NOTICE OF INTENDED ACTION TO AMEND THE AMERICAN SAMOA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RULES IN THE AMERICAN SAMOA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE TITLE 25, CHAPTER 02
- secretaryofamericansamoa@go.as.gov
- Jun 3
- 1 min read
On June 2, 2025, the American Samoa Department of Health intends to establish a new rule in Title 25, Chapter 02 of the American Samoa Administrative Code pursuant to section 25.0604(c) of the American Samoa Code Annotated.
A copy of the proposed amendments is available and may be picked up at the American Samoa Environmental Helath Services Division, GHC Reid Building, 1st floor located in Fagatogo, ask for Tuiluaai Sualeva-Taufa'asau, and may be downloaded from the American Samoa Government website, americansamoa.gov. Interested persons may submit written comments on the proposed amendments to the American Samoa Department of Helath Main Office on or before June 23, 2025.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and provide feedback on the proposed amendments to ASAC Title 25, Chapter 2, regarding tattooing regulations (Rule #2025-0001). I commend the Department’s commitment to public health and safety. However, I respectfully submit the following comments and concerns, especially regarding the implications of applying these regulations to cultural and traditional tattooing practices.
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Key Legal and Cultural Concerns
1. Overregulation of Cultural and Traditional Tattooing (§25.0211 & §25.0217)
The proposed regulation makes it unlawful to operate a tattoo parlor, shop, or any tattoo event — including cultural and traditional — without a health permit. Additionally, §25.0217 subjects all cultural tattooing inside homes or designated facilities to the full requirements of this chapter.
This approach…