State Seal

American Samoa

State Plant Health Director

Vernon Harrington, (808) 838-2780

Directs federal APHIS-PPQ pest detection and regulatory activities in cooperation with state officials, and coordinate the initial PPQ emergency response if an exotic pest is detected in the state.

State Plant Regulatory Official

Vacant

Serves on the National Plant Board, oversees state pest detection and regulatory activities and coordinates survey activities between government agencies, public and private organizations. Coordinates the state’s initial emergency response if an exotic pest is detected.

State Survey Coordinator

Michael Melzer, (808) 956-7887

Coordinates CAPS survey planning, execution and reporting as well as community outreach activities.

Pest Survey Specialist

Sheldon Arakawa, (808) 743-1535

Provides technical support in planning, executing and reporting annual surveys and coordinates pest detection activities with neighboring states.