17 Feb 2006

American Samoa senate moving ahead with case against fiscal reform manager

8:51 am on 17 February 2006

American Samoa's Senate Standing Investigative Committee on Budget and Appropriations is moving ahead with legal proceedings against the manager of the Territorial Office of Fiscal Reform.

The committee will today introduce a Senate contempt citation against Jack Kachmarik for failure to provide hundreds of documents subpoenaed by Senators last month.

Attorney Jeff Waller told the committee yesterday that the draft of the contempt order, which was prepared following the committee approval on Tuesday, is ready to be signed and submitted to the Senate floor for endorsement.

Because the Fono is in session, the contempt requires Senate membership approval, said Waller.

The committee opted to take this final action after hearing testimony from Mr Kachmarik yesterday.

He told the committee yesterday that the file boxes containing the documents are at his office for review and inspection of the committee.

According to Kachmarik, he was informed by the Governor's Office and the Attorney General's Office not to provide the documents unless the Senate pays about $30,000 to make copies.