Fate of longline project The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) still up in the air officially opened yesterday morning with a ceremony 4 held at the DYWA Youth Community Center. An estimated 800 young people — Talia talosaga EFKAS the highest number of partici- pants to date — were in atten- fa’atula’i ese Amaama dance. The program is admin- istered by the Department of ...LE LALI... B8 Human Resources. See story for full details. America’s Cup brings [photo: Blue Chen-Fruean] relief, elation for

New Zealanders B1 ONLINE @ SAMOANEWS.COM Utah wildfire grows to C M largest active fire Y K in US DAILY CIRCULATION 7,000 8 PAGO PAGO, TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2017 $1.00 Minimum wage hike Court rules in favor of continues to be an issue of the economy CCCAS in case against vs. cost of living former General Secretary by Fili Sagapolutele “CCCAS HAD THE RIGHT TO DEMAND THAT DEFENDANT VACATE THE HOUSE” Samoa News Correspondent StarKist Co. has applauded Congresswoman Aumua Amata’s by Fili Sagapolutele an ordained CCCAS minister, claimed that the work in Congress to ensure labor issues in American Samoa are Samoa News Correspondent plaintiffs lacked sufficient evidence to prove its addressed in the most productive way possible for all parties. The Trial Division of the High Court, in a case and the couple sought a dismissal. Amata introduced last week Tuesday in the US House, federal decision issued last Friday, June 23, has ruled A bench trial was held on May 30-31, pre- legislation, “Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007” that would restore in favor of the Congregational Christian Church sided over by Acting Associate Justice Elvis P. the system in place prior to 2007, when minimum wages were set of American Samoa (CCCAS), saying that they Patea and assisted by Associate Judges Suapaia by a Special Industry Committee, appointed by the US Secretary are entitled to take possession of a church home E.C. Pereira and Satele Lili’o Ali’itai. of Labor. (See yesterday’s Samoa News edition for details on the at the Kanana Fou compound that housed Rev. Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde represented the news release.) Amaama Tofaeono, who served as CCCAS Gen- plaintiffs, while Tasi Tuiteleleapaga was the Responding to Samoa News request for comments on Amata’s eral Secretary. legal counsel for Rev. Tofaeono and his wife. bill, StarKist corporate spokesperson Michelle Faist said the com- The plaintiffs — CCCAS along with Rev. The plaintiffs had sought to evict the defen- pany appreciates and welcomes the Congresswoman’s initiative. Elders Eveni Mamoe, Leatulagi Faalevao, and dants from the Secretary General’s house, after “We look forward to working with her and her office to ensure Fiti Aofia — had filed a complaint onMay they failed to vacate the premises on March 31. that labor issues in American Samoa are addressed in the most 19th in court, when Tofaeono refused to vacate In its decision, the court ordered that the productive way possible for all interested parties,” Faist said yes- CCCAS housing he and his wife occupied, after judgement for possession of the house is in “favor terday morning from the company’s headquarters in Pittsburgh, his ministerial duties, including his CCCAS Gen- of plaintiffs and against defendants.” Pennsylvania. eral Secretary post, were suspended for a certain DISCUSSION “We thank her for her leadership and ongoing attention to amount of time. In the decision, the judges note that the strengthen the economic foundation of American Samoa to ben- The defendants named in the complaint, efit the territory’s future. The Congresswoman continues to bring Tofaeono and his wife Joan Aleluia, who is also (Continued on page 7) attention to the issues facing American Samoa and we applaud her efforts,” Faist continued. The legislation, which has since been assigned to the US House Committee on Education and the Workforce, is supported by ASG. Commerce Department Director, Keniseli Lafaele told Samoa News last week that this is one issue that ASG leaders and Aumua C M “all agree on — no automatic increase in the minimum wage Y K without careful review of local conditions — our economy.” (See Samoa News June 22 edition for details.) Samoa News sought reactions from as many StarKist Samoa cannery workers as possible on Amata’s bill, and they all offered different views. However, what was reflected from the many com- ments are the concerns that another minimum wage increase will result in the closure of StarKist, just like its competitors — COS Samoa Packing, which closed operations in September 2009; and Samoa Tuna Processors cannery last December. “I would like to see a wage increase because that means addi- tional money for my family, giving more to help my children; but what good is the extra income if that would result in the cannery closing and I would be left with no job,” said one long time can- nery worker. A cannery shift supervisor said, “I would like to see at least a minimum wage increase like every two years, instead of the cur- rent [federal] law of every three years, because the cost of living appears to be going up every year.” Additionally, “our workers Some of the CCCAS elders, with Chairman Rev. Elder Mamoe Eveni Jr. (right) during court pro- are hard working Samoan people, who deserve decent wages.” ceedings between the CCCAS and Secretary General Rev. Amaama Tofaeono. The Court has ruled Samoa News also reached out to non-cannery workers in in favor of CCCAS, to take possession of the home Rev. Amaama and his wife occupy inside the the private sector, and some of them questioned the “fairness” Kanana Fou compound. See story for full details. (Continued on page 6) [photo AF] Page 2 samoa news, Tuesday, June 27, 2017 Le Hunza Wellness & Longevity Center Experience “Le Filemu” Pure Bliss Hot Stones Massage (Lomilomi Faapitoa e Faafilemu le Tino ma le Mafaufau) SYEP opens with Only $49.99 (Reg. $65). 800 participants, the **Special Senior Special (60 yrs and over)** Mention “Samoa News” and receive additional highest number to date $10 Off by Blue Chen-Fruean ernor told all the cabinet mem- youth as “tomorrow’s leaders” Samoa News Correspondent bers who were present to stand and the “future of American The DYWA Pago Pago up and be recognized. Only Samoa” but nothing is ever done Youth Community Center was a few officials from various to cater to the young people. He jam packed yesterday morning, government departments and said that he, as a politician, will PA’U FA’APITOA MO as hundreds of local youth, agencies were in attendance, to make sure that the youth receive TAGATA MATUTUA parents, Gov. Lolo Matalasi which Lolo remarked that those the services they need in order (60 tausaga aga’i i luga) Moliga, cabinet members, and who were absent are “old” and to become effective leaders. Ta’u le igoa o le representatives from the private perhaps forgot where they had “You are the future,” Lolo Samoa News!!! sector were there to witness the to be yesterday morning. told the crowd of young people. official opening of this year’s He urged the youth to take “Make sure you take what you Summer Youth Employment control of their future by seizing learn during these weeks in the Program (SYEP). the opportunity provided by the SYEP to not only better your The ceremony was led SYEP to get on-the-job training, families, but also your village, Le Hunza Wellness, Market by Kenneth Kuaea, Deputy and in order for them to move and your community.” DHR (Fesaga’i ma Tumu’s Fale Coffee) Director of the Department forward, they needed to get off Director Eseneiaso J. Liu, in By appointment only of Human Resources (DHR), on the right foot, a strong start. her remarks, gave special rec- 770-0138 which administers the annual www.facebook.com/lehunza According to Lolo, when his ognition to Utu Abe Malae, the program. administration first took office Executive Director of the Amer- Offer ends June 30, 2017 During his remarks, Rev. back in 2013, the SYEP enroll- ican Samoa Power Authority Fouvale Asiata of the CCCAS ment only averaged between (ASPA) whom she said has Matu’u/Faganeanea church 100-150 participants. “Today, offered to pay for ten slots for told the young people to be there are 800 of you,” he said, the SYEP. She explained that “faithful” and seize this great adding that this is a fulfillment the money to fund the program “opportunity” which will make of his administration’s goal, this year was limited but thanks it easier for them to succeed in to see the youth of American to Utu, an additional ten slots the future. Samoa grow by giving them the will be paid for by ASPA. “Don’t go sit at the Mar- resources to get ahead. Last week, supervisors of ketplace, loiter in other places, The 800 young workers worksites — both public and and call in to have your coun- will be placed in over 60 sites private — where the youth will terparts clock-in for you,” he already confirmed within the be employed during the next said, adding that the SYEP is a American Samoa Government few weeks, underwent an orien- wonderful opportunity for them and the private sector. tation session. to learn new skills and develop Lolo said that despite the Today, a classroom com- good working habits, which will financial hardships facing the ponent session for the young essentially make their transition government, they continue to workers will be held at the into adulthood that much more find a way to assist the territo- Samoana High School gym- smooth. ry’s youth so they can help them nasium, overseen by DHR’s Lolo echoed the same sen- ‘move forward.’ Moana Purcell. Student timent, telling the youth that He referred to the proposed workers will be disbursed to their role in the program is Youth Center that is slated to their assigned worksites this not to “make coffee” and run be constructed in Tafuna, at the week. According to the fiscal other errands but instead, it is a site of the old VA Center and year 2017 budget, a total of The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) kicked off chance for them to experience said he wants to make good on $250,000 is allocated for the yesterday with an opening ceremony held at the DYWA Pago what it’s like to be part of the his promise of promoting the Summer Youth Employment Pago Youth Community Center. Pictured are some of the program working world, and learn new youth because they truly are the Program, under the Special Pro- participants who provided hymns during the program attended things that will benefit them in future of the territory. grams budget category which is by Gov. . the long run. The governor said that many administered by the Governor’s [photo: Blue Chen-Fruean] Prior to his remarks, the gov- politicians often refer to the Office.

