
A long list of concerns were raised in the House of Representatives on the first day of the Second Regular Session of the 39th Legislature.
These include the government’s financial status, a plan by the Director of Education to reshuffle high school principals, the condition of roads in the eastern district, ARPA funding for schools, an increase in deaths at the LBJ Hospital, the long stall in issuance of tax refunds,d and expired goods—or goods without English labeling—being sold in stores.
Rep. Fagaima Larry Sanitoa said the Fono needed to get an update from the Governor on ASG’s financial status after the long break. He added that the Governor should have addressed a joint session of the House and Senate, as usual. According to information he has received, the government owes $13 million to the Retirement Fund, and its unpaid utility bill with the American Samoa Power Authority0 stands at $5 million.
He also noted that the review of the new fiscal year budget is approaching, yet there are still directors who have not been confirmed.
Vice Speaker Fetui Fetu, who led Monday’s session in the absence of the House Speaker (who is off-island), explained that a joint session to open the second regular session—with an address by the Governor—had been planned. However, the Lee Auditorium was already booked for a church conference. He said there are still plans for the Governor to address a joint session of the Fono, likely before the budget hearings begin.
Another issue raised by Rep. Fagaima was the plan to rotate high school principals. Several principals have written to their lawmakers about the plan, which they say they have not been consulted on, expressing concerns—arguing that with the new school year approaching, such transitions would be disruptive for staff, and students. They emphasized that such changes should be carefully planned and their input should be considered.
Rep. Fagaima urged that the House Education Committee call a hearing early to question the Director of Education about the plan. He also emphasized the need for an update from the Director on the ARPA-funded school projects for which federal funding had been put on hold.
Rep. Luaitaua Gene Pan shared the concerns about the reshuffling of school principals. He said the House should also seek information from Department of Education and the Department of Health regarding inspection of school facilities, to avoid any delays in the reopening of schools next month.
The Chairman of the House Education Committee Rep. Fiu Johnny Saelua said he has tried to get an appointment with the Director of Education to discuss the matters raised by the members but has not been successful. He noted that due to government involvement in Manu’a Cession Day celebration this week, he has requested for a hearing with DOE next Monday.
Rep. Shaun Vaa raised concerns about the worsening road conditions on the east side of the island, calling them unsafe for motorists. He said road improvement projects in that region were abruptly halted and left incomplete. He also questioned the status of tax refunds, pointing out that it has been several months since any checks were released. Referring to comments by the Treasurer that they are awaiting funds from the Internal Revenue Service, he asked, “What has happened to money that was deducted from wage earners’ checks?”
His comments about the unsafe road conditions were supported by Saole representative Dr. Vaasa Simanu, who reported that when she met with the Deputy Director of Public Works, she was told a proposal was being submitted to the Governor’s Office to have Paramount Builders complete the eastern road projects. However, she said that when she met with the Governor, he said there was no such proposal.
Rep. Vala Porotesano Liusamoa raised concern about expired food items being sold in local stores at very cheap prices, as well as food items labels only in Chinese or Korean, with no English labeling.
He said he walked into a store that morning where Monte Carlo cookies were being sold for 50 cents a pack. The date of expiration on the cookies was June 16. “It’s now July 14, and they’re selling these expired cookies for 50 cents,” he asked. “Are these expired goods still fit for consumption?”
Vala said he’s observed in many Asian-owned stores that food items without English labeling or instructions are being sold. He said such products should never have been allowed into the territory, as existing law requires that all imported products must have English labeling and directions.
Vice Speaker Fetui stated that it is the Department of Health’s responsibility to conduct inspections and confiscate expired food items or those lacking proper labeling. Rep. Fiu added that citizens can report such incidents to the relevant authorities. He noted that in the past, Weights and Measures conducted inspections and removed improperly labeled items from stores.