The Provisions of this Chapter regulate certain aspects of the creation and enforceability of mortgages on real property or fixtures. Every transfer of an interest in real property or fixtures made as security for the performance of another act or subject to defeasance upon the payment of an obligation, whether the transfer is made in trust or otherwise, is to be considered a mortgage and shall create a lien only as security for the obligation and shall not be deemed to pass title.

This Act declares that it shall be the public policy of American Samoa and the purpose of this Chapter to promote soil and water conservation by creating a Soil and Water Conservation District to advise on methods of preventing erosion, and protecting and improving water quality.

This Act provides for the establishment of coastal management program and the designation of coastal zone and special management areas and related matters. The American Samoa Coastal Management Program (ASCMP) is established as an office within the Executive branch. The Office of Development Planning shall be the designated territorial agency, as required by federal law, for the administration and implementation of Program. The general purpose of ASCMP is to provide effective resource management by protecting, maintaining, restoring, and enhancing the resources of the coastal zone.