STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS
BEFORE THE 30th LEGISLATURE
THIRD REGULAR SESSION
2008
Lt. Gov. Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia
FOREWORD
On behalf of Governor Togiola Tulafono, it's an honor for me to stand before you in American Samoa’s Fono chamber, where generations of public servants have come together to enact the will of the people.
Governor Togiola Tulafono is not able to join us this morning as he continues to make full-recovery from his recent medical operation. He sends his regrets and best wishes to our leaders and the people of American Samoa. He also extends his appreciation for all your support and prayers. Our prayers and thoughts are with him and First Lady Mary and their children during this time.
Before I begin, let us take a moment to honor the memories of our leaders, including Attorney General Sialega Togafau, Senator HC Faiivae Galea’i, Associate Judge Sagapolutele Malaeola, Malaetele Dr. Lui Tuitele, and others whose combined service to our government equals many decades. Let us also take a moment to honor our sons and daughters who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that you and I, and our beloved children may live in a free world.
Please join me in a moment of silence in memory of our leaders and sons and daughters whose services and sacrifices are etched in our hearts.
STATE OF THE ECONOMY & INFRASTRUCTURE
The year 2007 was a challenging year for American Samoa. Therefore, it is appropriate that I ask you to join me in this year's “Call to Action” so that together we can focus on the immediate challenges and seek solutions that will move us forward in this new year of 2008.
To begin, let us acknowledge that we ended the 2007 fiscal year in the black. ASG departments and branches worked very hard within very confined budgets this past year. I commend all of you for working with Treasury and Budget and other agencies to achieve this very challenging task. Although fiscal stability is good news, we still face many challenges in the future but especially now.
- Economic indicators show that 2007 was a time of financial hardship. Cost of living increased by 7 percent in the 4th quarter compared to 4.4% in the 3rd quarter. This increase was due mainly to increased fuel costs. Housing costs increased by 6% due to higher utility costs and cost of food increased by 10% in the 4th quarter. The minimum wage increased, resulting in higher prices. Together, these indicators confirm our participation in the world economy and our vulnerability to the changes in a fast-paced global economy.
Nonetheless, our “Call to Action” views this vulnerability as an opportunity and a challenge. This means speaking of things that are important to our economic and social future today.
- As most of you have noticed over the past weeks, ASG road projects continue to change the face of the Territory, providing for more convenient and safe travel over our highways. One such project is the Avau-Airport Junction resurfacing, which will improve the highway from the village of Avau to the three-way intersection in Nu’uuli. This project is funded to the tune of $1.6 million.
- Other projects include the Vatia Shoreline Protection, the Aoa, Iliili, Masefau, Taputimu, Aua-Afono-Fagaitua Roads, the Fagasa Landslide Restoration, and some drainage projects. Together these projects total $14.5 million.
- ASG has received $8.3 million for the Bay Area road project, the biggest road project of the year, which is aimed at enhancing and supporting traveler safety and economic development of the territory. This project also falls right In line with our current plan to revitalize the Downtown area. This new road will be supported by American Samoa's new modern marketplace, our redesigned marina, our new soccer stadium in Pago Pago and the support of businesses located downtown. We look forward to the modern, sophisticated facelift of our downtown area and the new commerce that it will spur in 2008.
- The total value of agricultural production was $58.2 million in 2007, with $36 million going for family consumption and $22 million for commercial sales. More and more, our local farmers are answering the call to provide nutritious produce for our local consumption. We look forward to plans that will help our farmers meet the increased demand in the latter part of the year as the Territory hosts the 10th Festival of the Pacific Arts.
- After much planning and deliberation among government agencies and our private sector, we adopted the Territorial General Plan by Executive Order 005-2007 aimed at providing a consolidated economic and social development plan for American Samoa. The Plan will provide guidance for the development of all sectors of government and the economy as we forge ahead in this New Year.
- Similarly, the Governor’s Economic Advisory Council was established to serve as a vehicle for private sector input on economic development policies. We believe this partnership will flourish as we address issues such as Tax Reforms, Immigration, business licensing, etc.
- American Samoa’s plan for Fiber Optic is very close to finalization. Once it becomes available, we can expect improvement and access to new telecommunications options and a number of economic opportunities. Some of these opportunities include the advent of call centers and cheaper telecommunications with more advanced services. Broader capacity makes for faster internet connection and opens the door to applications such as telemedicine and distance learning that will bring our isolated islands much closer to the rest of the world.
