The Board of Directors of the American Samoa Medical Center has voted to suspend the $1,000 per meeting allowance previously paid to members of the board.
“The current Board has prioritized financial prudence and cost containment as part of its responsibility to address the Medical Center’s significant accounts payable obligations,” says a press release from the board.
According to the release, effective January 1, 2026 all board members will receive the monthly stipend of $416.67 in accordance with the America Samoa Code Annotated Section 13.0103 (j).
“This action reflects the Board’s commitment to integrity, responsible stewardship of public resources, and service to the employees of the LBJ Tropical Medical Center and the people of American Samoa,” said the press release.
ASCA 13.0103 (j) states that the Board members shall be compensated at the rate of $5,000 per year, except the chairperson, who shall be paid $6,000 per year. Non-resident board members shall also receive compensation for necessary travel, lodging, meals, and telecommunication expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
It was during the chairmanship of Dr Malouamaua Tuiolosega that the board passed by resolution a $1,000 allowance for every additional meeting beyond their monthly board meeting.
The allowance started in early 2023. Dr Tuiolosega explained at the time that the allowance was a Board decision based on the “massive work” the Board is responsible for that was NOT in accordance to a functional Organization, and MUST be addressed with urgency—e.g., HR, Finance, Maintenance, Support Services, Ancillary, and center to it all – Medical Doctors, Nurses, Patients and their families.
He said With the massive responsibility, the Board has no choice but to meet weekly with subcommittees (usually 1 or 2 with an Executive) meeting twice/weekly sometimes more (including Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays, etc.).
He also said at a House hearing that the allowance was reviewed by the LBJ attorney and attorneys in the Governor’s Office and they said the allowance was within the law.
The $1,000 allowance was continued under the chairmanship of Mualeava Dr Aifili John Tufa and current chairman Dr Patrick Pedro.
KHJ News understands that it was moved by a board member to rescind the allowance altogether however there was opposition from other board members and the compromise was to suspend it.
The current members of the Board are Dr Pedro, Rep Faimealelei Anthony Allen, Taimalelagi Dr Claire Poumele, Lydia Faleafine-Nomura and Maaelopa Bob Tuiasosopo, a recess appointment to the Board.
