Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean has raised several issues of concern for the Senate Select Investigative Committee to investigate.
He said during the last administration, the Department of Commerce approved loans of up to $500,000, some of which have not been repaid. He said the committee should question the former Director of Commerce, as well as those who have not repaid their loans—some of whom are working in the government.
Another matter is the discrepancy in lease rates for tenants of the Industrial Park. Tuaolo said the lease rates range from 10 cents to $1 dollar per square foot, and there should be an explanation on why tenants are paying different rates. He believed said many tenants are in arrears.
The Senate President noted a rapid increase in the number of taxis and questioned whether the operators are paying the 15% tax for vehicles used for commercial transportation.
He also raised concerns about vehicles imported from China and commented on the growing number of rental cars on the island, saying nearly every store now has a car rental sign posted on the premises.
Among the other concerns raised by the Senate leader raised was the quality of locally grown produce. He said he does not want to see esi (papayas) being served to senators from now on, referring to photos showing the use of mosquito coils to ripen papayas and bananas in freezers.
Tuaolo declared that he will not accept outsiders taking advantage of this government. He told Senators they cannot just watch and do nothing, because in the future, their children will question what they do to protect their future. Tuaolo warned that if they don’t act now, there will come a time when the children of foreigners born here will tear up the foundation of Tutuila and Manu’a.