An estimated 800 young people will be taking part in this year’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), the highest number of participants to date. [photo: Blue Chen-Fruean] samoa news, Tuesday, June 27, 2017 Page 3

Translated by Samoa News staff was issued by a police officer, Department of Public Safety. SOLOMONA TEOFILO whose identity was not made The judge’s statement was A man accused of assaulting public by Sunia at the time made during a hearing on the his sister-in-law last year, is of hearing, or by Assistant government’s case against now facing a new charge after Attorney General Woodrow Henry Nomura, who was he allegedly assaulted another Pengelly when asked by Samoa taken into custody for public family member. News. peace disturbance and made Solomona Teofilo was The court clerk twice called his initial appearance last week arrested and charged last Talaga for his case, but he Wednesday. October with second degree was not present. Sunia said Sunia informed Nomura assault for allegedly assaulting that the traffic ticket issued by that the government didn’t file his sister-in-law. He is accused the police officer shows that any charges against him and of also putting a knife to the Talaga is to appear in court on therefore he will be released. victim’s neck. June 23, 2017, but this is not However, the judge noted that He was released on $5,000 the date the court hears traffic Nomura has an unpaid $35 bail but was back in jail fol- violation cases. traffic ticket that needs to be lowing a High Court hearing Sunia said it appears that taken care of. last week Monday, where by putting this date, June 23, As Nomura was exiting the defendant’s niece with- on the traffic ticket, the police the court room, Sunia raised drew the $2,500 she put up officer is setting the court’s his concerns with Pengelly for Teofilo’s bail. The court calendar and the court is to over this continued problem prevented the government, comply with it. of people being taken into cus- during the hearing, from get- The usual practice is that tody while the police know ting a response from the niece all traffic violation cases are very well they don’t have suf- as to why she sought to with- scheduled and called at 1p.m ficient evidence on hand to file drew her money, citing that the on Tuesdays and police officers a complaint. defendant’s rights are protected are fully aware of this. Two weeks ago, Sunia under the law. June 23 was a Friday, not a raised concerns over a police Two days after the niece Tuesday. officer who issued five traffic withdrew the bail money that This is not the first time that tickets and placed them on the she put up for her uncle, the the court has ordered police windshield of vehicles. Sunia government filed a new charge officers, who issue traffic questioned the legality of such of second degree assault in the tickets, to appear in court to tickets, which are not signed by District Court against Teofilo, explain why such a traffic vio- the driver. for the alleged recent assault of lation was issued to a driver. Sunia told the police officer, another family member. There have been past inci- to inform his boss, that traffic Teofilo has since waived his dents in which the court has tickets should be given to the right to a preliminary examina- ordered the officer who issued driver, who allegedly violated tion hearing in District Court the traffic violation to pay the traffic laws, and they are not This Sunday, June 26, 2017, photo provided by Transportation and his case for the new assault fine, cited in the traffic ticket, to be placed on a vehicle’s Security Administration (TSA) shows a TSA agent holding a live charge is bound over to the for failure to provide complete windshield. lobster that weighs roughly 20 pounds at Boston’s Logan Interna- High Court, where he will be details of the traffic violation or (Original Samoan stories tional Airport. TSA spokesman Michael McCarthy said Monday, arraigned sometime this week. delay in submitting to the court published in the Lali section June 26, that the lobster found Sunday in the passenger’s checked FORMER MISS AMER- a copy of the ticket. on June 22 and Samoa News luggage at the airport’s Terminal C is the “largest” he’d ever seen. ICAN SAMOA CHARGED (Samoa News notes that the online Saturday.) (Transportation Security Administration via AP) WITH DRUNK DRIVING delay in submitting a copy Former Miss American of the traffic ticket appears Samoa, Anneliese Sword to have been addressed, appeared in District Court last with the implementation Thursday for traffic violation last month by the Depart- citations, including a misde- ment of Public Safety, with meanor charge of driving while assistance from the Judicial under the influence of alcohol. Branch, the “electronic-cita- According to court infor- tion”, or e-ticket, where an mation, Sword was stopped issued traffic violation ticket Wednesday night by police is automatically received by and taken into custody for sus- the District Court. See Samoa pected DUI, but was released News May 12 for details). that same evening after posting JUDGE ISSUES VERBAL a $500 bond. She appeared in MESSAGE TO POLICE court the next day. Speaking from the bench Sword’s next court hearing last week, District Court is set for later next month. Judge Fiti A. Sunia said that While out on bail, the court if police know that there isn’t in the Pago Plaza - across from ASPA office. has set several conditions of sufficient evidence to - sup release, which includes pro- port a case against a suspect, hibiting her from operating a then the accused should not COME AND HAVE YOUR HAIR vehicle, as well as consuming be taken into custody. Oth- alcohol. erwise, the court’s time and DONE BY PROFESSIONAL POLICE OFFICER resources are wasted, said ORDERED TO APPEAR IN Sunia. The statement was HAIR STYLISTS: COURT directed to Assistant Attorney District Court Fiti Sunia has General Woodrow Pengelly ordered that the police officer, last Wednesday during court who issued a traffic ticket to a proceedings. Veronica & Mali driver, appear in court later this Sunia said the only other Call for an appointment or stop by and see us!! week. way to resolve this problem, Sunia’s order last Friday, as it continues to be faced “Veronica is also a trained barber” was made during a hearing by the court, is to subpoena for David Talaga, who failed the Police Commissioner Tuesday - Saturday 9am to 4pm to appear in court for a traffic to explain in court why this 633-0774 Mondays (Appointments Only) ticket. Talaga’s traffic ticket problem continues at the Page 4 samoa news, Tuesday, June 27, 2017 Fate of longline dock project still up in the air NOT ON PORT ADMIN’S CIP LIST

by Samoa News staff for Port Administration proj- An advisory panel, along ects, and not having the longline with US longline vessel owners dock project included in the list, are concerned that a new dock is a “concern to vessel owners, for longliners at the Pago and to the Council’s Advi- Pago Harbor is not among the sory Panel,” says the report, projects listed in the Depart- which goes on to say that Port ment of Port Administration’s Administration’s contractor has capital improvement projects, informed ASG that additional according to a report by Western funding is necessary to conduct Pacific Regional Fishery Man- a geotechnical study of the sea- agement Council staff. floor where the longline dock The report was submitted extension will be placed. during last week’s three-day Council staff met with Port meeting in Honolulu of the Administration staff earlier this Council, which agreed some year in April, and the “project A striking municipal worker argues with a riot police officer guarding the entrance of the Interior two years ago to assist ASG has stalled as the additional Ministry during a protest, in Athens, on Monday June 26, 2017. With a heat wave expected later with a project to construct a amount required by the current this week, Greece’s government Monday urging striking garbage collectors to return to work after a dedicated longline dock exten- contractor is not able to be pro- 10-day protest has left huge piles of trash around Athens. