Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) will soon face legislative scrutiny over its spending during the Territory’s 250th July 4th celebrations, following concerns raised by members of the public and lawmakers. 

The Senate Government Operations Committee has scheduled a hearing to examine how ASTCA financed its participation in the multi‑day festivities.

During Tuesday’s regular Senate session, Committee Chairman Sen. Togiola T.A. Tulafono requested that ASTCA’s CEO, Folasāitu Sorepa Fata Thomas, submit a detailed report outlining the funding sources used for the celebrations. Togiola said the committee wants to know whether ASTCA relied on local revenues, federal funds, or a combination of both.

He noted that several members of the public have questioned the use of local funds for ceremonial events at a time when the government faces pressing financial obligations. One example he cited is the mounting debt owed to the American Samoa Government Employees Retirement Fund, a long‑standing fiscal concern that lawmakers have repeatedly urged the administration to prioritize.

A hearing with the ASTCA CEO is scheduled for August 31, 2026, when the Fono reconvenes after a two‑week recess.

Togiola also called for a separate report from the Acting Treasurer, focusing on government investments and the status of interest earned from ARPA funds. He said he has received information from the public suggesting that government funds may have been invested with certain companies, yet the recently submitted supplemental appropriations bill did not identify a clear funding source.

The hearing with the Acting Treasurer is tentatively set for September 1, 2026.

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean thanked Togiola for raising the issue, saying complaints about ASTCA’s spending have been widespread. He emphasized that Senate hearings have become an important avenue for informing the public about government operations.

Tuaolo added that residents — including those living off‑island — have expressed appreciation for the Senate’s decision to stream its sessions and hearings, which has increased transparency and accessibility.

On the House side, the Communications and Information Committee had planned to question the ASTCA CEO yesterday regarding the authority’s finances and its spending on the July 4th celebrations. However, Chairman Rep. Luaitaua Gene Pan announced that the hearing has been postponed because the CEO is currently off‑island.

Pan said the hearing will be rescheduled once the CEO returns to the Territory.

House Vice Speaker Fetu Fetui Jr. argued that the hearing should proceed, noting that the deputy CEO would be sufficiently knowledgeable to answer the committee’s questions. But House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale disagreed, saying the CEO must be present to ensure the committee receives accurate and authoritative information.