American Samoa’s Senate President, Tuaolo Manaia Fruean, says the Kite Runner that entered Samoa without proper clearances is a national embarrassment and questioned why Government leaders have not taken any action to address it.
In April, the Kite Runner, owned by Tish Peau, also a Cabinet member for the Lemanu and Talauega Administration, entered the Country without clearances and only received the clearances after docking at the Apia Wharf. Tuaolo made the comments during a hearing called by the Senate Selective Investigative Committee, the investigation arm of the Legislature.
SSIC Chairman Togiola Tulafono Tulafono emphasized the importance of protecting local borders, as this is the gateway into the territory, and any lapse in that service is unacceptable.
Director of Homeland Security Samana Semo Ve’ave’a has confirmed the Kite Runner went to Samoa with proper clearances. He also established the clearance was only issued after the boat arrived in Samoa. Samana highlighted that someone forged the signature of the Acting Chief of Customs at the time. The Senators were also given a copy of the 45-page investigation report by Homeland Security.
Togiola also queried the investigation report submitted to the Department of Public Safety and the Attorney General’s Office and asked if any action had been taken. Samana explained the information had been submitted. However, to his understanding, their investigation has brought no action.
The Senate President questioned the recommendations for criminal charges against Samuela Seigafo, a Customs Agent accused of forgery; however, the claims, as reported earlier, were rubbished by Seigafo that he had nothing to do with this. Tuaolo then cited a public comment by Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa that the Kite Runner crew should have been detained as they violated international laws. It is a national embarrassment, and actions should have been taken to address this matter when it happened.