- In 2007, we saw the complete renovation of two important historical sites—Mauga o Ali’i and the Governor H. Rex Lee Auditorium. It is important to maintain our historical buildings because they are part of American Samoa’s history and identity. The Lee Auditorium now hosts many government and community programs—such as the splendid production of the “Fiddler on the Roof” by the gifted students and staff of the American Samoa Community College.
- This coming year will bear witness to the demolition of the old Fagatogo Market, making way for the long-awaited modern market that will showcase a contemporary two-story building to accommodate our local farmers and fishermen, complete with a food court, and other agricultural related businesses.
- 2007 saw the completion of the renovation and extension of our historic Runway 8-26. This $6.8 million project will no doubt help to increase airport productivity, higher levels of passenger satisfaction, and further support U.S. military movement in the Pacific region.
- The Port Administration has begun financial preparations for the construction of our $1.9 million air traffic control tower, and through funding from the FAA, we now have a new Airport Administration Building.
- The Development Bank of American Samoa provided services for loans totaling $3 million. I am proud to announce that in 2007, the HUD HOME projects were all completed by year’s end with a total of 27 home repairs and 18 new homes.
- DBAS also conducted HUD Home workshops and application in-takes to provide these same services to the people of Manu’a.
- DBAS improved its accounting system and assisted Territorial Registrar’s Office to computerize information to facilitate more efficient retrieval of data.
In 2007, American Samoa saw many initiatives dedicated to the conservation and protection of our environment. Collaborations between agencies, businesses, and community groups have resulted in the development of important programs, increased public awareness, and appreciation of our natural environment.
As the official host of the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts this summer, I urge you to keep moving forward with this mindset and appreciation for our natural beauty. Let’s preserve and maintain our natural environment for our children and their children.
- In August, American Samoa successfully hosted the 18th U.S. Coral Reef Task Force meeting. More than 100 participants gathered to discuss issues that impact our environment.
- At the meeting, Governor Togiola signed an historic Executive Order that will help the Territory control our greenhouse gas emissions – American Samoa’s contribution to the region to help stem the tide of global warming.
- In an earnest effort to promote better management of sustainable resources, we announced a ban on Big Fish Harvesting to ensure that local fisheries are given an opportunity to replenish our sea for the benefit of future generations.
- American Samoa’s Water Laboratory is rated one of the best in the Pacific by the USEPA. As a result, we have been asked to provide technical assistance to other U.S. affiliated entities.
- EPA continues its commitment to the protection of our people by ensuring the quality of our drinking water and the safety of our waterways.
- For the first time, EPA secured funds targeted specifically for hazardous material clean up programs.
After careful deliberation and with critical input from our private sector and economic advisory council, we will be submitting our legislative proposal to make our Tourism department a semi-independent agency. With this important change, we intend for our private sector to take a greater role in the development of tourism in the Territory. This partnership should yield much better results for the development of tourism and our economy.
STATE OF EDUCATION
2007 revealed many challenges in our educational system. However, we worked through these challenges together and we have several achievements and goals to reflect upon and look forward to:
- In an effort to provide quality teachers for our children under the mandates of the No Child Left Behind Act, 53 more teachers earned BA degrees in Elementary Education. 75 teachers continue to pursue their BA degrees through the University of Hawai’i cohort program.
- The age when every Samoan spoke their native language proficiently continues to become a thing of the past. With so much emphasis on English proficiency as the means to educational success, it is easy to understand how we have reached this point. To ensure that our children value and attain proficiency in Samoan as well as English, DOE has developed English and Samoan Language Proficiency Standards as part of American Samoa’s educational standards.
- With the growing problems caused by obesity like diabetes, hypertension, gout, high blood pressure and chronic heart disease, we need to instill in our children the value of physical fitness as a critical part of their lifestyles. DOE has implemented a comprehensive Health Program at the Elementary Level to strengthen the Physical Education Program at all grade levels.
- DOE dedicated several new buildings this past year: Tafuna High School, Tafuna Elementary, and the $1.2 million two-story building for Nuuuli-Voc-Tech.
- DOE has upgraded the Chancery Data System to allow schools to produce computerized report cards, track student enrollment and to assist in compiling data for federal reports and evaluation.
- In November, 26 students enrolled in San Diego State’s MA program in Leadership and Counseling.
- A similar program in the much-needed area of accounting will be offered locally this month through a partnership with Chaminade University and another one in law-enforcement is also set to begin this year.
