Driving and parking on Malae o le Talu “no longer tolerated”

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Governor’s Office has officially given notice that parking and driving on the Malae o le Talu will no longer be tolerated. However, there is “no teeth” to the notice, as no fines for the offense are posted and the question of enforcement arises, as the Department of Public Safety has been seen as one of the worst offenders — using the Malae as a parking zone for their vehicles.

In the notice posted on the Office of the Governor’s webpage and addressed to the Secretary of Samoan Affairs, CEOs, Presidents and Executive Directors of Authorities, Directors. Agency and Office Heads — it says in part, “This prohibition applies to all ASG employees, contractors, and agents operating government vehicles, regardless of purpose or duration.”

Effective immediately, the following measures are hereby implemented:

a)      All American Samoa Government (ASG) vehicles and privately owned and operated vehicles are strictly prohibited from driving or parking on the Malae. This prohibition applies to all ASG employees, contractors, and agents operating government vehicles, regardless of purpose or duration.

b)      The Department of Parks and Recreation shall provide technical assistance, resources, and operational support to the village Pulenu’u and Leoleo Nuu in their efforts to protect the Malae.

c)      All ASG personnel and privately owned vehicles must utilize designated or alternate parking areas in proximity to the Malae.

Emergency vehicles responding to actual emergencies may access the Malae only to the extent absolutely necessary to address the emergency situations.

All agency heads, directors, and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that employees under their supervision are informed of and comply with this directive.

Preserving the cultural, historical, and recreational use of the Malae is a matter of territorial significance and requires the full cooperation of all ASG personnel.

A memo, dated December 23, 2025, and signed by Governor Pulaali’i Nikolau Pula notes that “the Malae o le Talu (Malae) has been a central gathering place of profound historical, cultural, and ceremonial significance to the people of American Samoa for over 125 years, hosting village events, governmental functions, and community recreation.

“Vehicular traffic has severely damaged the Malae, compacting soil, destroying grass, and creating unsafe divots, hindering full use and enjoyment of this communal gathering place.”

Samoa News has published photos of the “No Parking” signs on the Malae, especially when the Governor’s Office moved into their new location at the newly renovated old ASB-ANZ Bank building — the Malae o le Talu is located directly across the street. Photos published also included the Department of Public Safety parking their vehicles on the Malae.