Tokelau's Ulu, or leader, does not want to pursue any claim to Swain's Island, or Olohega, for the time being, if the referendum currently underway makes his nation self-governing.
Tokelau's traditional claim to the island, which is under the control of American Samoa, is mentioned in the preamble to Tokelau's draft constitution.
But Ulu Kuresa Nasau says there are other more pressing needs:
"I would like to concentrate on developing Tokelau more as a country. I have always believed there are more priorities than focusing on Olohega."
Ulu Kuresa Nasau.
