The new Coast Guard Commander of the Port Honolulu, Captain Arex Avanni is visiting the territory this week, just a few days after he took over from Captain Michael Long.
The presence of the North Korean cargo ship, Wise Honest, in the territory is one of the reasons why the new Coast Guard leader felt it was important to visit the territory at this time.
He said it’s important for the US Government to have an understanding of the concerns of the local government and “all our port partners”.
He said that from his initial meetings he believes the arrangements made prior to his taking over as Captain of the Port are working out well and he’s here to fully support those arrangements.
He met today with Congresswoman Aumua Amata, Deputy Director of Port Administration Christiopher King and Commissioner of Public Safety Lei Sonny Thompson.
A meeting with Acting Givernor Lemanu Peleti Mauga is set for tomorrow as well as other Coast Guard partners.
KHJ News asked Captain Avanni about beefing up the anchor and mooring system for the Wise Honest and he said that in discussions with the US Department of Justice, they are working on a more robust system to withstand strong winds.
He said that plan is being worked on now and “I hope to have it shortly,” to be reviewed and approved.
Captain Avanni said that a second anchor which was attached to the vessel worked fine during strong winds in the harbor this past weekend.
“That heavier anchor seems to the holding,” he said.
Captain Avanni was deputy Commander of the Port for three years from 2013 to 2016 during which he made his first visit to American Samoa during a Flag Day celebration.
Prior to his latest appointment, he was the senior advisor for the deputy Security of Homeland Security in Washington DC.
