I
Frank C.
I
protective of special territorial needs should be explored thoroughly.
4.
Long-term financial commitments.
Presently, direct federal
financial assistance to American Samoa is provided on an annual
basis through appropriations to the Department of the Interior and
the various applicable federal grant programs.
This process makes
long-term planning for economic development, for example, and other
extended programs uncertain, if not precarious.
There is a lack of
program continuity.
Therefore, we think that means of assuring long-
term U.S. commitments should be considered for specific areas of
economic and social development.
This step might be accomplished
through a separate agreement, however styled, between the United
States and American Samoa.
It is my hope that this GAO report will signal the lack of and need
for a realistic and sustained U.S. policy on the insular territories.
Sincerely,
PETER
2000ZbI
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.
Paitin aNaatapa
es
preae
ee
aan
7
tins Radi ed
Poe eaeea ws
The problem and program needs clearer definition and more
effective direction.
Bie Seve haa, SHRIetete Wipe:8S VEiRA
3.
Preemption of territorial laws.
There appears to be potential
in federal court decisions preempting state laws, or county or
municipal ordinances, in favor of federal laws to put territorial
attempts at statutory regulation in some jeopardy.
For American
Samoa, there is particular concern for our communal land tenure
and Matai (chief) title system.
This could extend to immigration,
customs, business regulation and other issues.
Thus, in this
context, we suggest that the enactment by the Congress of legislation
. extant fers eg
2.
Application of federal laws.
American Samoa has been satisfied
generally with the ongoing program of the Department of the
Interior to study the application of federal laws.
The effort is
constructive.
It is of concern, however, the Department or any
other cognizant organization, submit any changes in existing laws
proposed by it to us for review and recommendation before submission
to the Congress.
The impetus for legislation can, of course, come
from many sources, but this assurance would at least regularlize
the process within official channels.
pM ad “hither te,
the administration of U.S. policy on the flag territories and
freely associated states to come upon termination of the UN
trusteeship of Micronesia must be placed in separate agencies
to account adequately for the different issues involved in
these relationships. .
lal
weet
A
as
4
2
.
11/11/84
APPENDIX
Conahan
”
=F ale
eis CEA
APPENDIX
Mr.
EMAN-
Governor of American Samoa
54
: