Sen. Velega Savali Jr. did not mince his words when he told ASPA officials, at yesterday's Senate ASPA/TEO Committee meeting that it's an \insult\ to people trying to make ends meet and paying increased utility rates, while the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) paid out more than $50,000 in bonuses to certain employees.The Senate ASPA/TEO Committee hearing on Wednesday was regarding several ASPA issues - including the bonuses - which have been criticized by many people in the community.ASPA board chairman Asaua Fuimaono told senators that the bonuses, an incentive program, are cited in the American Samoa Administrative Code and the board authorized bonuses \for exceptional working performance\ by certain employees.In a statement last month about the bonuses, ASPA said an Incentive Awards Committee was established in accordance with the ASPA Personnel Rules (in accordance with the Administrative Code) and the board directed the management team to properly administer these bonuses as a means of rewarding employees for their hard work. While it's true that the incentive program is cited in the Administrative Code, Velega told ASPA officials, there are questions being asked by lawmakers, such as - where the funding came from to pay the bonuses, the total amount allocated for these bonuses, how many people received this incentive and the total amount that was paid?ASPA chief financial officer Susana Fai'ivae explained that funding for bonuses is included in the FY 2012 budget under \Personnel\ costs column. She said ASPA allocates about $100,000 annually for the incentive program.She also said that ASPA did pay out bonuses for calendar year 2008 and 2009 but in 2010, this was not done, due to the fact that the authority was faced with serious issues to address following the Sept. 2009 earthquake and tsunami.For calendar year 2011, a total of $53,800 was paid out in bonuses for 66 employees, said Fai'ivae, adding that ASPA has a little over 400 employees.Velega said he fully understands the goal and purpose of this incentive program, which is also cited in the ASPA operating manual, but he said the \timing is wrong\ for the fact that rate payers are already faced with high utility costs.\It's an insult to the person trying to survive\ while ASPA paid its workers bonuses, Velega told ASPA officials and questioned the wisdom of implementing the program at a time when ASPA customers are forced to pay a new round of rate hikes. \It's an insult.\He said an employee's \honesty\ and \honest work\ is not paid by money, but with blessings from Heaven.Fuimaono responded that ASPA personnel are different than other people in the local workforce, adding that ASPA personnel work \hard