Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In an effort to allow more medical support from American Samoa’s federal partners assisting local teams during the current COVID surge and to provide air transportation for residents, the governor has requested an additional Hawaiian Airlines flight in April.

In a letter dated on March 28, 2022 to Peter Ingram, Hawaiian Airlines president and CEO, Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga requested the additional flight for April 7, 2022, which Mr. Ingram has reviewed and approved.

 “I commend Mr. Ingram and the entire Hawaiian Airlines family for not only their swift response, but for all their willingness to help and support American Samoa during these unprecedented times,” Lemanu said.

“Lt. Governor Talauega and I continue to prioritize the health and welfare of our people above all other considerations.

“This effort will allow for more medical support from our federal counterparts to assist our local team during this surge, provide air transportation for our residents to seek the needed medical attention abroad, and allow for residents to return home,” the governor said.

An additional request in scheduling flights through the end of 2022 was sent to Mr. Ingram in a letter dated March 21. Governor Lemanu has submitted this proposal well in advance to allow Hawaiian Airlines ample time with planning future operations. The flight schedule is as follows and in addition to the flights that are scheduled from present day through July:

Third Quarter (Biweekly Flights): August 4 and 18; September 1, 15, and 29

Fourth Quarter (Weekly Flights): October 13, 20, 27; November 3,10, 17, 24; December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.

“Let us continue to support Lt. Governor Talauega and the COVID-19 Task Force for their provisions and guidelines they have provided to safeguard our territory.

The governor reiterated earlier statements that this pandemic is not over by any means, “however, we must take control of it. I encourage everyone to get vaccinated, and if you are due for your booster, do not wait any longer.”

He urged that residents continue to follow the guidelines that the medical experts have repeatedly stressed including: wear a mask, wash your hands regularly and practice social distancing.

“We all must work together to end this pandemic. We need everyone's help and support. Working together we can address this urgent public health crisis, relieve the strain on both  our local and federal teams, and continue to live safely with COVID," he said.

(Source: Gov's Office press release)