Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he wants to personally thank the business community in American Samoa for coming together in support of ASPIRE.  More than 18 business leaders wrote to Chairman Nick Rahall of the House Committee on Natural Resources offering their support and suggestions.  Faleomavaega submitted their letters at the hearing held on November 4 by the Natural Resources’ Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans, and Wildlife, and asked that they be included for the official record. 

“As American Samoa faces the challenges brought on by global competition and the exploitation of cheap labor in foreign countries that are now cleaning fish for $0.75 cents and less per hour, I want to thank our business community for standing in support of ASPIRE,” Faleomavaega said. 

“I appreciate the suggestions many have offered to make the bill stronger, and I look forward to working with our business leaders to make sure their concerns and views are heard.  I have every confidence that we will be able to create a win-win for everyone, and I will do everything I can to assure our success.” 

“Again, I express my appreciation to all those who have offered letters of support, and I also thank Tri-Marine and Cape Fisheries for testifying in favor of ASPIRE.  Included below is a list of the businesses that wrote letters and/or testified in support of ASPIRE.  The complete text of the letters and testimony can be accessed at www.house.gov/faleomavaega.”

All Star Signs and Graphics, Tuai Auva’a & Case Mua
Bluesky, Adolfo Montenegro, President & CEO
C&F Fishing, Jose F.S. Finete, President
Cape Fisheries Holdings, LLC, Mr. Renato Curto, President
Charles H. Warren, CPA
The Deluxe Café, Sherry Shalhout Butler
Feli Fisheries, Inc., Antonio H. Feliciano, President
Haleck Enterprises, Inc., Avamua David O. Haleck, President and CEO
Morris Scanlan Service, HC Fanene Morris I. Scanlan, Owner/President
MYD Samoa, Mr. Peni Ben Solaita, President/Owner
Rig’s Inc., Galu Satele Jr., President
Sardinha & Cileu Management Inc., Italo J. Cileu, President
Sepp’s Paint Shop, Sepp H. Steffany
Solar Inc., Mr. Peni Ben Solaita, President/Owner
StarKist, Mr. Donald J. Binotto, President and Chief Executive Officer
Taulapapa William Sword, P.E., MSCE
Tools Inc., Peter Crispin, President
Tri-Marine International, Mr. Joe Hamby, Managing Director Global Tuna Supply
Tradepac Marketing American Samoa, Rodney Chand, General Manager
Turtle & Shark Lodge, Roy J.D. Hall, Jr.