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) sion at the Marina. vided through ASG funds,” the This was the Council’s response report revealed. to the lack of dock space at the So far, options are being . discussed to move the project According to the staff report, forward, and members of the the Council provided $184,000 Advisory Panel are offering Charred body to Port Administration as part of assistance in exploring alter- an agreement with Port for the natives to complete the design longline dock extension project. phase of the contract. The funds were to be used for At the official Advisory the design phase of the project, Panel Meeting last month, identified as missing and the government would then most members wanted assur- identify the funding source to ances from ASG that the project be utilized for the physical con- would be seen to completion – struction of the dock. even if it meant simply listing The report notes that Port the project on the CIP project Mexican journalist Administration had indicated list, according to the staff report. that federal Capital Improve- BACKGROUND MEXICO CITY (AP) — A charred body stage in which we do not feel certainty regarding ment Project (CIP) funds would Port Administration engi- found in western Mexico has been identified the causes of the murder of a colleague.” be the target source of money neer Sailimalo Natalia Palamo as the owner and director of a local television The IAPA said Adame “was known for his for the construction of the dock. told Samoa News in May that station abducted in May, the seventh journalist criticisms of the local mayor” in the city of killed so far this year in the country. Mugica, Michoacan. Additionally, the Council’s the design of the project is cur- Salvador Adame was director of local cable Adame’s abduction came after prominent American Samoa Advisory rently on hold, pending addi- Channel 6 TV. Armed men grabbed him on journalist Javier Valdez was slain in Culiacan, in Panel had recommended that tional funding. May 18 and forced him into a veicle in the city Mexico’s Sinaloa state. the local government make the Palamo explained that during of Nueva Italia in violence-plagued Michoacan The New York-based Committee to Protect longline dock project a priority the preliminary design stage state. Journalists says some 40 journalists have been and have it included in its most of the project, the designers, The remains were found in mid-June in a killed in Mexico for reasons confirmed as related recent CIP projects list. BECA, identified that geo- rural area and DNA tests later confirmed they to their work since 1992. An additional 50 were were Adame’s, said Michoacan state prosecutor slain during the same period under circumstances “This project is one that not technical investigations and a Jose Martin Godoy. that have not been clarified. only provides a dock for the benthic survey of the proposed Godoy said a kidnapping suspect had told On Monday, federal prosecutors in Mexico American Samoa longline fleet, location would need to be car- authorities that Adame was killed on the orders said they would ask for help from the FBI and it also alleviates the pressure” ried out before the final design of a local crime boss, allegedly because of “per- other international groups in investigating on both Port Administration could be completed. sonal problems” between the two. reports of high-tech spying against journalists and Department of Marine and “This has been quoted as an Godoy said Adame had apparently received and human rights defenders in Mexico. Wildlife Resources “as they additional cost of $183,500,” angry and insulting phone messages from the The University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab, local gang leader, who he identified by his nick- an internet watchdog group, said in June that continually shuffle vessels to Palamo said and noted that name, “El Chano” Pena. spyware called Pegasus produced by Israel’s accommodate cruise liners, as Port Administration received Mexico’s National Human Rights Commis- NSO Group was used to target the cellphones well as fuel and container ves- $194,900 from the Council sion said it “is calling on authorities to carry of people who were investigating or critical of sels,” the report says. to complete the design of the out profound, exhaustive and well-documented Mexico’s government. The longline dock is a pri- new Malaloa Wharf — which investigations so that whatever the motive is It said there was no conclusive proof of gov- ority project listed in the Amer- includes the longline dock. determined to be, it isn’t rushed and doesn’t ernment involvement, but noted that the soft- ican Samoa Marine Conserva- “As the design has not been leave room for doubt.” ware was sold only to governments and that the tion Plan (MCP), a document Mexican prosecutors have been criticized detected targets were all investigating or critical completed, we do not have a in the past for rushing to attribute the frequent of the government. drafted by ASG. firm estimate of the construc- murders of journalists to personal problems or Assistant Attorney General Ricardo Sanchez However, the longline dock tion cost,” Palamo pointed out. motives unrelated to their work. said companies that supply such spyware, and was not included in the initial “However, a high level esti- Roberto Rock, the chair of press freedom state government or federal agencies that might list of projects to be funded mate of the construction works committee of the Inter American Press Asso- have bought or uses such software, would be under CIP. would be in the vicinity of ciation, condemned the killing and said “given asked to testify. Over $54 million was listed $2-$3 million.” the total impunity, we journalists have reached a samoa news, Tuesday, June 27, 2017 Page 5 Pacific Island News in Brief Compiled by Samoa News Staff go through about the application, and to determine required of us and if anything else we are happy of WHAT DESPERATION? whether or not they will issue the consent. So at this course to discuss with them.” That was the response from the Minister of Rev- stage in the entire jurisdiction that’s where we are at.” Last week, the Unit Trust of Samoa (U.T.O.S) inked enue, Tialavea Tionisio Hunt to claims by Member The Chief Executive said they have been in regular a Memorandum of Understanding with ATH. of Parliament, Olo Fiti Vaai, made in Parliament last contact with the Office of the Regulator about the pro- The Fiji-owned company is also in the motion of week. posed transaction. buying BlueSky American Samoa, which is 100%, According to Olo, the government is financially “Specifically for Samoa we’ve had some discus- owned by Spanish communications company Amper. desperate which is why they have moved to tax the sions with the Regulator. The purchase gives ATH the majority shareholding in Head of State and the church ministers. “They have sought for some clarification but we the Bluesky Group. Olo questioned the factuality of figures provided by understand the information required seems to be all in (Source: Samoa Observer) the Ministry of Finance, on the budget for 2017/2018 place and I think they are confident. PHOTOGRAPHING SAMOAN GENDER where the surplus is in millions, yet the government “They can now go through and start the process IDENTITY intends to tax the Church Ministers. to assess ATH’s application so once they let us know An emerging Samoan photographer who has “That is how desperate they are, but I didn’t know it where it is, I think everyone will know too.” explored gender identity and mythical story-telling was this bad,” said Olo. Mr. Fong went on to say that all they can do now is hopes his work will go international. Tiavalea kicked Olo’s claims to touch. to wait and see what the Office of the