Governor Togiola Tulafono of American Samoa has urged all government departments to uphold the law when issuing building permits.
During Cyclone Heta the system was bypassed, but Governor Tulafono says it's now essential that both territorial and United States laws are upheld to safeguard buildings in the event of any future natural disaster.
The Special Assistant to the Governor, Lahal Seywee Junior, says all required permits should be obtained before construction begins.
"basically it's just a warning to the public that they need to go through the system to ensure that what they are requesting is safe and it's according."
The Special Assistant to Governor Tulafono, Lahal Seywee Junior
