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Congressman requests EAS status for Manu'a
Wednesday,
June 24, 2009
Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin has told the US Department of Transportation that the exceptional circumstances surrounding air transportation to the Manua islands warrant drastic and immediate action and he strongly urges that Manu’a be given essential air service (EAS) designation.
The congressman in a June 17 letter to the Acting Assistant Secretary of Aviation and International Affairs of the USDOT, Christa Fornarotto said that Inter Island Air, the sole carrier serving Manu’a has indicated that it is on the verge of discontinuing its current services. He cited that competition from more lucrative markets such as Tonga, Fiji and the Cook Islands has made it financially difficult to keep up. Strategic decisions to defray some of the costs have also been marginalized because the airport on the Manua islands are only able to land certain smaller aircraft.
Faleomavaega said the lack of steady and reliable air transportation poses serious challenges to the many small villages communities on Manua. Many residents have been forced to relocate to Tutuila because of the lack of viable commerce. He also highlighted the dearth of health services on the islands and that patients from Manua still have to travel to Tutuila to seek treatment.
The congressman cited a Samoa News article when air and shipping services to Ofu island were discontinued leaving residents isolated and cut off from outside travel and access. He said in this day and age of new technology and global economy the situation in Manu’a is unacceptable and warrants immediate attention.
Faleomavaega asking that Manu’a be given Essential Air Service designation, and that compensation be given under this designation to Inter Island Air to help defray the costs of providing air services to the Manu’a islands. He said, "I believe the EAS program was designed specifically to help small and rural communities such as those on Manua islands. While patronage might be low, he said maintaining reliable and regular flights is extremely important."
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