Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Local funds are being utilized so American Samoa can complete the process of being in compliance with stringent provisions of the federal REAL ID Act, for which the territory has until October this year to fully comply with, according to Police Commissioner Le’i Sonny Thompson during a Senate Public Safety/ Homeland Security Committee hearing Tuesday this week.

Le’i, along with AS Department of Homeland Security (ASDHS) director, Samana Semo Ve’ave’a, were called in by the committee for an update on American Samoa being in full compliance of the American Samoa REAL ID Act, bringing the territory into compliance with the federal REAL ID Act, enacted in 2005.

As previously reported by Samoa News, the governor requested — and the US Department of Homeland Security granted — an extension until Oct. 10, 2019 for American Samoa to be in full compliance.

Le’i told the committee local funds are now being used to complete American Samoa’s compliance with the federal law, because all of the almost $2 million in federal funds given to the territory a couple of years ago to comply with the federal Act has been spent.

He said ASG had requested additional federal funds — but without success — and therefore local funds are being used.

Sen. Tuaolo Manaia Fruean asked why homeland security is not providing the rest of the funding for the REAL ID Act, adding that homeland security should assist in “absorbing the cost” of completing local compliance.

Samana responded that ASDHS can again request federal funds. He gave the same response when he was asked at least three more times later in the hearing, as senators sought assurance of federal help in order to reserve local funds for other critical ASG needs.

Tuaolo gave advance notice to both Le’i and Samana that come October this year, the committee will call them back for an update on compliance and he hopes that at such time, American Samoa is in compliance.

During the hearing, Le’i informed senators that the card, along with equipment and supplies to issue new driver’s licenses and American Samoa IDs — in order for them to be in compliance with federal law — are very expensive.

Sen. Magalei Logovi’i noted that provision of the American Samoa REAL ID Act states that 75% of all fees collected for issuance of licenses and ID cards, goes to DPS.

Le’i acknowledged the 75% in the law, but added that in “reality” DPS won’t get that full amount, because as in government, there is a budgeting process involved.

Magalei then read aloud the specific provision of the law, which states that “75% of each fee shall be placed in a fund for the Department of Public Safety for law enforcement costs and maintenance.”

“And that’s the law,” said Magalei, a former ASG Treasurer and Budget Office director. He said the ASG witnesses present at the hearing are aware of the law and there are those in government who handle the budgeting process of monies collected.

One of the side issues raised during the 90-minute hearing was by Sen. Tilo Vasaga and it had to do with private lands where the ASDHS outdoor sirens are located. He wanted to know if the families who own the lands are leasing them, and if payments are made by ASG on these leases.

Samana responded that these lands are not leased and there are no agreements with landowners; therefore, no payments are made.