Malama TV: Archived Stories
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The Governors Economic Advisory Council has submitted its first report to Governor Togiola Tulafono for his review on the Councils recommendations for economic development projects designed to stimulate the economy. The 29 page report, as written in the reports cover letter, reflects the expressed thoughts, experiences and recommendations of the private and public sectors as represented by the Council member. The projects suggested in the report are believed by the Council to be achievable in the short run, and promising for long term results.
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Maoputasi District number 10 faipule, the honorable Vaitoa Hans Langkilde, has written an official inquiry with Chief election Officer Soliai Tuipine, regarding the district designation for the village of Satala.
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The Personnel Committee of the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts is calling on all those who applied for Liaison Officer positions during the festival as volunteers, that training sessions will be held at the Lee Auditorium next week Monday and Tuesday.
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Three students from the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) will experience the unique island culture of Tokelau for three weeks as part of an Archaeological Field School organized by instructor Dr. David Addison. Marie Faatuala, Timali Pele and Junior Lokeni will participate in a research project held in conjunction with the National University of Samoa (NUS), the University of the South Pacific (USP) and the Tokelau Department of Education. As one of the closest island groups to the north of Samoa, we believe that Tokelau at one time had a close connection with Samoa. This research project will give us a chance to investigate that theory, said Dr. Addison.
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U.S. Army Europes noncommissioned officer corps bid farewell to their top NCO on behalf of the commands 46,000 Soldiers and their Families during a farewell retreat ceremony in Heidelburg, germany on June 18.
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South Pacific Express has received approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation to operate passenger and cargo flights between American Samoa and Samoa. The U.S. DOT has granted SPEX a two year permit for inter-Samoa flights, and after the allotted time period SPEX may then reapply for another two year extension.
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American Samoa has received confirmation that 4 to 6 of our local youth artists have been invited to join internationally renowned marine life artist Wyland in Beijing, China for an unprecedented global art project celebrating the worlds waters.
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The Governors Economic Advisory Board is finding ways to help ensure that Samoa Packing and Star Kist continue operation in American Samoa. After the minimum wage increase policy went into effect, both canneries were concerned about escalating costs and other strains imposed by the wage increase. In the Boards first report to Governor Togiola Tulafono, the suggestion was made to assist the canneries by finding ways to reduce or eliminate minimum wage hikes.
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Malama TV has received numerous calls from local consumers displeased with the hike in the price of rice, among other food items. Some have noticed an apparent shortage of rice in the territory as some stores have already run out or have a low supply. To address the rise in food prices, Governor Togiola Tulafono has put together a three member Board of Investigation to look into the matter.
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More than 200 students are making the most of their summer as they participate in this years Workforce Investment Act summer youth employment program. The program is directed and organized by the Department of Human Resources and is open to private and public high school students, as well as students of the American Samoa Community College.
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The cafeteria at the American Samoa Community College is once again open after having been shut down for a few weeks due to failure of meeting health regulations. The cafeteria was inspected earlier this month and Department of Health officials found that the facility was in a need of a new paint job and that it also lacked hot water. In addition, several employees failed to provide health cards which are required under DOH regulations to serve food to the public.
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The Attorney General's Office is investigating the disappearance of missing weapons stolen from the Department of Public Safety.
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A visiting cardiologist from Maui, Hawaii has been conducting a clinic for Manua residents since June 10th. Dr. Philip Milne has seen more than 20 heart patients so far, and after evaluations, two are being assessed and will be presented to the board for off-island treatment.
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The U.S. Department of Defense Joint Task Force for Homeland Defense is presently conducting training sessions for local government agencies to focus on skills and capabilities in managing large scale emergency operations.
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The population in American Samoa grew from less than 10,000 to 57,291 between 1900 and 2000, and based on these statistics from the Department of Commerce, American Samoa is apparently facing the major threat of overpopulation. Director of the Department of Commerce, Faleseu Eliu Paopao, said this problem must be addressed as its impacts will be inevitable to all residents of American Samoa.
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With the MV Sili still dry docked, Governor Togiola is looking into the chartering service of the Fotu O Samoa vessel, which is owned by the Samoa government. The vessel sailed last night to transport food supplies and fuel to Manua as residents have been complaining of a shortage in both necessities since the MV sili has been out of service.
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The American Samoa Bus Owners/Drivers Association is voicing opposition to the 25 cent bus fare hike scheduled to go into effect across the board. Along with the 50 cent taxi fare hike scheduled for July 1, the increase in bus fares is intended to help offset the increased expenses drivers and owners of commercial vehicles are facing due to the increase in gas prices.
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The organizing committee of the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts received another donation today from a group of cargo companies doing business in the pacific, with offices in American Samoa, Guam, Tonga and New Zealand.
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The votes of U.S. citizens residing in U.S. territories will be counted in future U.S. presidential elections if a federal measure sponsored by U.S. Senator Bill Nelson is enacted into law. The measure provides that the Constitution of the United States be amended to abolish the electoral college votes which at current determine the winning ticket of the presidential race. It was introduced on June 6 and assigned to the Senate Committee on Judiciary.
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The elderly population of American Samoa gathered at the TAOA compound last week to enjoy some traditional games that are no longer seen played today. The traditional games of fitifiti and taulafoga were popular games played in the Samoa islands generations ago.
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The Office of Procurement last Friday, presented three vehicles to the Departments of Public Safety and Legal Affairs, under a program with the federal GSA.
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The GHC Reid family of businesses today made their donation toward the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts, at an official presentation ceremony held at the GHC Reid compound in Tafuna.
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Last Saturday morning at the Executive Office Building in Utulei, Governor Togiola Tulafono unveiled the new American Samoa Flag stamp, which was one of ten stamps of states and territories that were the first to be released by the U. S. Postal Service.
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Governor Togiola Tulafono and Lt. Governor Faoa Aitofele Sunia officially kicked off their reelection campaign this past Saturday at the Pago Pago Community Center. Despite the heavy rain, the rally was packed in attendance with families, friends, and supporters of the incumbent team. Also in attendance were Senate President Lolo Moliga and House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale.
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The Department of Human Resources has completed its study on the impact of the wage increase on the American Samoa Governments budget for the current fiscal year. Based on the finding of no major impacts resulting from the wage hike, Governor Togiola said he will now lift the freeze that prevented any hiring, promotion, and increment within ASG.
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Taxi rates will increase across the board by 50 cents on July 1, 2008 under the proposal of the commerce commission which regulates public transportation. Taxi drivers have been pushing for the rate increase to help offset increased expenses mainly stemming from the escalation in gas prices.
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LBJ Hospital is now issuing a newly designed hospital identification card. Patients were previously issued a green card that contained information such as the cardholders name, village, and hospital number. The new ID card not only provides this information, but also includes a photo of the person to whom the card is issued.
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American Samoa has taken a step towards the pursuit of alternative and renewable energy for our territory through a memorandum of understanding that was signed this past Tuesday. The MOU was signed by the American Samoa Government, MD2 Energy Solutions LLC, and the University of Hawaii through Pacific Business Center Program director Papalii Dr. Failautusi Avegalio.
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Governor Togiola Tulafono announced this week that 10 new school buses have been ordered to improve the Department of Education bus fleet and in preparation for the new school year.
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Governor Togiola Tulafono announced today that the Samoa government boat, Fotu o Samoa, has been contracted to provide much-needed passenger and cargo service to Manua.
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The Pacific Islands Center for Educational Development began their summer school program this past Monday with an enrollment of 230 students. Courses are being offered for students in level two through twelve and are being held at PICEDs new location in Nuuuli. Among the 16 subjects covered in the summer session are math, reading, science, writing, and computers.
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Tile Tuala Tamaalelagi of Laulii is heading a group of carvers who will create a sculpture from a tree for the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts. Tile is the noted artist who crafted the mosaic for the Laulii CCCAS. The details of the art piece to be created for the festival are not known, but the artists will most likely reveal the specifics during a scheduled press conference this Thursday.
