L&L Platform

Summary Overview

Security is crucial for American Samoa on multiple fronts. Maintaining a safe and secure environment is foundational for economic stability, public health, and community well-being. Effective law enforcement, public safety regulations, and emergency services are all integral components of this broad security framework.

Equally important to law enforcement protection and safeguarding the people of American Samoa, border security by way of invasive species has been highlighted and placed as one of the priorities of this administration. Biosecurity measures and controlling invasive species like little fire ants, mynah birds, and animals that pose a threat to our livelihood and public health must be properly handled and terminated. This collaborative effort under the leadership of the Governor’s Biodiversity Office includes the Agriculture, Immigration, Customs, Marine and Wildlife Resources with support roles by the GRO and ODAPM offices. 

A major accomplishment in furthering the security of our borders is the acquisition of a vessel for the law enforcement arm of the American Samoa Department of Homeland Security. This boat will greatly assist with investigations of illegal immigrants using small alias and drug activities making their entries via isolated areas of territorial shores.

Immigration 

Successfully improved relations with Independent Samoa to ease travel restrictions between the two Samoa, is a policy that allowed since October 19, 2023 Samoa citizens to enter American Samoa without an entry permit for stays up to seven days under the American Samoa Entry Permit Waiver program, which had already provided entry permit waivers for citizens of 45 other countries.  Since 10/19/23, the Samoa Government has reciprocated, and for the first time in about 17 years, the Samoa Government waived an entry permit requirement for U.S. nationals to enter Samoa for stays of up to seven days. 

For the first time in many years, Immigration Officers are paid for overtime work and receive their annual increments. Immigration Officers were included in the 2021 ASG increase in minimum wage from $5.20 to $7.25 per hour, increase in pay based on years of service and increase in pay based on degrees attained. Immigration Officers received hazard pay during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To improve the treatment of ocean ferry passengers, Immigration officers and ASG clearing party required to clear an ocean passenger ferry (e.g., Lady Naomi or Lady Samoa) that traveled from Samoa to American Samoa for seven to eight hours when the ocean ferry docks at the Fagatogo Inter-Island wharf in the morning upon arrival instead of requiring the passengers to wait on the ferry for another one hour or more or until 8am for the ferry to be cleared and passengers to disembark.

To improve customer service, a small office was constructed at the Fagatogo Inter-Island dock for Immigration officers. It is equipped with computers, the Internet, and scanners so that passengers arriving and departing on inter-island ferries will have their passports scanned upon arrival and departure. The Immigration Office Border Management System was fully implemented and Immigration Officers attended Pacific Immigration Development Community (PIDC) meetings and trainings. Immigration Office employees have now became more involved in Department of Legal Affairs meetings and events. 

Law Enforcement

American Samoa Department of Search and Rescue (SAR) was created and established under Public Law 37-16, combining the Fire Bureau and Marine Patrol from the Department of Public Safety and the Emergency Medical Services from LBJTMC into one umbrella and department required assistance to ensure improved resource and funding opportunities.

The Director and its staff were adequately funded until the new funding fiscal year cycle. ASEDA allocated $500,000 to help with supplies and resources for the Fire Bureau, the emergency medical services, and administration. SAR has been included in the current FY 2024 budget appropriations and is transitioning very well under the newly established department.

The American Samoa Department of Corrections (ASDC) was created and established under Public Law 37-14, a stand-alone Department solely focused on corrections and incarceration. The appointed Director and its staff have successfully implemented the Administration vision of an academy exclusively focused on the priorities of a correction officer. The Director and department have completed the Territory’s first-ever Corrections academy and are implementing the corrective action plan approved by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor to improve its services and function. The American Samoa Department of Correction cadet graduation ceremony was this endeavor's first academy. Over 27 cadets successfully completed the rigorous training course. This resource will greatly assist in the operations and mandate of the newly formed department.

Closing Statement

In conclusion, ensuring the security of American Samoa is a multifaceted endeavor that encompasses public safety, economic stability, and community well-being. The collaborative efforts between various governmental departments and the recent initiatives highlight the commitment of the Lemanu & La'apui administration to maintaining a safe environment for all residents. The emphasis on biosecurity, improved border protection, and enhanced immigration policies are critical steps toward safeguarding our territory from external threats.

The acquisition of a new vessel for the Department of Homeland Security exemplifies the proactive measures taken to secure our borders. Similarly, the improved relations with Independent Samoa and the updated immigration policies reflect the administration's dedication to fostering regional cooperation and easing travel restrictions.

Significant strides have also been made in law enforcement with the establishment of the American Samoa Department of Search and Rescue and the American Samoa Department of Corrections. These new departments are equipped to better serve the community through specialized training and dedicated resources, ensuring a higher standard of safety and security.

Together, these efforts represent a comprehensive approach to securing American Samoa's future. The Lemanu and La'apui administration's ongoing commitment to these initiatives will continue to enhance our community's safety, health, and prosperity for future generations.