Regulator comes Artist photographer Pati Solomona Tyrell’s work “That is wrong,” he responded. up with. focuses on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender “If the Ministry of Revenue did not reach our annual “At the moment we cannot speak for the Regulator Pacific communities in New Zealand. goals in terms of revenue collections, the government for sure because that is their prerogative,” he said. (Continued on page 10) would be desperate for money. But that is not the case.” “All we know is that we’ve done all that they’ve He pointed to Members of Parliament who relayed the needs and wants of their respective districts. This is why the government needs taxes. “Twenty-eight MP’s addressed Parliament about the needs and wants of their Districts. “Twenty of them asked for financial assistance for the projects in their districts. “If these lawmakers do not ask the government for money to fund their projects, why would the government propose for these additional revenue measures? “Every living person has needs and wants. This is the one thing in life that does not reduce, rather it increases.” Tialavea said that some of the lawmakers already have access to roads yet they still request for more of the same projects. He also made it clear the move to tax the Church Minis- ters was his decision. (Source: Samoa Observer) NEGOTIATIONS CON- TINUE WITH SALE OF BLUESKY TO ATH Confirmed by the Chief Executive Officer of Amal- gamated Telecom Holdings, Ivan Fong, who was in Apia last week, “The transaction where we’ve signed to have interest in buying Bluesky is on foot.” “At this stage what we’ve done is applied for the regula- tory consent for the transfer of licenses in American Samoa, Samoa and Cook Islands. “That process is on the way right now and we’ve had dis- cussions with the Office of the Regulator and what we know is our application seemed to be all in order.” Mr. Fong said it shouldn’t be too long before the final details are confirmed. “At this point in time, because each country has their own rules and regulations to Page 6 samoa news, Tuesday, June 27, 2017 ➧ Minimum wage hike… Continued from page 1 of having minimum wages set nery employment decreased by locally. 50% and the minimum wage for “At least when Congress cannery workers rose. gives a mandate, all employers The report also notes that must follow. If we return to the cannery officials reported labor old system prior to 2007, then costs and fisheries access among there should be a whole com- the challenges of operating in munity involvement in setting the territory, and that one of the wages, not just certain people, two canneries announced plans who will end up favoring the to suspend operations indefi- employer” said one private nitely in December 2016. sector supervisor. “I recall The American Samoa Gov- years ago, when the Special ernment has expressed concern Industry Committee set wages that continued minimum wage — and employees got a small increases are at odds with sus- little wage hike of 10-cents or tainable economic develop- 15-cents. Now is that fair — ment, and notes that as of Jan- 10-cents or 15-cents — for our uary 2016, StarKist employed workforce?” 2,094 hourly wage workers in The US Government the territory. According to the Accountability Office report report, in August 2015, Com- released last December on the merce Department completed impact of the federally man- a living-wage study identifying dated minimum wage on Amer- $5.67 as the minimum wage ican Samoa, states that from needed for a family of six to 2007 to 2014, overall employ- afford to live in the territory. ment fell by 4%, and workers’ However, the proposed living average inflation-adjusted earn- wage of $5.67 exceeds the ings fell by about 11%. hourly minimum wage for can- During the same period, can- nery workers by $0.51 No bond for suspect in N. Carolina teen’s Former Turing Pharmaceuticals CEO Martin Shkreli, left, arrives to federal court with his attorney Benjamin Brafman, in New York, Monday, June 26, 2017. Even with his federal securities fraud trial set to begin Monday, Shkreli has blatantly defied his attorneys’ advice to lay low. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) disappearance

Human Resource Department, Tafuna LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (48 kilometers) northeast of PO Box PPB, Pago Pago (AP) — A man was denied bail Atlanta. American Samoa 96799 Phone No: (684) 699-3033 Monday in the case of a North The Associated Press isn’t Fax No: (684) 699-3046 Carolina teenager who was naming her or her parents [email protected] found in a Georgia home Sat- because it doesn’t usually iden- urday after disappearing more tify victims of sexual assault. PUBLIC JOB POSTING than a year ago. Police say the girl made con- Position Title Human Resource Administrator Posting Date June 20, 2017 Local news media report tact Friday with a woman online Department Human Resources Deadline 4:00 PM, June 27, 2017 that 31-year-old Michael Wyso- in Romania and told her she lovski (weye-suh-LAHV’-skee) was being held against her will. Division Administration Pay Rate $15.16 to $17.61 per hour sat emotionless in a Gwinnett The girl didn’t know where she Position Type Career Service - 12 months probation Job Grade/Status J/1/A – J/4/D - Non Exempt County, Georgia, courtroom was, but the Romanian woman Reports To Human Resource Supervisor as a magistrate judge read the contacted her parents in North charges. He did not enter a plea. Carolina. Major Duties & Responsibilities Wysolovski is charged with Later, the girl sent a pic- Under the direction of the Human Resource Supervisor, the Human Resource Administrator is to administer false imprisonment, interfer- ture taken looking out of a the Utility’s human resource programs, procedures and policies including but not limited to, performance ence with custody, aggravated window of the house. Authori- management, compensation and benefits, hiring and personnel administration in accordance with federal sodomy, and first degree cruelty ties somehow pieced together and local regulations; and be a resource for employees and management, in order to improve and maintain to children. that she was being held at a the working environment at ASPA. The incumbent will also assist employees and other HR staff with record It’s not clear if he has an two-story house in Duluth, and keeping, file maintenance, preparation of purchase requisitions, fortnightly timesheets and drafting of attorney to speak for him. the FBI raided it early Saturday employment contracts for manager’s review. In addition, the incumbent will assist with the processing of Supporters declined to speak morning, retrieving the girl and documents through payroll and insurance providers to ensure accurate record keeping and proper deductions. to reporters as they left court arresting Wysolovski. The Human Resource Administrator will also submit online-investigation requests and assist with new Monday. “They did enough research employees background checks, reconcile benefits statements, conduct audits of payroll, benefits and other HR His next court appearance is and gumshoe work to figure out programs; assist with terminations, preparation of annual performance reviews and coordinates drug testing for the entire organization and any other duties required by management. July 7. where that young woman was FBI spokeswoman Shelley being held. Minimum Requirements Lynch said Sunday that the That’s a nice piece of work,” victim, now 17, was reunited former FBI assistant director Education Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or related field. A Master’s degree in HR field is an advantage. with her parents after being Chris Swecker told Charlotte’s found in Duluth, about 30 miles WSOC-TV. Experience Minimum (5) years of direct working experience in an HR office environment. Ability to interpret and apply human resource policies, procedures, rules and regulations; Knowledge, interviewing, counseling and