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All high school JROTCs in American Samoa, with the exception of Manua high School, held a fun run today, as well as a course on water safety and floatation. The courses are part of the summer training which is being held at the Samoana High School campus in Utulei.
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The Young Womens Christian Association, better known as the YWCA, is starting another of its sewing courses for the women of American Samoa. The sewing course is another in a series that have already been completed with great success.
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At the Governors cabinet meeting held yesterday, Governor Togiola Tulafono announced that all government departments and agencies will be participating in a cleanup of the island on July 11th, as we prepare to host the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts, and before that, the PREL conference in July.
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As the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts draws near, the Department of Health is reminding all food vendors of the need for valid health permits. All food handlers will be required to have in their possession a valid health card while handling food for public consumption at all times, according to the law.
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Governor Togiola Tulafono will be unveiling the American Samoa Flag Stamp this Saturday, June 14th, which also happens to be United States Flag Day.
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The Samoa Veterans Association was added to the list today of contributors toward the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts, as they presented a check for $1,000 toward the major event.
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This week Monday, the Jean P. Haydon Museum in Fagatogo opened an exhibit of artwork by local artist Jurgen Von Radtke. The paintings will be on display for two weeks, and Von Radtke is one of the visual artists who will be featured for American Samoa during the upcoming arts festival.
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Its official. Senate President Lolo Moliga will NOT be running for governor in this years gubernatorial election. Lolo cited that there are now already four candidates with ancestral ties to the Manuatele, and his candidacy would only further embolden divisiveness which he said unfortunately, is still visible today. My candidacy will only fuel this already very hostile and volatile cultural condition, said Lolo.
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Congressman Faleomavaega today clarified the intent of a bill he introduced to make it easier for U.S. nationals living in American Samoa to become U.S. citizens, if they so choose.
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Local teachers will be rallying this summer to address their needs as educators, and to discuss their goals and issues that need to be addressed by the government. Tafuna High School social studies teacher, Ben Teo, is organizing the local teachers association, and says that now is an ideal time for the teachers to get together since school is out for the summer.
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The MV Sili has been dry docked at the marine railway for the past two weeks as it is undergoing repairs on the aft side of the boat which will be followed by an inspection before it can continue its routine services. With the vessel temporarily out of service, Manua residents and store owners are complaining that store shelves are becoming empty, and basic food items have become unavailable as stores are running low on supplies. The residents are also concerned of the shortage of gasoline, noting that drivers are having to keep their cars parked and walk.
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Congressman Faleomavaega Eni is supporting South Pacific Express in their quest to receive the green light from the U.S. Department of Transportation to operate inter-Samoa flights. SPEX recently submitted their application to the USDOT and is still awaiting their response. Faleomavega wrote to Transportation Secretary Mary Peters in hopes to expedite the process.
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Business and Professional Women of American Samoa showed continued support for the education of our young people through scholarship awards that will help selected high school students further their education at the college level. This year, BPWAS has awarded a total of $4,500 in scholarships to five young women who have graduated from high school this year.
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The American Samoa Legislature today acknowledged receipt of 15 computers which were donated from Hawaii for the Fono.
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Out of the ten categories of food items that were put out to bid by the School Lunch Program, nine have been awarded to local companies. Between GHC Reid, Islands Choice, Pacific Sales and Tautua Mo Oe, over $2 million worth of contracts were awarded.
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And in news from the courts, 18 year old Joseph Mamona appeared in district court yesterday for charge of first degree robbery. The prosecution contends that on May 31 in Tafuna, Mamona hid inside a womans car and as she drove away, he came out of hiding and held a knife to the victims throat, demanding that she give him $500. The woman told Mamona that she only had $80, of which she handed over to him. The defendant then asked the woman to drop him off in front of a laundromat in Iliili.
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Three students will depart the territory this week to represent American Samoa in the 2008 National History competition, which is being held at the University of Maryland at College Park. American Samoa will be represented by the winners of the island wide National History Day competition which was held earlier this year.
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All local high school JROTCs are taking part in the summer training this week at the Samoana high School campus. The event is being hosted this year by Fagaitua High School.
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The Election Office is reminding all candidates and their campaign committees, as well as contributors, to make sure they abide by the local laws for election contributions. Deputy election officer, Filivaa Mageo, said it is mandatory for candidates to file their financial reports with the Campaign Spending Commission, in accordance with local laws. Filing forms are available at the Election Office.
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As the donations continue to pour in from the community for the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts, the organizing committee was taken by surprise today when they were notified that the elderly folks of American Samoa wanted to hand over their contribution to the big event.
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On his weekend radio program, Governor Togiola voiced strong opposition to Congressman Eni Faleomavaegas bill which seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act so that certain U.S. citizenship requirements may be waived for U.S. nationals living in American Samoa.
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The heavy rains this past weekend had many Tafuna residents worried about their homes being flooded, as more than ten homes in the village were damaged by flooding two weeks ago. There have been no reports of flooding over the past weekend, but some Tafuna residents expressed dissatisfaction with the response they received when they took precautions by seeking help from the police, Public Works, and TEMCO.
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The installation ceremony for American Samoa Community College President, Dr. Seth Galeai, was held this past Saturday at the ASCC lecture hall. Dr. Galeai was announced as the new college president earlier this month, after former president Dr. Adele Satele-Galeai stepped down for health reasons.
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The regional director of the Honolulu Passport Agency, Nancy K. Finn, is encouraging all travelers who plan to travel abroad in 2009 or 2010 to apply for passports now. At present, the amount of time required to obtain a passport averages less than four weeks, however, passport agencies are expecting a great increase in processing time, noting that the U.S. Department of State predicts an estimated 21 million passports to be issued this year, and 30 million next year.
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The Project Notification and Review System Board will be holding a public hearing on Wednesday, July 2 at the Convention Center in Utulei for open discussion on the fiber-optic cable project, which is scheduled for launch in American Samoa in 2009.
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This week started off with more donations for the organizing committee of the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts. Steven and Sons this morning made their presentation to the committee for $3,000.
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The Gear Up Program, in conjunction with the Taitaitama Program and the American Samoa National Olympic Committee opened their Summer Mini Camp today, targeting the youth of American Samoa. The camp continues through June 27th, includes students from the Gear Up cohort schools throughout the island.
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The U.S. Medical Licensing Exam policy has required 24 of our local physicians to seat a three-part exam in order to continue employment at LBJ Hospital. The USMLE policy was implemented by the LBJ Board in 2006 in an effort to properly license our non U.S. certified doctors in accordance with administrative policies and rules.
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Each semester, the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) recognizes outstanding academic achievement by compiling the Deans List. The list consists of full-time students who attain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5 or better in courses numbered 100 and above in any given semester, with no failing (F), withdrawal (W), withdrawal fail (WF), incomplete (I) or repeated (R) grades.
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In the Congress this week, Congressman Faleomavaega Eni introduced a bill to exempt U.S. Nationals born in American Samoa from having to meet all requirements of becoming a U.S. citizen, as outlined in the federal Immigration and Nationality Act.
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Polynesian Airlines second twin otter aircraft arrived on its maiden flight yesterday morning at the Tafuna airport. The 19- seater was in Apia last month and was being used for inter-Samoa flights as well as charter flights to Niue.
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Earlier this week during construction of the new grandstand at the Veterans Memorial Stadium, a Department of Public Works employee fell from a section of the stadium that was under construction. According to Public Works director Taeaotui Punaofo Tilei, the crew member fell about ten feet to the ground and suffered only minor bruises. With no serious injuries, Taeaotui said the man returned to work the next day but as a precautionary measure, he was sent home to rest.
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Attorney General Fepuleai Afa Ripley Jr. offered his apology to the High Court yesterday for granting the release of Makuisa Amotai from the Territorial Correctional Facility for Mothers Day weekend. Amotai, a retied police veteran, was found guilty for vehicular homicide and was sentenced by the High Court last month to 20 months in jail without release, except for an emergency or by court order. The detention period is a condition of Amotais five year probation.
