“DO NOT DESTROY THE SERENITY AND BEAUTY OF NATURE”

Dear Editor,
 
I am writing this very simple and humble request on behalf of the golfers of American Samoa appealing to Gov. Lolo M. Moliga to please refrain the Golf Course management from cutting down any more plants and trees (Papata, Nonu, Ti, Fau and Coconut) at the Golf Course in Iliili.
 
These flower plants and trees pose no threat to the Golf Course, to the Golfers or to the environment.  As a matter of fact, these plants and trees were planted by the previous management over the years because they serve many purposes and provide other unique functions such as:
 
1.            Beautify the surroundings of the golf course.
 
2.            Protect the golf course from wind erosion and possibly mudslides.
 
3.            Provide fresh air which allows relief from heat.
 
4.            Provide temporary shelter or coverage when it rains.
 
5.            Give out H2O (oxygen) which is suitable for our daily lives;
 
6.            Nonu and ti are known Samoa’s traditional medicinal plants or trees which are used as sunscreen to protect the skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays;
 
7.            The coconut fruits (niu, popo) are healthy refreshments;
 
8.            The leaves when decomposed, turn into fertilizer which then add new soil that helps the fairways grow greener. They are not LAPISI as the new golf course management claims; and
 
9.            Many other functions that are beyond mankind’s comprehension.
 
If the new management wishes to improve the image at the Golf Course, may I suggest to start with the following:
 
1.            Bathrooms/Locker-rooms;
 
2.            Maintain/Repair Greens;
 
3.            Maintain/Repair fairways; and
 
4.            Clean/power wash #19 Hole;
 
Congratulations for the good job on the construction of the stonewall at #13 & #14 tee box.  Keep up the good work. All in all, please make the golfers’ voices be heard and be first, like your campaign slogan said.
 
And once again, please “Protect, and do not destroy the serenity and the beauty of nature” at the Golf Course in Iliili.  Have a nice day.
 
Respectfully,
 
T. Mauga