ERATE provides internet access to classrooms
For the first time, every public high school classroom will have internet connection when the new school year opens.
Money bills clear second reading in House
The House of Representatives has approved in second reading four money bills totaling $700,000, which the administration submitted for review during the Special Session.
Governor intervenes in doctors' licensing
Governor Togiola Tulafono has ordered the Hospital Authority Board not to take any action against doctors who remain uncertified according to US standards.
First day of petition to repeal federal wage law
A petition asking President Barack Obama to repeal the federal law setting local minimum wages and return the process of setting wage rates to Special Industry Committee will begin circulating today.
Polynesian begins flights to Fagalii Airport
Polynesian Airlines is inaugurating flight service to and from Fagalii Airport today and all of the airline's flights today and tomorrow will be heading to Fagalii instead of Faleolo International Airport.
Gov: Fiber optic cable will return investment
Governor Togiola Tulafono informed Fono leaders today that the briefing for Fono members on the fiber optic cable has been moved from Monday to Wednesday.
Government will not prosecute victim
The government will not file charges against a woman who recanted claims about being raped by her boyfriend, forcing the prosecution to dismiss the case.
Camp promotes appreciations of land and sea
Fifty youngsters slept at the Utulei Beach fales last night as part of this year’s Le Tausagi summer camp.
Man in court for assaulting girlfriend
The government is looking into filing assault charges against a teacher accused of assaulting his girlfriend and members of her family.
Blue Sky has lots planned for 10th birthday
Top officials of Elandia International Inc, owners of Blue Sky Communications are joining the 10th anniversary celebrations of the local phone company next week.
New CEO for Visitors Bureau has been selected
The Board of Directors of the American Samoa Visitors Bureau has selected a Chief Executive Officer for the Bureau.
Treasurer drops $25 charge per vehicle
Owners of rental car, bus and taxi businesses can breathe a sigh of relief. It appears the Treasurer Magalei Logovii has suspended the charging of a $25 business license fee for each vehicle that they operate.
Tax change would help ANZ bank
Officials of ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank testified this morning that an amendment to the tax law being proposed by the administration would allow the bank to access more capital for loans without having to pay a 30% withholding.
Businessman unhappy with Immigration Office
The owner of a construction company is utterly disappointed with the enforcement of immigration laws.
Velega queries status of rejected directors
Resolutions calling for the confirmation of directors who had been rejected in the first regular session were introduced in the Senate this morning.
Tool Shop forges ahead with new building
Tools Incorporated Inc. or the Tool Shop is not letting the gloom and doom talk about the economy interfere with some of its long-term plans for expansion.
Man jailed for having sex with a 12 year old
The High Court has sentenced a man convicted of having sexual intercourse with a 12-year-old girl to 28 months in jail.
Governor will not lift ban on 10 year old cars
The ban on the importation of vehicles manufactured prior to 1999 is now in effect.
Lawmakers not backing down on request
House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale informed the House today that questions concerning the undersea fiber optic cable will be answered at a special briefing for the Fono next Monday.
CJ bothered by "ghost that walks"
Chief Justice Michael Kruse has ordered that the government subpoena immigration officers to appear before the court to explain the status of a man who entered the territory on a 30 day permit yet the immigration office does not have any record of his arrival.
LBJ explains delay in testing for H1N1 flu
There was a delay in sending specimens of highly suspected cases of swine flu to Hawaii for testing because Hawaiian Air did not recognize a courier company used by the Hawaii State Lab which conducted the tests.
High Court News
Chief Justice Michael Kruse denied a defense motion to release a woman charged with forgery so she can be with her young children.
DHSS checks issued today
About 40 employees of the Department of Human and Social Services were relieved when handed their ASG paychecks today, a week after the rest of ASG got paid.
Governor re-submits directors for confirmation
Governor Togiola Tulafono is resubmitting to the Fono for confirmation the names of five cabinet members who were rejected during the first regular session.
House Budget Committee delays action on bills
Unless Treasury submits first and second quarter reports on revenue collections, the House Budget and Appropriations Committee will not act on four money bills requested by the governor.
Dr. Tuliau: No need to name villages
The eight people confirmed to have contracted the HINI flu have already been notified and health officials say there’s no evidence that the flu has spread to other family members.
Spc. Casey Hills remembered at memorial service
There was standing room only in the Army chapel at Camp Virginia in Kuwait yesterday as more than 650 citizen soldiers from the Army Reserve's 100th Battalion, sailors and civilians lined the walls to pay their final respects to Spc. Casey Hills. Hills was killed when his Humvee flipped over during a convoy run to Kuwait.
Made in Brazil pisupo confiscated
Acting Director of Agriculture Aomalo Manupo Turituri is urging importers to comply with federal regulations for the importation of meat products after the confiscation of 49 cases of corned beef from Brazil on Friday.
Man sentenced to five years for fondling minor
Chief justice Michael Kruse handed down the maximum five year sentence for a man convicted of first degree sexual abuse.
Territory has 8 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu
American Samoa has 8 confirmed cases of the HINI or swine flu. Of 33 specimens tested at the Hawaii State Laboratory 8 returned positive results for swine flu.
Chamber spearheads petition to stop wage hikes
A campaign will be launched to collect as many signatures as possible for a petition to be sent to President Barack Obama to help save American Samoa’s economy by ordering a stop to the annual increases in the local minimum wage.
US House approves $32.1 million for AS
The Department of Interior budget for Fiscal Year 2010 approved today by the U.S. House of Representatives, includes $32.1 million for American Samoa. $22.8 million is for basic operations and $9.3 million for covenant Capital Improvement Projects.
Blue Sky donates to June Jones scholarships
Blue Sky Communications today presented a check to the June Jones Foundation to assist with the scholarships that the foundation is awarding to local students.
