A dedication ceremony was held Friday for the new office of the American Samoa Government In Honolulu. The office has moved from Dillingham Boulevard to the Airport Center.
A press release from the Governor’s Office says since the Coleman-Tufele Administration, the American Samoa Government (ASG) Hawaii Office has served one primary purpose, to cater to the needs of the greater Samoan population of Hawaii.
On Friday, August 6th, 2021, the reopening of the ASG Hawaii Office took place on the 10th floor of the Airport Center. Due to COVID restrictions and the recent resurgence of cases, the invitee list included only dignitaries, faith-based leaders, the Diplomatic Corps, and few local private sector leaders.
The special dignitaries present included lt. Governor Josh Green, Mayor of Honolulu Rick Blangiardi, Hawaii and the Oahu 1st Circuit Judge Honorable Fa’auuga To’oto’o.
Reverend Elder Falelua Lafitaga, CCCAS Kanana Fou of Kunia, conducted the opening prayer and benediction. First Lady Ella P. Mauga performed the ribbon cutting, and Governor Lemanu gave special remarks.
“We can never forget to serve one of Hawaii’s fastest-growing minority groups that also serve as pillars of Hawaiian and military communities,”said the Governor. “It is my goal to renovate and improve the office and services for the Samoan community here in Hawaii and continue to open the doors of ASG as administrations have done before.”
Lemanu contained, “The Samoan proverb, E le o le fale, a’o le anofale. Which loosely translates to, it is the internal components of the house that are more important than the house itself. Today’s ceremony is not about how good the office looks, but it is about the quality of service the office will continue to give the Samoan community of Hawaii.”
Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Josh Green expressed his appreciation to Governor Lemanu, the First Lady, and the people of American Samoa for the honor of witnessing the opening ceremony.
Gifts of to’oto’o and fue were presented to Lt Governor Green and Mayor Blangiardi, and all other dignitaries. 
The symbols of a High Talking Chief were gifted to show Green and Blangiardi that these tools assist with gaining wisdom and the fluid art of speaking that will hopefully help them during their terms as leaders of Hawaii.
After a short tour of the office was conducted, Governor Lemanu and First Lady were presented their inaugural gift for the new office.
