Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The survey of the Nu’u Fou land consisting of over 400 acres was conducted by the manager of the Survey Division of Public Works Mapusone Laulu.

This was confirmed during the Senate Public Works Committee hearing on Monday by Amosa Sione, who is currently overseeing the Survey Division.

Laulu is currently off island.

The survey of the Nu’u Fou land is at the center of criticisms by the public, which led to the hearing before the Senate this week.

Chair of the Senate Public Works Committee, Senator Satele Aliitasi Lili’o said the hearing is to look at the survey of land or the “virgin bush” located at the eastern side of Malaeimi and Western side of Fagasa and it includes Sika, Fagafue all the way to Aasu.

“The land in question is over 400 acres, which has been surveyed in efforts to privatize these lands for individuals and it’s quite saddening how it was carried out,” the chair said.

The Senate heard from Amosa that he’s been working for the Survey Division of Public Works for over 20 years.

“The division is currently overseen by Mapusone Laulu. The issue at hand — I have little to no knowledge as there was minimal involvement of the division. 

“Only Mapusone was involved in the surveying of these lands and my only involvement, on the day in question, I dropped off Mapusone to the area to be surveyed.”

Amosa also told the Senate, that he released the survey maps for the public’s information, and they are currently circulating online.

“In my experience working in the Survey Division of Public Works for many years, these documents are public information,” he said.

The land in question is currently going through a process of registration by Mauga Tasi Asuega, Laulii Alofa, Michael T. Fuiavai; Patolo Mageo and others as “individually owned land” encompassing close to 400 acres.

Senator Fa’aivae Iuli Godinet motioned to release the witness given he was not involved in the survey of the land in question, and given he was not involved in the project.

Senator Tuiagamoa Tavai questioned whether Mapusone surveyed the land during working hours; and according to witness the manager took leave for this project.

Amosa reiterated that no other staff from the Survey Division of Public Works was involved, just their manager.

“To be clear, [Mapusone] worked on his own time surveying this project, as he took leave of absence from work, that is my understanding,” he said.

Vice President of the Senate Magalei Logovi’i also suggested to postpone the hearing and wait for Mapusone to arrive back on island in time for the SSIC hearings.

“And it’s been said the survey was conducted in two days, it is not possible to complete the survey in two days,” said Senator Magalei.

It was also confirmed in the Senate that Amosa is not a certified surveyor and does not have a license.

Senator Utu Sila Poasa asked whether this project was private or was it a government endeavor?

Amosa confirmed that it’s a private project.

The Senator further questioned why government assets are being used to print the survey maps for a private project.

President of the Senate, Tuaolo Manaia Fruean questioned the witness on the surveyor equipment used by the manager of the Survey Division for this project, but Amosa said Amesone used his personal equipment.

Amosa said during the time of the survey in question, the government had other projects therefore their equipment was occupied.

Also there was no drone used in this project, said the witness.

The Chair expressed “sadness with what is happening within the government, citing that this is a delicate and difficult matter” and it also questions the Constitution on who is a legitimate American Samoan that can purchase lands.

Adding that when palagi came to the territory they saw the virgin bush and virgin lands and claimed it as theirs.

“Now it’s happening again with these Samoan palagi as a result of the law.”

The Senator said while the matter is being referred to the SSIC, he believes it’s vital to send a Resolution to the Governor to stop this and that will be the end of it.

In the meantime the Legislature will move to change the laws to ensure these issues are not repeated.

He said this matter has drawn a lot of criticism from the public and in the Senate is where it’s resolved.

Senator Satele also expressed disappointment over public comments about this matter where people are neglecting to use respectful language. 

The land in question is currently going through the registration procedure, which includes a 60-day process at the Office of the Registrar.

Last week, Territorial Registrar Divine Falaniko clarified to Samoa News the lands in question “have not been legally registered”.

The notices published in the local newspaper call for anyone that has a “claiming interest” to “file an objection with the Territorial Registrar’s Office.”

However if no objection is filed within 60 days, the land proposed will be registered in accordance with the law of American Samoa, according to the notice. 

There are three separate notices booked with Samoa News to be published from June 13 up until August 12, 2022, under the names of Mauga; Laulii and Fuiava.

 “The notice is further given that the survey and description of the said lands are now on file in the territorial registrar’s office where they may be examined at any time prior to the expiration of the said 60 days,” according to each notice.

In the meantime, the hearing for the SSIC on this matter is scheduled for next week Monday at 1pm.