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As concerns continue to be raised regarding the status of LBJs off-island medical referral program, LBJ chief executive officer Patricia Tindall responded to inquiries noting that the off-island referral program is still open. However, based on current funding, she said LBJ can only send patients of Level 1 cases, which are urgent and life threatening.
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The American Samoa Development Corporation has not received any serious offers from investors interested in the development of Rainmaker Hotel. The deadline to submit offers was May 31, 2008, by which ASDC has received three inquiries but none of which seem to be promising.
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New-Zealand based music group, Te Vaka, received two awards at the S-cubed Pacific Music Awards held last weekend in New Zealand. Te Vaka consists of eleven members from different countries across Oceania, including Samoa. They were awarded the Radio 531pi Best Pacific Group Award and the S-cubed Best Pacific Music Album for Olatia.
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And donations to the Arts Festival continue to roll in as the 10th Festival of the Pacific Arts is right around the corner. Yesterday, congressional candidate Aumua Amata presented a $6,000 donation on behalf of herself, the American Samoa-based tuna purse seiner vessels and the American Tuna boat Association.
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22 soldiers of the local 400th Combat Support Platoon of the U.S. Army Reserve returned home early this morning on a delayed Hawaiian Air flight, after a 10-month tour of duty in Iraq.
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After weeks of speculation in the community, Utu Abe Malae has made it official. He will be running for governor in the November elections.
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The attorney for Good Year Corporation, Trevor Stevenson, has said that he is disappointed that recent comments have been publicized in the local media concerning Good Year and the Tafuna Scrap Metal Yard.
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Farmers in American Samoa are being encouraged to sign up for financial assistance through the Farm Bill, with programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program for ground and surface water conservation and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program.
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And yet another donation was made today toward the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts. Ko Brothers Store in Nuuuli donated a $1,000 plus 500 cases of saimin noodles to help with the hosting of the event.
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The U.S. Department of Transportation is now reviewing the application of South Pacific Express to operate inter island flights between American Samoa and Samoa.
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And the support for the arts festival keeps rolling in to help the organizing committee with preparations to host the pacific countries who will be arriving next month for the major regional event.
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A total of ten companies have submitted bids to supply the School Lunch Program with various food items for the 2008-2009 school year. This is the first tender since the bidding policies were changed under the new management of Sodexho Inc., who took over the local school lunch program last year.
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Nomination petitions for those who wish to run for office in the November elections were available for pick up today at the election Office. The positions included in the nomination petition process are Governor, Lieutenant governor, Delegate to the U.S. Congress, and the local House of Representatives.
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ASCO Motors American Samoa has been awarded the Business Excellence Award among Toyota Distributors in the south Pacific. The presentation was made at a gala dinner held in Brisbane, Australia on May 16th.
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And in news from our neighbors to the west, the Independent State of Samoa will be celebrating 46 years of independence this week. It is reported that hundreds of guests and invited dignitaries are expected to attend the celebrations.
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It was a weekend of heavy downpours, landslides and even an earthquake for American Samoa. Many residents stayed home due to the inclement weather. Flooding was reported in several areas of the island, including the Fagaima area , which was impassible in the morning hours. Some motorists reported the water level at above the floor boards of their cars, causing the water to seep into their vehicles while trying to drive through the flooding.
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Its that time of the year again, with high school graduations scheduled throughout this whole week. Last week started off with Manumalo, Kanana Fou Pacific Horizons, SDA Iakina, Manua and Faasao Marist High Schools holding their commencement exercises.
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With the number of burglaries and public peace disturbances on the rise, the Department of Public Safety is reviving its Community Crime Prevention Program to try to tackle the problem.
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A new policy went into effect yesterday at the LBJ Tropical Medical Center, to try to regulate patients visitors.
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The president of the Develoment Bank of American Samoa, Utu Abe Malae, has resigned from his position amid rumors that he is preparing to announce a run for governor. Utu submitted his resignation letter tp the bank board last week Thursday.
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With the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts less than two months away, other pacific countries that will be participating are also busy in their own way, selecting and preparing their artists for the major regional event to be held in American Samoa.
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Donations continue to pour in from the community to assist the organizing committee of the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts.
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Former faipule of Tualatai County Leaeno Frank Reed was laid to rest today. He was 65. His funeral service was held at the Congregational Church of Jesus in Fagatogo this morning, followed by a short wake.
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The organizing committee of the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts has expressed concerns about the unsightliness of the Tafuna Scrap Metal Yard near the airport.
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Congressman Faleomavaega Eni is planning to introduce a bill in congress next week, that would give U.S. Nationals residing in American Samoa the option of applying for U.S. Citizenship without having to reside in the U.S. for a certain period of time.
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If American Samoas present population growth pattern continues, its current population count of 68,000 will double in the next 40 years. An advisory group to Governor Togiola Tulafono has also pointed to population pressure as the number one threat to natural resources in the territory.
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The U.S. Senate has included in a war spending bill, provisions for a study to be conducted on the impact of past and future wage increases implemented for American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas.
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And its Play Ball time again. The American Samoa Little League Baseball Association has announced that registration for this years little league summer program will open this Saturday at the Tony Solaita Field in Tafuna.
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American Samoa will soon be the only country in the South Pacific to have a hot fire training facility. This means that fire fighters at the Tafuna International Airport will be training to put out aircraft fires using aviation fuel, instead of propane and other gases which have been commonly used.
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Governor Togiola Tulafono has proclaimed the week of May 25th to 31st as Emergency Medical Services Week in American Samoa.
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Another contribution from the business community to the Festival of Pacific Arts organizing committee was presented today. Tools, Inc. and Industrial Gases combined a total of $4,000 as their donation toward a successful hosting of the major regional event in July and August of this year.
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The Department of Public Works dedicated their new office facilities last Friday, located at the Industrial Park in Tafuna where the Maintenance and Operations complex has been. The DPW offices added to the complex were formerly located at the Executive Office Building in Utulei. Those spaces have been vacated and will now be taken over by the Department of Commerce.
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Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the House recently passed the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2008 which includes his provision to allow U.S. purse seine vessels to fish in the exclusive economic zones of all the Pacific Islands Parties, including any of the U.S. EEZs except Hawaii.
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The federal stimulus package tax rebates are still drawing large crowds at the Executive Office Building in Utulei, as hopeful recipients stand in line to see if they are on the latest list of checks issued.
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The American Samoa Government banked over $6.7 million in local funds during the month of March 2008. This is an increase from the $6.2 million and $5.6 million it collected the same time in the past two years, respectively.
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Nikolao Pula, The Director of the Office of Insular Affairs at the Interior Department in Washington DC, testified before a congressional hearing earlier this week, and said that current and complete information on the insular areas is essential for good decision making on important issues involving the U.S. territories.
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Two agents from the U.S. Fish and wildlife Service , an enforcement arm of the Department of the Interior, are in the territory to assist local enforcement agencies in preparation for the arrival of participants and visitors for the Festival of Pacific Arts in July and August.
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The stray dog eradication program being spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture is picking up the pace as the opening of the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts is now less than two months away. Today, more stray dogs recently captured were put to sleep.
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The second phase of the Lions Club Project Eye Care 2008 came to a close today, after examining and treating eye patients with diabetes.
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The American Samoa Community College Land Grant Program today held a presentation ceremony at which ASCC President Seth Galeai presented the organizing committee of the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts with over 400 potted native plants.
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The reigning Miss American Samoa, Shanette Tilo has begun a campaign where she is visiting the schools of the territory and speaking to the students about taking pride, as American Samoa reaches the two-month mark before the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts.
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Fono members today were briefed by experts who will be connecting American Samoa to the Pac Rim East underwater fiber optic cable. The lawmakers were told that American Samoa should be connected and up and running by early next year if all goes well according to plan.
