Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of the University of South Carolina women's basketball team.

These amazing athletes from my good friend Joe Wilson's district completed a perfect season, culminating in a championship win.

Special congratulations to senior guard Te-Hina Paopao and her contributions to the team.

``Congratulations on your great sportsmanship.'' ``Malo le ta'alo fa'a tamali'i.''

Te-Hina Paopao is of Samoan heritage, and I know our islands always love to see our Pacific athletes excelling on the national stage. She will have lifelong memories of scoring 14 points in the national championship.

I congratulate all her friends and family cheering her on in our Polynesian communities from her home in California and elsewhere.

I so enjoyed watching this game that attracted millions of people with lots of nationwide excitement about all the great teams competing. I thank the South Carolina women's basketball team.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1792, the South Pacific Tuna Treaty Act, which I introduced along with my original cosponsor, Ed Case of Hawaii.

As Representatives of the beautiful islands of American Samoa in the South Pacific, a marine economy which depends on a fishing economy like Hawaii, I applaud our Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee Chair Cliff Bentz of Oregon and Ranking Member Jared Huffman of California for their bipartisan support implementing this treaty with my friends and neighbors in the South Pacific.

This bill implements into statute the most recent changes to the South Pacific Tuna Treaty that was negotiated between NOAA and other signatory countries to the treaty.

These changes are important to support the American fishing fleet in the South Pacific where many boats call the port in American Samoa home.

These changes improve the operation, condition, and flexibility for the fleet, which is America's last true distant water fishing fleet.

The 1987 treaty enables American tuna purse seine vessels to fish in the exclusive economic zones of 16 Pacific Island nations and is key to the ongoing operations of America's South Pacific tuna fleet, including the 11 purse seiners based in American Samoa.

In 2016, the treaty signatories agreed to several amendments to the treaty; however, those changes have not yet been reflected in U.S. law, leaving South Pacific tuna fishermen in a state of uncertainty for years.

H.R. 1792 will fix these issues.

Mr. Speaker, I also thank U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Fisheries Kelly Kryc and American Tunaboat Association Executive Director William Gibbons-Fly who testified in support of the bill at last July's hearing.

Finally, I thank Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Grijalva who guided the Natural Resources Committee to unanimously approving H.R. 1792 at last October's markup.

``Live long and prosper.'' ``Soifua ma ia manuia.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the 2024 Consolidated Appropriation Act and the inclusion of language from the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act. As a Member of Congress who has lived my personal as well as my civic life among the peoples and leaders of the Pacific Island nations and territories, I want first to recognize here the inclusive leadership of Speaker Johnson, House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Westerman, and House Foreign Affairs Chairman McClure. Each of these leaders in our current House Majority reached out for my insights and perspectives as a House member who comes from the Pacific, regarding this legislation approving renewal of the Compact of Free Association.

I also join all stakeholders in the future success of America's relations with the U.S. aligned nations of the Pacific, as well as our American territories, in expressing deep gratitude for the bipartisan and bicameral coordination and cooperation in Congress on COFA renewal from 2020 to 2024. As House and Senate committee members we provided necessary policy guidance to the President, National Security Council, State Department, and Interior Department, making clear Congressional interests and expectations that would need to be addressed before statutory ratification by both Houses of terms included in COFA renewal agreements.

This bipartisan cooperation included the support of House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Grijalva and House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Meeks. Both colleagues cosponsored H.J. Res. 96 with Chairman Westerman and Chairman McClure. Thereby endorsing the original COFA renewal bill that has been inserted in the bill we approve today, which was developed through the bicameral and bipartisan cooperation with the leadership and staff of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in conjunction with House and Senate hearings on COFA renewal.

Of equal importance, all stakeholders in the COFA success story should recognize the national leaders and peoples of our COFA partner nations for strong commitment to the future success of the COFA alliance. Our closest allies in the Pacific acted with wisdom and patience during delays in the COFA renewal process due to initial U.S. negotiating positions that were not feasible in the COFA nations or in Congress. When ill-advised U.S. positions resulted in failure to conclude negotiations and approve COFA III before COFA II expired, the island government heads of state, ministers and chief negotiators worked with U.S. negotiators and Congress to sustain the COFA II framework until the job approving COFA III was done.

