The web-based registry Talofa Pass which government officials will use to clear all travelers entering the territory is now on line at talofapass.as.gov
KHJ News got information about the website on Facebook when it was shared widely by local residents from the page of a Hawaiian Airlines employee.
A local resident who’s booked on the outbound September 13th flight, the first commercial flight operated by Hawaiian Airlines since the start of the pandemic, said he was able to use the site. He created an account, uploaded all his identification and documents like proof of vaccination in about 15 minutes. He is awaiting further advice from the Talofa Pass site regarding his return date in October.
KHJ News received confirmation that the contract for the design and operation of the website was awarded to DataHouse Consulting, a Hawaii based company. Questions sent to the Chairman of the COVID-19 Task Force, Chief Procurement Officer and Medicaid Director about the award have not yet been answered.
However, one of the unsuccessful bidders shared a letter their company received from CPO Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele.
The August 19th letter states, “Please be advised that DataHouse Consulting Inc. has been selected to provide the American Samoa Government Safe Travel System for the amount of $6,350,000 which covers a period of 3 years. This decision has been guided by the findings of the Source Evaluation Board. The American Samoa Government appreciates the participation of your firm in this request for proposals and encourages it to participate in future solicitation.”
A profile of DataHouse Consulting Inc. on Dun & Bradstreet states it is a computer systems design company with two companies in its corporate family. It’s offices are located on Kapiolani Boulevard in Honolulu. The company has 41 employees and generates $10.43 million in sales annually. It’s key principal owner is Edward Ontai.