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Special agents of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today held a briefing at the Department of Marine and Wildlife conference room in Fagatogo, to help prepare local officials for the Festival of Pacific Arts in July, concerning protected and endangered species of plants and animals that are not allowed to be brought into the territory.
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Governor Togiola Tulafono today signed documents to bring the first undersea fiber optic cable to American Samoa. He said the submarine fiber optic cable is the most significant economic development project in the last several decades.
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This coming Friday marks the annual celebration of Senior Day, and the Territorial Administration on Aging in American Samoa is preparing for a fun filled day of activities.
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Governor Togiola Tulafono yesterday signed into law the Absentee Military Voter Bill, allowing military service members to vote from off island starting in this years November election.
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Governor Togiola has signed a one year tax agreement with Del Monte Foods, essentially reducing the tax rates for Star Kist Samoa to the American Samoa Government.
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There is some relief for local importers regarding the dockside customs inspections for all cargo containers. ASG Treasurer Gaea Pelefoti Failautusi says that some importers with good track records since the new policy was implemented, will be allowed to haul their containers to their place of business and have the customs officers inspect them there.
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Governor Togiola Tulafono yesterday issued a General Memorandum to freeze all hiring, promotions and increments until further notice.
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The Lions Club of Pago Pago has begun the second phase of Project Eye Care 2008, with the arrival of Dr. Alan Lacoste and his team of eye specialists from the U.S. mainland.
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The University Center for Excellence on Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), based at the American Samoa Community College, in collaboration with the Department of Public Health, will offer a free screening for breast and cervical cancer for women with disabilities on Tuesday, May 20th, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nazareth House-Fatuoaiga. While the UCEDD and Public Health hope to primarily serve women with disabilities, they will also examine women from the general public free of charge.
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And the support from the community for the Festival of Pacific Arts is building up dramatically, as more and more donations roll in to help with the major regional event which will be hosted in American Samoa from July 20th to August 2nd.
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The 10th Festival of Pacific Arts in American Samoa is just over two months away, and the organizing committee is at the stage now where they are bringing everything together.
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The gubernatorial ticket of Afoa Lutu and Velega Savali held their official campaign kick-off last Saturday at the Tradewinds hotel. The event was well attended, some reports saying around 600 while others putting it at around 1,000 supporters who filled the poolside area of the hotel.
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Governor Togiola Tulafono today announced that the United States Mint has created three candidate designs for the American Samoa Quarter the 25 cent coin that will be produced as part of the congressional 50 State and Territory Quarters Program.
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Some showed up at the Executive Office Building in Utulei as early as 5 a.m., and by 7 a.m., the atrium of the EOB was filled with people, who were hoping they were included in the first batch of the stimulus package rebate checks that were issued today. This first batch totaled 1,500 checks for $1.9 million.
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Congressman Faleomavaega Eni has yet to submit an official request to the U.S. Government Accountability Office to conduct a review of the Customs Division of the American Samoa Government.
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The American Samoa Bar Association is currently accepting applications for their Legal Education Scholarship. The ASBAs total scholarship awards this year will total $1,000, and the deadline to submit applications is July 1st, 2008.
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Police Sergeant Makuisa Amotai was sentenced in the High Court today to 20 months in prison, plus probation. His conviction for Vehicular Homicide is in connection with the death of a 12 year old boy who was struck by Amotais pick up truck in Nuuuli last year.
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Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne has named Douglas W. Domenech to be Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs.
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The first batch of the federal stimulus package rebate checks will be ready to be picked up tomorrow morning, according to the local tax office. It was announced earlier by the Treasury Department that the checks would be ready today, however, due to a computer problem, it has been put back one day.
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The conference committee which was appointed yesterday to iron out the differences between the senate and the house on the amendments to the Teachers Reclassification Bill, agreed this morning to make the teachers increments annually instead of every two years, as proposed by the administration.
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The Land and Titles Court issued their ruling this week on the High Chief Aumoeualogo title of Aoa village, awarding it to Teo Fuavai. The four cane court decides on the appeals. candidates who were vying for the title were Teo Fuavai, Simei Pulu, Fepuleai Sila Poasa and Malagamaalii Misailegalu.
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Contributions toward the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts continue to roll in, as the community catches the festival fever and the festive spirit to make the major regional event a success.
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And in news from the courts, The police officer who was convicted of punching an ASCC student after he was arrested for Public Peace Disturbance, was sentenced this week to seven days in jail, and he was placed on two years probation for third degree assault.
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As the Teachers Re-Classification Bill was met with a lot of questions in the Fono after it was introduced by the administration this week, Governor Togiola Tulafono yesterday sent a letter to the Fono leaders to try to clarify some of the concerns raised by lawmakers.
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In a special awards ceremony held at the hospital chapel yesterday, Governor Togiola Tulafono paid tribute to the nurses of American Samoa for their service and dedication to care of the people of the territory.
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Commissioner of Public safety Sotoa Savali said that he received a letter from Governor Togiola Tulafono this week, saying that he has reluctantly accepted his resignation from the commissioner post.
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There is concern in the senate over immigrants entering the territory under the guest worker program, and having children born here who then become U.S. Nationals by birth.
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The organizing committee of the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts is continuing its search for solutions to the problem of limited accommodations for visitors to the festival which is from July 22 to August 2nd. Potential visitors who are now trying to come for the major regional event are finding that all hotels are fully booked for the two week period this summer.
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Governor Togiola Tulafono announced this week that he has signed into law a bill called the Notary Act of 2007, which beefs up the Notary rules and procedures and brings American Samoa up to par with the rest of the world.
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In news from the courts, the attorney for Elijah Leasau has filed a motion with the High Court to have his clients sentence amended.
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With several cases of undeclared goods caught through the dockside customs inspection of containers, Treasurer Gaea Pelefoti Failautusi told senators yesterday that Governor Togiola Tulafono will be submitting legislation to the Fono that would set penalties for importers who bring in goods that are undeclared.
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Nurses Week kicked off on Sunday with a church service honoring all nurses and the service they provide. This years theme is Making a Difference Every Day.
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ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank this week launched their new banking system, which replaces their old computer system of over 20 years. The new system cost the bank over $5 million, which they said is further evidence of their commitment to the American Samoa community.
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The ASCCs latest musical play Aida opened to rave reviews last night at the Lee Auditorium in Utulei. Billed as the most advanced acting, singing and dancing production yet by the college, Aida lived up to all expectations and more.
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As the watchdog group Common Cause yesterday petitioned the Fono to begin impeachment proceedings against Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Sunia, and to remove Senator Tulifua Lam Yuen from the Senate, it has been revealed that Ipulasi and Tulifua recently filed a joint motion with the federal court for a protective order to prevent public release of all documents pertaining to their cases as they prepare for trial.
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As the Department of Education tries to address the shortage of school buses in the territory, frustrated parents are voicing their complaints with the Fono concerning the safety of the school children.
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With a new change in the bidding process for the Department of Educations School Lunch Program, more vendors will be able to compete for supply contracts, particularly for milk and juice.
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Travel between American Samoa and Independent Samoa has become tighter this week with the absence of SPEX flights. South Pacific Express has grounded their flights for two weeks while they go through the process of getting approvals to operate under New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority regulations.
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As the minimum wage in American Samoa is about to go up by 50-cents this month, Star Kist is looking for ways to offset the increase. The cannery is proposing a new tax structure with the local government which they say is already being provided to other businesses.
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Dr. Seth Galeai was officially announced today as the president of the American Samoa Community College by the Board of Higher Education. Dr. Galeai has been serving as the Acting President since the retirement of Dr. Adele Satele Galeai, and during her extended absence due to illness.
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Persons under the age os 21, beware. It is now against the law for anyone under the age of twenty one to consume or possess alcohol or even beer. Governor Togiola Tulafono has signed into law a bill which was introduced in the Fono to address concerns often raised by the courts that a law is needed to make it a crime for minors to consume alcohol.
