18 Aug 2008

American Samoa Senate reviews Tonga land lease

9:51 am on 18 August 2008

The American Samoa Senate is reviewing the Tongan government land lease in Tafuna village.

It was during the late Governor AP Lutali's administration that land was exchanged between the governments of Tonga and American Samoa.

According to a Senate review and local documents, the Tongan government is leasing 43,560 square feet of territorial government land in Tafuna.

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The lease period is from July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2009 (which is 9 years and 11 months and didn't require legislative approval because it was less than 10 years).

Under the lease agreement Tonga government pays $2,400 per year in rent and has the option to renew the lease for an additional 30 years - ending June 30th, 2029.

Tonga currently operates a produce stand on the land.