DHSS employees are paycheckless
About 40 employees of the Department of Human and Social Services will have to wait until next week to see if they will get paid.
Chief of Police completes FBI training
The Department of Public Safety Chief of Police Leseiau Laumoli was among 250 law enforcement officers who graduated June 12 from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Virginia.
Illinois soldier attached to local reserve killed
A soldier from Illinois who had a cross level attachment to the 100th Battalion 442nd Infantry Regiment out of Pago Pago was killed yesterday during convey operations in southern Iraq. He has been identified as Specialist Casey Hills of Illinois.
Jone Jones Footabll Academy kicks off today
Rain or shine, the June Jones football academy kicks off this afternoon.
Treasurer reports drop in Account Receivables
Treasurer Magalei Logovii said there’s been a significant drop in account receivables because of stepped up efforts by his office to collect from companies and individuals owing money to the government.
Mulugaveve project continues for east side
The Department of Youth and Women's Affairs will continue the Mulumulugaveve project this Saturday, June 27, 2009 at the Laulii CCCAS hall from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This is for the villages of Aua, Laulii, Alega, Avaio, Auto, and Amaua.
High Court News
A Malaeloa resident who was charged with second-degree assault for allegedly injuring a man in the head has entered a plea agreement with the
House puts in request for fiber optic info
The Legislative Financial Officer Talalemotu Mauga has been asked to review, study and provide an analysis of the fiber optic cable project.
Director explains hiring of stimulus office staff
Positions already filled in the American Samoa Economic Stimulus and Recovery Office were not advertised. Instead the five staff already hired were appointed under the Governor’s appointment authority.
Doctors will be on duty at Amouli Dispensary
The $1.3 million which the Department of Health has already received in stimulus funding has made it possible to hire doctors who will staff outlying dispensaries and also upgrade equipment for primary care.
FAA flight check tests navigational aides
The Federal Aviation Administration is conducting checks of the instrument landing systems at local airports today.
$400 calculators and $100 sharpener in budget
A handwritten budget that Internal Auditor Gaea Perefoti Failautusi presented to the House Budget and Appropriations Committee contained some interesting costs.
Some charges reduced in missing evidence case
Two police officers being charged for the removal of evidence from the Department of Public Safety have been bound over to High Court on felony counts.
Fagalii Airport will reopen next week
Polynesian Airlines has been given permission to resume flights between Fagalii airport in Apia and American Samoa.
NOAA trains enforcers of fisheries laws
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA is helping improve local capacity for enforcement of federal fisheries laws.
High Court News
A man has been charged with first degree assault for striking his son-in-law. Pita Su'a waived his rights to a preliminary examination and will be arraigned in the High Court tomorrow morning.
ASG anticipates $10 million deficit for FY'08
The House Budget and Appropriations Committee will wait for a report on ASG’s revenue collections and expenditures for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2009 before it makes a decision on four money bills now before the Fono.
Wave power eyed for power generation
The Territorial Energy Office has made headway in attracting potential investors for what it believes will be the territory’s answer to rising fuel costs..the use of wave power to produce electricity.
June Jones Academy is more than just sports
The Second Annual American Samoa Football Academy and Medical Mission sponsored by the June Jones Foundation is set for this weekend.
Land Grant sees more interest in farming
The Land Grant Division reports that there’s more people requesting taro and banana shoots than in the past.
Man arrested for beating his girlfriend
A 23 year old man from Lauli'i appeared in District Court yesterday for assaulting his girlfriend.
Coast Guard allows 30 days for Sili overhaul
The US Coast Guard has granted Port Administration a 30 day extension to have the MV Sili drydocked and inspected.
Sen. Tuanaitau calls for briefing on citizenship bill
Senator Tuanaitau Tuia wants Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin to brief the Fono about his bill to obtain US citizenship for American Samoans.
Rep. Vaitoa suggests cabotage waiver
The Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, Vaitoa Hans Langkilde has commended Congressman Faleomavaega for taking the initiative to request that Manu’a be given essential air service designation.
Swine flu test results expected tomorrow
The Unified Health Command hopes to learn by tomorrow the test results of the five highly suspected cases which were sent to Honolulu for testing of the swine flu virus.
TEO proposes five projects for stimulus funding
The Territorial Energy Office has received $1.8 million in administrative costs for projects which have been proposed for funding using stimulus monies.
High Court News
A man accused of sexually abusing a 16 year old girl changed his mind about a plea agreement and is now set to stand trial.
Stormy weather affects transportation
Bad weather forced the cancellation of flights to Manu’a and delayed flights to and from Apia. It also closed the boat channel between Auasi and Aunuu island.
ASG officials to testify on money bills
There hasn’t been much activity in both the house and Senate since the start of the special session on Monday, except the introduction of bills.
Islands blanketed by strong winds and rain
Two weather systems are whipping up strong gusts and dumping rain on the islands.
Congressman requests EAS status for Manu'a
Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin has told the US Department of Transportation that the exceptional circumstances surrounding air transportation to the Manua islands warrant drastic and immediate action and he strongly urges that Manu’a be given essential air service (EAS) designation.
Environment conference hears AS success stories
Some success stories from American Samoa are being touted at the Pacific Islands Environment Conference in Saipan.
COLA equality for federal employees here
The US House of Representatives has approved a bill which would give federal employees stationed in American Samoa the same cost of living allowance as federal employees stationed in Guam and Northern Marianas.
SPEX plane blows a tire while landing
The South Pacific Express Inc. Short 360 aircraft blew a tire as it made a landing at Pago Pago International Airport yesterday evening.
Atofau's counsel says client is entitled to discovery
The attorney for drug defendant Punaloa David Atofau says her client is entitled to full discovery on the misconduct in the removal of evidence from the Department of Public Safety evidence room.
