Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Faipule Fagaima Larry Sanitoa is asking Governor Pulaali’i N. Pula to reallocate a portion of the ARPA funds earmarked for the EOB project to complete Tafuna High School Gymnasium that has been in renovation over the past year. 

In a letter, dated September 8, 2026, Fagaima, in his role as one of the House Representatives of Tualauta, requested funding for the Tafuna Gym and THS access improvement projects.

The total amount requested is $2 million to be allocated “from ARPA funds that were timely obligated and remain lawfully available for this purpose or another appropriate capital source.”

The work would include enclosing the Tafuna Gym, equip a supervised student weight room, and complete priority access-road, parking, and drainage improvements at Tafuna High School.

Fagaima explains the open-air design of the gym leaves it vulnerable during heavy rains — water enters the facility causing flooding that makes the facility unsafe and unusable for use. He noted that the gym was unavailable for the THS 2026 graduation causing the need for the commencement ceremony to be held off-campus at the Kanana Fou Gymnasium.

The proposed weight room, Fagaima writes, would “support supervised student wellness, fitness, and athletic development.”

The Tualauta faipule further explains that THS also faces a serious access and drainage concern — “The area beside the main office and the walkway leading to classrooms flood whenever it rains, creating unsafe and difficult conditions for students, staff, parents, and visitors.” 

Under the Lemanu Administration, Fagaima points out that Public Works assessed the site and developed a scope of work for the problem, estimated at $1.3 million. He also noted that funding previously identified for THS was later redirected to other projects.
Notably, the faipule says the projects being of a “COVID-related educational need”, are thereby applicable to ARPA funding. 

In an email, accompanying the letter to the governor, Fagaima further explains to Pulaali’i his reason for his request — the use of reallocated ARPA funds as a source for the THS projects:

“During a hearing last week with Mr. James Faumuina, Director of the ARPA office, the House Budget Committee learned that the ARPA office intends to use approximately $3.5 million from the $30 million earmarked for the EOB project to renovate the old ANZ Building in Tafuna.

“Based on the Territorial Bank of American Samoa (TBAS) 2025 Annual Audit Report, which shows a net profit of $32 million, I suggested to Director Faumuina that he consult with you regarding a request to the TBAS Board to utilize those funds for the old ANZ Bank renovation instead. Moving TBAS to this larger location would better serve the public, as their current facility in Tafuna is too small.

“Reallocating these funds would free up $3.5 million for other critical projects, such as the improvements to Tafuna High School's gym and access road.

“I would be happy to discuss this further and share these reports with you at your earliest convenience,” Fagaima concludes and thanks the governor for his leadership and consideration.

Of note, ARPA projects must be completed by December of this year, with funding lost for those that are not finished.