(a) Any matai absent from American Samoa for more than 1 year may be removed of his title upon petition filed in the High Court by any member of the family of the absent matai. Upon presentation of such petition and satisfactory proof of such absence, the Court may, but need not, remove such title. The Court in its discretion may consider the reasons for such absence and the wishes of the family actively serving the matai.
(b) Service shall be made in accordance with subsection (b) of 1.0411
(c) The Court, in its discretion, shall set the time for hearing of the cause so as to allow sufficient and reasonable time for the matai to appear in his defense, either in person or by counsel.
(d) Failure to appear in person or by counsel, after proper service, shall be sufficient for the Court to find the defendant in default.
History: 1968, PL 10-61.