Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Chairman of the Territorial Bank of American Samoa (TBAS) board, Senator Togiola Tulafono, has rejected assertions that the old ANZ Building, located in the Sen. Daniel Inoyue Industrial Center, is the bank's responsibility. 

His statement was prompted by comments from Lt. Governor Pulu Ae Ae Jr., who told the media that the building had been officially transferred to the American Samoa Government (ASG) following ANZ's departure from the territory and that the Territorial Bank had requested permission to utilize the building for its operations.

Upon inspecting the premises, the Lt. Governor expressed astonishment at the deplorable condition of the building, noting that lighting fixtures had been removed, cubicles had been overturned, and debris was scattered throughout, indicating significant neglect.

During a Senate session last week, Togiola articulated the bank's strategic direction, stating that the TBAS intends to expand its existing Tafuna branch and has no interest in acquiring the former ANZ building. 

He clarified that when ANZ vacated the premises, the previous administration contemplated leasing the building to the bank. However, the board of the bank ultimately rejected this proposal due to ongoing financial difficulties and the necessity for governmental assistance, amid concerns raised by the Federal Reserve regarding the bank's capitalization.

Togiola explained that the board instead proposed transferring ownership of the building to the bank, thereby allowing it to become an asset. This request received approval from former Governor Lemanu; however, the legal transfer was not executed prior to the change in administration. 

Togiola pointed out that the current administration, under Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula, chose not to endorse the board’s request to transfer the building. Instead, the Governor suggested that the bank enter into a lease for the building and land, which the TBAS board deemed unacceptable.

As the ASG began sourcing office locations within the Executive Office Building (EOB), the TBAS board was subsequently informed that the former ANZ building would be allocated to the Department of Commerce, which would be responsible for its cleanup and restoration. 

Togiola strongly refuted any claims that the building was assigned to TBAS, calling them inaccurate. He attributed the dilapidated condition of the building, as described by the Lt. Governor, to the oversight of the Governor’s Office.

Moreover, Togiola reaffirmed that the bank has resolved to extend its existing branch in Tafuna and has no further interest in the former ANZ Bank building, which is situated in an area prone to tsunamis. 

However, he referenced FEMA’s American Samoa Potential Tsunami Inundation Zones Map, which indicates that the bank's location does not fall within any designated inundation zones, thereby highlighting a discrepancy with the concerns raised about the building's safety.