negotiating skills; knowledge of federal and local laws governing © OSINI FALEATASI INC. RESERVES ALL RIGHTS. Skills & Abilities human resources management; ability to analyze and resolve personnel issues; possess a high level of ethical standards; must be able to exercise discretion and use sound judgment in dealing dba Samoa News is published Monday through Friday, with people and confidential information; computer literate and competent in using standard except for some local and federal holidays. office software (Microsoft Office – Word, Excel and Power Point); excellent interpersonal skills; Please send correspondences to: OF, dba Samoa News, Box highly organized and able to meet multiple demands; ability to take initiative on projects and 909, Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799. see through to completion; excellent skills in verbal and written communication in English. Telephone at (684) 633-5599 • Fax at (684) 633-4864 Qualified applicants: Please submit a completed ASPA Employment Application with a copy of your resume to Email advertisements to [email protected] ASPA Tafuna (address listed above) by the deadline listed above. Please attach copies of credentials and transcripts. Email the newsroom at [email protected] Candidates selected for hire must pass examinations (when applicable), pre-employment clearances & test negative on Normal business hours are Mon. thru Fri. 8am to 5pm. pre-employment drug test. ASPA reserves the right to waive education and experience requirements as necessary. Permission to reproduce editorial and/or advertisements, in No phone inquiries accepted. whole or in part, is required. Please address such requests to the Publisher at the address provided above. Please visit samoanews.com for weekend updates. An Equal Opportunity Employer * A Drug Free Workplace samoa news, Tuesday, June 27, 2017 Page 7 ➧ Court rules for CCCAS… Continued from page 1 Trial Division has jurisdiction ally, the court recognizes that over summary proceedings to the defendants have asserted recover possession of a prem- counterclaim for tortious inter- ises. They also cited provisions ference with an employment of local law — “The person contract. entitled to any premises may Although the trial was lim- recover possession of the prem- ited to the claim of summary ises by summary proceedings... repossession, the judges pointed whenever a person holds over out that the “defendants not any premises... after the term once uttered the existence of an for which the premises are employment contract as a basis demised to him.” to support their assertion that Additionally, judgement for they should remain in the house repossession may not be entered because [Rev. Tofaeono] was if it is established that termina- improperly terminated from tion of the tenancy was retribu- such contractual position.” tion for a lawful act arising out According to the judges, of the tenancy. the full thrust of the defendants In this CCCAS case, the arguments of improper termina- judges note that the plaintiffs tion was focused on the lack of claim that the term for which due process. the premises was demised to Therefore, Rev. Tofaeono’s defendants ended Mar. 31 and employment “is presumed to be that they gave notice to defen- at-will,” the judges said, adding dants to vacate by that date. that as an at-will employee, he However, the defendants “was without contractual pro- countered that they are still tection, and CCCAS could ter- entitled to the premises as the minate him at any time and for house of the General Secretary any reason that does not violate because Rev. Tofaeono was not [his] constitutional rights.” properly terminated from the Accordingly, the defense position. has not shown that Rev. Because there is no lease Tofaeono was “improperly ter- governing the duration and minated from his positions as an conditions of the tenancy, and ordained minister and General because the tenancy is depen- Secretary.” dent on Rev. Tofaeono’s REPOSSESSION employment as General Sec- The judges say that it’s retary, the judges point out undisputed in this case that a A factory worker holds on to the leash for his pet pigeon as he takes part in a protest march that the court must determine person is only entitled to live in demanding a minimum wage increase, from $4.67 per eight-hour work day to $12.47 per day, in his employment status with the General Secretary’s house Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Monday, June 26, 2017. CCCAS. while serving this post, and (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery) EMPLOYMENT STATUS living in the house ended when According to the judges, if Rev. Tofaeono was removed no employment contract exists, from the position on March 31. then an employer can terminate With Rev. Tofaeono’s DEVELOPMENT BANK employment at any time as long removal from the position, the as the decision does not vio- judges say “CCCAS had the OF AMERICAN SAMOA late the person’s constitutional right to demand that defen- P. O. Box 9, Pago Pago A.S. 96799 rights. dant vacate the house” and Office: (684) 633-4031 Fax: (684) 633-1163 . Website: www.dbas.as Citing an ASG case from that plaintiffs have established 1997, the judges noted that, grounds for summary reposses- “Generally, employment is sion under local law. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY presumed to be at-will.” Fur- “Summary repossession will ther, that presumption can be therefore be granted to plain- RE-ADVERTISEMENT to July 6, 2017 rebutted by evidence of the tiffs,” the judges ordered. intent of the parties, business The court didn’t make a POSITION TITLE: Staff Accountant custom, nature of the employ- declaration in its decision on ment and situations or circum- another claim by plaintiffs for PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIC DUTIES stances of the party and case. “damages for the costs of utili- • Assists Finance Manager in the preparation of daily, monthly, annual and other periodic financial statements According to the judges, the ties and the loss of the use of and reports for DBAS. court recognizes the defendants’ the premises” against the defen- • Research and resolve accounting errors and discrepancies argument that Rev. Tofaeono dants. The plaintiffs alleged in • Supervise billing, collection and posting of rents and lease payments for Lumanai Building tenants was improperly terminated, their complaint that although the • Organize and implement training programs for staff on a regular basis to upgrade their skills and knowledge, implies that he harbored some defendants were to pay for their • Ensure accounting functions are performed and completed in accordance with DBAS procedures and guarantee that he would retain own utilities, it was later dis- applicable regulations. his General Secretary position. covered that they had charged • Perform the reconciliation of cash and other general ledger accounts for DBAS. • Assists the Finance Manager with month-end and year end closings of each fiscal year. However, the defendants the utilities for the house to • Maintain the log of changes by journal entries and copies of all audit work papers. made no argument at trial the CCCAS, in violation of the • Perform any other duties as assigned by the Finance Manager against summary repossession terms of their tenancy. that an employment contract See Samoa News edition existed to provide such a guar- tomorrow on other issues from QUALIFICATIONS antee, the judges said. Addition- this case. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: • Associate Degree in Accounting or equivalent with two to five (2-5) years of experience.

SKILLS/ABILITIES: • Knowledge of financial and accounting practices and procedures, and automated systems. • Strong communication abilities and excellent analytical abilities. • Sound organizational skills. • Analytical, financial, and budgeting skills. • Sound analytical, creative, and problem-solving abilities. • Ability to meet deadlines.

