Two agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigations left last night after a brief visit to the territory.
The Honolulu Field Office of the FBI had not answered questions from KHJ News as of news time.
Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean confirmed that two agents visited his office yesterday on what he described as an introductory visit.
He said they didn’t disclose any information on why they were here.
Deputy Commissioners of Public Safety, Vaipuna Foifua Foifua Jr. and Terry Letuli said they were unaware of the FBI being in town. They said the feds never contacted their office.
Director of Homeland Security Samana Semo Veavea was also in the dark about the FBI visit and was disappointed that the feds didn’t have the courtesy to inform local authorities. Samana said he only found out they were here after they had left. He said he was going to write to the Director of the FBI Field Office about the matter. “It’s mutual courtesy and respect,” said Samana.
Information received by KHJ News from ASG sources is that the feds were asking questions about the TalofaPass system, and the purchase by ASG of the vessel MV Pago Pago from local businessman Papalii Laulii Alofa.
The MV Pago Pago arrived from Honolulu in April 2020 and at the time, the owner of Paramount, Papalii, declined to disclose how much he bought the vessel and barge for.
The vessel used to be a naval torpedo retriever.
At a cabinet meeting in September of 2020, then Governor, Lolo announced at a cabinet meeting that ASG had bought the vessel. The Governor’s Office never answered questions about the purchase price but our sources said it was $1.2 million. The MV Pago Pago is being used on the Tutuila to Manu’a route, supplementing the MV Manu’atele.
