Source: Radio NZ

The US House Committee on Natural Resources will hold a hearing on the American Samoa Protection of Industry, Resources and Employment bill next week.

The legislation will provide cash incentives for companies that process tuna in American Samoa and fishing boats that deliver their catches directly to the territory.

American Samoa’s Congressman, Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, introduced the bill as a way to save the territory’s tuna industry in the wake of one cannery closing.

Faleomavaega asked committee chairman, Nick Rahall to invite several interested parties to testify at the hearing.

They include canneries, StarKist and Bumble Bee and the Territory’s Governor Togiola Tulafono.

Last week, the Committee on Natural Resources informed Faleomavaega that invitations have been extended per his request to each of these individuals and organizations.