Please submit your Resume & Application to the Development Bank of American Samoa located in Pago Pago - 2nd Floor. This job posting will expire Friday, July 6, 2017

Development Bank of American Samoa is an Equal Opportunity Lender, Provider and Employer Page 8 samoa news, Tuesday, June 27, 2017 Utah wildfire grows to largest active fire in US SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The estimated firefighting The nation’s largest wildfire has costs now top $7 million for forced more than 1,500 people a fire started June 17 near the from their homes and cabins in Brian Head Resort by someone a southern Utah mountain area using a torch tool to burn weeds, home to a ski town and popular they said. fishing lake. Investigators know who Firefighters battled high the culprit is, but have not yet winds Monday as they fought a released the person’s identity or fire that has grown to 72 square what charges will be leveled. C M miles (184 square kilometers) Crews in California, mean- Y K and burned 13 homes — larger while, got a handle on a brush than any other fire in the country fire that closed a freeway. Ari- now, state emergency managers zona firefighters had to ground said. aircraft due to unauthorized Some flames reached 100 drones over a fire near Flagstaff. Commuters make their way through a mist covered Hagley Park in central Christchurch, New feet high, while fire crews faced The Utah fire began near the Zealand, Monday, June 26, 2017. Residents of New Zealand’s South Island woke to temperatures as dry, windy conditions Tuesday ski resort town of Brian Head, low as minus four degrees celsius (28 degrees fahrenheit) for the start to their working week. and a “high potential” for generally known for weekend (AP Photo/Mark Baker) “extreme” fire behavior, -offi getaway homes for Las Vegas cials said late Monday. residents, and has spread sev- eral miles east to an area around Panguitch Lake, a popular spot for fishing. Authorities ordered more evacuations Monday in a sparsely populated area as stronger winds and lower humidity develop that could push fire growth north after calmer weather kept its growth in check over the weekend. The fire is about 10 percent contained. About 175 people have been briefly allowed back to their homes near Panguitch Lake since Sunday under escort, said Denise Dastrup with the Gar- field County Sheriff’s Office. Randi Powell said her grand- father is hoping to get up to see his cabin on Tuesday. Powell said it’s been an “emotional roller coaster” for her and her grandparents, who live part of the year at a cabin near the fire. Powell said she and her sister helped grab family heirlooms, pictures and important docu- ments last Thursday when her grandparents had to evacuate on short notice. Powell is relying on social media updates from friends and others who live or have homes in the area. So far, it appears her C M grandparents’ 5-bedroom cabin, Y K built some 60 years ago, is still intact, she said. But that hasn’t stopped them from worrying. “There will be uncertainty until you get up there and walk through it,” said Powell, 32, who lives about one hour away in Cedar City. “Until it’s totally out, you won’t know if you’ll be ok.” At Brian Head Resort, they are hoping that hot spots near where the blaze started will calm down enough to allow officials to lift the evacuations in time for 4th of July festivi- ties that usually bring some 15,000 people to listen to music and watch fireworks, said resort spokesman Mark Wilder. samoa news, Tuesday, June 27, 2017 Page 9

C M Y K

Some of the kids who attended the Progressive Agriculture Community Safety Day for Children last week, pictured while they sit and listen during a presentation by an EMS employee. The event was attended by dozens of youngsters and held at the ASCC gymnasium. [photo: LF] Georgia man charged in teen girl’s rape avoids prison MACON, Ga. (AP) — A Georgia man will avoid prison after pleading guilty to statu- tory rape of a 13-year-old girl he was initially charged with C M raping. The Macon Telegraph Y K reports that 21-year-old Tremayne Octavious Driskell Jr., of Macon, was also charged with child molestation. As part of a plea deal, Driskell was sentenced to five years’ proba- tion. The molestation charges will be dismissed. According to an arrest warrant, Driskell was visiting a home in Feb- ruary 2016 when he went into the girl’s bedroom, allegedly forced her to have sex and told her “not to tell anyone because he didn’t want to go to jail.” Prosecutors say the girl didn’t tell until a couple of months later. Driskell was sentenced as a first offender, must pay a $500 fine and $500 in attorney’s fees. Page 10 samoa news, Tuesday, June 27, 2017 ➧ Pacific Briefs… Continued from page 5 Mr Tyrell says “fagogo” artist whose work is starting to is named after a film he made take off. earlier for a tertiary assignment (Source: RNZ Pacific) that captured people’s attention. Thousands welcome the “Fagogo is the Samoan term return of Hokule’a in for fables, and I was looking at Thousands of people fagogo as a way to share sto- crowded into Ala Moana ries through the artwork, spe- Beach Park on Saturday to cifically stories about the queer watch the Hokule’a, a tradi- Pacific community here in tional Hawaiian canoe, make its Aotearoa and using fagogo as a return to Oahu after a three-year way to share a story about cre- voyage that included visits to ating counter narratives for our 150 ports in 27 countries. community to see themselves in After more than 40,000 nau- the future.” tical miles at sea, the Hokule’a He says the work also was met just outside of the explores stories with a spiritual shores of Hawaii by a fleet of nature as well as his sexuality. canoes from across the Pacific “It also includes my family who led the Hokule’a to shore in the stories and me being where the crew were greeted queer and how I am with my with flower leis (necklaces) and relationships with my parents traditional Hawaiian chants. and the men in my family and The Office of Hawaiian my culture.” Affairs Community’s Engage- Auckland Festival of Pho- ment Director Mehana Hind tography director Julia Durkin said locals spent days making describes his exhibition as out hundreds of flower leis for the of this world. crew, and indigenous chants “We have always been were written especially for the encouraging of the margins of homecoming. society, particularly kind of Mehana Hind knows family from different communities, members who have been on specifically around Chinese board the Hokule’a. community, Maori communi- “There have been about ties, Pacific and from LGBT 250 crew members sailing the communities as well and it has Hokule’a over the several years been very important for us as a of travel,” she said. festival to work with artists who “It was so good that for the are creating ground-breaking vaka’s final leg from Tahiti to cutting edge work which is how Hawaii, two female navigators I would describe Pati’s new were at the helm.” show. 27” She said this voyage has St Paul Street Gallery assis- really signaled the ushering in tant director, Balamohan Shin- and passing on of knowledge gade, describes the work as from one generation to the next. “delicious”. “We are really proud of the “Pati’s work is, we believe, work that our va’akolua has really very important and done with many thousands of Investigators execute a search warrant at Dr. James Kauffman’s office Tuesday, June 13, 2017, already he has shown to be thousands of people who are in Egg Harbor Township, N.J. The physician husband of a radio host slain in 2012 brandished a quite prolific because he has inspired to look within and to handgun as agents executed search warrants Tuesday at his office and home, authorities said. A produced an enormous body of care for their natural resources hostage negotiator persuaded Kauffman to surrender on Tuesday at his office. The county prosecutor work whilst at art school and and to take care of those sys- said the raids weren’t connected to the wife’s slaying. outside and especially as a prin- tems that are timeless,” she said. (Craig Matthews/The Press of Atlantic City via AP) ciple photographer for FAF- “Keeping our islands SWAG Pacific Arts Collective, thriving, that is what we are he has strengthened that collec- most proud of and this is very tive through his photography.” significant for us and our little Mr. Tyrell says FAFSWAG old islands in the middle of the is an arts collective he specifi- Pacific ocean.” cally helped set up to further his A spokesperson for Hawaii community’s endeavors. Tourism, Darragh Walshe, said “I guess being a platform there are many events planned for artists to share their sto- over the next several days to ries and express themselves. celebrate the end of an impor- Often our people are not really tant journey. given the opportunity to share He said when the Hokule’a their stories and so FAFSWAG contingent visited New Zealand becomes just an avenue for in 2014 as part of this trip the them to do that.” interest and engagement soared He says he has high hopes and this event will do the same. for it to be exhibited to more “Over the last three years, audiences overseas. the Hokule’a, as part of the Ms Durkin says they’ve been worldwide voyage, has been aware of Mr Tyrell’s potential spreading a number of messages and are keen to help. around the world, particularly “The show that I have seen in terms of that navigation, the is such good quality that we’d ecosystems and looking after be really keen to help it get the world and our environment. overseas as it just has that inter- But in particular too, the sharing national appeal. So we have of the Hawaiian culture.” an international festival net- Tourists and locals have work with Asia Pacific Forum enjoyed spending time at Magic and we work with festivals in Island to meet crew members, Columbia, Guatemala, China, getting on board the vaka, and Japan.” eating traditional food as well as She says she’s known about see the different cultural exhibi- Mr Tyrell’s work for some time tions on display in Honolulu. now, and describes him as an (Source: RNZ Pacific) samoa news, Tuesday, June 27, 2017 Page 11

