At the House of Representatives today:
The Chairman of the House Health Committee Rep Vesi Fautanu Jr., in a quandary after hearing from ASG officials on why there’s been no repatriation flights to bring home people from the territory who have been stuck in Hawaii and the mainland since March.
The chairman of the Coronavirus Task Iulogologo Joseph Pereira didn’t show up and no reason was given for his absence. Director of Health Motusa Tuileama Nua was on leave.
But present were the CEO of LBJ Hospital Faumuina John Faumuina, Attorney General Mitzie Jessop Taase, Sandra King Young, Director of the American Samoa Medicaid Office, Department of Health Epidemiologist Dr Afili John Tufa, and Dr Saipale Fuimaono also of DOH.
Committee Chairman Vesi, Reps Gafatasi Afalava, Tiaoalii Fau Sai, Larry Sanitoa, Andra Samoa, Faimealelei Anthony Allen, and Vesiai Poyer Samuelu, sympathized with those who have been waiting for a chance to return home. They said parents have been separated from their children, elderly mothers and fathers who were seeking medical treatment when the borders closed are affected emotionally and physically, and many without families where they are stranded are struggling with bills for their extended stay.
The lawmakers agreed with the governor and the Coronavirus Task Force’s reason for continuing the suspension of flights from Hawaii…that is to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to the territory.
But they said the pleas of those stranded cannot be ignored.
LBJ CEO Faumuina John Faumauina and Attorney General Mitzie Jessop Taase gave the same message today. The AG stated that Governor Lolo and the Task Force recognize and feel for those stranded off island and their cries weighs heavily on the governor’s mind. She said the governor is losing sleep over this. There are nights the governor would call the LBJ CEO, DOH Director and herself trying to get information that would help him make a decision on the repatriation flights, she told the hearing.
Epidemiologist Dr Tufa explained the position of DOH on the issue of repatriation.
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He said COVID testing of those wanting to come home presents a major challenge.
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Lawmakers urged the officials to continue collecting information and seeking ways to safely repatriate our people who are crying to come home.
Well have more on the hearing in later bulletins.
