Changes are being proposed to the make up of the Board of Directors of the American Samoa Visitors Bureau including a reduction in the number of board members.
According to Governor Lolo Moliga the current qualification and composition requirements of the ASVB Board make selecting a board difficult.
He’s therefore proposing reducing the number of board members from 7 to 5 and broadening the make up of the board to streamline board selection and action.
Instead of the current requirement that two members be selected from the American Samoa Visitors Association from individuals who possess at least five years experience in the airline, travel agency, hotel, lodging or cruise ship industries, the wording is to be changed to state that two members shall be selected from the airline, travel agency, hotel lodging or cruise ship industries.
Also taken out is a provision stating that individuals selected under this subsection cannot be from the same industry and not more than one may be selected from individuals residing outside of American Samoa.
Also to be removed is the wording that one member shall possess at least five years experience in the cruise ship industry and currently employed with or owns a cruise ship agency service. This member may be selected from individuals residing outside of American Samoa..
Another provision in current law that one member shall be selected from the National Park Service is also to be removed under the proposed changes.
If the changes are passed the ASVB Board would consist of:
- one member from the Department of Commerce,
- one from the Office of Samoan Affairs,
- two members from the airline, travel agency, hotel, lodging or cruise ship industries, and
- one member from the American Samoa Chamber of Commerce.
At present three members plus the chairman constitute a quorum.
But under the proposed change to the law, the chairman doesn’t have to be present, rather just three members of the board present constitute a quorum.
