The American Samoa watchdog group, Common Cause, says the government must get its priorities right and invest in people's health instead of a tuna cannery.
This comes as there is no funding to send 45 patients for treatment overseas.
The LBJ hospital will this week ask the legislature for funds to resume off island referrals.
At the same time, the governor has proposed buying a cannery set to close next week.
The Common Cause's president, Trudie Sala, says the government must better connect to its people.
"Common Cause thanks the senators who are upholding and reminding our leaders that people have no recourse but to stand up and say: ' hey, think of us before you think of other things'. Buying a cannery is not going to be worthwhile if our people are going to be dying left, right and centre. We deserve the best."
Trudie Sala hopes the fono will make the right decision.
