Maybe because time == money?

Well, the change is scheduled for December 28 this year, and the next leap day is February 29 of next year, so we're only talking two months here.

I assume the actual reason they chose that date is that they want to stick it in the xmas/NYE dead period which is mostly holidays anyway to minimise disruption.

Also, "time == money" is probably on the list of "things you're least likely to hear anyone say in Samoa".