Both canneries will be shutdown for one week
More than 4,000 employees will be without paychecks next week with the shutdown of the territory’s biggest private employers Star Kist Samoa and Samoa Packing.
Paramount Builders cleans hotel grounds
The Development Bank of American Samoa has selected Paramount Builders to clean up the Rainmaker Hotel property.
Reminders for business survey worked
Reminders to businesses that did not complete the questionnaire for the territory’s first business survey got the attention that the Department of Commerce intended.
Man stabs wife with fish cleaner knife
The government has charged a man from Vatia, for stabbing his wife with a fish cleaner knife at their home on June 9th.
Fire knife dancers will entertain First Family
The White House specifically wanted a Samoan knife dancer in the entertainment line up and Tihati Productions will deliver.
DOE Central Office waiting for paychecks
More than 20 employees of the Department of Education Central Office are waiting for their paychecks.
ASG/LBJ respond to $7 million lawsuit
The defendants in the $7 million malpractice lawsuit filed by the family of a young man who died after an operation at the LBJ Hospital in 2007, have asked the court to dismiss the suit with prejudice.
Special Fono Session begins
The Chairman of the House Budget and Appropriations Committee Rep. Vaiausia Yandall wants to review how government collections have fared in the first three quarters of Fiscal year 2009 to ascertain if money bills being submitted for review during the Special Fono session can be funded.
Officer Sauni waives hearing in Disrict Court
Police Officer Jerry Sauni will be arraigned in High Court tomorrow after he waived his rights to a probable cause hearing in District Court today.
LBJ Board hopeful for funds to resume referrals
The LBJ Hospital has 57 names of patients waiting for the medical off island program to resume.
Avegalio Aigamaua begins Senate term
Before the start of the Senate session this morning, the new senator for Fofo District, Avegalio Aigamaua was sworn in to fill the seat left vacant by the passing of Senator Tuitele Tony Tuitele in March.
21 year jailed for one year
The High Court handed down the maximum sentence for a misdemeanor conviction sending Vaitele Tago to one year in prison for threatening a student.
Lawmaker laments lack of response from Port
The Chairman of the House Transportation Committee Rep. Vaitoa Hans Langkilde has not received a response from Port Director Matagi Ray McMoore on the government’s back up plans for boat transportation for Manu’a while government vessels are out of commission.
Juvenile bound over to High Court
15, year old Filo Mamona Tupua, one of the two young men accused of shooting at police at the Samoa Ford Motors compound in Tafuna two weeks ago will be arraigned in High Court this morning. Yesterday he waived his rights to a preliminary examination in District Court.
MV Sili removes yacht from reef at Rose Atoll
Yesterday the MV Sili successfully removed the yacht that ran aground the reef at Rose Atoll two weeks ago, the Paul Eric.
Aoloau landowners bar access to Olotele tower
Chiefs of Aoloau village have barred access to communications equipment on Mount Olotele because they believe the village did not grant approval to some of the tenants using their lands.
Legal opinion sought on Internal Auditor post
The Chairman of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, Rep. Vaiausia Yandall says lawmakers need to be clear on the need for an Internal Auditor before acting on an administration bill which appropriates $100,000 to fund the newly created office of the Internal Auditor.
Sen Utu and Rep Jennings support ESOP study
The chairmen of the Senate and House Economic Committees see merit in conducting a feasibility study on an idea first raised by Aumua Amata Coleman, the establishment of an Employee Stock Ownership plan or ESOP.
Congressman calls for hearings on CAAS study
Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin is urging Fono leaders to hold hearings on the report of the study on Coverage for All American Samoa. The study looked at health insurance coverage for the territory and was funded with federal grants totaling $1.2 million.
Govt withdraws motion to dismiss Atofau case
The government is proceeding with the prosecution of the drug case of Punaloa David Atofau.
LBJ wants to tap Health Department funds
The LBJ Hospital wants to tap into federal funding made available to the Health Department to address the critical shortage of doctors and nurses at the hospital.
Governor asks SamPac not to remove equipment
Governor Togiola Tulafono has asked Samoa Packing not to remove equipment from its Atuu plant so as to make it easier for another business to take over.
Hawaiian delays suspension of commissions
Hawaiian Air is delaying until October the discontinuation of commissions on tickets issued in American Samoa.
Youth employment program kicks off
400 young men and women begin an eight week employment program for the summer under the Workforce Investment Program. That’s double the usual intake thanks to additional funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Vice Speaker pursues information on cable
Vice Speaker of the House Laolagi Savali Vaeao says the Fono must be kept abreast of all developments in the undersea fiber optic cable project.
Man arrested for assaulting son in law
An elderly man was arrested for hitting his son in law with a machete several times over the weekend.
Tax change would remove 30% withholding
If passed, the latest bill added to the agenda of the Fono special session would remove the requirement that companies owned by foreign corporations pay a 30% withholding for any payments repatriated to their parent company.
Administration proposes change to tax code
Governor Togiola Tulafono has added an additional item to the agenda of the Fono special Session which begins Monday.
Forum makes progress on bulk buying fuel
The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat is calling for tenders to establish a project implementation unit as the region moves ahead with plans to bulk buy fuel.
MV Sili heads to Manu'a tomorrow, then Rose
Manu’a residents are happy to learn that the MV Sili is heading their way tomorrow morning.
ASG collects info from displaced workers
In response to the impending closure of COS Samoa Packing ASG is conducting a voluntary survey of workers at the canneries and other business who will be affected.
Governor extends best wishes to fathers
Governor Togiola Tulafono wishes a Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads of American Samoa and those who fill the role of Father in their families.
Masked robber gets five year jail term
Chief Justice today sentenced a 19 year old to jail for five years without release. After he serves his jail time Iokimo Afoa is to depart for Samoa and not return for the remainder of his 15 year probation.