(Photos: Blue)

White House press secretary Sean Spicer speaks during a the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Monday, June 26, 2017. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Trump pushes ‘energy week’ and goal of exporting resources WASHINGTON (AP) — With U.S. exports waters. Similarly, during his administration Pres- of oil and natural gas surging, President Donald ident Barack Obama spoke about an “all of the Trump says the U.S. is on the brink of becoming above” energy policy intended to reassure skep- a net exporter of oil, gas and other resources. tics that he supported a wide range of U.S. energy The White House is launching its “energy production. week” with a series of events focused on jobs and Trump signed an executive order in April boosting U.S. global influence. The events follow to expand oil drilling in the Arctic and Atlantic similar policy-themed weeks on infrastructure oceans, reversing restrictions imposed by Obama. and jobs. Trump has also pushed to revive U.S. coal pro- The previous weeks were largely overshad- duction after years of decline. Coal mining rose owed by ongoing probes into whether Trump by 19 percent in the first five months of the year campaign officials colluded with Russia to influ- as the price of natural gas edged up, according to ence the 2016 election, as well as scrutiny over Energy Department data. Trump’s firing of James Comey as FBI director. U.S. oil and gas production have boomed Drawing fresh attention now is the Republican in recent years, primarily because of improved bid to scuttle the health care law despite a rebel- drilling techniques such as fracking that have lion within Senate GOP ranks. opened up production in areas previously out of Energy Secretary Rick Perry said Monday the reach of drillers. Trump administration is confident officials can Obama signed a law in December 2015 lifting “pave the path toward U.S. energy dominance” a decades-old ban on most crude oil exports, by exporting oil, gas and coal to markets around resulting in millions of barrels of exports every the world, and promoting nuclear energy and month to China, Italy, the Netherlands and other even renewables such as wind and solar power. countries. The U.S. began exporting liquefied “For years, Washington stood in the way of natural gas to India, China, Brazil and other our energy dominance. That changes now,” Perry countries in February 2016. told reporters at the White House. “We are now Earlier this month, a U.S. tanker sent liquefied looking to help, not hinder, energy producers and natural gas, or LNG, to Poland, the first delivery job creators.” of U.S. gas to eastern or northern Europe. The focus on energy began at a meeting Despite Trump’s withdrawal from the global between Trump and India’s Prime Minister Nar- Paris climate accord, Perry said the U.S. remains endra Modi, with U.S. natural gas exports part of committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions the discussion. Trump is expected to talk energy that contribute to global warming. Wednesday with governors and tribal leaders, “Instead of preaching about clean energy, and he will deliver a speech Thursday at the this administration will act upon it,” Perry said, Energy Department. calling nuclear power a key element to fight cli- Trump has long used “dominance” to describe mate change. his approach to energy, and Perry and other Perry, a former Texas governor, said he administration officials have begun echoing the strongly supported wind power in his state, but he phrase as a short-hand for policies that “unleash” hedged when asked whether he supports exten- unfettered energy production on U.S. land and sion of a production tax credit for wind. Page 12 samoa news, Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Over 20 men and women successfully completed a six-week hydroponics gardening course, hosted by the American Samoa Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence (ASCADSV), and funded through the Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) program under the Department of Commerce. See yesterday’s Samoa News for full details. [photo: courtesy]

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN AND SOCIAL SERVICES 3 years’ Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) PUBLIC NOTICE probation for Five Year State Plan Goals and Objectives 2017 - 2021 Goal 1 – Self-Advocacy People with developmental disabilities will have increased opportunities to develop leadership and self- advocacy skills to participate in community life. man whose Objective 1 The American Samoa Developmental Disabilities Planning Council in collaboration with the Office of Protection and Advocacy and the University Centers for Excellence on Developmental Disabilities will strengthen one statewide advocacy organization namely (AIGA), support opportunities for people with developmental disabilities who are considered leaders to provide leadership training to individuals with developmental disabilities to become leaders, and support and expand participation of self - advocates in cross disability and cultural diverse coalitions. behavior forced Goal 2 – Employment People with developmental disabilities will have increased access to employment opportunities that meet their needs and preferences. Objective 1 - Work with the private sector, non-profit organizations and government agencies to provide opportunities flight back for young adults with developmental disabilities to gain employment in areas of their capabilities in an inclusive setting. HONOLULU (AP) — A Court documents say a drunken Goal 3 – Education /Transition Targeted Disparity man whose disruptive behavior August threatened to kill his People with developmental disabilities between the ages of 16-18 in the public high schools lack the skills and training prompted a New York City- girlfriend, her children, passen- necessary to transition to secondary education and employment opportunities. Partnering with the Office of Vocational bound flight to return to Hono- gers and crewmembers. Rehabilitation, Office of Special Education, WIOA, and other agencies will help support the transition effort by lulu was sentenced Monday to An FBI affidavit filed after providing awareness training of opportunities available to youth, and how to access it. This will also increase the skills three years of probation. his arrest says he slapped of youth on what is available, and how to access it. James August pleaded guilty a female flight attendant’s Objective 1 – Every year between 2017- 2021, there should be an increase in successful transition of one or two in February to interfering with a shoulder. individuals with developmental disabilities through training opportunities that are available through partnership with the flight crew. He said he doesn’t Assistant U.S. Attorney Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, private businesses and other organizations. remember what happened, but Tom Brady says the airline is Public Comment sought on Goals and Objectives for American Samoa Developmental Disabilities Planning Council 5 he doesn’t dispute accounts requesting more than $110,000 Year State Plan 2017 – 2021. that he was threatening and in restitution for the costs Comments will be accepted until 4 p.m. on July 30, 2017. Comments may also be e-mailed to Norma L. Smith at disruptive. of turning the plane around. [email protected], or dropped off at the DDPC Office located in Utulei at the Children, Family and Behavioral Health He was arrested after the Brady says that request will be Services Building, or mailed to P.O. Box 1455 Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799. More information can also be November Hawaiian Airlines addressed at a July 24 hearing. obtained by calling our office at 633-0315 or 633-2919. flight returned to Honolulu. samoa news, Tuesday, June 27, 2017 Page 13

