Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Government officials and guests gathered at the Afioga Tufele Li’amatua Sr. Tufele Cultural Center at the Su’igaula o le Atuvasa Park in Utulei on Labor Day, this past Monday, to launch the fundraising drive for Maui’s wildfire disaster relief campaign.

Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga, Lt. Gov Talauega E. V. Ale, together with ASG leaders and guests were on hand to hear the governor’s remarks, at the cultural center.

Governor Lemanu, in a press release issued yesterday by his office, expressed heartfelt words during his special address, emphasizing the close ties between American Samoa and Hawaii, saying,

“Approximately 40,000 Samoans have chosen Hawaii as their home. Our children attend school there, and it offers them career opportunities. This is why the tragedy in Maui resonates deeply within our hearts here in American Samoa.

"While we may not possess great wealth or vast resources in our small territory, the spirit of Samoans is rich in love and compassion. This commitment to charity is not a recent endeavor. We have a long history of mobilizing resources to provide humanitarian aid to our Pacific brothers and sisters, and vice versa.

 "Today, we unite in solidarity to support the families affected in Lahaina, Maui. While we mourn the loss of 115 individuals confirmed deceased, the toll is compounded by the thousands still missing and the many others who have been displaced. It is my earnest hope that the people of American Samoa can join together in compassion for these families in Maui and the broader state of Hawaii.”

The American Samoa Maui Drive Humanitarian Relief campaign will run from Sept. 4 through Sept. 9, 2023. The initiative includes 13 drop-off sites, with its headquarters situated at the Afioga Tufele Li’amatua Sr. Tufele Cultural Center at the Su’igaula o le Atuvasa Park in Utulei.

A dedicated hotline, 633-3333, has been set up for inquiries and pledges of donations. Additionally, the community can contribute through PayPal using the QR code provided on the campaign flyer.

Distinguished guests present at the ceremony included Congresswoman Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, Speaker of the House Savali Talavou Ale, Cabinet members, and Pastor Terry Tofaeono, who led the Invocation to commence the service.

The closing ceremony for the Maui Humanitarian Relief effort will take place on Sept. 9, 2023, at which time, ASG will reveal the total amount collected. This will include the efforts made by the Samoan communities in Hawaii, organized by the ASG Hawaii Office.

This campaign serves as a testament to the enduring unity and compassion of the American Samoa community, as they come together to support their Hawaiian neighbors in their time of need, the press release said.

(Source: Governor’s Office press release)