Vice Speaker questions loan for fiber optic cable
Vice Speaker of the House Laolagi Savali Vaeao says a $16.6 million loan that the fiber optic cable company of which the ASG is part owner, has borrowed from ANZ Bank, needs to be carefully reviewed.
Gasoline edging close to $3 a gallon at the pump
Gasoline prices are edging close to $3 a gallon with the latest wholesale price for fuel which went into effect Tuesday.
CJ orders government to enforce bail conditions
Chief Justice Michael Kruse has advised the Attorney General’s Office to forfeit bail for defendants who violate the conditions of their release.
Eight ASCC students head for Broadway
For the third year in a row, eight students from the American Samoa Community College will attend the Broadway Theater Project, described by a leading theatrical publication, Playbill, as one of the most prestigious musical theatre arts education program for high school and college students.
Rep. Soliai waiting for answers from AG
Ituau Representative Taotasi Archie Soliai has again written to the Attorney General seeking information about the repatriation of cannery employees who were brought here on guest worker permits and the legal status of alien employees sponsored by individuals.
Siufaga village eyes golf course project
The village of Siufaga on Tau island has ambitious plans to build a golf course in the village.
Cruise ship that had swine flu cases due in Sunday
The cruise ship arriving in port on Sunday, the Pacific Dawn, had an outbreak of swine flu on board during a cruise in Australia late last month.
Congressman calls for cooperation
Congressman Faleomavaega is calling for cooperation not confrontation in response to Samoa Packing’s closing.
Five suspected cases of swine flu
American Samoa is still free of the H1NI flu but the Health Department is sending to Hawaii for lab confirmation, samples from five highly suspected cases of patients who may have contracted the flu.
Southwest Marine sues ASG for breach of contract
Southwest Marine of Samoa has filed an amended complaint in the High Court against the American Samoa Government for breach of contract and failure to negotiate in good faith.
COS will honor pension and severance payments
Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin has released a statement from COS Samoa Packing regarding the distribution of employee pension benefits.
$7 million malpractice suit against ASG and LBJ
A $7 million medical malpractice suit has been filed against the American Samoa Government and LBJ Tropical Medical Center. The suit was filed earlier this month by the parents, siblings and estate of Saneterini Amosa Jr. a young man who died on July 4, 2007 in the LBJ’s Intensive Care Unit.
McDonald's awards $11,800 in scholarships
McDonald’s American Samoa honored recipients of their scholarship awards for 2009- 2010 and their parents at a luncheon today at its Fagatogo restaurant.
Coast Guard lifts ban on MV Sili
The US Coast Guard has lifted the captain of the port order on the MV Sili.
ANZ Bank provides financing for fiber optic cable
According to a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission ANZ Amerika Samoa bank, is providing a loan of $16.6 million to complete the undersea fiber optic cable.
Former Marist principal here for Class of '79 reunion
A former principal of Marist Brothers High School in Malaeloa , now a priest, Monsignor Francis Eggleton is in the territory as the guest of the Class of 79, 30th anniversary reunion.
High Court News
Twenty year old Togipa Tupolo was sentenced yesterday to one year in jail, for causing injuries to a Chinese man in Atuu last October.
ASCC appoints two vice presidents
The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) has reorganized the administrative post of Vice President into two new positions.
Tax Office will inform you when checks are ready
Tax Office Manager Melvin Joseph says people are already calling up about the Making Work Pay credit after yesterday’s announcement that local residents are eligible.
Registration opens for surveyors
The American Samoa Board of Registration for Professional Surveyors is now accepting applications for registration of new professional surveyors.
Tupua is Chief of Staff for First Lady
Toleafua Kathryn Tupua, formerly of the department of Human and Social Services has been appointed as First Lady Maryanne’s Chief of Staff.
Administration submits money bills
Three more appropriations bills have landed at the Fono for the special session of the Fono which begins Monday.
Want to be an enumerator for Ag Census?
The National Agricultural Statistics Service, an agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture responsible for conducting the nation's agriculture census, in cooperation with the local Department of Commerce's Statistics Division has scheduled the American Samoa agricultural census enumeration to begin in the first week of July this year.
Departments must appoint EEO Coordinators
Director of Manpower Resources Evelyn Vaitautolu Langford has asked each department and agency to appoint an Equal Employment Opportunity
Repairs for Fagatogo road
Cars using the loop road running through Fagatogo village should be enjoying a smooth ride soon with new paving going in as part of the construction of the Fagatogo retaining wall.
Speaker says Tautua MPs could be charged
The Samoa Speaker of the House revealed yesterday that members of the Tautua Samoa Party who entered Parliament forcibly on Monday could be charged with contempt of Parliament.
Court asked to order mental evaluation of juvenile
The EMS responded last night to a call at the Juvenile Detention Center after one of the two suspects charged in connection with the shooting last week made a gesture of committing suicide.
Residents qualify for making Work Pay Credit
Local residents are eligible for the Making Work Pay Credit under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Samoan Affairs revives village inspections
The Office of Samoan Affairs is reviving village inspections beginning next Monday.
Government cant find victim in kidnapping case
The High Court has approved a plea agreement between the government and a 21 year old who is accused of threatening a high school student.
House wants Arts Festival financial report
Vice Speaker Laolagi Savali Vaeao is awaiting a response from Governor Togiola to a request he made last month for a financial report of the 10th Festival of the Pacific Arts.
Not just Atofau evidence that disappeared
The investigation into the evidence that disappeared from the Department of Public Safety evidence room was prompted by a tip from a source that drugs for the case of drug defendant Punaloa David Atofau had been replaced with sugar powder.
