7 October 2013
American Samoa
The American Samoa Senate has endorsed that the government’s lease with StarKist Samoa remain at the current rate of 29 cents per square foot (0.09 m²) for its renewal. The 30 year lease will commence at the beginning of November.
Extra square footage of 138,077 (12,828 m²) has been added to the previous space of 270,126 square feet (25,096 m²) of land. This covers the cannery housing in Atu’u, the canning plant and areas alongside it. According to the agreement, StarKist will pay a rent of USD 9,865 per month to the American Samoa government based on the 29 cents price.
Senator Soliai Tuipine suggested the lease should be amended and rent should be raised to 30 cents per square foot. Senator Mauga Tasi Asuega supported this and said the rental fee has remained the same for decades.
However, Senator Laolagi Vaeao said this would only further complicate negotiations between the cannery and the American Samoa government and suggested that the lease rate remain the same.
At the end of the 30 year lease agreement, StarKist Samoa will have the option to extend it for an additional 25 years.
