Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Samoa Observer reported this week that the government has given its commitment to transport the five fautasi from American Samoa, its crew and provide accommodation for the Samoa Independence Day celebration.

It reports that five fautasi crew from American Samoa and their vessels will be part of the fautasi race on June 1st. This was an initiative announced by the government. They will join the seven fautasi crew for one of the biggest fautasi races yet for Samoa.

It is unknown what the format for the race will be. The last time a fautasi race was held in Samoa was in 2023.

Samoa News notes that there is still no official word on what fautasi and crews will be going — if any, with the invitation extended to the top five finishers of the 2026 Flag Day Race. So far, the Alao that finished second in the Flag Day race has said they will not be going, due to prior commitments by the captain and key members of its crew.

As reported in the Observer a letter to Leonard Seumantafa, the Chief of Staff of the American Samoa Governor, the government said it would provide transportation on the Samoa Express for the fautasi to Apia and back to Pago Pago.

The government has committed to providing Lady Samoa IV as a charter for the five fautasi crew with 60 people as part of each crew.

The government also gave an undertaking to provide two 60-seater buses to each crew for transportation while they stay in Samoa.

For accommodation, the government stated that the crew, approximately 300 people, would be accommodated in villages in the Faleata and the Vaimauga districts.

The government stated that the Samoa Police will be responsible for the security of the fautasi crew while in Samoa and the police will also provide tents and storage assistance.

The government will also waive all permits for the fautasi crew.

The government has also indicated facilitation of meetings with villages for extra needs.

The letter is signed by the Consular General Fata Brian Kaio.

The government has announced $5 million for the Independence Day Celebrations, which start on Friday, May 29th and conclude on Monday, June 1st.

(Source: Samoa Observer)