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The Governors Economic Advisory Council has submitted its first report to Governor Togiola Tulafono for his review on the Councils recommendations for economic development projects designed to stimulate the economy. The 29 page report, as written in the reports cover letter, reflects the expressed thoughts, experiences and recommendations of the private and public sectors as represented by the Council member. The projects suggested in the report are believed by the Council to be achievable in the short run, and promising for long term results.
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Maoputasi District number 10 faipule, the honorable Vaitoa Hans Langkilde, has written an official inquiry with Chief election Officer Soliai Tuipine, regarding the district designation for the village of Satala.
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The Personnel Committee of the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts is calling on all those who applied for Liaison Officer positions during the festival as volunteers, that training sessions will be held at the Lee Auditorium next week Monday and Tuesday.
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Three students from the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) will experience the unique island culture of Tokelau for three weeks as part of an Archaeological Field School organized by instructor Dr. David Addison. Marie Faatuala, Timali Pele and Junior Lokeni will participate in a research project held in conjunction with the National University of Samoa (NUS), the University of the South Pacific (USP) and the Tokelau Department of Education. As one of the closest island groups to the north of Samoa, we believe that Tokelau at one time had a close connection with Samoa. This research project will give us a chance to investigate that theory, said Dr. Addison.
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U.S. Army Europes noncommissioned officer corps bid farewell to their top NCO on behalf of the commands 46,000 Soldiers and their Families during a farewell retreat ceremony in Heidelburg, germany on June 18.
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South Pacific Express has received approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation to operate passenger and cargo flights between American Samoa and Samoa. The U.S. DOT has granted SPEX a two year permit for inter-Samoa flights, and after the allotted time period SPEX may then reapply for another two year extension.
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American Samoa has received confirmation that 4 to 6 of our local youth artists have been invited to join internationally renowned marine life artist Wyland in Beijing, China for an unprecedented global art project celebrating the worlds waters.
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The Governors Economic Advisory Board is finding ways to help ensure that Samoa Packing and Star Kist continue operation in American Samoa. After the minimum wage increase policy went into effect, both canneries were concerned about escalating costs and other strains imposed by the wage increase. In the Boards first report to Governor Togiola Tulafono, the suggestion was made to assist the canneries by finding ways to reduce or eliminate minimum wage hikes.
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Malama TV has received numerous calls from local consumers displeased with the hike in the price of rice, among other food items. Some have noticed an apparent shortage of rice in the territory as some stores have already run out or have a low supply. To address the rise in food prices, Governor Togiola Tulafono has put together a three member Board of Investigation to look into the matter.
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More than 200 students are making the most of their summer as they participate in this years Workforce Investment Act summer youth employment program. The program is directed and organized by the Department of Human Resources and is open to private and public high school students, as well as students of the American Samoa Community College.
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The cafeteria at the American Samoa Community College is once again open after having been shut down for a few weeks due to failure of meeting health regulations. The cafeteria was inspected earlier this month and Department of Health officials found that the facility was in a need of a new paint job and that it also lacked hot water. In addition, several employees failed to provide health cards which are required under DOH regulations to serve food to the public.
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The Attorney General's Office is investigating the disappearance of missing weapons stolen from the Department of Public Safety.
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A visiting cardiologist from Maui, Hawaii has been conducting a clinic for Manua residents since June 10th. Dr. Philip Milne has seen more than 20 heart patients so far, and after evaluations, two are being assessed and will be presented to the board for off-island treatment.
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The U.S. Department of Defense Joint Task Force for Homeland Defense is presently conducting training sessions for local government agencies to focus on skills and capabilities in managing large scale emergency operations.
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The population in American Samoa grew from less than 10,000 to 57,291 between 1900 and 2000, and based on these statistics from the Department of Commerce, American Samoa is apparently facing the major threat of overpopulation. Director of the Department of Commerce, Faleseu Eliu Paopao, said this problem must be addressed as its impacts will be inevitable to all residents of American Samoa.
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With the MV Sili still dry docked, Governor Togiola is looking into the chartering service of the Fotu O Samoa vessel, which is owned by the Samoa government. The vessel sailed last night to transport food supplies and fuel to Manua as residents have been complaining of a shortage in both necessities since the MV sili has been out of service.
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The American Samoa Bus Owners/Drivers Association is voicing opposition to the 25 cent bus fare hike scheduled to go into effect across the board. Along with the 50 cent taxi fare hike scheduled for July 1, the increase in bus fares is intended to help offset the increased expenses drivers and owners of commercial vehicles are facing due to the increase in gas prices.
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The organizing committee of the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts received another donation today from a group of cargo companies doing business in the pacific, with offices in American Samoa, Guam, Tonga and New Zealand.
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The votes of U.S. citizens residing in U.S. territories will be counted in future U.S. presidential elections if a federal measure sponsored by U.S. Senator Bill Nelson is enacted into law. The measure provides that the Constitution of the United States be amended to abolish the electoral college votes which at current determine the winning ticket of the presidential race. It was introduced on June 6 and assigned to the Senate Committee on Judiciary.
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The elderly population of American Samoa gathered at the TAOA compound last week to enjoy some traditional games that are no longer seen played today. The traditional games of fitifiti and taulafoga were popular games played in the Samoa islands generations ago.
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The Office of Procurement last Friday, presented three vehicles to the Departments of Public Safety and Legal Affairs, under a program with the federal GSA.
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The GHC Reid family of businesses today made their donation toward the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts, at an official presentation ceremony held at the GHC Reid compound in Tafuna.
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Last Saturday morning at the Executive Office Building in Utulei, Governor Togiola Tulafono unveiled the new American Samoa Flag stamp, which was one of ten stamps of states and territories that were the first to be released by the U. S. Postal Service.
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Governor Togiola Tulafono and Lt. Governor Faoa Aitofele Sunia officially kicked off their reelection campaign this past Saturday at the Pago Pago Community Center. Despite the heavy rain, the rally was packed in attendance with families, friends, and supporters of the incumbent team. Also in attendance were Senate President Lolo Moliga and House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale.
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The Department of Human Resources has completed its study on the impact of the wage increase on the American Samoa Governments budget for the current fiscal year. Based on the finding of no major impacts resulting from the wage hike, Governor Togiola said he will now lift the freeze that prevented any hiring, promotion, and increment within ASG.
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Taxi rates will increase across the board by 50 cents on July 1, 2008 under the proposal of the commerce commission which regulates public transportation. Taxi drivers have been pushing for the rate increase to help offset increased expenses mainly stemming from the escalation in gas prices.
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LBJ Hospital is now issuing a newly designed hospital identification card. Patients were previously issued a green card that contained information such as the cardholders name, village, and hospital number. The new ID card not only provides this information, but also includes a photo of the person to whom the card is issued.
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American Samoa has taken a step towards the pursuit of alternative and renewable energy for our territory through a memorandum of understanding that was signed this past Tuesday. The MOU was signed by the American Samoa Government, MD2 Energy Solutions LLC, and the University of Hawaii through Pacific Business Center Program director Papalii Dr. Failautusi Avegalio.
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Governor Togiola Tulafono announced this week that 10 new school buses have been ordered to improve the Department of Education bus fleet and in preparation for the new school year.
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Governor Togiola Tulafono announced today that the Samoa government boat, Fotu o Samoa, has been contracted to provide much-needed passenger and cargo service to Manua.
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The Pacific Islands Center for Educational Development began their summer school program this past Monday with an enrollment of 230 students. Courses are being offered for students in level two through twelve and are being held at PICEDs new location in Nuuuli. Among the 16 subjects covered in the summer session are math, reading, science, writing, and computers.
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Tile Tuala Tamaalelagi of Laulii is heading a group of carvers who will create a sculpture from a tree for the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts. Tile is the noted artist who crafted the mosaic for the Laulii CCCAS. The details of the art piece to be created for the festival are not known, but the artists will most likely reveal the specifics during a scheduled press conference this Thursday.
