American Samoa's Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin has presented a proposal that he has been working on with Star Kist Samoa to save the territory's tuna industry.
He said that the proposal aims to attract federal incentives for fishing boats that direct deliver their catches to American Samoa, and for companies that process tuna in the territory.
The congressman said that the American Samoa Protection of Industry, Resources, and Employment plan is just a proposal at this stage, and he is asking for input from the Fono and governor with a view towards drafting legislation to implement it.
He hoped to have a bill approved by the end of October.
Several lawmakers said the territory must present a united front to Washington on the minimum wage issue.
They also stressed that every effort must be made to help save Star Kist Samoa and other businesses which are dependent on the canneries for their survival.
