Pago Pago, American Samoa — Tualauta Representative Fagaima Larry Sanitoa has sought information from Hawaiian Airlines about measures to prevent illegal drugs from being carried on flights to American Samoa.

Fagaima, who chairs the House Homeland Security Committee, placed drug trafficking on the agenda for his September 1 meeting with Hawaiian Airlines Senior Public Affairs Manager Jacob Aki in Pago Pago.

His questions covered the handling of suspicious baggage and cargo, and how the airline works with federal and territorial law enforcement. He also sought information on additional measures the airline and authorities could take together.

Fagaima continued his discussions with Hawaiian during an October 2 visit to the airline’s airport operations in Honolulu.

At the Fono, he has questioned Homeland Security officials about the results of their drug investigations. After reviewing the department’s third-quarter report, he asked Director Vaetagaloa Glenn Lefiti about the number of cases reported by its drug enforcement division and how those figures compared with cases handled by the Department of Public Safety.

In his correspondence, Fagaima said “the committee needs to understand the measures your department has implemented and their subsequent results.”

Fagaima has previously called for stronger federal involvement in tackling the territory’s drug problem. In 2020, he spoke publicly about the need to trace the sources of methamphetamine entering American Samoa and identify the trafficking routes.

He has also followed up on plans for drug rehabilitation services. Ahead of a Department of Health hearing in December 2024, he requested funding reports and sought an update on the proposed drug rehabilitation and mental health building.

At a House hearing in March 2025, Fagaima called for prompt action over suspected drug activity at the golf course. He raised concerns about the safety of people using the course as well as those gathering there.

During that hearing, he also drew attention to the planned behavioral health facility and the rehabilitation services it was intended to provide.