Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Launch of a public outreach program, led by the executive branch to explain the veto override referendum, which will be on the ballot during the Nov. 6, 2018 general election, kicks off next Monday at 9a.m. at the Office of Samoan Affairs.

During a cabinet meeting in April, Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga called on the Office of Samoan Affairs to spearhead a public awareness campaign to educate the community on the veto override amendment to the local Constitution, which currently gives the veto override authority to the US Secretary of Interior.

Lolo said he believes the lack of understanding about the veto override amendment was the reason the change was not approved in previous elections. He added that it’s imperative to provide information so a final informed decision could be reached by the people of American Samoa.

Working with the Secretary of Samoan Affairs is the ASG Office of Political Status, Constitution and Federal Relations, whose executive director Tapaau Dr. Dan Aga told Samoa News that next Monday will be the launch date of the veto override referendum, which will give authority to the Legislature.

“I'm using the word 'launch' but it is a way to begin talking about why this amendment is important to all democratic governments and the government of American Samoa,” Tapaau told Samoa News yesterday. He reconfirmed that the launch is based on a directive from the Governor to his office and the Secretary of Samoan Affairs.

At Monday’s event, “Samoan Affairs will first discuss with village officials, specific dates and times to visit villages. They have formal protocols to follow before I go out to the villages,” Tapaau explained.

When asked whether other ASG entities will be involved, Tapaau first recalled last month’s cabinet meeting where he presented on the outcome of the “Youth Empowerment Summit on Self- Determination & Hope”. After his presentation, the Governor made a general remark for other departments to support the efforts of the Constitutional Review Office.

So, “other ASG agencies will be involved but only in a non-partisan manner,” he said, noting that “I will be asking directors if they would like me to visit them to talk about the Veto Override.”

Tapaau pointed out to Samoa News, “As you know I have to exercise impartiality and provide balanced presentations but also facilitate open discussion that allow for diverse views to be expressed.”

The veto override was one of the issues during the Youth Summit where 58% voted yes to remove the veto override authority from the US Interior Secretary.

Lolo has been a long time supporter of giving the Fono the authority to override the veto of a sitting governor. And this goes back to the time when he was Senate President, a few years ago.