Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Two representatives from Hawaii-based furniture and workplace solutions company SystemCenter recently visited American Samoa to conduct a comprehensive project close-out review and inspect furniture, fixtures, and workplace materials supplied for the new Fono building in Fagatogo. The visit comes ahead of next Friday's official opening of lawmakers' offices, marking a significant milestone in the completion of the multi-million dollar legislative complex and the conclusion of the Fourth Session of the 39th Legislature before lawmakers return in January 2027.

The visiting officials, Tess Camanse-DeCorte, SystemCenter's Vice President of Administration, and Anna Marie Agarpao, the company's Asia/Pacific Rim Project Manager, spent several days meeting with Fono leaders and staff while touring the new Fono building.

Both visitors expressed admiration for the distinctive craftsmanship and architectural vision behind the new Legislature headquarters, designed by renowned architect Mark Lively. Blending modern, state-of-the-art features with the iconic form of the traditional Samoan fale, the building stands as one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Territory. Situated in the heart of downtown Fagatogo, the impressive structure has become the centerpiece of American Samoa's seat of government, bringing together the offices of the Territory's three branches of government within walking distance of one another.

Directly across the main street from the Fono building is the Office of the Governor, which is temporarily operating from the former ANZ Bank building overlooking Fagatogo's historic village green, Malaeoletalu. Nearby stands the new High Court building, home to the Office of the Chief Justice.

“It is always rewarding to see a project completed and being used for the purpose it was intended,” the visitors remarked during discussions with legislative staff. “We understand from Legislature personnel that lawmakers have been without permanent office accommodations since the old Fono building was demolished in 2017. Knowing that our company has played a part in helping provide senators and their constituents with a modern, comfortable, and functional office environment is especially gratifying. It is satisfying to see a space that will support both the work of the Legislature and the people they serve.”

In addition to their salaries, senators and representatives receive a $65,000 annual office expense allowance, while the Senate President and House Speaker receive $85,000 per year. The allowance is intended to cover expenses incurred in the discharge of official legislative duties. Under American Samoa law, legislators are not required to provide an accounting of how the allowance is spent, and it is only taxed if okayed by the lawmaker..

The SystemCenter officials described the new Fono building as an outstanding facility and said the furniture and workplace solutions supplied by SystemCenter complemented the building's interior design seamlessly. According to the visitors, the furnishings integrated naturally with the building's architectural character while enhancing both efficiency and appearance.

The visitors were particularly impressed with the 32 massive posts located inside the legislative chambers, 16 in the Senate chamber and 16 in the House chamber. Each post is adorned with intricate Samoan carvings and traditional motifs that reflect the richness of Samoa's cultural heritage. Together with the siapo-inspired décor featured throughout the chambers, the carvings create an atmosphere that is distinctly Samoan while maintaining the professional setting of a modern legislative institution.

The carvings are the work of one of American Samoa's most respected artists, master carver, and traditional tattoo practitioner, Su'a Uilisone Fitiao. Widely recognized for his contributions to Samoan art and culture, Fitiao's craftsmanship is evident throughout the chambers, where traditional designs have been incorporated into the building's architectural identity. Another traditional feature of construction is the highly prized native Samoan wood, Ifilele, which covers the podiums in both chambers.

Complementing the carvings are the striking siapo designs that adorn the upper walls of the chambers. These were hand-painted on traditional Samoan barkcloth by Fitiao's wife, Regina "Reggie" Meredith-Fitiao, a highly regarded cultural artist, educator, and practitioner of siapo. Reggie is recognized throughout the Pacific for her expertise in traditional barkcloth art and serves as an art professor at the American Samoa Community College. Through her work, she has helped preserve and promote one of Samoa's most treasured cultural art forms while sharing its significance with audiences both locally and abroad.

The visitors also expressed their appreciation to Senate Chief of Staff Faalua Fruean-Tua and members of the Senate staff for their hospitality and assistance throughout their stay. They thanked staff members for taking the time to provide a detailed tour of the facility and for sharing the history, planning, and vision behind the Legislature's new home.

As first-time visitors to American Samoa, both officials said they were grateful for the opportunity to experience the Territory firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of its people, culture, and traditions. They noted that while they had previously worked on projects involving American Samoa from afar, visiting the islands in person provided a far greater appreciation for the unique blend of Samoan culture and modern governance that defines the Territory.