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All high school JROTCs in American Samoa, with the exception of Manua high School, held a fun run today, as well as a course on water safety and floatation. The courses are part of the summer training which is being held at the Samoana High School campus in Utulei.
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The Young Womens Christian Association, better known as the YWCA, is starting another of its sewing courses for the women of American Samoa. The sewing course is another in a series that have already been completed with great success.
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At the Governors cabinet meeting held yesterday, Governor Togiola Tulafono announced that all government departments and agencies will be participating in a cleanup of the island on July 11th, as we prepare to host the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts, and before that, the PREL conference in July.
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As the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts draws near, the Department of Health is reminding all food vendors of the need for valid health permits. All food handlers will be required to have in their possession a valid health card while handling food for public consumption at all times, according to the law.
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Governor Togiola Tulafono will be unveiling the American Samoa Flag Stamp this Saturday, June 14th, which also happens to be United States Flag Day.
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The Samoa Veterans Association was added to the list today of contributors toward the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts, as they presented a check for $1,000 toward the major event.
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This week Monday, the Jean P. Haydon Museum in Fagatogo opened an exhibit of artwork by local artist Jurgen Von Radtke. The paintings will be on display for two weeks, and Von Radtke is one of the visual artists who will be featured for American Samoa during the upcoming arts festival.
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Its official. Senate President Lolo Moliga will NOT be running for governor in this years gubernatorial election. Lolo cited that there are now already four candidates with ancestral ties to the Manuatele, and his candidacy would only further embolden divisiveness which he said unfortunately, is still visible today. My candidacy will only fuel this already very hostile and volatile cultural condition, said Lolo.
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Congressman Faleomavaega today clarified the intent of a bill he introduced to make it easier for U.S. nationals living in American Samoa to become U.S. citizens, if they so choose.
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Local teachers will be rallying this summer to address their needs as educators, and to discuss their goals and issues that need to be addressed by the government. Tafuna High School social studies teacher, Ben Teo, is organizing the local teachers association, and says that now is an ideal time for the teachers to get together since school is out for the summer.
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The MV Sili has been dry docked at the marine railway for the past two weeks as it is undergoing repairs on the aft side of the boat which will be followed by an inspection before it can continue its routine services. With the vessel temporarily out of service, Manua residents and store owners are complaining that store shelves are becoming empty, and basic food items have become unavailable as stores are running low on supplies. The residents are also concerned of the shortage of gasoline, noting that drivers are having to keep their cars parked and walk.
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Congressman Faleomavaega Eni is supporting South Pacific Express in their quest to receive the green light from the U.S. Department of Transportation to operate inter-Samoa flights. SPEX recently submitted their application to the USDOT and is still awaiting their response. Faleomavega wrote to Transportation Secretary Mary Peters in hopes to expedite the process.
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Business and Professional Women of American Samoa showed continued support for the education of our young people through scholarship awards that will help selected high school students further their education at the college level. This year, BPWAS has awarded a total of $4,500 in scholarships to five young women who have graduated from high school this year.
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The American Samoa Legislature today acknowledged receipt of 15 computers which were donated from Hawaii for the Fono.
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Out of the ten categories of food items that were put out to bid by the School Lunch Program, nine have been awarded to local companies. Between GHC Reid, Islands Choice, Pacific Sales and Tautua Mo Oe, over $2 million worth of contracts were awarded.
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And in news from the courts, 18 year old Joseph Mamona appeared in district court yesterday for charge of first degree robbery. The prosecution contends that on May 31 in Tafuna, Mamona hid inside a womans car and as she drove away, he came out of hiding and held a knife to the victims throat, demanding that she give him $500. The woman told Mamona that she only had $80, of which she handed over to him. The defendant then asked the woman to drop him off in front of a laundromat in Iliili.
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Three students will depart the territory this week to represent American Samoa in the 2008 National History competition, which is being held at the University of Maryland at College Park. American Samoa will be represented by the winners of the island wide National History Day competition which was held earlier this year.
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All local high school JROTCs are taking part in the summer training this week at the Samoana high School campus. The event is being hosted this year by Fagaitua High School.
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The Election Office is reminding all candidates and their campaign committees, as well as contributors, to make sure they abide by the local laws for election contributions. Deputy election officer, Filivaa Mageo, said it is mandatory for candidates to file their financial reports with the Campaign Spending Commission, in accordance with local laws. Filing forms are available at the Election Office.
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As the donations continue to pour in from the community for the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts, the organizing committee was taken by surprise today when they were notified that the elderly folks of American Samoa wanted to hand over their contribution to the big event.
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On his weekend radio program, Governor Togiola voiced strong opposition to Congressman Eni Faleomavaegas bill which seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act so that certain U.S. citizenship requirements may be waived for U.S. nationals living in American Samoa.
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The heavy rains this past weekend had many Tafuna residents worried about their homes being flooded, as more than ten homes in the village were damaged by flooding two weeks ago. There have been no reports of flooding over the past weekend, but some Tafuna residents expressed dissatisfaction with the response they received when they took precautions by seeking help from the police, Public Works, and TEMCO.
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The installation ceremony for American Samoa Community College President, Dr. Seth Galeai, was held this past Saturday at the ASCC lecture hall. Dr. Galeai was announced as the new college president earlier this month, after former president Dr. Adele Satele-Galeai stepped down for health reasons.
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The regional director of the Honolulu Passport Agency, Nancy K. Finn, is encouraging all travelers who plan to travel abroad in 2009 or 2010 to apply for passports now. At present, the amount of time required to obtain a passport averages less than four weeks, however, passport agencies are expecting a great increase in processing time, noting that the U.S. Department of State predicts an estimated 21 million passports to be issued this year, and 30 million next year.
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The Project Notification and Review System Board will be holding a public hearing on Wednesday, July 2 at the Convention Center in Utulei for open discussion on the fiber-optic cable project, which is scheduled for launch in American Samoa in 2009.
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This week started off with more donations for the organizing committee of the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts. Steven and Sons this morning made their presentation to the committee for $3,000.
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The Gear Up Program, in conjunction with the Taitaitama Program and the American Samoa National Olympic Committee opened their Summer Mini Camp today, targeting the youth of American Samoa. The camp continues through June 27th, includes students from the Gear Up cohort schools throughout the island.
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The U.S. Medical Licensing Exam policy has required 24 of our local physicians to seat a three-part exam in order to continue employment at LBJ Hospital. The USMLE policy was implemented by the LBJ Board in 2006 in an effort to properly license our non U.S. certified doctors in accordance with administrative policies and rules.
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Each semester, the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) recognizes outstanding academic achievement by compiling the Deans List. The list consists of full-time students who attain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5 or better in courses numbered 100 and above in any given semester, with no failing (F), withdrawal (W), withdrawal fail (WF), incomplete (I) or repeated (R) grades.
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In the Congress this week, Congressman Faleomavaega Eni introduced a bill to exempt U.S. Nationals born in American Samoa from having to meet all requirements of becoming a U.S. citizen, as outlined in the federal Immigration and Nationality Act.
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Polynesian Airlines second twin otter aircraft arrived on its maiden flight yesterday morning at the Tafuna airport. The 19- seater was in Apia last month and was being used for inter-Samoa flights as well as charter flights to Niue.
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Earlier this week during construction of the new grandstand at the Veterans Memorial Stadium, a Department of Public Works employee fell from a section of the stadium that was under construction. According to Public Works director Taeaotui Punaofo Tilei, the crew member fell about ten feet to the ground and suffered only minor bruises. With no serious injuries, Taeaotui said the man returned to work the next day but as a precautionary measure, he was sent home to rest.
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Attorney General Fepuleai Afa Ripley Jr. offered his apology to the High Court yesterday for granting the release of Makuisa Amotai from the Territorial Correctional Facility for Mothers Day weekend. Amotai, a retied police veteran, was found guilty for vehicular homicide and was sentenced by the High Court last month to 20 months in jail without release, except for an emergency or by court order. The detention period is a condition of Amotais five year probation.
