American Samoa § 20.0405 - Authority to purchase and use vessels for public transportation

§ 20.0405. Authority to purchase and use vessels for public transportation

(a) For the reason that, as the Legislature finds and determines, the best service being rendered to the people of American Samoa by existing private carriers is inadequate by reason of substandard vessels and insufficient service, the Governor is authorized to purchase, from funds made available for that purpose, vessels of such type and size as he deems reasonably necessary to adequately provide boat service to the people of American Samoa. (b) Passengers and cargo for hire may be carried on vessels owned or leased by, or on loan to, the government. (c) Passenger fares and freight rates under this section shall not be less than those established by the marine board for commercial lines for the same kinds of service. (d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary above, the board in consideration of the following criteria, not necessarily in order: (1) the needs and interests of the people served: (2) the best interests of the government; and (3) the general policy of noninterference with private industry by the government; may, by rule, establish cargo rates lower than existing commercial rates for service to the North Shore of Tutuila Island, Aunu’u Island, Swains Island and the Manu’a Group of Islands of American Samoa. Amendment: 1977 Subsection (d): added.