The Special Presidential Envoy appointed on the bipartisan and bicameral recommendation from many of us in Congress managed to salvage the COFA negotiations. Ambassador Yun overcame resistance in some dark corners of the Executive Branch bureaucracy sufficiently for the COFA nations to accept and for Congress to approve the package we are ratifying today.

The PRC communist dictatorship used its presence in the COFA nations to exploit the delay in COFA approval, attempting to influence elections, disrupt political and economic processes, and spread corruption. The dedication of these nations to the COFA alliance prevailed, and renewal of our 75-year relationship represents the success of self-determination and self-government over PRC political warfare and imperialism. That makes what we do today a success for democracy and freedom as well as the strategic national security capabilities COFA provides so the U.S. can continue to lead and defend a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The lesson of history in the Pacific is that funding our Compact of Free Association with the U.S. aligned Pacific Island nations of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands could make a difference between peace and war in the Pacific. The COFA alliances secure vital U.S. national security interests and redeem promises of friendship between America as a pacific nation and the peoples of these strategically located islands first forged in the tragedy and misery of

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Major Christopher Matthai for his dedicated service to the American Samoa and all the Pacific Islands as a U.S. Army Liaison in the Office of the Chief, Legislative Liaison.

In American Samoa, our men and women of the Armed Forces are very important to us. The people of our islands take great pride in being patriotic Americans and our people are known for a high rate of service in our military. In particular, our U.S. Army recruiting center ranks number one in the nation in enlistment rate.

To that end I would like to recognize all the work MAJ Matthai has done to serve our country throughout his career, so far. He enlisted in 1999 and was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2009 he earned a direct commission through the Army Reserve.

He has an extensive list of military awards and decorations including the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with 5 oak leaf clusters. He was awarded the Mark and Debbie Kennedy Frontiers of Freedom award and the Dean of the Business School Merit award. He is a graduate from the University of Baltimore, receiving a Master of Business Administration from there and receiving another Master's in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University.

In congratulating this outstanding officer today, we also express our deep appreciation to all who serve, including the many in uniform from American Samoa serving with distinction all over the world.

I thank Christopher for his outstanding leadership and his commitment to our Soldiers, American Samoa, and our great Nation. Best wishes to him and his family as they depart Washington, D.C., for Indiana and his next duty assignment. I thank him for his service and his time dedicated to our beautiful island.

God bless you on your journey (Fa'amanuia le Atua i ou ala. Soifua.)

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of James T. Stovall, III who passed away unexpectedly on April 27, 2023. An accomplished lawyer, Mr. Stovall was a trusted advisor to decades of Micronesian leaders and provided the government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) with more than 50 years of legal counsel.

Born in Montgomery, Alabama in 1937, Mr. Stovall earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Alabama. He served in the U.S. military in Korea and Germany as member of the Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG).

His work on behalf of Micronesia began in the early 70s with the Micronesian Committee on Future Political Status and Transition (CFPST). After his service with the JAG Corps., he was designated by the Washington, D.C. law firm of Clifford & Warnke to provide legal advice to the Micronesian Status Negotiations. He worked on negotiations for the original Compact of Free Association (COFA) and this work carried through as an advisor to the Joint Committee on Compact Review and Planning in their current negotiations between the COFA states and the U.S. Mr. Stovall also served as trusted adviser to all nine FSM Presidents, from first FSM President Tosiwo Nakayama in 1979 through current President David Panuelo, and he was instrumental in securing the FSM's membership in the United Nations in 1991.

Mr. Stovall is survived by his wife of 60 years, LouAnn, along with 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren.

