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By B. Chen-Fruean
Samoa News Correspondent
The debate between Rep. Agaoleatu Charlie Tautolo and the American Samoa Power Authority over ASPA's plans to install generators on Lepu'e land in Aunu'u has captured the attention of Governor Togiola who, along with Agaoleatu and ASPA representatives, traveled to Aunu'u on Tuesday morning to view the site in question, as well as look at other alternative sites.
Agaoleatu told the Samoa News that the brief tour included a visit to a site conveniently located in the center of the island, a location that he described as "an ideal location for both the Aunu'u residents and ASPA."
The Aunu'u lawmaker says that no final decision has been made, but more discussions on the matter will take place following the busy holiday season.
Agaoleatu vehemently opposes ASPA's plans to install generators on Lepu'e, which is currently the center of a dispute between the Tautolo clan and the Faumuina family.
Saina Fa'atoafe, who resides on Lepu'e, claims that he is vested in writing with the approval of the now deceased sa'o (head of the clan) to help the children of Aunu'u by moving the generation facilities to Lepu'e.
Agaoleatu claims that the communal land belongs to the Tautolo family and therefore, neither the government nor ASPA has the power to dictate what should be installed in the area.
ASPA said in a statement last month that "Tautolo is claiming ownership of the Lepu'e land, and it is ASPA's opinion that he is putting his own personal interests ahead of those of the children of the island."
According to ASPA, Lepu'e was chosen as the site for the new generators after collaborative efforts with the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency determined that Lepu'e met the requirements. That includes the assurance that the generator operations did not contaminate the fragile drinking water supply, and that the fumes and noise were sufficiently removed from the population so the same problem that is occurring at the school would not be an issue again.
The matter involving the relocating of the ASPA generators, which is near the elementary school, comes years after Aunu'u residents, parents, and school officials publicly expressed their concerns about the possible health risks and long term side effects the fumes and noise from the generators were inflicting on the school children.
Regarding Tuesday's trip, Agaoleatu said "Altogether, it was a very nice visit." He said they were able to visit other alternative sites that were never visited before that day.
Agaoleatu said he recommends installing the generators in the area located in the middle of the island, as there are no disputes involving that piece of land and therefore, the project can commence right away without any more delays.
Agaoleatu reiterated that Lepu'e land is currently the center of a family dispute and having to wait for an approval to use that land would cause unnecessary delays to the project.
"This has not been easy for anyone but the site I recommend is convenient for everyone, and not far from the dumpster," he said.
Agaoleatu said he will be waiting for ASPA to conduct an assessment of the suggested alternative site.
The Aunu'u faipule will support the installation of ASPA generators on any of the alternative sites, he said, just not on Lepu'e land.
Debates between Agaoleatu, the Tautolo family, and Saina Faatoafe involving rightful ownership of Lepu'e was scheduled to be heard in the Office of Samoan Affairs last month.
Reach the reporter at blue@samoanews.com.
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