Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A Senate Resolution which "respectfully requests Governor Lemanu to build and maintain a wharf in Fitiuta, Manu'a, to help the people of Manu'a with much-needed transportation and economic development."

The resolution was one of three pieces of legislation introduced in the Senate Monday morning, which was the first time the Senate has convened since their four-week break.

Introduced by senators Utu Sila Poasa, Poumele Pete Galea'i, Malaepule Saite Moliga and Ma'o Faauma S. Gogo, the resolution was read in its entirety.

Manu'a Senator Malaepule stated that the Senate had heard what the resolution was about and moved a motion that they pass it and have it transmitted to the governor for his signature as soon as possible.

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean clarified that the main theme of the resolution was, "anything that was good for Tutuila, was also good for Manu'a" and posed the question for those in support to raise their hands, to which senators responded unanimously.

The resolution states that "a wharf on Fitiuta, Manu'a is critical for residents and visitors access and use, as well as for government, scientists, and US National Park services. Transport services to and from Ta'u island are limited. With only one airline serving the islands, disruptions due to bad weather or mechanical issues are common."

It further states that "the community relies heavily on the wharf for daily passenger and cargo transit" pointing out that "nearly half of Ta'u's population lives in the Fitiuta District, and currently, these residents are without sustainable, safe air or sea transportation."

Also, "present conditions of marine transportation face challenging limitations," such as "larger boats and vessels need certain depths that allow for safe docking methods, similar to the depth of Pago Pago harbor."

The proposed resolution also points out that "there is currently no ocean access near Fitiuta District if there is an emergency. Residents and visitors must either await a scheduled air transport or cross to the other side of the island to access sea transport in the village of Ta'u.

"A wharf in Fitiuta would aid in evacuating people and property, in times of natural disaster. Recently, an underwater volcano named Vailu'ulu'u, near the Manu'a Islands, erupted and threatened the lives of the Manu'a people. Scientists determined extreme difficulty in predicting Vailu'ulu'u's eruptions.

"The people of Manu'a need an easier evacuation method in case of another volcanic eruption or any other natural disaster. The American Samoa Government can bolster the resilience and safety of the Manu'a people by constructing a wharf in Fitiuta.

The resolution states that the benefits of a Fitiuta Wharf extend beyond logistics and convenience to Manu'a residents and visitors to Manu'a Islands and lists them;

1. Economic Boost: Increased commercial activities such as fishing, trade and tourism, would enhance economic prospects for the village and its residents.

2. Agricultural Export: Efficient shipping and exporting of Fitiuta's agricultural produce - breadfruit, taros, bananas, and coconuts - would be possible.

3. Employment Opportunities: The wharf would create jobs related to port operations, maintenance and tourism services, as well as support the development of small businesses that would support the wharf.

4. Alternate Evacuation Plan: The wharf would allow residents to have an alternate route of evacuation in case of an emergency.

5. A Fitiuta Wharf would attract tourists offering a picturesque locale for leisure and water-based activities. Its rich cultural heritage steeped in Samoan traditions, myths and legends could be celebrated and shared with visitors. The wharf area might evolve into a gathering place for cultural events, ceremonies and storytelling. Similarly, to other Pacific islands that have obtained social benefits from the economic development of wharves.

The conclusion of the resolution highlighted that the Senate advocates for the American Samoa government to invest in constructing a wharf in Fitiuta, Manu'a. It points out that Fitiuta's northeast location on the coast of Ta'u Island, naturally lends itself to a deep wharf, accommodating the safe docking of vessels like the MV Sili and MV Manu'atele.

"The abundance of natural resources, including boulders, makes it an ideal site for a wharf construction. Such a wharf would serve as a vital transportation link, facilitating the efficient movement of goods, supplies and passengers between the islands and connecting the ocean and air. Notably, Fitiuta hosts the sole airport on Ta'u Island.