14 Apr 2008

Land owner in American Samoa says government should buy land it places restrictions on

11:03 am on 14 April 2008

In American Samoa, the government's plan to impose a temporary moratorium on all development in the Tafuna lowland rainforest has received strong opposition.

Avamua David Haleck says their action to restrict development of his family land amounts to the government forcibly taking land .

Avamua believes that if this is the case, the ASG should pay for the property.

He has given the government until April 21 to make full payment for the Haleck rainforest property.

He says if the government does not meet the deadline, he will move ahead with clearing the land.

Avamua says their rights and property are protected under the constitution.