Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga told his cabinet that he has sought the Department of Interior’s opinion regarding the veto override referendum which will be on the ballot in the general election in November this year.

During the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, via a Skype session, he noted that it’s important that ASG seek the opinion of DOI as they have been working with DOI as the administering authority for a long time.

This is the third time in the past ten years that such a measure will be put to voters to decide upon — it has never passed.

In other news, Lolo stated the Administration is also working with the Feds on the issue of the repayment of the $2.5million in disallowable costs for the National Emergency Program, and he’s sought additional time from the Department of Labor.

Lolo said DOL is slated to make a decision next week and he has requested that DOL postpone the deadline on this matter. He did point out that the funding in question was used in the previous administration. The governor said it’s not fair to the public for ASG to be paying this substantial amount of money to the feds, when it should be used to serve the American Samoa people.

In the meantime, ASG has sued the Native Hawaiian Holding Company that received the award on the NEG funds.

On the issue of the State Small Business Credit Initiative application, Lolo said they have been in contact directly with the US Treasury and they were informed by the US Treasury to expect a positive outcome on the SSBCI application.

Governor Lolo and Lt Governor Lemanu, who is acting governor, commended the cabinet members for their efforts in organizing and participating in the 2014 Flag Day festivities. Lolo further stated that he was able to watch the live coverage of the entertainment at Suigaula o le Atuvasa Monday night and he was happy at the turnout of his cabinet members.

UNORGANIZED SET-UP AT INTER ISLAND WHARF DISCUSSED

The unorganized set up at the inter island wharf for passengers of the Lady Naomi who travel seven hours by boat, then stand in line for a long time for clearances was among the issues Acting Governor Leamanu discussed following Lolo’s conference call. Lemanu instructed the Treasury Department and Attorney General’s office to work with the Port Administration on improving the operation and standard of service when the Lady Naomi arrives in Port.

He pointed out that he was at the wharf when the Lady Naomi arrived Tuesday morning and it was not a pleasant scene. “We need to work that on that operation so we are treating people like people,” he said.

According to an ASG official who was also present while the passengers were disembarking from the Lady Naomi, the passengers had to wait on the boat to get clearance from Immigration officials. He pointed out that it is unimaginable, to arrive after a seven-hour ride on the ocean, only to have to wait longer for clearance. He further explained that the passengers from Samoa then proceeded to a line outside, where it is not protected, and if it rains, the passengers get wet.

An ASG official who did not want to be named further said the passengers then have to wait for clearance from Customs and Agriculture. “The setup is unorganized and passengers are subjected to unfavorable treatment,” the official told Samoa News.

Samoa News understands that the Immigration office has requested through Port Director Taimalelagi Claire Tuia Poumele, an office for the immigration officers, in order to improve their operations at the Port for passengers arriving from Samoa.

OTHER ISSUES DISCUSSED DURING CABINET MEETING

During the meeting the Acting Governor put to rest rumors circulating that there are “two governors”. Lemanu pointed out the word “Acting Governor” does not sit well with him, saying “first of all I don’t know how to ‘act’.”

Lemanu also urged Directors not to insert the word Acting Governor with correspondence back and forth, and that Lt. governor will suffice, as that is his title.

He also stated that he’s been in contact with the governor on a daily basis and whatever comes out of the governor’s office, the Governor is well aware of its content.

Lemanu further asked the Directors to stop saying “there’s no money” whenever they are tasked with an assignment. He said if there was no money, the directors would not be working and they would not be traveling.

“For the things that we ask for, please look for money, If you can’t find money, let me know I will find money for you, because there is money” said Lemanu. He urged the Directors to erase that mindset.