Five cops charged for missing evidence
The government has charged five police officers for the removal of drugs, weapons and money from the Department of Public Safety evidence room. A civilian, a taxi driver related to one of the officers was also charged with possession of an licensed firearm that he allegedly received from hsi relative.
Health authorities monitor Samoa swine flu case
With confirmation of one swine flu case in Samoa, local health authorities are urging residents to be alert when traveling to Samoa or other countries where swine flu case have been reported.
Manu'a lawmakers want boat plan for Manu'a
Manu’a lawmakers are putting pressure on the Department of Port Administration to restore boat transportation to the islands.
Office of Procurement streamlines process
Departments have been informed that the Office of Procurement will not process procurement requests for construction and services unless departments have satisfied there’s adequate funding in their budgets.
Agencies share responsibilities
A week long workshop conducted by advisors from the Pacific Community is bringing together government agencies with resource management and environment responsibilities to learn how they can achieve each other’s objectives,.
Fono receives one bill for Special Session
The Fono has received only one bill so far for the Special session of the Fono which begins next Monday. This is the appropriation bill to fund the Office of the Independent Prosecutor.
Police charge shooting youth as adults
The two 15-year-olds arrested for the shootout with police last Friday morning have now been charged as adults. They are Filo Mamona Tupua and Anton Goddard.
Five cops charged for missing evidence
The government has charged five police officers for the removal of drugs, weapons and money from the Department of Public Safety evidence room. A civilian, a taxi driver related to one of the officers was also charged with possession of an licensed firearm that he allegedly received from hsi relative.
Samoa records first case of swine flu
Samoa’s Ministry of Health has confirmed its first swine flu case after a visiting Australian student tested positive. 30 students had been in quarantine since last week after four of them had fallen ill. They have been treated with Tamiflu.
Habor Master calls for open communication
Harbor Master Silila Patane is urging health authorities to maintain good communication with local agencies in their efforts to keep the swine flu
High Court News
The government has issued a summons for a man who allegedly assaulted a co-worker after he was terminated from his job in August 2008.
ASG looking for a new pilot for Segaula
ASG is looking for a new pilot for its Briten Norman Islander, the Segaula. According to the governor the current pilot has indicated that he is moving to the mainland to join his family.
Governor plans to reintroduce reirement bill
Governor Togiola Tulafono intends to re-introduce in the Fono regular session in July a bill that would provide an incentive for government employees to take early retirement.
First Lady advices youth to make the right choice
First Lady Mary Ann Tulafono helped celebrate the start of the summer and kick off of the Gear Up program, held at the ASCC campus this
Man arrested for stabbing wife
A man who allegedly struck his wife's head with a butcher knife last week is now facing first-degree assault, a Class A felony punishable by ten to
Shooting defendants make court appearance
The two juveniles who were arrested in connection with the shooting of police at the Samoa Ford Motors yard were in court this morning.
Dr. Ga'oupu Palaita is an outstanding academic
Congressman Faleomavaega has congratulated Dr. David Ga’oupu Palaita who was conferred a Doctorate of Philosophy in Comparative Ethnic Studies with a focus on Pacific Islander Studies from the prestigious University of California at Berkeley.
Gov seeks guarantee that hikes will be halted
Governor Togiola Tulafono wants a guarantee that if the General Accountability Office report finds that the territory cannot afford another increase in the local minimum wage, wage hikes will be automatically halted.
Yacht runs aground reef at Rose Atoll
A yacht, the Paul Eric, ran aground at the reef on Rose Atoll late last week and of this morning was still on the reef. The 39 foot yacht was on its way from Tahiti to American Samoa.
Rape case dismissed after victim changed story
The High Court has dismissed the government's case against Petaia Ualesi who was charged with raping his ex girl friend.
Gov: Leaders said no to unemployment assistance
American Samoa is not included in the federal unemployment insurance program because in 1987 territorial leaders raised objections. The federal unemployment assistance program provides monthly checks for displaced workers.
Juvenile suspects to be charged as adults
The government is expected to charge two 15-year-old boys who shot at police vehicles early last Friday morning at the Samoa Ford Motors yard, as adults.
Crew member will be checked for swine flu
A crew member on a purse seiner due in port today is being checked for symptoms of the swine flu after he traveled with a person who tested positive for the HINI flu in New Zealand.
AS eligible for $44 million in USDOE grants
American Samoa is eligible for $44.6 million under the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund (SFSF), a one-time new program that was appropriated in the American Recovery Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
15 year old questioned over shooting
A 15 year old from Fagaima is now being questioned by police in connection with the early morning shooting at the Samoa Ford Motors compound in Tafuna.
Both suspects in early am shooting apprehended
Police now have the two suspects who were shooting at police vehicles early this morning at the Samoa Ford Motors compound at Tafuna.
Masted ship sails into port
A three masted ship has attracted interest since it sailed into Pago Pago Harbor yesterday.
ASG isn't paying ASPA bills
The American Samoa Government has not paid its utility bills since March and now has a debt of about $3 million with the American Samoa Power Authority.
High Court News
In court news, Falamoe Faofua was sent to jail for one year for stabbing another man. Chief Justice Michael Kruse ignored recommendations from the government and defense attorneys to place Faofua on probation.
Local Filipinos celebrate Independence Day
The local Filipino Community is holding a celebration tomorrow to mark the 111th Philippine Independence Day.
Bill will allow territory to have a statue in D.C.
American Samoa and other insular areas will be able to have a statue honoring a citizen displayed in the Statuary Hall at the US Capitol if a bill sponsored by Congressman Faleomavaega and territorial delegates becomes law.
Young suspects shoot at police cars
Two police vehicles were shot at as they were responding to a burglary call at the Samoa Motors compound at the Tafuna Industrial Park early this morning.
