Authorities in American Samoa have once again been asked to provide an update on various issues raised by concerned citizens including the Kite Runner saga. 

The call was made by Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean earlier this week during the Third Regular Session of the 38th Legislature. 

This newspaper obtained an audio recording of the session in which Tuaolo insisted on answers from the Government, expressing concern about widespread dissatisfaction among the public regarding the issues he raised. 

He urged the government to address these concerns transparently and keep the public informed.

Tuaolo specifically pointed out a concern related to potential conflicts of interest, highlighting allegations that some government directors hold private contracts and work for private businesses. 

He emphasised that if these claims are substantiated, those responsible should face consequences rather than having their actions overlooked, as has occurred in the past.

The Senate president asserted that if the accusations are proven true, the Governor must be informed, and the implicated directors should be summoned to testify before the Senate Select Investigative Committee (S.S.I.C.).

"They should decide whether they want to operate private businesses or be members of Cabinet but they can't be both because there is a conflict of interest," he stated.

He highlighted the necessity for the Senate Select Investigative Committee (SSIC) to look into these matters. 

However, he observed a lack of reports on the investigations conducted by S.S.I.C. in the previous year. 

Tuaolo conveyed his disappointment, specifically mentioning the absence of S.S.I.C. Chairman Senator Togiola Tulafono from the Senate Session despite being present in the Senate Lounge earlier that morning.

One of the matters scrutinised by the Senate Select Investigative Committee (S.S.I.C.) in the previous year involved the unauthorised return trip of the Kite Runner to Samoa, implicating several government employees. 

The incident, according to Tuaolo garnered significant attention, making headlines both in Samoa and American Samoa media outlets, as well as on various social media platforms. 

The news coverage, added Tuaolo often characterised the event as an embarrassment for the American Samoan Government, further amplifying the public scrutiny surrounding the issue.

Late last year, the S.S.I.C. issued subpoenas to government employees accused of permitting the boat to depart the territory without proper authorisation.

Tuaolo mentioned that numerous individuals closely monitoring the narrative are inquiring about recent developments and whether any of the individuals implicated will face appropriate consequences for the evident abuse of power as government employees. 

Additionally, these individuals are seeking information on the attempted smuggling of drugs into the Territory.