Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Public Works Director Faleosina Voigt and Paramount Builders owner Papalii Laulii Alofa testified before the Senate Public Works Committee yesterday morning regarding the new Fono Building. The hearing aimed to determine whether the construction would be completed before the deadline on November 30th.

Senator Muagututi'a Tau'oa asked why the project was taking so long to complete noting that it has already been four years since they started.

Papalii explained that the primary reason for the construction delays was the shipment of materials and supplies, as nearly all materials had to be imported. He also highlighted that changes to the architectural plans, due to additions to the original scope of work, contributed to the delays. Furthermore, the non-availability of construction materials during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many manufacturing plants were closed, exacerbated the situation.

Muagututi’a inquired about the number of contractors involved in the construction process. Papalii clarified that Paramount Builders was the main contractor, with sub-contractors handling the installation of air conditioners, fire sprinklers, and elevators.

When asked about the project’s expenditures to date, Public Works Director Voigt reported a total of $26.6 million. According to a report submitted to the Senate in January, a total of $26.4 million had already been spent on the project at that time.

Muagututi’a requested a comprehensive report detailing all expenditures and the total amount spent on the project.

Committee Chairman Senator Satele Aliitai Lili’o reminded the witnesses that they were the primary overseers of the project and had been subpoenaed to inform the Senate whether construction would be completed before November 30th.

He noted that since the 38th Legislature began, the project’s completion had been postponed multiple times. With their tenure nearing its end, the building remains unfinished.

“The Fono leaders have planned to take a month-long recess at the completion of 40 days of the current session at the end of this month and then return for the remaining five days of the session,” Satele stated.

“The plan is to hold the House and Senate legislative sessions for the final five days in the new Fono building. But will the building be ready by that time? That’s the reason we want you to give us a definitive answer now.”

Papalii assured the committee that they would do their utmost to meet the schedule outlined by the Fono. He emphasized that no one desires the completion of the new Fono Building more than he does, as quicker project completion results in better returns for the contractor.

He also expressed his embarrassment at repeatedly providing the Senate with expected completion dates that have not been met. The Paramount Builders’ owner explained that the main Fono building, including the chambers, should be completed by November, while the offices are expected to be finished next year.

Senator Utu Sila Poasa emphasized that the purpose of the hearing was to determine whether the Fono building would be completed on time. He stated that if the project would not meet the deadline, it was crucial for the Senate to be informed, as their plans depend on the project’s timely completion.

He remarked that Papalii had numerous construction projects underway and suggested that if Papalii had focused more on the new Fono building, the project would be further along. Senator Utu pointed out that taxpayers are funding the building through the American Samoa Economic Development Authority. He reminded Papalii that where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Papalii responded that there were still containers arriving with materials and requested two weeks to determine a realistic timeframe for completing the remaining finishing work.

He asserted that he was not delaying the project. He pointed out that, as a construction company owner, Senator Utu should understand that the quicker a company completes a project, the better its financial gain. Papalii reiterated that no one is more eager to complete the Fono building than he is.

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean was the last to speak. He made it clear to the owner of Paramount Builders that, regardless of whether the Fono building is completed by November, the building should be opened.

“This is the 38th Legislature of American Samoa,” Tuaolo said. "The fourth and final regular session should end on the 45th day, which falls on October 4th. However, we have decided to take a month-long recess after the 40th day and hold the session for the last five days, including the official closing of the 38th Legislature, in the new Fono building.

“This is my advice to you, Papalii: whether the new Fono building is finished or not, the dedication ceremony must occur. I want Senate and House of Representatives members to occupy their seats in their respective chambers when the building is dedicated and officially opened because some of them will not be returning. That is my request.”

Papalii responded that it would be done.

BACKGROUND

The Fono building project costs have been rumored to explode due mainly to change orders, which are a result of not only changes the Fono leadership initiated — the new offices for lawmakers — but also includes removing the first foundation of the building pursuant to an order from the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), which found it was being built in a flood (tsunami) zone.

In 2021, the contract was up at $16 million due to these changes, from its original contract price of a little over $10 million.

Two years later, the current price tag of $26.6 million, that’s an increase of over $10 million, has not been detailed to the public.

It should also be noted that the current building being built is not what the original  architect’s rendition looks like. The original had windows top to bottom with fale Samoa-like poles top to bottom seemingly holding up the domed roof, and reflected its surroundings.

In 2021, Senator Alo Dr. Paul Stevenson told Senators during a hearing with Papali’i and Voigt that also asked about when the Fono building was going to be finished that that he’s very sad after looking at the picture of the new Fono building recently because it does not reflect the real Samoan culture.

He said that everything we do in life must reflect who we are.

Senator Alo concluded that the first photo of the new Fono building revealed during the groundbreaking was a good one, however the newer photo that was brought to his attention does not reflect the kind of building the Fono should have.