Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The dedication ceremony for the new High Court building in Fagatogo took place this week Wednesday, attended by key figures of the American Samoa government.

Present were Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga, Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean, Speaker Savali Talavou Ale and members of the Fono, Judge Mamea Sala and members of the Judiciary, Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata Coleman-Radewagen, Cabinet members and senior government officials.

The gathering was greeted as is customary in traditional Samoan oratory by Master of Ceremonies HTC Malemo Tausaga, before the program got underway with the opening prayer delivered by Reverend Iasepi Ulu of the CCCAS Fagatogo.

In his special remarks, Governor Lemanu praised former Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga for his vision in initiating the project and highlighted the building’s impressive design and construction quality, which has greatly enhanced the area where the island’s administration headquarters and offices were initially located.

He pointed out that this is one of the largest structures on the island and is an eye-pleasing landmark fitting for the seat of power for the American Samoa government.

Governor Lemanu stated that the relocation of government’s main administration offices to Fagatogo is something that every administration aspires to.

He commended the contractor, Nana’s Inc. AS, for their excellent work and emphasized the capability of local contractors, highlighting that projects like the new High Court building prove there’s no need to hire off-island contractors.

He praised the skills and dedication of local workers, noting that their high-quality work is inspired by their connection to the land and culture which is their heritage, something that outside contractors would never understand.

Faleosina Voigt, Director of Public Works and Chairwoman of the American Samoa Economic Development Authority (ASEDA), provided a project overview.

The $6.5 million project, funded by the Bond Series 2021A, began on January 3, 2022. The new building replaces the over 50-year-old current high court, offering modern facilities and ample space for future needs.

Faleosina Voigt highlighted that the new High Court building in Fagatogo is located in a flood-prone area, designated as a Flood B Zone.

To mitigate this, the building’s design includes a space between the foundation and the floor to allow water to drain through, preventing damage. This feature is also used in the new Fono building.

The Department of Public Works oversaw the architectural design and construction monitoring.

The two-story building measures 160 feet in length and 60 feet in width, with two conference rooms and two courtrooms on the ground floor, and one courtroom on the second floor. The total construction cost, including the parking area and surrounding fence, was $7.5 million.

During construction, the contractor encountered oil beneath the foundation area, likely remnants from the US Naval administration. Voigt praised the contractor, Nana’s Inc. AS, for their excellent work and dedication.

“I would like to thank Mrs. Fiapa’ipa’i Fruean and the Nana’s Inc. AS crew for a spectacular job and for your commitment to build this magnificent structure that we can all be proud of,” Voigt acknowledged.

“May it be useful in serving our people. May it glorify God and may the Holy Spirit guide the honorable judges who will preside in the courts, so that they will make just decisions.”

She also presented the building’s Certificate of Occupancy to Judge Mamea Sala.

Judge Mamea recounted how Chief Justice Kruse initially proposed using the old Communications Authority building for the High Court.

The original plan was to renovate the old ASTCA building, but former Governor Lolo decided to build a new structure instead. Mamea praised Lolo’s vision and timing for this important infrastructure project.

He mentioned a specific request to add an entrance facing Fagatogo village to show respect to the village chiefs, which they submitted to Governor Lolo.