Governor Lutali Invites Babbitt to Dedicate New National Park
Governor AP Lutali (1995 Indigenous Conservationist of the Year) has extended an invitation to Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt to travel to American Samoa to officially dedicate the National Park.
The passage of American Samoa's National Park by Congress may be the most important single act involving this territory in this decade," stated Governor Lutali.
"The size of the National Park, and the many important roles it will play in this territory in the coming years cannot truly be measured either in words or economics. Simply put, there is no other issue affecting American Samoa or its future that rivals the National Park."
Governor Lutali added: "Because of the magnitude of the park and its importance to our islands, I do not believe we can dedicate the park without the presence of the Secretary of the Interior."
"I believe it to be very important within the context of Samoan culture and custom for Secretary Babbitt to be a part of the dedication. Much of the guidelines establishing the park take Samoan culture and custom into account. This is what makes this park unique."
"We are not only preserving the forest, the animals, the shoreline and reefs, but we can have an interactive park that assists in the preservation of Samoan life and culture."
"That is why I want Secretary Babbitt to come to American Samoa and witness this park for himself."
Governor Lutali acknowledged that the Presidential elections had made correspondence and confirmation from Secretary Babbitt's office very difficult.
"I guess we'll just have to wait until after the election." said Governor Lutali. "Obviously, they're all pretty busy at the moment."
