The American Samoa Government has started preparations for a status report, which Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga says will be submitted to the US Interior Department after the close of the current fiscal year, and the “comprehensive report” will also be submitted to the Fono and “to the people.”

Since the Lolo Administration took office in 2013, the Governor would verbally deliver his annual State of the Territory Address, which summarizes the achievements of the government in the previous years and plans for the future. A summary is also given for the local economy. The Governor’s Office would also provide a more detailed written address, which is distributed to lawmakers with a copy sent to the US Department of Interior.

During his cabinet meeting last Friday, Lolo revealed the administration’s preparations of a report to the federal government.

“We feel this is the right time for us to prepare a full and comprehensive report to the Department of Interior and to the Fono,” Lolo told directors. “We’re hoping by the close of the fiscal year, on Sept. 30th, we should be able to report and plan out the future of your department.”

Lolo said there is enough time, starting now, for departments and offices to start compiling information and data for the report. He said that by the end of FY 2017, the government is able to provide the comprehensive report, which also explains the status of each department and office.

The Governor stressed that “all [ASG] agencies are required to provide this report” to USDOI, “to the Fono, and to the people” of American Samoa.

“It’s our report on the status of our government. Are we making any progress from where it was yesterday?,” he said regarding what the report is suppose to provide. “What are our plans for the future of our government?”

Lolo told directors to start preparations for the report on the status of their department/office right now.

Cabinet members were told that they can even make recommendations or suggestions as to whether their office or agency should continue to exist within the structure of the American Samoa Government.

“If you feel your office, or department is wasting money and time, let us know,” Lolo said. His comment prompted laughter from several directors but based on Lolo’s tone of voice, it was no laughing matter. He was serious, as he repeated the statement again.

Lolo said all semi autonomous agencies and independent offices of the government are required to produce this report, which will help the Fono in “allocating resources” and will be a good move by the Administration to assist lawmakers in their decision making.

The Governor informed cabinet members that the ASG Revenue Task Force briefing and presentation to the Fono that was planned for this month, will have to wait upon his return from the US at the end of this month.

During last month’s cabinet meeting, Lolo said the Task Force, chaired by Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo Alo, is preparing to make a presentation to the Fono on ways to increase ASG’s revenue base, including changes to current law, taxes — to ensure sufficient financial resources for ASG in the future.

At last Friday’s cabinet meeting, Lolo said, “our work is to convince our lawmakers that the proposed [revenue] measures are for the betterment of American Samoa” heading into the future.

He said if there is a lawmaker, who believes that legislation the Administration plans to propose shouldn’t become law, then it’s the administration’s task to convince them that such measures are good for the territory.

Lolo stressed the importance of submitting a well prepared and solid presentation and briefing to the Fono.  He said the cabinet will be briefed first, before the official presentation is made to the lawmakers.

There’s no confirmed date yet, as to when the presentation will be made to the Fono, which convenes July 10th for the Second Regular Session of the 35th Legislature.

The Governor didn’t provide during the cabinet meeting details of his off island trip, but Lt. Gov. Lemanu Palepoi Sialega Mauga told Samoa News that Lolo will be attending a meeting of governors in Colorado, in addition to meetings in the Aloha State.

Samoa News understands that the Governor also has medical appointments in Honolulu and since his departure last Friday night, Lemanu is Acting Governor.