Mr. Stovall mentored several generations of Micronesian lawyers and government officials during his service and continued to do so right up until his unexpected illness. His passing is not just a loss for the FSM, but for the Pacific region at large. He will be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Major Lloyd M. Alaimalo on his retirement from the United States Army. Major Alaimalo has had an illustrious career lasting over 30 years serving both on active duty and in the reserves. In American Samoa, our men and women of the Armed Forces are very important to us. The people of our islands take great pride in being patriotic Americans and our people are known for a high rate of service in our military. Major Alaimalo serves as a prime example of this type of dedication, and I would like to recognize all the work he has done on behalf of the United States and our people. MAJ Alaimalo was born in Long Beach, California but his home is the village of Vatia, American Samoa. His career began when he enlisted in the Army in June of 1990 as a cannon crewmember. He has had multiple overseas tours and deployments including assignments in Greece, Iraq, and Kuwait. His first duty assignment as an officer was with the 542nd Support Maintenance Company, 80th Ordnance Battalion at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. His last assignment before retiring was Assistant Product Manager for Joint Program Protection (JPM-P), Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense (JPEO CBRND) at Stafford, VA. In between those milestones he served his nation well in a variety of leadership roles and was an exemplary soldier. MAJ Alaimalo's awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal with four campaign stars, the Global War on Terrorism Expedition Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Combat Action Badge. In congratulating this outstanding officer today, we also express our deep appreciation to all who serve, including the many in uniform from American Samoa serving with distinction all over the world. I thank MAJ Alaimalo, for his outstanding leadership and his commitment to our Soldiers, American Samoa, and our great Nation. and I thank his wife, Elisapeta Leilani Areta, and their son, Ropeti, for supporting Lloyd while he served his country. ``God bless and good health.'' Fa'amanuia le Atua i ou ala. Soifua.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the five Pacific Island countries in Micronesia that, at their summit in February, called for Russia to end its war against Ukraine.

Following their summit, these countries--Marshall Islands, Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, and Nauru--joined a U.N. General Assembly resolution demanding that Russia immediately and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from Ukraine.

Mr. Speaker, last September, I addressed the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders--the heads of all Pacific governments, independent and territorial alike. At that gathering, I urged the leaders to resist any overtures by China until China also demands Russia stop its war with Ukraine: ``Before you even think about negotiating any agreements with Beijing, you should be asking China to live up to international standards on climate change.''

I concluded by asking them to use their ``international leverage and prestige to tell China not to support Russia in any way in its unjust war in Ukraine.''

Job well done by America's friends in the Pacific. ``Farewell and may you be well,'' ``Soifua ma ia e manuia.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Edward Deleon Guerrero Pangelinan who passed away on Friday, February 3, 2023, after struggling with cancer. ``Eddie'' as he was known to friends and loved ones, was born on October 24, 1941.

A graduate of Howard University and the first Chamorro lawyer in the territory, Eddie was a key player in shaping the CNMI's status as a territory of the United States. As Chairman of the Marianas Political Status Commission, he led the political status negotiations resulting in the signing of The Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States. He was the first Resident Representative from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to the United States. The office of Resident Representative served as the precursor to the Delegate from the CNMI to the United States House of Representatives and laid the groundwork for the territory's future representation in Congress. He would go on to serve in various roles supporting the CNMI and the territories.

Eddie will always be remembered fondly as a founding father of the CNMI and as a cornerstone of the Pacific community. We honor his legacy and thank him and his family for their public service that continues to benefit the territories to this day.

He is survived by his wife, Dulce Gatbonton Pangelinan, 6 children, and 11 grandchildren. His passing is not just a loss for the CNMI, but for the Pacific region at large. He will be missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of U.S. Navy Lieutenant Ridge Alkonis, a sailor currently stationed abroad in Japan. Essential to the economic and political stability of the Pacific region around my home of American-Samoa is the U.S.-Japan alliance. As a significant part of this alliance, the U.S.Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-defense Force jointly project power and security throughout the Pacific; and, enabling this naval partnership are the 19,000 American sailors stationed there. While the U.S. and Japanese naval forces have long maintained a strong bond, the relationship is deteriorating as a result of Japanese injustices against U.S. military members. The case of U.S. Navy Lieutenant Ridge Alkonis, who is of Samoan descent, exemplifies the disparate treatment American sailors receive in Japan. While driving his wife and three children to get ice cream during a family outing one Saturday in May 2021, LT. Alkonis suffered a sudden and unforeseen medical emergency which resulted in a tragic car accident, causing the

