Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula's Executive Advisor on Finance, Brett Butler, urged senators this week to be patient with the administration’s investment initiative, after all they, the Fono and Administration, are both working toward a common goal.

Butler appeared before the Senate Government Operations Investigative Committee (SGOIC) on Wednesday, to answer Senate inquiries into the handling of the $10.1 million investment of ARPA-generated interest funds. He also provided an update on the investment while appearing.

Before the hearing commenced, Butler presented opening remarks, with the head of the SGOIC, Senator Togiola T.A. Tulafono responding immediately afterwards.

"Thank you for that well-prepared statement," Togiola said to Butler. "But I could not let that pass without commenting on your request that we exercise patience for a shared purpose. As I said, it is our prayer that you will be successful."

OPENING REMARKS

Butler began by urging senators to allow the Governor and his administration additional time to pursue the investment initiative, which he described as an effort to identify new funding sources for critical infrastructure projects across the territory.

He said the proposed investment strategy stems from the reality that American Samoa's growing infrastructure needs cannot be fully met through traditional funding sources alone.

According to Butler, federal grants have become increasingly limited and local revenues are insufficient to finance many of the major capital improvement projects needed throughout the territory. As a result, the administration has been exploring alternative ways to generate revenue that could help fund long-term development efforts.

Butler emphasized that the investment initiative is part of a broader strategy to secure additional resources for projects that would otherwise be difficult to fund through the government's existing budget.

WORKING TOWARD A COMMON GOAL

At the same time, he acknowledged the concerns raised by lawmakers and said he fully respects the Fono's role in scrutinizing government decisions and safeguarding public funds.

Butler told the committee that legislative oversight and executive action should not be viewed as competing interests, but rather as complementary responsibilities aimed at serving the people of American Samoa.

He noted that while the Fono has a duty to provide accountability and protect taxpayer dollars, the administration also has an obligation to seek opportunities that could strengthen the economy, improve infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

"Our responsibilities should complement each other," Butler said, stressing that both branches of government ultimately share the same objective.

He concluded by reminding senators that despite differing viewpoints on the investment, both the administration and the Fono are working toward a common goal.

IT’S NOT ABOUT THE INVESTMENT… IT’S ABOUT HOW IT WAS DONE

Sen. Togiola responded to Butler's opening remarks by emphasizing that the Senate's investigation should not be viewed as a confrontation between the legislative and executive branches.

While acknowledging Butler's appeal for patience and cooperation, Togiola said lawmakers were simply carrying out their constitutional duty to oversee government actions and safeguard public funds.

"While we appreciate the positions you've expressed, let me, on behalf of the Senate President, the Senate, and especially this committee, make it clear that this is not a competition between the Fono and the Governor," the senator said.

The veteran senator and also a former Governor argued that the administration chose to move forward with the investment initiative without first seeking legislative approval, a decision he said had raised serious concerns among lawmakers.
According to Togiola, the issue before the committee is not whether senators support the administration's efforts to generate new revenue, but whether proper legal and constitutional procedures were followed.

"You folks chose to ignore the Fono and went on your own to do this," he said. "And at this point, it is not turning out to be very reliable."

Despite his concerns, Togiola stressed that senators remain hopeful that the investment will ultimately succeed and provide the financial benefits being promised.
"Believe me when I say that we certainly pray that your efforts will be successful," he said. "But so far, we are not seeing that evidence."

Togiola also pushed back on Butler's call for mutual respect between the branches of government, arguing that such respect must begin with adherence to the law and recognition of the Legislature's constitutional authority.

He contended that by proceeding with the transaction without seeking an appropriation from the Fono, the administration effectively sidelined the Legislature and disregarded its constitutional role in public spending decisions.

"When the Governor chose to go on his own without seeking the approval of appropriations from the Legislature, you practically disrespected the Fono's position and the Fono's constitutional responsibility," Togiola said.

The senator then challenged the administration's repeated calls for cooperation between the executive and legislative branches.

"When you say that we need to exercise respect between the two branches of government, why don't you start with the Governor?" he asked.

Togiola said respect for government institutions begins with respect for the law, the Constitution, and the responsibilities entrusted to elected officials by the people.

"Respect the law first, then respect the foremost responsibility to the people and to the Constitution," he said.

He added that senators must continue to fulfill their own constitutional obligations, regardless of whether doing so creates tension with the executive branch.

"When we exercise that respect, we must also remember that we must respect our responsibilities under our Constitution and our laws."

Togiola concluded his remarks by thanking Butler for his prepared statement but said he felt compelled to respond to the administration's request for patience and trust while the transaction remains unresolved.

Although skeptical of the process, he reiterated that lawmakers hope the investment ultimately delivers the returns being projected.

(Samoa News will report on the details of Butler’s testimony during the SGOIC hearing in its next issue.)