Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Former and current members of the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) appeared before the Senate Government Operations Committee Monday, where lawmakers examined how ASTCA funds were used during the American250 celebrations — and confronted new revelation that ASTCA money was used to make a child support payment for former CEO and current Chief Operations Officer Chuck Leota, without board approval.

Committee Chairman Sen. Togiola T.A. Tulafono opened the hearing by noting widespread public concern over what many view as excessive spending on the American250 festivities. He emphasized that the Fono had not appropriated any specific funding for ASTCA to participate in the celebrations.

Former board chairman Avamua Dave Haleck, former vice chairman Maota Alex Sene, former second vice chair Ella Gurr, and former board secretary Andrew Berquist testified alongside current board members Omar Shalhout (acting chairman), Lewis Seau, Karen Satele, and Molitogi Lemana.

Avamua, who resigned from the board in July 2026 after the celebrations, said he stepped down to focus on his family businesses. When pressed by Togiola and Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean on whether other factors influenced his resignation, he repeatedly stated that business and family obligations were the only reasons.

Avamua and Maota explained that the American250 budget was drawn from ASTCA’s FY2026 marketing allocation, which totaled just over $1 million. They said that once the budget was approved, the ASTCA CEO had full authority to spend the funds.

The CEO presented the celebration plans to the board, and ASTCA funded the event in partnership with The Reid Group, with additional contributions from other government departments.

When asked how much of the marketing budget was earmarked for the celebrations, Avamua said the CEO informed the board that between $200,000 and $300,000 would be spent.

Senator Togiola sought confirmation that board minutes existed documenting approval for the American250 spending. Former board secretary Andrew Berquist said he no longer had access to the email drive containing the minutes because he rescinded his access after resigning.

He said the electronic records were turned over to ASTCA legal counsel William Ledoux, who currently resides off‑island, and board member Lewis Seau. Togiola requested that the committee be provided with all minutes related to the American250 discussions.

CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENT BY ASTCA

The hearing took a sharp turn when Senate President Tuaolo asked Avamua whether the board had approved $100,000 for a child support payment made on behalf of former CEO Chuck Leota to the High Court.

Avamua confirmed the payment had been made — but insisted it was not the reason he resigned.

Tuaolo pressed further: “Who approved it? Did the board approve $100,000 for Chuck’s child support?”

Former vice chair Ella Gurr responded. She explained that Leota’s severance package was under discussion, and the board had considered transitioning him into a career service position as Chief Operations Officer instead of issuing a severance payout.

She said the child support payment was raised during board discussions, but the majority of the board did not support it, and the matter was tabled.

According to Gurr, the ASTCA CEO then sought approval directly from the Governor, who approved the payment. The board only learned about it afterward.

Tuaolo asked again whether the board had approved the payment. Avamua confirmed:

“No, the board did not approve it.”

He also confirmed that the Governor had approved the payment.

Senator Togiola asked where the money came from. Avamua said the payment was issued from ASTCA’s general account, and the check was made out to the High Court of American Samoa.

Samoa News will report further in tomorrow’s issue on ASTCA CEO Folasaitu Sorepa Thomas’ answers to direct questioning that took place on Monday morning during the Fono’s joint budget hearing regarding the controversial child support payment made on behalf of former CEO Chuck Leota using ASTCA funds.