American Samoa’s new Maota Fono, the headquarters of the territory’s lawmaking body, is now open.
It took seven years to complete, with three different administrations in office during construction.
The 39th Legislature hosted an elaborate dedication ceremony to open the new building last Friday.
Joining the Governor, Lt. Governor, Senate President, Speaker of the House, and senators and representatives were Samoa’s Head of State Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and Masiofo; Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt and his wife; and Speaker of Parliament Auapaau Mulipola Aloitafua Mulipola and his wife. Congresswoman Uifaatali Amata, former Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga, and former Secretary of Samoan Affairs Mauga Tasi Asuega took front-row seats along with servants of God from different denominations. Members of the business community and department directors were among the more than 200 guests.
Reverend Elder Faaetete Saifoloi, the chairman of the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa, called the new Maota Fono a work of faith and prayed that God will be ever present in the new building so that it will pour forth God’s love and blessings for the government and people of American Samoa. He congratulated the leaders and members of the Fono, and the current and past administrations, for achieving such a monumental project.
Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula said it is the prayer of himself, Lt. Governor Pulumataaala, and the executive branch that the new Fono building will become a refuge for American Samoa and its people. “May the deliberations within its walls be steeped in wisdom, culture, and respect, and founded on God,” he said.
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Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean said the dedication was pushed back several times. It was planned for April during the Flag Day celebration, then changed to July and later September. But each time, they were told that the building was not ready. He said he and the Speaker were upset about the constant delays, so they told the committee in charge of the building that the dedication would take place last Friday.
The Senate President congratulated Governor Pulaalii and Lt. Governor Pulumataala saying that the new Maota Fono is being dedication while they are in office. He then highlighted that history was made when Samoa, for the first time in its 63 years as an independent nation, invited the Governor and Fono leaders to witness the swearing in of Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa earlier this year. It was also historic for Samoa’s Head of State, Prime Minister, and Speaker of Parliament to all be present for an event in America Samoa.
Tuaolo said the wealth of palagi is determined by money, but for Samoans, our wealth is our aiga, family, and unity. He said the territory will witness a taalolo by the Government of Samoa, reflecting the high honor that Samoa is placing on this significant milestone, the opening of the new Fono building.
The President of Paramount Builders, the contractor, Papalii Alofa also gave remarks and presented models of the building to local government leaders and guests from Samoa. He said the main building wings and utility shed were built according to the 2012 International Building Code of the American Society of Civil Engineers, can withstand winds of 170 miles per hour, meets FEMA requirement for flood zone hazards, and is also compliant with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA).
A certificate of occupancy was not presented during the ceremony. When KHJ News asked Public Works Deputy Director Falavai Taase, he said there was an issue with the fire sprinkler system because of low water pressure.
House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale, who was the master of ceremony, said the seed money for the project was $500,000, but the first major funding was from the bonds issued by the government. The initial bond funding for the Fono building was $15 million according to our archival records. The total cost of the building — which would include the unfinished offices for law makers — has not been disclosed.
First Lady Dr. Lois Philipps-Pula cut the huge white material that was tied in a bow to officially open the doors to the building. It took her a few snips to cut through the material. Bishop Kolio Tumanuvao Etuale sprinkled holy water at the entrance and inside the House and Senate chambers.
The Amerika Samoa Choir, under the direction of Pati Pati Jr., added to the festive atmosphere with their beautiful singing.
After the final prayer by Rev. Faaetete, guests then entered the new Maota Fono. The doors of the Senate and House chambers are carved with tapa designs, and siapo motifs adorn the paneling above the chambers. The carvings were by Su’a Wilson Fitiao, and Reggie Meredith Fitiao and her students painted the siapo motifs. Each chamber has a public gallery that can sit 30 people. All of the lawmakers’ desks have hand-carved upeti panels.
While guests sat down to a lunch catered by DDW, the Samoa delegation performed a taalolo — presentation of gifts — led by the Samoa Police band and the daughter of Samoa’s Head of State. Massive fine mats were presented for each of the traditional districts of American Samoa. Suas were also presented to local leaders, servants of God who officiated. Samoa also presented $10,000 U.S. dollars, as well as carcasses of beef, coolers of fish, sausages, sacks of taro, and Samoan koko.
The Fono presented more than 50 sua, which included monetary gifts to Rev. Saifoloi, Bishop Kolio, the guests from Samoa, as well as local leaders, former governor and lieutenant governors, leaders of various churches, present and former Speaker, and former Senate Presidents. $100,000 was presented in reciprocation of the taalolo performed by Samoa, along with cases of chicken and cases of wahoo. The $100,000 and the amounts of all the sua announced that day are estimated to total around $200,000.
Only the Senate President and House Speaker received sua with monetary gifts of $5,000. Senators and representatives were not presented sua.
