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A delegation from American Samoa is in Hawaii to generate awareness of a referendum on the U.S. territory’s general election ballot that seeks to give its legislature authority to override the governor’s veto.
The American Samoa legislature is the only one among U.S. territories and states that does not have full authority to override a governor’s veto. The legislature in American Samoa is required to seek approval for an override from the secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior.
The referendum, which will be decided in an election slated for Nov. 4, is supported by the legislature and American Samoa Gov. Lolo Moliga.
The delegation, which is visiting colleges, military personnel and communities in a public awareness campaign, comprises Fofo Sunia, former U.S. representative of American Samoa; attorney Edwin Kamauoha; Dan Aga of American Samoa Community College; and Afimutasi Gus Hannemann, director of the American Samoa Government-Hawaii office.
The delegation is scheduled to appear on the "Maimoga Samoa I Hawaii" show on Olelo 53 on Thursday. The Samoan population in Hawaii is about 30,000.