Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he will be conducting two days of public meetings, January 11-12, 2012, on important issues affecting the people American Samoa. 

The details on the hearings are as follows:

NOAA proposal to expand Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Date: Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Time: 4:00 P.M.
Place: Fono Guest House (Fale Samoa)
 
Immigration Issues
Date: Thursday, January 12, 2012
Time: 4:00 P.M.
Place: Fono Guest House (Fale Samoa)

The meetings will provide opportunities for the Congressman and members of the public in American Samoa to have a dialogue on the issues relating to (1) the proposal by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for the expansion of the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary, regulatory changes in these areas, and sanctuary name change, (2) a draft bill by Faleomavaega that would waive certain requirements for naturalization for a U.S. national (a person born in American Samoa) to become a U.S. citizen, and (3) another draft bill by Faleomavaega that would allow for certain long-term legal residents in American Samoa the opportunity to obtain U.S. national status.

“I have received many emails and telephone calls from people in American Samoa on these issues and I want to provide a forum for the public to present their views on them.  The meetings are open to the public and any person or organization that wants to testify should contact our office in Utulei at 633-1372 to sign-up.  I highly recommended that those who will participate provide written statements at the meetings,” concluded Faleomavaega.