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As concerns continue to be raised regarding the status of LBJs off-island medical referral program, LBJ chief executive officer Patricia Tindall responded to inquiries noting that the off-island referral program is still open. However, based on current funding, she said LBJ can only send patients of Level 1 cases, which are urgent and life threatening.
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The American Samoa Development Corporation has not received any serious offers from investors interested in the development of Rainmaker Hotel. The deadline to submit offers was May 31, 2008, by which ASDC has received three inquiries but none of which seem to be promising.
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New-Zealand based music group, Te Vaka, received two awards at the S-cubed Pacific Music Awards held last weekend in New Zealand. Te Vaka consists of eleven members from different countries across Oceania, including Samoa. They were awarded the Radio 531pi Best Pacific Group Award and the S-cubed Best Pacific Music Album for Olatia.
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And donations to the Arts Festival continue to roll in as the 10th Festival of the Pacific Arts is right around the corner. Yesterday, congressional candidate Aumua Amata presented a $6,000 donation on behalf of herself, the American Samoa-based tuna purse seiner vessels and the American Tuna boat Association.
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22 soldiers of the local 400th Combat Support Platoon of the U.S. Army Reserve returned home early this morning on a delayed Hawaiian Air flight, after a 10-month tour of duty in Iraq.
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After weeks of speculation in the community, Utu Abe Malae has made it official. He will be running for governor in the November elections.
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The attorney for Good Year Corporation, Trevor Stevenson, has said that he is disappointed that recent comments have been publicized in the local media concerning Good Year and the Tafuna Scrap Metal Yard.
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Farmers in American Samoa are being encouraged to sign up for financial assistance through the Farm Bill, with programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program for ground and surface water conservation and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program.
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And yet another donation was made today toward the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts. Ko Brothers Store in Nuuuli donated a $1,000 plus 500 cases of saimin noodles to help with the hosting of the event.
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The U.S. Department of Transportation is now reviewing the application of South Pacific Express to operate inter island flights between American Samoa and Samoa.
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And the support for the arts festival keeps rolling in to help the organizing committee with preparations to host the pacific countries who will be arriving next month for the major regional event.
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A total of ten companies have submitted bids to supply the School Lunch Program with various food items for the 2008-2009 school year. This is the first tender since the bidding policies were changed under the new management of Sodexho Inc., who took over the local school lunch program last year.
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Nomination petitions for those who wish to run for office in the November elections were available for pick up today at the election Office. The positions included in the nomination petition process are Governor, Lieutenant governor, Delegate to the U.S. Congress, and the local House of Representatives.
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ASCO Motors American Samoa has been awarded the Business Excellence Award among Toyota Distributors in the south Pacific. The presentation was made at a gala dinner held in Brisbane, Australia on May 16th.
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And in news from our neighbors to the west, the Independent State of Samoa will be celebrating 46 years of independence this week. It is reported that hundreds of guests and invited dignitaries are expected to attend the celebrations.
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It was a weekend of heavy downpours, landslides and even an earthquake for American Samoa. Many residents stayed home due to the inclement weather. Flooding was reported in several areas of the island, including the Fagaima area , which was impassible in the morning hours. Some motorists reported the water level at above the floor boards of their cars, causing the water to seep into their vehicles while trying to drive through the flooding.
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Its that time of the year again, with high school graduations scheduled throughout this whole week. Last week started off with Manumalo, Kanana Fou Pacific Horizons, SDA Iakina, Manua and Faasao Marist High Schools holding their commencement exercises.
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With the number of burglaries and public peace disturbances on the rise, the Department of Public Safety is reviving its Community Crime Prevention Program to try to tackle the problem.
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A new policy went into effect yesterday at the LBJ Tropical Medical Center, to try to regulate patients visitors.
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The president of the Develoment Bank of American Samoa, Utu Abe Malae, has resigned from his position amid rumors that he is preparing to announce a run for governor. Utu submitted his resignation letter tp the bank board last week Thursday.
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With the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts less than two months away, other pacific countries that will be participating are also busy in their own way, selecting and preparing their artists for the major regional event to be held in American Samoa.
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Donations continue to pour in from the community to assist the organizing committee of the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts.
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Former faipule of Tualatai County Leaeno Frank Reed was laid to rest today. He was 65. His funeral service was held at the Congregational Church of Jesus in Fagatogo this morning, followed by a short wake.
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The organizing committee of the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts has expressed concerns about the unsightliness of the Tafuna Scrap Metal Yard near the airport.
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Congressman Faleomavaega Eni is planning to introduce a bill in congress next week, that would give U.S. Nationals residing in American Samoa the option of applying for U.S. Citizenship without having to reside in the U.S. for a certain period of time.
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If American Samoas present population growth pattern continues, its current population count of 68,000 will double in the next 40 years. An advisory group to Governor Togiola Tulafono has also pointed to population pressure as the number one threat to natural resources in the territory.
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The U.S. Senate has included in a war spending bill, provisions for a study to be conducted on the impact of past and future wage increases implemented for American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas.
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And its Play Ball time again. The American Samoa Little League Baseball Association has announced that registration for this years little league summer program will open this Saturday at the Tony Solaita Field in Tafuna.
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American Samoa will soon be the only country in the South Pacific to have a hot fire training facility. This means that fire fighters at the Tafuna International Airport will be training to put out aircraft fires using aviation fuel, instead of propane and other gases which have been commonly used.
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Governor Togiola Tulafono has proclaimed the week of May 25th to 31st as Emergency Medical Services Week in American Samoa.
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Another contribution from the business community to the Festival of Pacific Arts organizing committee was presented today. Tools, Inc. and Industrial Gases combined a total of $4,000 as their donation toward a successful hosting of the major regional event in July and August of this year.
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The Department of Public Works dedicated their new office facilities last Friday, located at the Industrial Park in Tafuna where the Maintenance and Operations complex has been. The DPW offices added to the complex were formerly located at the Executive Office Building in Utulei. Those spaces have been vacated and will now be taken over by the Department of Commerce.
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Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the House recently passed the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2008 which includes his provision to allow U.S. purse seine vessels to fish in the exclusive economic zones of all the Pacific Islands Parties, including any of the U.S. EEZs except Hawaii.
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The federal stimulus package tax rebates are still drawing large crowds at the Executive Office Building in Utulei, as hopeful recipients stand in line to see if they are on the latest list of checks issued.
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The American Samoa Government banked over $6.7 million in local funds during the month of March 2008. This is an increase from the $6.2 million and $5.6 million it collected the same time in the past two years, respectively.
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Nikolao Pula, The Director of the Office of Insular Affairs at the Interior Department in Washington DC, testified before a congressional hearing earlier this week, and said that current and complete information on the insular areas is essential for good decision making on important issues involving the U.S. territories.
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Two agents from the U.S. Fish and wildlife Service , an enforcement arm of the Department of the Interior, are in the territory to assist local enforcement agencies in preparation for the arrival of participants and visitors for the Festival of Pacific Arts in July and August.
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The stray dog eradication program being spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture is picking up the pace as the opening of the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts is now less than two months away. Today, more stray dogs recently captured were put to sleep.
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The second phase of the Lions Club Project Eye Care 2008 came to a close today, after examining and treating eye patients with diabetes.
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The American Samoa Community College Land Grant Program today held a presentation ceremony at which ASCC President Seth Galeai presented the organizing committee of the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts with over 400 potted native plants.
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The reigning Miss American Samoa, Shanette Tilo has begun a campaign where she is visiting the schools of the territory and speaking to the students about taking pride, as American Samoa reaches the two-month mark before the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts.
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Fono members today were briefed by experts who will be connecting American Samoa to the Pac Rim East underwater fiber optic cable. The lawmakers were told that American Samoa should be connected and up and running by early next year if all goes well according to plan.
