Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula and Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata stressed in prepared remarks local port needs, China threats and island-wide infrastructure needs among other issues at this year’s Inter Agency Group on Insular Areas (IGIA) meeting. KHJ News Washington DC correspondent Matt Kaye reports…
Governor Pula stressed to Interior Secretary Burgum and White House officials measures to boost American Samoa’s security and self-sufficiency.
Including investments in a permanent maritime base for US Coast Guard and Navy refueling, ship repair and stationing.
The Governor said the wharf remains in critical condition, requiring urgent federal investment for repairs and expansion.
Adding…a robust, modernized port would fly the U.S. flag proudly in the South Pacific, deterring adversarial influence – including China’s.
Congresswoman Amata also stressed security against China arguing it reinforced her call for a permanent Coast Guard presence in American Samoa.
Amata pointed out China is rapidly modernizing and building up its military forces, providing it with greater capacity to challenge and intimidate its neighbors.
She said The People’s Liberation Army ramped up its far-seas training and operations last year in and around American Samoa.
The Congresswoman meantime stressed the role of the Western Pacific Fisheries Management Council’s role in determining fishing boundaries versus federal plans for deep sea mineral mining.
And she expressed confidence the issue won’t “fall to the wayside,” amid litigation against the executive order for fishing within 50-milies of the Pacific marine monuments.
Both Amata and Governor Pula stressed the need for continued federal investment in American Samoa in areas like healthcare, the port, homebuilding and internet connectivity.
The Governor pointed out the local economy has long relied on tuna and federal support but needs help to strengthen self-sufficiency and reduce structural vulnerability.
Themes Pula is expected to continue stressing during this week’s winter meeting of the National Governor’s Association and with other governors as they meet with the president at the White House.
Photo: Congresswoman Uifa’atali’s DC Office
