The CBT Building in Nuuuli, which houses the Department of Human Resources and the Tax Office, has been declared unsafe for occupancy by the Department of Health.
Aileen Solaita who heads the Environmental Health Services Division said complaints from workers about leaks in the ceiling, mold and inadequate number of bathrooms, led to inspections by their team last Thursday and Friday.
On Monday CLOSED signs were posted on the doors of the building.
Solaita said it was recommended to DHR and Tax Office to find temporary locations to move to. “We treat government offices the same as the private sector,” she said. “If there are health discrepancies we will close the premises and that’s what we did for the CBT Building.”
She said that they have discussed the necessary improvements with the owners of the building and they understand the health concerns being raised. 
The Department of Human Resources is now working out of a building at what used to be the Airport Way Gas Station across from Cost U less. But the space is limited so just the Director’s Office and one person from each division are working out there while the department awaits a decision from the Governor’s Office on a new location for DHR. The rest of the staff are working remotely.
DHR said in a notice on its FaceBook page job applications may be downloaded from the job tab on the americansamoa.gov website.
For Form 303 requests, inquiries or application submissions call 699-8895 or email info@hr.as.govF
For WOIA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) inquiries, email denise.tuitoelau@hr.as.gov
The Tax Office has one window at the CBT Building opened. A staffer on duty said they are only opened until 12 pm to accept payments and serve the public and this is a temporary arrangement. The staffer said they are also waiting for a decision on where their office would be moved to.
Director of Administrative Services Tanya Ma’o-Aab said they are meeting with the owners of the CBT Building to discuss what improvements can be made to make the building safe for employees.
She said that the rental rate for any new locations for DHR and Tax Office have to be approved by the ARPA office.