Bill introduced to set up federal court here
Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin has introduced a bill to add additional judges and to confer certain federal jurisdiction on the High Court of American Samoa.
Man with mental disability sent to jail
A man with a mental condition has been sentenced to serve 28 months in jail for the stabbing death of his father.
Dr. Iatala recommends more doctors for ER
Public complaints have mounted about the amount of time it takes to see a doctor in the Emergency Clinic. According to some patients, they waited 3-4 hours to see a doctor during the day time shift.
Tree saves car in Fagamalo
An accident in Fagamalo on the western end of the island last night sent two people to the hospital.
Gear Up has busy summer schedule
Beginning Monday, Gear Up American Samoa will offer its widest variety of summer camps so far this summer.
Samoa sends off samples for swine fly tests
Health authorities in Samoa say they are concerned that swine flu tests on a group of visiting Australian high school students will return positive.
Budget boss says revenues okay for now
Budget Director Malemo Tausaga says from what he’s seen of the revenue collection reports landing on his desk, revenues are still on par with projections.
MYD Inc. lays off 20 workers
Twenty employees of the MYD Inc. were laid off today because there’s no work at the shipyard.
Rep. Vaitoa seeks answers from Port
The Chairman of the House Transportation Committee Rep. Vaitoa Hans Langkilde has written to the Director of Port Administration Matagi Ray McMoore expressing concern about the suspension of surface transportation to Manu’a.
Palau offers to accept detainees from Cuba
The U.S. State Department says discussions are still ongoing with Palau about possibly sending 17 Chinese detainees, whom the US military has held for eight years at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to Palau.
Temperatures dip with cool tradewinds
A strong high pressure area to the south of the Samoa group is pushing some cool tradewinds our way.
Group formed to explore fishing ventures
Local businesses have been invited by the Department of Commerce to the first meeting of a fishery development working group tomorrow afternoon.
Road and seawall projects continue
Public Works is continuing road construction projects using the $16 million appropriation from Congress which became available nearly three years ago.
WHO declares swine flu pandemic
The Unified Health Command will discuss at its daily briefing today how to respond to the latest development in the H1NI flu.
Businesses begin to cut back due to slow sales
Graduates looking for summer jobs will face a more difficult than usual task as most businesses say they plan to cut back staff rather than hiring.
Government moves to dismiss rape case
The government has moved to dismiss charges against Petaia Ualesi who's accused of raping his ex girlfriend back in April.
Court not convinced that case can't move forward
The High Court is not convinced that a motion by the government to dismiss charges against drug defendant Punaloa David Atofau serves the public interest. The court has directed ASG to provide further justification as to why charges against Atofau should be dismissed.
School bus driver bound over to High Court
A school bus driver for the Department of Education, Teutusi Satele will be arraigned in High Court tomorrow for the beating of a 13 year old student.
Lawmakers upset over exclusion of Manu'a
Two Manu’a lawmakers are seeking answers from the Director of Health as to why the Manua Health Center was not included in a grant application for the improvement of dispensaries in the territory.
Medivac to Ofu was first flight there in three weeks
Inter Island Air’s Britten Norman Islander made an emergency trip to Ofu Airport today to medivac an elderly male patient.
Governor notifies House about date for Fono session
Governor Togiola Tulafono has written to House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale about the postponement to the beginning date of the Special Session of the Fono.
Samoa quarantines students from Australia
A group of thirty students from Melbourne, Australia are being quarantined at a motel at Lotopa in Samoa after one of them became ill showing symptoms of swine flu. The American Samoa Unified Health Command has been informed of the situation.
Stimulus funds will create jobs in law enforcement
The Director of the Criminal Justice Planning Agency Alalamua Filoialii, says the $3.3 million in stimulus funding committed by the Department of Justice for American Samoa will create new jobs in law enforcement.
Local piggery designs lead the way
American Samoa’s success in building safer and more environmentally friendly piggeries has set a par for other Pacific territories to emulate.
Lawmaker says ESOP has merit
A lawmaker who has been studying employee stock ownership plans, after Aumua Amata Coleman raised the idea, says there’s merit in exploring this option.
Bus hits 8 year old in Vaitogi
An 8 year old boy was admitted to the pediatric ward with head injuries after he was struck by a 6 wheeler aiga bus yesterday afternoon at Vaitogi.
Manu'a residents lament suspension of boat trips
Residents of Manu’a have experienced what it’s like not having regular boat transportation from Tutuila. And they do not want to go through it again.
Mayor Hannemann could be eyeing Governorship
At an after-work meeting with Cabinet members and supporters last night, Mayor Mufi Hannemann authorized supporters to form an exploratory committee for a run for governor in 2010.
Public Defender wants cannery to pay up
Assistant Public Defender Melissa Simenson believes Star Kist Samoa is not meeting its obligations under the guest worker law.
Samoa shows interest in SamPac equipment
The Samoa Manufacturers and Exporters Association has made enquiries regarding production equipment of Samoa Packing to set up a loining operation in Apia.
USDA guarantees make dream projects possible
Local businesses were eager to learn about the loan programs offered by the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development Division.
New airport hangar moving forward
The new airport hangar which will house the new aircraft for Inter Island Air is scheduled to arrive in two weeks.
On the job training has double intake this summer
The Department of Human Resources is able to double the usual intake of recruits for the youth employment program this summer thanks to stimulus funding.
Faleomavaega has different take from governor
Congressman Faleomavaega has disputed statements by Governor Togiola that congressional staffers are unwilling to consider our requests to delay or stop the mandated increases to the minimum wage.
Pastor ousted over a loan in Samoa
A minister of the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa has been sacked by angry members of a parish over a secret bank loan application.
Chamber hosts USDA officials
Officials from the United States Department of Agriculture will be the featured guest speakers at today’s general meeting of the American Samoa Chamber of Commerce.
