Lack of offices for House members, unsafe rock clearing on the eastern side of the island, lack of a covered shelter to await caskets at Pago Pago International Airport, delays in road repair projects which have been on the Capital Improvement Projects list for years, and salty drinking water for east side villages, were some of the concerns that House Representatives raised on the second working day of the 36th legislatuire yesterday.
Even some of the freshmen lawmakers took to the floor to air needs of their districts.
One of the new lawmakers, Luaitaua Gene Pan of Sua #1 said he was worried about the safety of motorists and pedestrians, especially school children while work is going on to clear rocks and debris from the mountainside along the highway.
He said that he’s not an enginner but he doesn’t believe the way the work is being carried out is safe.
From what he’s seen the work is not carried out in the same manner as the rock clearing at Avau several years ago where there’s protection for passing motorists and there’s a setback from the highway.
Pan told the Hosue he would bring photos to illustrate what he was talking about.
Here’s what he told KHJ News after the session.
Play Audio
Another freshman lawmaker, Tupua Shaun Vaa of Vaifanua, asked for some relief for his district with regards to water. 
He said the water is salty and not fit for consumption.
He said residents have to come to town to buy water because its expensive in stores in the district. And this is causing a hardship for his constituents.
Tupua said this was an urgent need and asked for some assistance from the relevant House committee.
Tuala-uta faipule Larry Sanitoa lamented the lack of offices for lawmakers to work in and meet constituents.
He also said chairs being used by members were not in good condition.
He urged that the House leadership place priority on acquiring proper offices for lawamkers to do their work.
Rep. Vesi Fautanu Jr echoed Sanitoa’s sentiments and said that the Fono leadership should place importance on providing offices for lawmakers.
In response, Vice Speaker Fetu Fetui, who led yesterday’s session, said that from the time that the Fono building was taken down, he has discussed this matter with the Fono leadership.
He stated it’s not a case of the Fono leaders not placing importance on providing offices for lawmakers.
He said that it’s difficult to secure an appropriate facility but he has faith that a solution will be found.
It was also mentioned that when the issue was first raised the answer from the Fono leaders was that each faipule look for their own office to work in.
Rep Gafatasi Afalava reinforced the need for the airport to have a proper sheltered facility, a dignified place where caskets of loved ones are received upon arrival by plane.
He said it rains about 50 or 60 percent of the time and it’s a sad sight when families are standing in the rain for prayer services for loved ones who died off island.
Rep Timusa Lam Yuen said an upgrade of the roads in his distirct has been on the five year CIP plan for some tine but up to now their roads are still not fixed.
He also asked for a hearing with the Public Works School Maintenance Division on why repairs of Leone High School and Midkiff Elementary have not been carried out.
Rep Faimealelei Anthony Allen agreed that the School Maintenance Division should be brought before the House to explain how their budget is being spent when schools are in a state of disrepair.
Rep Vailiuama Steve Leasiolagi has called for a hearing with the American Samoa Power Authority Board of Directors to discuss several issues which were left over from the last Fono session.
This includes the financial status of ASPA and fees and charges for ASPA services.
The hearing is set for 8am Wednesday.
The Public Works Committee chaired by freshman lawmaker Gutu Loia will hold a hearing with Public Works and contractors for the east side rock clearing next Thursday.
