marine Patrol, is being misused to pay Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel for overtime during holiday enforcement periods. 

It's alleged that the Director and his Deputy directors were informed that such actions could jeopardize the grant’s funding; their response was reportedly dismissive: “There are ways to do it,” suggesting a troubling disregard for compliance.

Regarding the long-awaited new Marine Patrol headquarters, the letter notes that a Source Evaluation Board convened on December 15 to review project bids, with the lowest proposed bid at approximately $600,000. The financial plan allocated $800,000 for both the headquarters and a sub-east station; however, the sub-east station project was canceled due to an ongoing legal dispute. The Marine Patrol Chief and staff are questioning why funds designated for the sub-east station cannot be redirected to support the urgent new headquarters project.

The petition states that the Director of the Department of Search and Rescue, Utumoe Alefosio, and Deputy Director Mosese Lomu decided to halt the contractor selection process due to alleged financial constraints, even though the initiative is ARPA-funded.

The letter emphasizes the urgency of this project, as all ARPA-funded projects must be completed by December 2026. Currently, the Marine Patrol's operational setup is critically inadequate, with limited space to maneuver boats during emergencies, increasing risks to public safety.

Further allegations regarding the misuse of grant-funded equipment have also emerged. For instance, a vehicle purchased specifically to support the Boating Education Outreach Program has reportedly been used for personal transportation by administrative staff in the Director's Office. Additionally, another vehicle assigned to the Marine Patrol Division is being operated by an individual who is not a Marine Patrol law enforcement officer.

Another alarming issue raised in the letter concerns Misifoa Umi, who has no official connection with the Marine Patrol Division as a police officer or employee, yet has allegedly directed staff to relocate the alia catamaran police boat, Siren, to Aunuu. 

This deployment includes taking one of the jet skis to the location, but there is no official documentation clarifying Umi's role or rationale for his involvement with the Marine Patrol. Records indicate that Umi was verbally appointed by Director Alefosio, with support from Deputy Directors Mosese Lomu and Akenese Nikolao, to oversee activities within the Marine Patrol Division, raising concerns about authority and governance.

The letter explains that the Marine Patrol Division is currently staffed with only 11 employees, working two 12-hour shifts, which severely limits its operational capabilities. If the primary vessel, Siren, is stationed in Aunuu, the only remaining asset to serve both Tutuila and Manu’a would be the smaller 21-foot Zodiac, which lacks the necessary capacity for a variety of emergencies.

Moreover, it is noted that the wharf in Aunuu presents safety hazards for the Siren. “Once this boat is out of commission, there will only be one vessel available to serve both Tutuila and Manu’a,” the letter warns.

Finally, the Marine Patrol Chief and staff have expressed significant concerns regarding the enforcement of fishing regulations, which they believe should be managed by the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR). They argue that this shift in responsibilities not only diverts their focus but also dilutes their primary mission of ensuring public safety.