Inter island dock to get terminal building
A long standing complaint of boat travelers using the inter island dock behind the Registrar’s Office is the lack of a sheltered terminal building for passengers.
Bird study concludes in Wallis and Futuna
Five staff members from the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources will travel to Wallis and Futuna next month to carry out the last phase of a first of its kind study on birds in the Pacific.
Car jacker is summoned to court
A 21-year-old man, is summoned to appear before the District Court Friday, for an incident which happened during the Pacific Arts Festival last year.
World Teach Organization will send more teachers
A second batch of volunteer teachers from the World Teach Organization, which sends volunteer teachers to staff schools around the globe, will send another group of volunteer educators to American Samoa in July.
Where will waste oil go after SamPac closes?
The American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency is asking for ideas from the US EPA on what to do with the waste oil collected from vehicle oil changes for individuals and businesses after the Samoa Packing cannery closes.
Agriculture Safety Day attracts big crowd
It’s the first week of summer vacation for most students but for more than 160 children, today was another day of learning.
House awaits notice from Governor
As of today, the House of Representatives was still awaiting notification from the Governor’s Office concerning the delay to the Special Fono Session.
MYD Inc. calls reversal of award a "real blow"
MYD Inc. says it will have to lay off 25% of its workers now that the government has cancelled the contract award to drydock the MV Sili.
Lawmakers concerned about Manu'a transportation
Lawmakers are anxious to get to the bottom of why the contract award for the overhaul of the MV Sili, which was won by MYD Inc, has been cancelled.
Amata explains stock ownership plan
Aumua Amata Coleman has explained that she is not proposing or recommending a stock ownership plan for Samoa Packing employees.
Cannery workers tld not to lose hope
Meanwhile Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin has told employees of Samoa Packing to be patient and not lose hope.
BOH switches managers in Palau and AS
Bank of Hawaii has appointed Brian S. Glass, vice president and district manager in American Samoa, as country manager of BOH in the Republic of Palau. Glass will be replaced by James “Hobbs” M. Lowson, vice president and country manager for the Republic of Palau. The appointments are effective June 2.
Nurse in Samoa again charged with abortion
A 38 year-old former nurse in Samoa who was convicted four years ago of procuring abortion, Akalita Apelu, has reappeared again in Apia’s Supreme Court on the same criminal charge.
Suspects in killing of taxi driver named
The two men charged with the killing of taxi driver Ofisa Ofisa, whose body was found in the boot of his taxi last month in Mulifanua made their first appearance in the Supreme Court yesterday.
AS gets an additional $2.6 million for child care
The US Department of Health and Human Services is awarding an additional $2.6 million in stimulus funding to American Samoa for children day care services.
Hold up on plea agreement for Nauer
Chief Justice Michael Kruse today instructed lawyers to make sure a drug defendant understood what he was pleading guilty to before the court accepts the plea agreement.
A CPA from WA accepts Territorial Auditor job
A Certified Public Accountant from Washington State, Mr. Robert Dantini, will fill the long vacant position of Territorial Auditor.
ASOA ready to help senipr citizens
A new group formed to harness the expertise of senior citizens and provide training to equip the elderly for tasks in their families is already mapping out their activities. It’s the American Samoa Organization on Aging or ASOA which was formed last week at the AP Lutali Senior Citizen Center.
ASPA lifts contaminated water notice
The American Samoa Power Authority on Saturday lifted the contaminated water notice for areas of the western district.
Samoan pro footballer, Pio Sagapolutele, dies
Former Browns defensive lineman Pio Sagapolutele died of a massive stroke and heart attack on Sunday night in Arizona. He was 39.
Man in jail for stabbing wife
A man spent the weekend in jail after he allegedly stabbed his wife’s head with a butcher knife in Mesepa Saturday night.
Car accident at Industrial Park
A rental car carrying five young passengers crashed into the government housing fence near the M&O compound in Tafuna early Saturday morning.
High Court News
Chief Justice Michael Kruse told the government today to take note of the name of an adult who bought beer for minors who vandalized the Feleti Barstow Public Library earlier this year.
Governor thanks public for swine flu response
Governor Togiola has thanked the community for their positive response and cooperation with efforts to combat the H1N1 flu scare.
ANZ will work with customers on repayments
ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank says it will always work with customers who encounter financial difficulty in meeting loan payments.
Governor says there's too many experts
Governor Togiola Tulafono has not taken kindly to criticisms about the exclusion of private sector representatives in ASG’s cannery closure task force. And he’s questioned the viability of a stock ownership plan being suggested to save the Samoa Packing plant.
Soldiers and veterans get help on island
The US Army is urging veterans, active soldiers and their families who have been deployed to the war zone to take advantage of services being provided by the Warrior and Family assistance Center.
Twenty DHSS workers lose jobs
Twenty short-term contract employees of the Department of Human and Social Services have been laid off.
ASPA water system contaminated
Fecal coliform or E coli bacteria has been found in the water supply for areas of the Western district and the American Samoa Power Authority is notifying residents to boil their water before using.
ASTCA to build three story office in Tafuna
The American Samoa Telecommunications Authority hopes to begin construction of a new three story building this summer.
Governor: no support to delay wage hike in D.C.
Governor Togiola Tulafono informed cabinet members yesterday that American Samoa is not getting support from Congress to its request to delay the 2010 minimum wage hike.
Coast Guard puts stop to Sili trips
The US Coast Guard has issued a verbal order stopping the government vessel, the MV Sili from leaving port.
ASG rescinds Sili repair contract awarded to MYD
MYD Inc. which operates the shipyard at Satala was notified Friday by the Procurement Office that it is rescinding the contract award for the overhaul of the MV Sili.
