An investigation by American Samoa authorities into a vessel that entered Samoa's territorial waters illegally in April has discovered it is not registered to a Pago Pago businessman.

The investigation by the U.S. territory's Department of Homeland Security (D.H.S.) has uncovered that the vessel Kite Runner is registered to Leticia Tish Peau, who is currently the acting historical preservation officer for the American Samoa government. She also “does work” for Manumalo Academy and Paramount Builders which are owned by Papali’i Lauli’i Alofa.

The D.H.S. Director, Samana Semo Ve’ave’a, confirmed according to Talanei that their office's report on their investigation has been sent to the Attorney General’s office. According to Talanei, the investigation by the D.H.S. confirmed that the boat Kite Runner entered Samoa's territorial waters without a certificate of clearance [C.o.C.] issued by American Samoa. 

Samoa's Minister for Customs and Revenue, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio confirmed in an exclusive interview with the Samoa Observer last week that the boat did not have a C.o.C. upon its arrival at the Matautu international port. Therefore, he instructed his Ministry to investigate how the C.o.C. was obtained in the hours in the lead-up to its arrival in Samoa.

Peau – with whom the boat is registered – is a relative of the Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo. Last month this newspaper reported that Toelupe confirmed receiving a request from “his cousin Tish” who worked for Papali’i to help out with the boat's paperwork. He then instructed his secretary to obtain the proper documentation upon receiving the request from Peau. 

Samoa’s Prime Minister, Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa last month admitted that there was a security lapse and that the boat should have been seized immediately by Samoan authorities upon its arrival from Pago Pago. She then confirmed that the Ministry of Police was instructed to investigate the matter and report back to the Cabinet. 

While the Police Commissioner, Police Commissioner Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo confirmed that their investigation was completed and sent to Cabinet, this newspaper understands other relevant Government ministries are yet to submit their reports detailing how the Kite Runner was granted permission to enter Samoa without proper documentation.