Although this marked their first visit to American Samoa, SystemCenter itself is no stranger to the Territory. The Honolulu-based furniture and workplace solutions company has a longstanding relationship with several local government agencies and institutions.

Among its previous projects, SystemCenter furnished and installed demountable wall systems for the American Samoa Power Authority's headquarters project in 2018. The company has also supplied filing and storage systems for the former High Court building in Fagatogo as well as LBJ Tropical Medical Center.

Founded 50 years ago, Systemcenter is a family-owned, second-generation contract office furniture dealership proudly rooted in Hawaii since 1976. SystemCenter specializes in commercial furniture, workplace planning, interior solutions, project management, delivery, and installation for government, healthcare, education, and corporate clients throughout Hawaii and the Pacific region.

"Our decades of experience reflect a legacy of trust, stability, and a profound understanding of how well-designed work environments can positively impact productivity, collaboration, and overall employee well-being," the company stated on their website.

The company's involvement with the new Fono building began after architect Mark Lively, recommended SystemCenter to Fono leaders as a potential supplier of furniture and related materials.

In June 2024, representatives of the American Samoa Legislature traveled to Honolulu to meet with SystemCenter management and review the company's products and capabilities. Representing the Fono during those discussions were James McGuire, Special Assistant to the President of the Senate, and former House Representative Sam Meleisea.

Following those meetings, the Senate elected to proceed with a contract awarding SystemCenter responsibility for furnishing the Senate chamber and senators' offices in the new building. SystemCenter also supplied various materials incorporated into the building's construction.

McGuire, who was assigned by Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean to monitor construction progress and ensure that work complied with project specifications and design requirements, said the furnishings contributed significantly to the character of the new facility.

"I believe buildings are art," McGuire declared. "I believe the ability of what your company does really adds to the authenticity and the aesthetics of the Fono building. I'm really happy with the lobbies on both the first and second floors."

While neither SystemCenter nor legislative officials provided a detailed inventory of all furnishings installed in the Senate chambers and offices, the company worked closely with project representatives to ensure that furniture selections complemented the building's design and met the operational needs of lawmakers and staff.

As discussions turned to the future, McGuire emphasized that preserving the quality of the multimillion-dollar facility will depend heavily on ongoing upkeep.

"Like all buildings, maintenance is the key to longevity," he said.

The visiting SystemCenter officials agreed, noting that proper care and routine maintenance are essential to maximizing the lifespan of furniture and interior systems.

They said the company remains committed to supporting its clients after installation and will provide maintenance guides and recommendations to help ensure the furniture remains in excellent condition for years to come.

The visitors also agreed with McGuire's observation that the stairway leading to the building's main entrance should be tiled. He said the unfinished concrete steps appear plain and detract from the overall grandeur of the facility.

"This is the architectural crown jewel of Tutuila Island, a project that cost more than $20 million," McGuire said. "It is one of the most significant government investments ever undertaken in American Samoa. A building of this stature deserves tiled steps and walkways leading to its grand entrance."

McGuire also suggested that the area could become a popular location for wedding photography, similar to Samoa's Parliament House at Mulinuu, where newlywed couples often gather for commemorative photos.

He described the new Fono building as a historic achievement that will serve future generations of leaders and residents. While the project took years to complete, he said the end result is something the entire Territory can take pride in.

“Good things are worth waiting for,” McGuire said. “Lawmakers have gone more than ten years without permanent offices, so Friday’s opening marks an important milestone. I hope the new offices will make senators more accessible to their constituents, and I’m confident that both lawmakers and the public will enjoy the comfortable, functional workspace made possible by SystemCenter’s furnishings.”

After completing their inspection and meetings, Tess Camanse-DeCorte and Anna Marie Agarpao returned to Honolulu last Thursday, expressing confidence that the new Fono building will serve the people of American Samoa well for many years to come.

BACKGROUND

Paramount Builders’ original winning bid to build the new Fono was a little over $10 Million. 
A final dollar amount for the new Fono facility —Fono building, new office building, fixtures & furniture, and parking lot — has not been revealed yet.
However, an estimate has it at around $38 Million, but this was just for the buildings alone. There are also accounts of unpaid invoices.