Vice Speaker Laolagi gets six months probation
Vice Speaker Laolagi Savali Vaeao has been been placed on six months probation and ordered to undergo anger management counseling after he pled no contest this morning to a charge of disturbing the peace.
School bus driver now faces felony charge
The government has filed felony charges against a school bus driver accused of hitting a 13 year old student with a lumber on Monday in Taputimu.
Court hears motion for a new sentence in fuel case
The High Court has taken under advisement a motion by Korean businessman Soo Dong Kim for a new sentence.
Food prices dip in May
The overall cost of basic food items has dropped by 2.9% since January of this year according to the latest Monthly Basic Food Index released by the Department of Commerce. For the month of May, the index dropped by almost 1 percent over April.
Deputy Commish responds to complaints
Acting Commissioner of Public Safety Filifaatali Mike Fuiava says there has never been any documented complaints against a cop who is being transferred from the Traffic Division to Internal Affairs.
Australia top source of tourists in first quarter
The first quarterly report on visitor arrivals produced by the Department of Commerce Statistics Division shows that Australia was the main source of tourists who visited our shores in the first quarter of 2009.
Villages next target of swine flu campaign
The Unified Health Command will begin mobilizing their awareness programs for the H1N1 flu to the villages within a week as it prepares the community for the arrival of swine flu.
Territory awarded $1 million for airport tarmac
Governor Togiola Tulafono has announced that the Department of Port administration has been awarded a $1 million grant from the US Department of Transportation for improvements to the tarmac at Pago Pago International Airport.
DOC issues first report on arrivals/deparures
The territory had more than 17,500 arrivals in the first quarter of 2009 and this does not include 9,500 passengers and crew of four cruise ships which called into port from January to March.
LDS church prepares members for tough times
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is gathering information on the number of church members who will be affected by the closure of the Samoa Packing cannery.
Grants puts village men to work
Men from Fagasa village are earning between $6 and $9 an hour eradicating the invasive tamaligi tree under a grant from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Court news
The territory’s lack of facilities for defendants with mental problems was again highlighted in a case before the District Court today.
Directors told to comply with travel policy
Directors have been urged to follow ASG’s travel policy especially in filing expense reports in a timely manner.
Tax refunds top $13.5 million
The Tax Office is winding down on the processing of tax refunds for calendar year 2008.
US Census Bureau to localize advertising
The US Census Bureau says publicity campaigns for the 2010 census will be localized.
Low budget fares help drive tourism
A conference in Auckland has been told Pacific skies should be opened up to competition to fully realise the region’s tourism potential.
Extension sought for ABS inspection of MV Sili
The Department of Port Administration is asking the American Bureau of Shipping to extend the inspection schedule for the MV Sili till the end of June.
Tourism plan should be ready in four months
The California company which has been selected to write a tourism master Plan for American Samoa hopes to complete the plan within 4 months.
Changes at DPS ruffling some feathers
There are rumblings from the rank and file of the police force over personnel changes ordered by the Commissioner of Public Safety, Tuaolo Fruean.
Results of business survey out this month
The Department of Commerce expects to release a preliminary tabulation of the first quarterly business survey by the end of this month.
California company picked to write Tourism Plan
A company out of California, BSB Design/Resort Consulting Associates, has been awarded the contract to develop a new tourism master plan for American Samoa.
BSB will incorporate local input in tourism plan
The California Company that has been selected to write a master tourism plan for American Samoa , BSB Design, says the views of the people of American Samoa will be taken into account in the development of their plan.
Police car hits pedestrian on crosswalks
A police vehicle struck a pedestrian on a cross walk near the Wallace Theatre on Monday night. The 21 year old male was hit on the right leg and he was admitted to the hospital for observation over night.
DOC urges businesses to answer survey
Seventy-five percent of businesses have completed and sent in their surveys for the first quarterly business survey from the 215 companies which were sent questionnaires in April.
TB is on the increase in Pacific
The Secretariat of the Pacific Community is alarmed by new data showing an increase in tuberculosis in the Pacific region.
NZ and Australia pay school fees in Samoa
New Zealand is to provide up to $1 million to help disadvantaged families in Samoa meet the cost of school fees, Foreign Minister Murray McCully announced today.
High Court fines drug defendant
The High Court has fined drug defendant Victor Chanel $20,000 for possession of marijuana, of which $15,000 would be waived if he successfully completes a drug rehabilitation program.
COS Samoa Packing dismantles equipment
COS Samoa Packing has begun dismantling equipment from its Satala plant and putting them in containers to be shipped out.
US Census will create 300 jobs
The decennial count of every man woman and child living in the territory will create new jobs and pump new money into the economy.
AG promises to make canneries comply with law
Attorney General Fepuleai Afa Ripley has given assurances that his office will ensure that the canneries meet their obligations under the guest worker law.
Polynesian targets June 28 for Fagalii flights
Polynesian Airlines expects to begin using Fagalii Airport just a stone's throw from the town of Apia at the end of this month.
Hawaiian air starts extra flight early
Hawaiian Airlines operated its first extra summer flight from Honolulu last night, two weeks ahead of the original schedule.
Charges imminent over missing evidence
The government expects to file charges against five police officers who have been under investigation for removing money, drugs and guns from the Department of Public Safety evidence room, before the end of this week.
Social Security advises new couples to update info
The local Social Security Office is alerting residents about the importance of updating their information to avoid any delays in receiving entitlements.
Former MP Toi Aukuso dies
A former government minister in Samoa serving a life sentence for plotting to kill another cabinet minister has died.
Police impound ASG cars at a funeral
Police impounded four Port Administration vehicles parked at a funeral in Faganeanea last week. Department staff had used the vehicles to take a traditional presentation or sii to the funeral when police arrived and confiscated the vehicles.
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