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Special agents of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today held a briefing at the Department of Marine and Wildlife conference room in Fagatogo, to help prepare local officials for the Festival of Pacific Arts in July, concerning protected and endangered species of plants and animals that are not allowed to be brought into the territory.
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Governor Togiola Tulafono today signed documents to bring the first undersea fiber optic cable to American Samoa. He said the submarine fiber optic cable is the most significant economic development project in the last several decades.
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This coming Friday marks the annual celebration of Senior Day, and the Territorial Administration on Aging in American Samoa is preparing for a fun filled day of activities.
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Governor Togiola Tulafono yesterday signed into law the Absentee Military Voter Bill, allowing military service members to vote from off island starting in this years November election.
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Governor Togiola has signed a one year tax agreement with Del Monte Foods, essentially reducing the tax rates for Star Kist Samoa to the American Samoa Government.
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There is some relief for local importers regarding the dockside customs inspections for all cargo containers. ASG Treasurer Gaea Pelefoti Failautusi says that some importers with good track records since the new policy was implemented, will be allowed to haul their containers to their place of business and have the customs officers inspect them there.
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Governor Togiola Tulafono yesterday issued a General Memorandum to freeze all hiring, promotions and increments until further notice.
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The Lions Club of Pago Pago has begun the second phase of Project Eye Care 2008, with the arrival of Dr. Alan Lacoste and his team of eye specialists from the U.S. mainland.
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The University Center for Excellence on Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), based at the American Samoa Community College, in collaboration with the Department of Public Health, will offer a free screening for breast and cervical cancer for women with disabilities on Tuesday, May 20th, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nazareth House-Fatuoaiga. While the UCEDD and Public Health hope to primarily serve women with disabilities, they will also examine women from the general public free of charge.
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And the support from the community for the Festival of Pacific Arts is building up dramatically, as more and more donations roll in to help with the major regional event which will be hosted in American Samoa from July 20th to August 2nd.
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The 10th Festival of Pacific Arts in American Samoa is just over two months away, and the organizing committee is at the stage now where they are bringing everything together.
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The gubernatorial ticket of Afoa Lutu and Velega Savali held their official campaign kick-off last Saturday at the Tradewinds hotel. The event was well attended, some reports saying around 600 while others putting it at around 1,000 supporters who filled the poolside area of the hotel.
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Governor Togiola Tulafono today announced that the United States Mint has created three candidate designs for the American Samoa Quarter the 25 cent coin that will be produced as part of the congressional 50 State and Territory Quarters Program.
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Some showed up at the Executive Office Building in Utulei as early as 5 a.m., and by 7 a.m., the atrium of the EOB was filled with people, who were hoping they were included in the first batch of the stimulus package rebate checks that were issued today. This first batch totaled 1,500 checks for $1.9 million.
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Congressman Faleomavaega Eni has yet to submit an official request to the U.S. Government Accountability Office to conduct a review of the Customs Division of the American Samoa Government.
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The American Samoa Bar Association is currently accepting applications for their Legal Education Scholarship. The ASBAs total scholarship awards this year will total $1,000, and the deadline to submit applications is July 1st, 2008.
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Police Sergeant Makuisa Amotai was sentenced in the High Court today to 20 months in prison, plus probation. His conviction for Vehicular Homicide is in connection with the death of a 12 year old boy who was struck by Amotais pick up truck in Nuuuli last year.
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Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne has named Douglas W. Domenech to be Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs.
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The first batch of the federal stimulus package rebate checks will be ready to be picked up tomorrow morning, according to the local tax office. It was announced earlier by the Treasury Department that the checks would be ready today, however, due to a computer problem, it has been put back one day.
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The conference committee which was appointed yesterday to iron out the differences between the senate and the house on the amendments to the Teachers Reclassification Bill, agreed this morning to make the teachers increments annually instead of every two years, as proposed by the administration.
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The Land and Titles Court issued their ruling this week on the High Chief Aumoeualogo title of Aoa village, awarding it to Teo Fuavai. The four cane court decides on the appeals. candidates who were vying for the title were Teo Fuavai, Simei Pulu, Fepuleai Sila Poasa and Malagamaalii Misailegalu.
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Contributions toward the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts continue to roll in, as the community catches the festival fever and the festive spirit to make the major regional event a success.
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And in news from the courts, The police officer who was convicted of punching an ASCC student after he was arrested for Public Peace Disturbance, was sentenced this week to seven days in jail, and he was placed on two years probation for third degree assault.
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As the Teachers Re-Classification Bill was met with a lot of questions in the Fono after it was introduced by the administration this week, Governor Togiola Tulafono yesterday sent a letter to the Fono leaders to try to clarify some of the concerns raised by lawmakers.
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In a special awards ceremony held at the hospital chapel yesterday, Governor Togiola Tulafono paid tribute to the nurses of American Samoa for their service and dedication to care of the people of the territory.
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Commissioner of Public safety Sotoa Savali said that he received a letter from Governor Togiola Tulafono this week, saying that he has reluctantly accepted his resignation from the commissioner post.
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There is concern in the senate over immigrants entering the territory under the guest worker program, and having children born here who then become U.S. Nationals by birth.
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The organizing committee of the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts is continuing its search for solutions to the problem of limited accommodations for visitors to the festival which is from July 22 to August 2nd. Potential visitors who are now trying to come for the major regional event are finding that all hotels are fully booked for the two week period this summer.
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Governor Togiola Tulafono announced this week that he has signed into law a bill called the Notary Act of 2007, which beefs up the Notary rules and procedures and brings American Samoa up to par with the rest of the world.
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In news from the courts, the attorney for Elijah Leasau has filed a motion with the High Court to have his clients sentence amended.
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With several cases of undeclared goods caught through the dockside customs inspection of containers, Treasurer Gaea Pelefoti Failautusi told senators yesterday that Governor Togiola Tulafono will be submitting legislation to the Fono that would set penalties for importers who bring in goods that are undeclared.
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Nurses Week kicked off on Sunday with a church service honoring all nurses and the service they provide. This years theme is Making a Difference Every Day.
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ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank this week launched their new banking system, which replaces their old computer system of over 20 years. The new system cost the bank over $5 million, which they said is further evidence of their commitment to the American Samoa community.
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The ASCCs latest musical play Aida opened to rave reviews last night at the Lee Auditorium in Utulei. Billed as the most advanced acting, singing and dancing production yet by the college, Aida lived up to all expectations and more.
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As the watchdog group Common Cause yesterday petitioned the Fono to begin impeachment proceedings against Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Sunia, and to remove Senator Tulifua Lam Yuen from the Senate, it has been revealed that Ipulasi and Tulifua recently filed a joint motion with the federal court for a protective order to prevent public release of all documents pertaining to their cases as they prepare for trial.
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As the Department of Education tries to address the shortage of school buses in the territory, frustrated parents are voicing their complaints with the Fono concerning the safety of the school children.
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With a new change in the bidding process for the Department of Educations School Lunch Program, more vendors will be able to compete for supply contracts, particularly for milk and juice.
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Travel between American Samoa and Independent Samoa has become tighter this week with the absence of SPEX flights. South Pacific Express has grounded their flights for two weeks while they go through the process of getting approvals to operate under New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority regulations.
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As the minimum wage in American Samoa is about to go up by 50-cents this month, Star Kist is looking for ways to offset the increase. The cannery is proposing a new tax structure with the local government which they say is already being provided to other businesses.
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Dr. Seth Galeai was officially announced today as the president of the American Samoa Community College by the Board of Higher Education. Dr. Galeai has been serving as the Acting President since the retirement of Dr. Adele Satele Galeai, and during her extended absence due to illness.
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Persons under the age os 21, beware. It is now against the law for anyone under the age of twenty one to consume or possess alcohol or even beer. Governor Togiola Tulafono has signed into law a bill which was introduced in the Fono to address concerns often raised by the courts that a law is needed to make it a crime for minors to consume alcohol.
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