death of two Japanese citizens. When I became aware of this tragedy last year, I immediately conveyed my condolences to Ambassador Tomita and continue to pray for the family of those who passed away. At the scene of the accident, LT. Alkonis was immediately arrested by Japanese authorities without receiving any medical care and imprisoned in solitary confinement for 26 days. He was systematically deprived of sleep, denied legal counsel while undergoing harsh daily interrogations by Japanese authorities, and pressured to sign false accusations. Financial compensation plays an influential role in the Japanese justice system, with Japanese citizens possessing considerable leverage over foreigners in court. LT. Alkonis was advised into signing a $1.65 million financial settlement, the largest private financial settlement ever entered into by a U.S. service member in Japan. Despite there being no evidence of negligence on his part, LT. Alkonis cooperated fully in the investigation and paid the financial settlement in full; nevertheless, he was still sentenced to three years in prison. And last month, the Tokyo High Court rejected the majority of evidence submitted by LT. Alkonis including the Japanese police arrest warrant and a medical diagnosis by military physicians. The Court dismissed LT. Alkonis's appeal last week, even disregarding the financial settlement--an unprecedented decision by a Japanese court. Many familiar with these proceedings have called this situation the most egregious case against an American service member by Japan in over 60 years. I'm deeply troubled by Japan's treatment of LT. Alkonis. A review of the facts clearly shows that LT. Alkonis did not fall asleep and was not negligent, that he did in fact suffer a medical emergency. While indeed a tragedy, this was an accident in every sense of the word. Additionally, there have been numerous Status of Forces Agreement violations and human rights abuses by Japan. I have even heard persuasive allegations of illicit domestic political interference in LT. Alkonis's court proceedings by the victims' family, which is strongly connected to the Tokyo High Court. The treatment of LT. Alkonis has been unacceptable and is hurting the U.S.-Japan alliance exactly when it needs to be strengthened. America cannot allow our brave sons and daughters to be so vulnerably exposed while serving abroad. I call on President Biden, as well as our Ambassador to Japan-- Ambassador Emanuel, to bring LT. Alkonis home and to immediately work with our Japanese partners to ensure that the terms of the Status of Forces Agreement are immediately reviewed and enforced at every level. Now more than ever, we need to acknowledge and correct injustices and take the appropriate steps to strengthen this alliance by ensuring service members are treated fairly.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of U.S. Navy Lieutenant Ridge Alkonis, a sailor currently stationed abroad in Japan. While the U.S. and Japanese naval forces have long maintained a strong bond, the relationship is deteriorating as a result of Japanese injustices against U.S. military members.

The case of U.S. Navy Lieutenant Ridge Alkonis, who is of American Samoan descent, exemplifies the disparate treatment American sailors receive in Japan.

While driving his wife and three children to get ice cream during a family outing, Lieutenant Alkonis suffered a sudden and unforeseen medical emergency which resulted in a tragic car accident causing the death of two Japanese citizens. While indeed a tragedy, this was an accident in every sense of the word.

At the scene of the accident, Lieutenant Alkonis was immediately arrested by Japanese authorities, without receiving any medical care, and imprisoned. He was systematically deprived of sleep, denied legal counsel, and pressured to sign false accusations.

The Tokyo High Court rejected the majority of evidence submitted by Lieutenant Alkonis, and last week, his appeal was dismissed.

I am deeply troubled by Japan's mistreatment of Lieutenant Alkonis. These abuses are hurting the U.S.-Japan alliance exactly when it needs to be strengthened.

I call on President Biden and Ambassador Rahm Emanuel to bring Lieutenant Alkonis home.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lieutenant Colonel Eric Marshall on his retirement from the United States Army. LTC Marshall has had an illustrious career lasting over 20 years serving in the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, culminating as the Honolulu District's Commander.

In American Samoa, our men and women of the Armed Forces are very important to us. The people of our islands take great pride in being patriotic Americans and our people are known for a high rate of service in our military. In particular, our U.S. Army recruiting center ranks number one in the nation in enlistment rate.

To that end I would like to recognize all the work LTC Marshall has done to lead throughout his career in situations such as leading dive missions, having a key managing role in the Western Closure, commanding the B/1-48th infantry company, and imparting his knowledge on future leaders in the Army through his instruction and course direction in physics at West Point.

He has an extensive list of military awards and decorations including the Bronze Star, Bronze DeFleury, and is currently nominated for the Silver DeFleury. He is a graduate of the prestigious U.S. Air Force Academy and received his Master's Degree in nuclear engineering from

Madam Speaker, I rise to remember the life and service of Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Ioakimo Falaniko from my home district of American Samoa. CSM Falaniko passed away Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at the age of 67.

CSM Falaniko served his country as a combat engineer for over 30 years, entering the Army in 1976 and retiring in December of 2008.

