Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Although the Senate President and House Speaker declined his invitation for a private meeting, Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula has emphasized that he remains committed to open communication and a functional working relationship between the executive and legislative branches.

The Governor had invited the two Fono leaders to meet with him last Wednesday. However, in their March 25 letter declining the invitation, Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean and House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale informed him they would not attend.

Responding to that letter, the Governor wrote that “while I understand your decision to decline the informal luncheon meeting, I continue to believe that dialogue in any form will be essential to resolving the issues before us in a manner that serves the interests of the people of American Samoa.”

In his correspondence, Governor Pulaalii also restated his position on the continued payment of salaries for directors whose funding the Fono removed from the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

He noted that “my stated position remains that the Executive Branch has a constitutional duty under Article IV of the Revised Constitution to administer government operations, including the supervision of executive departments and the execution of duly enacted laws.

“This responsibility necessarily includes the management of personnel and appointments within the Executive Branch. At the same time, I fully recognize the Legislature's constitutional authority over appropriations and its important role in the legislative process.”

He added that the separation of powers requires ongoing engagement between the branches, saying, “It is precisely because of these shared but distinct constitutional responsibilities that continued engagement between the branches will always be necessary.

“We should endeavor to ensure that the government functions effectively, and in a manner that fosters public confidence by cooperation and collaboration with each other. Eventually, when differences arise, I will remain engaged to find areas of agreement and find acceptable solutions for areas of disagreement.”

The exchange comes as both chambers of the Fono voted last week to take the Pula and Pulu administration to court over the use of funds to pay the salaries of directors whose positions lawmakers had specifically defunded.

In their letter declining the Governor’s invitation, the Fono leaders cited the recent confrontation involving the Governor’s Chief of Staff and the House of Representatives, writing that “the recent developments involving your Chief of Staff and the House of Representatives have profoundly impacted the entire Legislature.

“Given the gravity of the situation and the need to restore mutual respect between our branches, any related discussion must be conducted formally before the Fono as a whole.

“A collective and transparent forum is the only appropriate setting to ensure the Legislature may properly discharge its constitutional duties of oversight and enquiry,” their letter points out.

Governor Pulaalii responded by acknowledging the concerns, stating, “With respect to concerns regarding my Chief of Staff, I understand that the exchange occurred in the context of active and difficult discussion.” He also referenced an earlier incident he believed fell within the Legislature’s responsibility to address.

“For your consideration, I witnessed during the opening of this very Legislature during the State of the Territory Address, the Vice Speaker stood up and walked out in front of those assembled. The matter involved a member of the Fono, and it is wholly appropriate that it should be handled by the Fono. Out of respect for the Legislative Branch, I did not comment or ask for anything beyond what the Fono believed is right and just.”

The Governor concluded by assuring the Fono that he has reminded his staff of the need for professionalism and respect, saying, “I assure you that I have reiterated to my staff the importance of maintaining a respectful and professional tone in all appearances at the Fono.

“I only ask that the same level of professionalism and respect be extended to members of the Executive Branch.”

BACKGROUND

During the joint session discussion about the issue, the removal of Mr. Leonard Seumanutafa as the Governor’s Chief of Staff, was noted as part of the solution to the current confrontation between the executive and legislative branches.