Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula met with officials of the Federal Bureau of Investigations at the FBI Honolulu Field Office on Monday.
A press release from the Governor’s Office said discussions centered on expanding training for the Department of Public Safety and the Attorney General’s Office, combating drug trafficking and enhancing border security to prevent the flow of illicit substances into the territory.
Governor Pula also requested the establishment of an FBI resident office in American Samoa to ensure a stronger federal law enforcement presence.
The FBI opened an office at the Pago Plaza in 2006 as a satellite office of the Honolulu Field Office. However, it closed in 2012 and the main reason given for the closure was budget constraints.
Vida G. Bottom, Special Agent in Charge of the Honolulu Field Office said, at the time, that all FBI operations and investigative efforts in American Samoa will be handled by the FBI Office in Honolulu. Bottom said, “The FBI is committed to continuing our investigations into issues of national security and federal criminal activity on American Samoa. However, budgetary realities can no longer justify staffing an office on American Samoa full time.
In 2023, a petition calling for the establishment of an FBI office in the territory was circulated on line and received more than 1,000 signatures. The petition was initiated by Feo Lagafuaina, now an Executive Director to the Governor.
She said, “With meth, corruption, waste and abuse plaquing our government and our island we need a solution. American Samoa is the only US territory without an FBi office. That has left us vulnerable. We must have a permanent presence to ensure protection and safety.”
Last year, the Fono passed a Senate resolution requesting the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Agency to address the rampant illegal drug problem in American Samoa.