His assignments included: Fort Belvoir, Virginia; Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Bliss, Texas; and Fort Lewis, Washington; as well as several tours in Germany, Korea, and Iraq.

He was the Senior Instructor for the Sapper Leader Course at Fort Leonard Wood, a demanding 28-day training regimen and the premier leadership course for combat engineers. After retiring from military service, he was a consultant and Training Supervisor for the IED Division of Counter Explosive Hazards Center on Fort Leonard Wood.

His awards and decorations include: The Legion of Merit, (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster) Bronze Star Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster); Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters); Army Commendation Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Cluster); Army Achievement Medal (with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters); Good Conduct Medal (10th Award); Army Occupation Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Korea Defense Service Medal; Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal; NCO Professional Development Ribbon (4); Overseas Service Ribbon (4); Army Service Ribbon; Ranger Tab; Sapper Tab; Master Parachutist Badge; Air Assault Badge; Drill Sergeant Badge; French Commando Badge; Canadian Parachutist Badge; and German Bronze Marksmanship Badge. He also was awarded the DeFleury Bronze and Silver Medal of the Army Corps of Engineer.

CSM Falaniko and his family are a Gold Star Family; his son, Jonathan Falaniko, was tragically killed in action of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. CSM Falaniko was buried with his son, at Arlington National Cemetery on April 19, 2022. May these father and son heroes rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, I rise to wish a very happy birthday to Bernice Jerves Fernandes, upon turning 100 years of age on March 25, 2022. She was born on the island of Kauai before Hawaii was admitted to the Union. She has made a wonderful difference in many lives, including serving as a teacher for 26 years at Holy Cross parish school, and hosting many foster children. Yet she has made time to also become a successful businesswoman and farm owner. Her late husband, Frank Fernandes, served the cause of freedom in World War II. Bernice is a longtime friend, and her daughter Bernadine has been my close friend since childhood. Bernice has five grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

I want to congratulate Bernice on this milestone and assure her of my love and appreciation. Her 100th birthday deserves our honor and acclaim, as it represents a wise lifetime of being a joy to those of us who know her and making the world a better place. The Scripture places great blessing upon a long life that is ``full of days,'' and emphasizes deep respect to age as a ``crown of glory.'' I trust Bernice feels the special affection from her many loved ones, and congratulations all to her family and friends as they celebrate Bernice where she lives in Hawaii. I thank Bernice and Soifua.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 105th anniversary of Puerto Ricans gaining the right to U.S. citizenship. For the past 105 years, Puerto Ricans have served this country with the utmost distinction, especially the more than 235,000 Puerto Ricans that have donned this country's uniform.

During this time of celebration, I would also like to bring to the House's attention the Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act, which would grant Puerto Rico statehood. I wholeheartedly support this bipartisan piece of legislation that simply executes the wishes of the people of Puerto Rico. Puerto Ricans have spoken, and it is time for us to listen.

As a Member of Congress from a territory, I can tell you that a lot has been said in recent years about the status of U.S. territories and their place in America. A lot of the noise that has been generated has been from people and groups outside the territories, who cannot comprehend the complexities of life in the territories. In my view, it is up to the people in each of our territories to express their wishes for their own futures.

This bill is the manifestation of those exact wishes. On November 3, 2020, a majority of Puerto Ricans answered with an emphatic 'Yes' when asked if they wanted to be a state. No ifs, ands; or buts.

It is our duty as Members of Congress to immediately follow through on the demands of the people of Puerto Rico, and anything less would do them a great disservice. I am proud to stand with my good friends Representatives Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon of Puerto Rico and Darren Soto of Florida as they seek to deliver for Puerto Ricans.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of the late Michael Ryner Sala. Michael was a native son of the Territory of American Samoa, born on September 29, 1944, in the small village of Avaio in the far eastern district of the main island of Tutuila, American Samoa. His mother, Malia Elisapeta Silivelio Pa`utalo Sala Fata Eneliko Siligawas a woman of proud Samoan heritage, and his father, Raymond Ryner Howard, a Marine Platoon Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, whose barracks were situated in the next village during WW2.

He attended Faga`itua Elementary School and then Poyer High School, now known as Samoana High School. He graduated in June 1964 and received a scholarship to pursue medical training in Fiji. His life took a turn when, during the process of preparing to leave the island, he visited the police department in Fagatogo. He ran into a family member, Lt. Vilima`a Leiato, who offered him a position as a police officer--right there on the spot.

