A recently established aviation firm in American Samoa, with intentions of having charter flights to Samoa, has come under scrutiny for its failure to fulfill excise tax obligations on its aircraft upon its arrival in the territory last year. 

The disclosure was made by Malemo Tausaga, the Treasurer of the American Samoa Government, in response to queries posed by Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean last week.

During the Third Regular Session of the 38th Legislature, Malemo was called upon to address the matter and disclosed that Pago Wings was explicitly instructed to settle the required excise tax for its aircraft upon arrival. 

However, the company did not adhere to this directive.

Pago Wings is owned by businessman Papali’i Laulii Alofa, who made headlines both locally and in the territory following the illegal entrance of his pleasure boat Kite Runner into Samoa in April of last year. 

Local media in American Samoa, Talanei reported that the Treasurer was answering questions posed by Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean regarding whether the government has received any tax payments for the company's aircraft.

The Treasurer explained that they evaluated the excise tax for the aircraft and subsequently issued a letter to the company, urging them to settle the outstanding amount. No payment has been received from the company.

Tuaolo then put forth the question of why the plane was released if the company failed to pay excise tax. 

“Do you give the same treatment to everyone, all companies?”

The Treasurer clarified that in cases where individuals import a car and are unable to afford the full excise tax, they are permitted to make partial payments. 

However, Tuaolo countered by asserting that the law doesn't explicitly acknowledge or allow for partial payments. 

He recounted his own experience, mentioning that when he imported a new car, he had to pay the full tax amount of $3,000 before the vehicle could be released.

Tuaolo has asked that the tax for the Pago Wings aircraft be added to the list of topics for the Senate Select Investigative Committee (S.S.I.C.) to investigate. 

Senator Magalei Logovii reported that, based on information he acquired from Customs agents, the Pago Wings aircraft lacked customs clearance from Hawaii and did not possess FAA documentation upon its arrival. 

According to Magalei, the Customs Department attempted to prevent the release of the aircraft, but higher authorities instructed them to proceed with the release.

As reported earlier, the Minister of Aviation has confirmed that the airline has yet to apply for an air service license. 

Currently, Talofa Airways and Samoa Airways which are locally owned are the only airlines operating the route between Pago Pago and Apia.