There is relief in American Samoa that the Bank of Hawaii has now decided to remain in the territory for at least another 12 months.
The announcement was made when the Hawaii Bank's CEO Peter Ho, the territory's Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, and the Governor, Lolo Matalasi Moliga had a public meeting with community members in Honolulu.
The group, The Faith Action for Community, also held meetings to air its members' views on the impact the bank's closure would have on families both in Hawaii and American Samoa.
Its policy director, Kim Harman, says it has been a rough road for the bank and affected customers.
"It's been a little bumpy. They announced that they were giving 90 days notice to close both branches, all of their branches, in American Samoa.They announced an extension of 90 days for one of their branches about a week and half ago, and now they have announced a year's extension to stay with the Pago Pago branch and to assist with the transition to alternative banking services for family."
Kim Harman from The Faith Action for Community.