After consulting with his mother, he decided to accept the position and thus began his long and distinguished career in law enforcement. He went on to attend the Honolulu Police Academy and later the California Highway Patrol Academy. At 22, he was the youngest officer ever promoted to Sergeant; at 24 the youngest ever promoted to Lieutenant.

At the age of 28, the High Chief Title ``Tualamasala'' was bestowed upon Mike. Matai titles are only given to select family members with the approval of the senior matai or high chief and members of the extended family.

In 1973, at the age of 29, he began working as a Special Investigator for the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office in Portland, Oregon, and in 1975 became a Multnomah County Sheriff. He graduated from Portland State University in March 1977 with a bachelor's degree in Administration of Justice. In 1978, he graduated from the University of Portland with a master's degree in Criminal Justice Administration. He was a candidate for a second master's degree in Public Administration and a candidate for a doctoral degree in Criminology.

He returned home to American Samoa in 1978 where he served as Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety for 20 years. He served for 15 years as the Director of Intelligence for the South Pacific Islands Criminal Intelligence Network (SPICIN), the intelligence arm of the South Pacific Chiefs of Police Conference (SPCPC) organization which is comprised of 21 countries in the Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand, until 2003 when SPICIN was reorganized as part of the regions' information sharing and intelligence infrastructure solely administered by the American Samoa Government.

In September 1996, the Office of Territorial and International and Criminal Intelligence and Drug Enforcement (OTICIDE) separated from the Department of Public Safety and created as an independent law enforcement agency (Task Force). As director of OTICIDE, Mike was also a director of the INTERPOL Pacific Sub-Bureau comprised of Guam, Saipan, and American Samoa as Communications Control Center (CCC), under the United States Department of Justice, National Central Bureau in Washington, D.C.

In February 2007, he was appointed the first Director of the American Samoa Department of Homeland Security, ASDHS. He retired on January 3, 2013, after 50 years of law enforcement and public safety experience in American Samoa and the US mainland.

He was a lifetime member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and served as Chairman of the SPCPC from 1994-1995. He was Chairman of the American Samoa Government (ASG) Interagency Special Task Force on Narcotics and White-Collar Crime Enforcement for nine years. He directed a Bureau of Special Investigations within the Department of Public Safety. He was Chairman of the Preparedness Task Force on Terrorism in American Samoa, later renamed the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC). He served as Vice Chairman of the eleven-member Governor's Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, as well as Chairman of the ASG Personnel Advisory Board. He presented at numerous law enforcement conferences regionally and internationally, including the IACP, Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS), South Pacific Chiefs of Police, SPICIN and INTERPOL.

In addition to his long record of government service, Mike served his community. He was an active lifetime member and Charter President of the Lions Club in American Samoa. He joined the Boy Scouts of American Samoa in 1964 and was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, American Samoa District Committee under the Aloha Counsel of Honolulu where he served as chairman for 17 years.

Mike was a tireless promoter of the highest ideals; he believed in friendship above all and was a true friend to countless people. His generosity of spirit and heart was legendary; he often helped people quietly when they needed it most and did not count the cost or want recognition for his many good deeds. He was fiercely loyal to his Lions Club brothers and sisters, where he encouraged and promoted many of them, especially his Lion sisters, to lead the organization after him. He was also tireless in promoting women in the workplace and mentored many worthy candidates in his years at Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Although he was extremely proud of his government service and accomplishments, he was most proud of his work with the Lions Club. Mike led the club as Charter President and then as club president four more times. He guided them in numerous community projects, including collaboration with the LBJ Medical Center, Department of Health, Feleti Barstow Library, and other government agencies to conduct vision screening clinics for residents, including outreach visits to the islands of Manu`a. Teams of doctors, nurses and technicians have been hosted by the Lions to work with the local club, where they offered vision screening, eye surgery and medicine to the Samoan community, free of charge.

Mike truly believed that in order to be a good citizen, one must give to their community.

He lived his life serving his island community, his village, and his people.

He took his final breath on the morning of January 17, 2022. He is survived by his children, Jennifer Rebecca Sala Jones and Matthew Michael Sala, and his grandchildren: Olivia, Malia, and Betty Merlea.