|
PNRS to host public hearing for highly anticipated fiber optic cable
The Department of Commerce’s Project Notification and Review Board has issued a notice of public hearing to address the proposed fiber optic cable expected to land in the territory by the end of the year.
(The fiber optic cable will increase the reliability and speed of internet and phone lines, as well as voice capability, and data transfer for various areas like tele-health and remote distance learning in American Samoa, as it would directly link the territory with the Aloha State).
The fiber optic cable runs between New Zealand and Hawaii, coming roughly 100 miles from American Samoa. It has fallen out of use but expected to still be in good working order. The proposed action would cut the line and relay the cable to American Samoa so the territory will be hooked up directly to Hawaii.
An environmental assessment of the proposal has been completed and is available for the public to view at the Department of Commerce on the second floor of the Executive Office Building in Utulei.
The PNRS is inviting and encouraging all members of the public to attend and participate in the public hearing, which is scheduled to take place at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2 at the Convention Center in Utulei.
All written comments regarding the proposal must be submitted to the DOC no later than 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1.
All questions and requests for more information can be forwarded to PNRS coordinator Apulu Veronika Mata’utia Mortenson, or the environmental planner for the American Samoa Coastal Management Program Mr. Doug Harper at 633-5155 ext. 64.
Governor Togiola Tulafono signed last month documents that would facilitate bringing in the multi-million-dollar Pacific Rim East undersea fiber optic cable to the territory.
“The submarine fiber optic cable is the most significant economic development project in the last several decades,” Togiola said. “The sea of change that this project represents is absolutely tremendous.”
He described the fiber optic project as “a major priority” of the Administration. “The possibilities alone for distance health, learning, and business applications alone are impressive,” Togiola said. “You add to that the increased capacity for establishing and growing technology-based businesses and government, and the possibilities are limitless!”
The vessel is expected to bring the cable to American Samoa later this year in November, and the work is expected to take 30 days or so. Depending on weather conditions, American Samoa should be connected to the cable during the first quarter of 2009.
The parties involved in the Pac Rim cable project include ASG, Telecom New Zealand, Merchant Capital (an investment and merchant banking company based in Alabama), and Elandia Incorporated (parent company of Blue Sky Communications).
|
