By Alfred Acenas and Arianne Torres
EBC Hawaii-Pacific Bureau

HONOLULU (Eagle News) – Territorial Governor Lemanu Palepoi Sialega “Peleti” Mauga and cabinet members recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly upgraded American Samoa Government (ASG) Hawaii office, located on the 10th floor of the Airport Center near the international airport.

Spearheaded by then Governor Peter Tali Coleman, the American Samoa Government (ASG) Hawaii Office has served the primary purpose of catering to the needs and welfare of Native Samoans in Hawaii.

Due to the recent resurgence of COVID-19 cases and subsequent restrictions, attendance was limited to only invited dignitaries, including Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Josh Green; Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi; diplomats from the Philippines, Japan, and Federated States of Micronesia; and several local private sector leaders like Peter Ingram, president and chief executive officer of Hawaiian Airlines.

“We can never forget to serve one of Hawaii’s fastest-growing minority groups that also serve as pillars of Hawaiian and military communities. 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.” said Governor Lemanu. “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.”

In his brief remarks, Green expressed his appreciation for Lemanu, the First Lady, and the people of American Samoa for the honor of personally gracing the occasion.

Afterward, the Governor hosted a cultural presentation, followed by a tour of the refurbished facility.

(Eagle News Service)