Gov. Togiola Tulafono’s request for $50,000 to fund the Samoan Heritage Week in Hawai’i will not be taken up by lawmakers until the Fono reconvenes in four weeks following a mid session recess that began at the close of business yesterday.

The governor’s supplemental appropriation, to be funded with “unobligated, unexpended and unbudgeted” revenues for fiscal year 2010 was received Wednesday afternoon by the Fono leadership.

The measure was introduced yesterday in the Senate and assigned to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee while the bill will be introduced in the House when lawmakers reconvene Aug. 16th.

After the bill was introduced in the Senate, Sen. Lualemaga Faoa said Samoans in Los Angeles and other U.S. mainland communities complained as to why ASG didn’t sponsor celebrations in their respective communities following last year’s event in Honolulu.

However, Senate President Gaoteote Tofau Palaie pointed out that the right time to voice views and opinions is during committee hearings.

Lualemaga motioned for the bill to be tabled which was quickly supported by Sen. Alo Dr. Paul Stevenson, but Gaoteote said no further discussions are needed on the bill, now being referred to committee.

Sen. Mauga T. Ausega requested the committee to make sure the executive branch provides updated reports on ASG’s finances, including all off-island accounts when the Fono reconvenes next month.

Mauga said the government’s first priority —if there is money available— is to help the canneries in order for workers to keep their jobs. He said lawmakers must understand the government’s financial status in order to make a decision on this measure.

In his letter to the Fono leadership, the Governor said last year’s event was the first such celebration of Samoan heritage in Hawai’i, which was aimed at changing the perception of Samoan people.

“As noted last year, our people are much more than what the public reads about in Hawai’i,” Togiola wrote in the cover letter that accompanied the proposed legislation. “Our culture, artistic and religious backgrounds should be promoted and showcased.”

“Unfortunately, without knowing more about Samoans, one would be left with the impression that we are not a people that give back to the community or that support higher goals and aspirations,” he said.

According to the Governor, the state  of Hawai’i, as a tourist destination is an excellent vehicle for providing an in-depth view of the Samoan culture, artistic and spiritual background beyond what tourists normally see in the usual Polynesian revues.

While these revues contain a few dances and songs, Togiola says they do not adequately represent the Samoan identity.

“Our hope is this initiative will encapsulate American Samoa’s cultural underpinnings including those parts of our artistic and religious identity which may likely interest tourists visiting the state of Hawai’i,” he said and urged lawmakers for “speedy passage” of the administration request.

Togiola said the event will be undertaken by his office in close coordination with the Honolulu Mayor’s Office, Samoan churches, organizations and artists in Hawaii.

Like last year’s celebration, it will go on as scheduled and the Fono will address the legislation when they reconvene on Aug. 16. The Samoan Heritage Week is planned for Aug. 8-14 at Ke’ehi Lagoon Park in Honolulu.

Last year, the administration requested and the Fono approved $200,000 for the first event, but lawmakers are still trying to obtain an actual financial report.