Because it’s a security matter, Senator Tuaolo Fruean told Director of Homeland his department should be responsible with the purchase of scanners for the Customs Division.
DHLS Director, Utualii Iuniasolua Savusa in response to Senator Tuaolo said that his office can help with obtaining such critical equipment.
However, he explained that in the federal system all matters pertaining to national security is under the Department of Homeland Security.
In American Samoa, specific departments have dealt with certain security measures and for this particular case, the scanners needed will be operated by Customs, which is under the Department of Treasury.
Utualii said he was approached about this matter, and while they can help by tapping into some grants for funding, they would have to wait another 2 years for approval.
He said that this has also been the case with the Real ID Act issue, and his department, after consultation with the Department of Public Safety is working on getting American Samoa to be in compliance.
Rep. Puleleiite Tufele also asked Utualii whether his office should play a part in Election Office background checks for all election candidates.
The director said they do not have that capacity right now although it’s something that should and can be done.
He said the same is true for background checks for the Immigration Office.
Utualii said he is still waiting on Immigration to provide his office with the list of foreigners entering American Samoa.
