Pago Pago, American Samoa — The Albacore I, a vessel owned by the Governor's nominee for the Director of Marine and Wildlife Resources, Timothy Jones, has been sitting on the waterfront of Pago Pago harbor for quite some time. It sits alongside the Manuatele III, a government-owned vessel.

Jones’ sometimes residence-boat is seen to the right, as he says he needs to be close to where he is caretaker to these two derelicts.

Jones was rejected by the House to becoming the director of DMWR, but a vote was passed for reconsideration. The vote is to be held sometime this week.

During his confirmation hearing, Maʻoputasi faipules last week probed Jones as to the presence of the Albacore I, with faipule Tapai Vaivao calling it an “eyesore” for local residents and visitors. 

Faipule Trude Ledoux-Sunia asked Jones what his plans were for the boat and noted that the Albacore was listed as “abandoned.” 

As the Chair of the Committee on Marine and Wildlife Resources attempted to end Sunia's questioning, the Maʻoputasi faipule finally got Jones to answer whether he would remove the vessel from the waterfront.

"Yes" was his final answer, giving no specific details on a timeline.

Samoa News should point out that removing the vessel(s) would cost thousands of dollars, as it would have to be scuttled out at sea, which would mean towing it as well as making sure all harmful fuels and chemicals are no longer on the vessel. The question is: Who would foot the bill? It’s usually the responsibility of the owner(s) of the vessel.