Laws & Policies
Superintendent's Compendium (PDF File)
Each national park has specific local regulations called the Superintendent's Compendium. These regulations are established under the superintendent's discretionary authority under Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The Superintendent's Compendium helps provide for the enjoyment, use, and protection of the National Park of American Samoa. It is a compilation of park-specific regulations to maintain public health and safety, protect environmental or scenic values, protect natural and cultural resources, and aid in scientific research.
Laws that Established the National Park of American Samoa
The Lease to Obtain Lands for the Park
Early attempts to establish a national park in American Samoa failed when there seemed no way for the government to acquire traditionally owned village lands for a public park. Decades later the High Court of American Samoa and the U.S. Congress developed a compromise allowing lease of the necessary lands for this park. The lease agreement colors many of the visitor and park management practices that can occur within the park. View the lease agreement as a pdf file.