Title 5 — District and Local Government

For purposes of administration, the islands of Tutuila and Aunuu are divided into 2 districts, to be known as the Eastern District and the Western District. The 3 islands forming the Manu’a group shall constitute 1 district, to be known as the District of Manu’a. Swains Island ma…

The 3 districts are divided into counties as follows: (1) Eastern District. Ituau County: that portion of the Island of Tutuila which includes the villages of Fagasa, Nu’uuli, Matu’u and Faganeanea; Ma’oputasi County: that portion of the Island of Tutuila which includes the villa…

(a) There shall be in each district a District Governor, appointed by the Governor of American Samoa after the latter receives and considers the recommendations of the respective local district councils as to who should be appointed for their districts. (b) To be eligible for app…

A District Governor may be removed from office by the Governor of American Samoa, either directly or upon request of a majority of the chiefs of his district, for misconduct, incompetence, or neglect of duty. History: 1962, PL 7-28.

(a) The Governor may, by appointment, fill any vacancy occurring through death, resignation, removal, or otherwise, in any office of District Governor. In doing so, he shall follow the procedures set forth in 5.0103, and any District Governor so appointed shall serve for the rema…

A District Council shall be chosen in each district in accordance with Samoan custom, and shall be charged especially with the supervision of the cleanliness of the district, the planting of the lands by the people, the making and clearing of roads, and all matters of a local nat…

The District Governor shall be responsible for the welfare and good order of the people in his district, shall preside at the meetings of the District Council, and shall communicate with the Governor and the Secretary of Samoan Affairs upon all matters pertaining to his duties. H…

(a) There shall be in each district a District Clerk, who shall be appointed by the Governor of American Samoa upon the recommendation of the District Governor and who shall hold office during the pleasure of the Governor. (b) The District Clerk shall assist the District Governor…

(a) There shall be in each county a County Chief, appointed by the Governor of American Samoa after he considers the recommendations of the appropriate County Council and District Governor as to who should be appointed. The County Chief shall serve a 4-year term, to commence on 1…

A County Chief may be removed from office by the Governor, either directly or upon request of a majority of the chiefs of his county, for misconduct, incompetence, or neglect of duty. History: 1962, PL 7-28.

In the event of the removal, death or resignation of a County Chief, the Governor shall appoint a successor to serve the balance of the term. History: 1962, PL 7-28.

County Councils shall be chosen in accordance with Samoan custom, and shall be charged especially with the supervision of the cleanliness of the county, planting of the lands, making and clearing of roads, and all matters of a local nature concerning the county. History: 1962, PL…

(a) Biennially, on or before 31 December of each even-numbered year, the Governor shall appoint from the ranks of chiefs resident in each village a chief to be known as the pulenuu, to serve a 2-year term commencing 1 January. (b) In making such appointment, the Governor shall ta…

The pulenuu shall: (1) be responsible for the welfare and good order of the people of his village; (2) preside at the Village Council meetings and report all proceedings to the County Chief within 10 days after each meeting; (3) report to the County Chief as to the order of the p…

The Village Council shall consist of all chiefs and heads of families resident in the village, and shall meet once each month on a day chosen by it, and at the call of the pulenuu. History: 1962, PL 7-28.

The following rules shall apply at Village Council meetings: (a) All present at the meeting may speak before the council. (b) If any person causes any trouble in the meeting, or if there is any dispute as to who shall speak first, then the presiding chief shall direct and name th…

(a) The village council of each village may enact village regulations concerning the cleanliness of the village, planting of the lands, making and cleaning of roads, and any other matters of a strictly local nature. (b) Regulations enacted by a village council may not take effect…

The Governor may appoint one or more suitable persons in each village to act as village police officers. The Governor shall take into consideration any recommendations made by the Village Council, the County Chief and the District Governor. The village police shall be under the i…

The pulenuu shall record in a book all matters discussed by the village council in all meetings. Each pulenuu shall report the resolutions passed at meetings, and also his general work, to the county chief, who shall transmit them to the Governor through the Office of Samoan Affa…

A village includes the lands adjoining it. History: 1962, PL 7-28.

(a) There shall be a local government for Swains Island, which shall consist of a government representative, a village council, a pulenuu, and village policemen. (b) The government bodies and officials shall have the same rights and duties and be subject to the same qualification…

It is the duty of the government representative to: (1) act as the representative of the Governor on Swains Island; (2) mediate disputes between employees and their employer; (3) enforce laws of the United States, and American Samoa applicable on Swains Island; (4) enforce villag…

The government representative has the power to: (1) make arrests; (2) quell breaches of the peace; (3) call meetings of the village council to consider special subjects; and (4) take such action as may be reasonably necessary to implement and render effective his duties. History:…