Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Senate has scheduled and confirmed two key hearings that address the use of government funds without Fono authority or oversight. The two hearings are: the $10 million investment of ARPA interest money invested without Fono authority or oversight the one for the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority that is seeking clarification on the funding sources for the recent America 250 celebration held in July of this year that the Authority organized. 

Both hearings are being called by the Senate Government Operations Committee, chaired by Senator Togiola T.A. Tulafono.

TREASURY- ARPA INTEREST HEARING

The $10 million investment hearing is set for this morning.

The key witness and only witness for the ARPA interest hearing is reported to be the Executive Advisor of Finance Brett Butler. Senate President Tuaolo M. Fruean remarked to Sen. Togiola during scheduling that the senators would have to be addressed, prior to the hearing, because it would probably be in English. Tuaolo noted he was referring to Butler’s first language being English, not Samoan.

The much anticipated hearing is expected to address the investment issue, but also whether or not the return or 1st tranche of $20 million has been received by the government.

The draft investment agreement refers to 3 tranches or an installment structure of target financing terms: the ‘first tranche’ is for $20 million; followed by a second tranche of $30 million; and a 3rd tranche of $50.1 million. Each installment is expected to be disbursed within 30 business days after the previous payment.

Acting Treasurer Carri-Lee Magalei Tulafono told senators during a Senate hearing on the ARPA investment that as of August 2026, there had been no “return”. She also said that what she knew about the investment returns was only what Butler had told her.

Samoa News was told that Butler has assured that the 1st tranche is coming.

ASTCA- AMERICA 250 HEARING

The American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) hearing was confirmed for September 14, 2026. The hearing is being held on the day the subpoenas state for the witnesses to appear. Witnesses to appear are the six former members of the ASTCA Board that were dismissed by Gov. Pula’ali’i N. Pula in a letter, dated August 28, 2026 — just few days before the Senate ASTCA hearing was to be held.

The issuing of subpoenas for the ASTCA hearing was initiated during this hearing, where no witnesses showed up to testify. 

Chairman Sen. Togiola notified the Senate at the time of three letters he had on hand concerning the ASTCA inquiry; and that no witness had arrived for the hearing.

Togiola stated that the first letter, dated Aug. 27, 2026, was from the Governor’s Office, endorsed by Chief of Staff Leonard Seumanutafa. The letter requested that the hearing be postponed until Sept. 8, 2026, to allow the ASTCA Chief Executive Officer to attend. However, Togiola said that the hearing scheduled was meant for the ASTCA Board of Directors, not the CEO, and he had yet to respond to the letter.

The second letter Togiola cited, dated Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, was from ASTCA board member Moli Lemana, informing the Senate that he was unable to attend because of a correspondence dated Aug. 28, 2026, from the Governor announcing his removal from the ASTCA Board, along with five others.

Togiola read out the third letter in full — the governor’s ASTCA board members “removal“ letter and noted that it seemed to be signed by governor, and cced to the ASTCA CEO, no one else.

The GO chair said that the two letters, the one signed by the Chief of Staff, and the other by the Governor highlight an administration in disarray. 

He further expressed concern about the Governor's decision to remove members of the ASTCA Board of Directors. Togiola pointed to the drastic action coming on the heels of the committee’s request to clarify the funding mechanisms used for the America 250 celebration, which was organized by ASTCA. 

In light of these developments, Togiola suggested that subpoenas be issued to individuals from both the Governor’s office and the outgoing ASTCA board members to ensure accountability. 

He stated that witnesses had not appeared before the Committee because they were no longer on the ASTCA board. However, he highlighted that while the outgoing members are no longer on the Board they can still testify as to the knowledge they have concerning ASTCA matters.

Senate President Tuaolo M. Fruean urged the Senators to take corrective measures to address what he described as “this madness” surrounding ASTCA's governance. 

Senator Magalei Logavi’i introduced the resolution to send subpoenas out. He added that the ASTCA budget should be put to the side until the issues are resolved — especially as there is no Board chairman.

Samoa News should point out that two members of the ASTCA board were not addressed in the dismissal letter — the Chairman of the Board, Avamua Dave Haleck and the Secretary of the Board, Andrew Berquist (ASG Broadband director). 

It is unknown if they are still on the Board, which would mean the Board is still ongoing — it just doesn’t have a quorum?

The hearing concluded with the Senate moving to subpoena the outgoing ASTCA Board members to appear on Sept. 14, 2026, which was confirmed during yesterday’s Senate session.