Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Fono leaders have appointed a six-member committee, made up of lawmakers — three from each chamber — to come up with a report and plan for the 75th Anniversary since the establishment of the Legislature of American Samoa.

At last Friday’s session, Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean announced that he has appointed Senators Fai’ivae Iuli Godinet, Satele Lili’o Aliita’i and Malaepule Saite Moliga as the Senate members of the planning committee.

And they will work together with the three from the House: Faipule Vailoata E. Amituana’i, Sam Meleisea and Malaeoletalu Melesio Gurr.

The group will come up with a report and plan for the Fono to review pertaining to the 75th Anniversary Celebration. No timeline was given as to when the committee is to present a report to lawmakers.

A $1 million allocation for the Fono’s 75th Anniversary Celebration is included in the Governor’s FY 2023 $7.4 million+ Supplemental Budget.

Tuaolo had informed senators earlier this month that Fono leaders are looking at June for the celebration, to coincide with the official opening of the new two-story Fono Building currently under construction. Fono offices may not be ready apparently until December.

Meanwhile, Tuaolo has been absent for about two weeks due to health reasons while Senate President Pro-Temp, Sen. Magalei Logovi’i has served in the leadership post. Tuaolo’s first day back was last Friday, opening the session, where he said he had been diagnosed with the bad case of the flu that is spreading in the community

Tuaolo also met with senators after the session, where he announced that all travel and accommodations for senators are paid for and set up to attend the meeting of the American Samoa Government Employees Retirement Fund in Las Vegas, Nevada that is set for Feb. 15 and 16.

(When available, Samoa News will publicize the names of all who are set to go, paid for by the ASGERF.)

Tuaolo also said that he will be traveling off island on Feb. 02 for his medical appointments already set, and he will join the meeting in Las Vegas after his appointments.

The Fono is currently scheduled to take a mid session recess starting Feb. 06 and reconvene on Mar. 13.