27 Sep 2003

American Samoa Governor not convinced of need for homeland security department

4:01 am on 27 September 2003

The American Samoa governor, Togiola (Tongiola Tulafono) Tulafono, says he is opposed to a measure before the Senate to establish a department of Homeland Security in the government.

Two senators have requested, through a resolution, that Togiola submit legislation to establish the Agency of Homeland Security, and a director to serve an 8-year term.

The resolution states that the main purpose of the department is to prevent terrorist activities within American Samoa.

After the September 11th attacks, the late Governor Tauese Sunia established per executive order the Territorial Office of Homeland Security within the Governor's office.

Togiola says he's not sure what the motivation is behind the latest proposal.