Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Faipule Fagaima Larry Sanitoa has brought to the attention of the Director of Port Administration Barney Sene his concerns about the non-use of the AviRamp when Hawaiian Air arrives or departs and the lack of distribution of immigration forms to fill out on the flight, instead they are distributed at Immigration upon arrival.

For the AviRamp, Fagaima explained to Sene in an email raising both issues, dated July 14, 2026 that he was on the HA/ Alaska Airlines, Monday, July 13, and noticed that the staircase ramp was being used, instead of the jetway (AviRamp).

He said it “reminded me of an incident on June 10 where an elderly passenger fell while walking down the ramp. While he fortunately sustained only minor injuries, it could have been much more serious.” The Tualauta faipule asked an update on the status of the jetway and any long-term plans to address this safety issue?

Fagaima added that he further noticed that passengers were given immigration forms to fill out upon arrival at Immigration, rather than on the flight. He said that Hawaiian Airlines normally distributed these forms hours before landing.

“Handing them out upon arrival is highly inconvenient, as there is no proper space for passengers to fill them out, which also raises concerns about the accuracy of the information provided under such rushed conditions.” He asked that the Port director please look into this matter as well.

Sene responded to Fagaima’s email on Monday, July 20, updating the faipule on the concerns he raised.

The Port director wrote:

Thank you for your email.  With regard to the following inquiry:

1. AviRamp:  The “ramp” system, which allows you to “walk” up to the aircraft door instead of using the “climb” method (stairs), was rolled out by Port and Hawaiian Airlines in October 2025. Unfortunately, Hawaiian Airlines stopped using the AviRamp in June until they procedurally incorporate it into their aircraft boarding/ de-boarding operating procedures. Hawaiian Airlines is currently working to address this procedural issue. Note: The AviRamp was purchased by Port Administration; however, Port cannot “force” Hawaiian Airlines to use the AviRamp.
2. Arrival Immigration & Customs Forms: This issue relates to the paper forms ASG provides and makes available to Hawaiian Airlines. Port does not print or provide these forms to the Airlines [sic]. To address this issue, Port Administration developed and partnered with Immigration and Customs to roll out a new electronic digital form. The rollout of the new web and mobile application is planned for early September and will replace the paper entry forms going forward.

“Let me know if you need any additional information or clarity,” he concluded.

Fagaima responded to Sene noting that he had also copied Ms. Rosalind Polu, Station Manager for Hawaiian Airlines, on the email.

“Hopefully, she can provide an update on the status of the AviRamp,” as “this is a critical issue regarding the safety of our passengers, particularly the elderly,” he wrote.

Fagaima also thanked the Port director for the update on the immigration forms. He commented that “it is counterproductive to collect these forms if the rushed conditions prevent us from obtaining accurate information.”