American Samoa's Governor, Lolo Matalasi Moliga, says he wants the US government to foot part of the bill to increase the minimum wage in the territory.
He says while the canneries and private sector wants to see the current wage maintained, he sees a need to upgrade the lifestyle of the territory's workers.
His position is a departure from previous statements by his administration that the Government can't afford to raise the minimum wage.
The next federally-mandated minimum wage rise is due at the end of September, and Governor Lolo says the territory can ask Washington to subsidise the increase wage hikes set by the federal government.
Lolo says it's time to think outside the box instead of following the same path on the the minimum wage issue year-in year-out.
Cannery workers in American Samoa Photo: RNZI