The proposed Special Programs budget for Fiscal Year 2025 includes an appropriation of $800,000 for security services for Parks and Recreation.
As explained by the Governor’s Chief of Staff Loa Tuimavave Laupola the funding pays for contractors providing security at the public parks at Onesosopo, Utulei and Lions Park.
Representative Luaitaua Gene Pan said in the past police provided security at public parks. He questioned why funding is being allocated for private security services when the police substation at Fagaitua cannot be manned for lack of funding.
Loa explained that the Governor wants public parks to be secure and safe for the public, families and especially the youth who gather there.
Luaitaua said the reason why he’s brought up this issue is because there was a fire in the eastern side of the island, and the response was delayed.
He urged that the substations for the east and west be reopened and manned for quick response to incidents.
Representative Ape Mike Asifoa observed there was no funding allocated in the budget for the Tuuloa Program, which deals with alcohol and drug abuse.
He noted that for the current fiscal year, $500,000 was allocated for the program under the Governor’s Office budget and another $500,000 was added under the supplemental appropriations.
However, no funding is included in the FY2025 budget for the program. “Drug abuse is the number one disease in the territory,” he said.
Chief of Staff Loa responded that anti-drug programs come under the Comprehensive Substance Abuse Council, headed by the Lt Governor. He said funding is included under Special Programs for Council activities.
KHJ News viewed the Special Programs budget, and the Comprehensive Substance Abuse Council or Tuuloa Program are not listed.