- ASCC began to offer classes for the new four-year degree in Teacher Education. This was the result of many years of hard work of the faculty and the Board of Higher Education.
- The Board of Higher Education reclassified the Trades & Industry Department into the Institute of Trades and Technology. This will assist in enhancing and preparing a workforce in the various areas of computer technology, automotive repair, and many other areas that will meet the unique needs of both the public and private sector.
Finally, I am happy to announce that the Administration is sending to the Fono this Session, our teacher reclassification bill, which is still being developed. It is our sincere hope and intent that teachers in the Territory should be paid fair value for the tremendous service they provide for our students. We intend to provide clarity on basic entry levels according to credentials and experience. Passage of this administration proposal shall be a priority in this New Year.
STATE OF HEALTHCARE
We continue to focus on meeting the healthcare needs of our people. The American Samoa Medical Center and the Department of Health are working hard to improve their services and programs.
- The LBJ Medical Center has completed a makeover of the new Pediatric Ward, which includes $1.7 million worth of modern hospital equipment that will improve pediatric services and treatment for our people.
- Opened its new clinic where patients don’t have to wait in the emergency room but can call the clinic for appointments.
- Hired additional doctors to alleviate the shortage of doctors serving our people.
- Department of Health continues to do outreach programs to villages and schools.
- This summer, the Veterans Tafuna Clinic was dedicated to meet the needs of our many veterans living in the Territory.
To help LBJ provide healthcare to our residents, we are submitting legislation that will assist them in meeting federal requirements for securing Medicare funding, through our Advanced Directives legislation.
PRIORITY PROJECTS FOR $20MILLION LOAN
We have identified a list of priority projects that we will pursue using the $20 million loan. These projects include the renovation of the Fono Building, the Fiber Optic Cable Project, harbor and dredging projects, a new tug boat for the Port Administration, a new antenna for KVZK, a new airport hangar, and the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts. We believe these projects will improve our infrastructure and economic development goals.
CONCERNS ON HIGH RISK STATUS
While I have spoken of the good, there are also considerable challenges that we need to resolve in the present.
They include the following:
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security has frozen all funds for Homeland Security due to administrative deficiencies.
- Department of Education has been designated “high risk” by USDOE in the areas of procurement, property management, and payroll of Federal education grants.
- WIC & FOODSTAMP programs are working hard to meet reporting requirements, as they await a response on their “high risk” status.
- LBJ has begun to pay back the $9 million it owes to Medicaid.
For each of these challenges, ASG continues to develop action plans to address these concerns in the present. We ask that we all support these entities and their efforts.
There is also much concern regarding the impact of the federal minimum wage mandate on the two canneries and local businesses. ASG is working with federal officials to provide critical input on the next $.50 increase that will take effect this summer. The Territory continues to work vigorously through our Delegate and other members of Congress who have lent their support to American Samoa, including Senator FofogaoSamoa Daniel K. Inouye, Senator Jeff Bingaman and Senator Daniel Akaka. We remain vigilant in our work to ensure that the minimum wage is good for the Territory’s economy as a whole.
NOTEWORTHY
Before I end, let us take note of a few worthy things whose success depends on all of us working together.
Since its inception in 1972, the Festival of Pacific Arts has become the premiere gathering where Pacific Islanders gather to celebrate and promote our indigenous and modern traditions.
American Samoa will host the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts in July and August and we expect close to 2,000 participants to join us in this—Su’iga’ula a le Atuvasa” or threading of the Oceanic ula (lei) – where together Pacific people can express fully one of the most culturally diverse regions of the world.
In following our government-private sector partnership approach, the Festival Task Force has established the Festival food voucher program so that our local vendors have the opportunity to participate in providing food for festival participants.
- Future Political Status Study Commission Report
The Political Status Commission has completed its report and their recommendation is that we retain our current status as an “unincorporated and unorganized territory of the U.S.” The Commission’s recommendations have been forwarded to the Fono, and we eagerly await their response. In preparation for a Constitutional Convention, we strongly encourage the people of American Samoa to examine the Commission’s report, which is available at www.americansamoa.gov, and decide what they think is best for American Samoa.
SEND OFF
Indeed, 2007 was a challenging one for American Samoa. But in this “Call to Action,” this Administration views these challenges as opportunities for all of us to put our collective ‘best foot’ forward. The leaders and the people of American Samoa believe we can solve, create, and do the impossible in the present. We look forward to working closely with all of you in heeding this important call for 2008.
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