The Pacific Island Health Officers Association ZIKA Summit Vector Control 2017 is being held in Tumon, Guam from June 26-29. Local ASG departments and agen- cies being represented include DOH divisions - EpiSurveillance, Helping Hands Early Intervention Program, MCH, PHEP, Environmental Health Sanitation Agency - as well as Budget, Procurement, and Treasury. [photo: Wayne Wells] No bond for suspect in N. Carolina teen’s disappearance LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (AP) — A man was denied bail Monday in the case of a North Carolina teenager who was found in a Georgia home Saturday after disappearing more than a year ago. American Samoa Government Local news media report that 31-year-old Michael Wysolovski DEPARTMENT of COMMERCE (weye-suh-LAHV’-skee) sat emotionless in a Gwinnett County, Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799 Georgia, courtroom as a magistrate judge read the charges. He did Tel: (684) 633-5155 • Fax: (684) 633-4195 not enter a plea. Wysolovski is charged with false imprisonment, interference with custody, aggravated sodomy, and first degree cruelty to chil- COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT (CSBG) PROGRAM dren. It’s not clear if he has an attorney to speak for him. Sup- porters declined to speak to reporters as they left court Monday. FISCAL YEAR 2018 CSBG FUNDING His next court appearance is July 7. FBI spokeswoman Shelley Lynch said Sunday that the victim, The Department of Commerce, as the lead agency designated to administer American now 17, was reunited with her parents after being found in Duluth, Samoa’s Community Services Block Grant Program, announces the closing date for about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northeast of Atlanta. The Associ- submitting proposals/applications for FY 2018 CSBG Funding. ated Press isn’t naming her or her parents because it doesn’t usu- ally identify victims of sexual assault. All public agencies and non-profit organizations are welcome to apply. Application Police say the girl made contact Friday with a woman online guidance for instructions on completing and filing a proposal is available at the in Romania and told her she was being held against her will. The Department of Commerce. Applicants must file their proposals by 4:00 P.M. (American girl didn’t know where she was, but the Romanian woman con- Samoa time) on Wednesday, July 5, 2017. Submit one original and six copies of the tacted her parents in North Carolina. Later, the girl sent a picture proposal to Charlene Fa’alevao or Dorothy Siatunu’u at the CSBG Division of the taken looking out of a window of the house. Authorities somehow Department of Commerce, 2nd Floor, A.P. Lutali Executive Building; Utulei, American pieced together that she was being held at a two-story house in Duluth, and the FBI raided it early Saturday morning, retrieving Samoa. the girl and arresting Wysolovski. Please contact Charlene Fa’alevao at 633-5155 should you have any questions “They did enough research and gumshoe work to figure out regarding this notice. where that young woman was being held. That’s a nice piece of work,” former FBI assistant director Chris Swecker told Char- lotte’s WSOC-TV. Many things about the case remain unclear, such as how the teen initially reached Wysolovski, as well as whether he held her the whole time in Duluth. Keniseli F. Lafaele Her mother said Wysolovski enticed the daughter into his car Director of Commerce and took her to Georgia “and she pretty much had to stay there the whole time.” Page 14 samoa news, Tuesday, June 27, 2017 Weed killer ingredient going on California list as cancerous FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — doesn’t cause cancer and that the nation’s leading farming Regulators in California took a the labels will harm the com- state. pivotal step on Monday toward pany’s business. Attorney Michael Baum, becoming the first state to State health regulators must who represents more than 300 require the popular weed killer also decide if there’s a high people who claim a loved one Roundup to come with a label enough amount of the chem- became sick or died from expo- warning that it’s known to cause ical in Roundup to pose a risk sure to Roundup, says the fight cancer. to human health. State officials to protect Californians is not Officials announced that received more than 1,300 public over. He said that the state’s starting July 7 the weed killer’s comments. failure to set the proper risk main ingredient, glyphosate, “We can’t say for sure,” said level would undermine protec- will appear on a list California Sam Delson, a spokesman for tions California put in place by keeps of potentially cancerous California’s Office of Environ- listing harmful chemicals. chemicals. A year later, the mental Health Hazard Assess- Scott Partridge, Monsan- listing could come with warning ment. “We’re reviewing those to’s vice president of global labels on the product, officials comments.” strategy, said in a statement said. Glyphosate has no color or that glyphosate does not cause However, it’s not certain smell. Monsanto introduced cancer and there’s no need to whether Roundup will ulti- it in 1974 as an effective way list it as harmful in California. mately get a warning label. of killing weeds while leaving “This is not the final step Monsanto, the chemical’s crops and plants intact. in the process,” Partridge said. maker, has filed an appeal after It’s sold in more than 160 “We will continue to aggres- losing in court to block the countries, and farmers use it on sively challenge this improper labeling, arguing that Roundup 250 types of crops in California, decision.” In this Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, photo, containers of Roundup, left, a weed killer is seen on a shelf with other products for sale at a hardware store in Los Angeles. California regulators are taking a pivotal step toward requiring the popular weed killer Roundup White House warns Syria’s to come with a warning label. The state’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment announced Monday, June 26, 2017, that the weed killer’s main ingredient, glyphosate, will be listed in July as a chemical known to cause cancer. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon) Assad against chemical attack WASHINGTON (AP) — tary had launched the chemical Po Box PPB, Pago Pago The White House issued a stern attack. American Samoa 96799 warning to Syrian President It was the first direct Amer- Phone No.: (684) 699-3057 Fax No.: (684) 699-4129 Bashar Assad on Monday night ican assault on the Syrian gov- Procurement Office [email protected] as it claimed “potential” evi- ernment and Trump’s most dence that Syria was preparing dramatic military order since for another chemical weapons becoming president months NOTICE TO OFFERORS attack. before. RFP No: ASPA17.041. TPPBRP Closing Date & Time: July 18, 2017 In an ominous statement Trump said at the time that Issuance Date: June 03, 2017 2:00 p.m., American Samoa Time issued with no supporting evi- the Khan Sheikhoun attack Project Name: Tafuna Plant Building Rehabilitation Project dence or further explanation, crossed “many, many lines,” Press Secretary Sean Spicer and put the blame squarely on The American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) issues this Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for the said the U.S. “has identi- Assad’s forces. Syria, mean- rehabilitation of the Tafuna Power Plant building. fied potential preparations for while, maintained it hadn’t used Qualified Offerors must submit proposals in a sealed envelope, box, or other enclosure addressed another chemical weapons chemical weapons and blamed to Ioana Uli, ASPA Procurement Manager. The sealed envelope or box must show date and attack by the Assad regime that opposition fighters for stock- time of proposal opening and be labeled: “RFP No. ASPA 17.041 TAFUNA POWER PLANT would likely result in the mass piling the chemicals. Russia’s BUILDING REHABILITATION PROJECT”. Late submittals will not be opened or considered murder of civilians, including Defense Ministry said the toxic and will be determined as non-responsive. Electronic PDF copies of proposals must be sent innocent children.” He said the agents were released when to [email protected] no later than the date and time as specified. All Offerors shall provide activities were similar to prepa- a Syrian airstrike hit a rebel sufficient written and verifiable information that responds to the requirements set forth herein. rations taken before an April chemical weapons arsenal and A complete RFP package may be picked up from the ASPA Procurement Office located at the 2017 attack that killed dozens munitions factory. The U.S. Tafuna Power Plant compound (Please check with Security Guard at the Gate). You may also view of men, women and children, attack on a Syrian air base came this RFP online at www.aspower.com which is ASPA’s Website. For more information about this and warned that if “Mr. Assad after years of heated debate RFP, please contact the following person(s): conducts another mass murder and deliberation in Washington Ioana S. Uli attack using chemical weapons, over intervention in the bloody Procurement Manager Management he and his military will pay a civil war. heavy price.” Chemical weapons have Tel. 684.699.3057 Assad had denied responsi- killed hundreds of people since Email: [email protected] bility for an April 4 attack on the start of the conflict, with The American Samoa Power Authority reserves the right to: the town of Khan Sheikhoun the U.N. blaming three attacks 1. Reject all proposals and reissue a new or amended RFP. in the rebel-held Idlib province on the Syrian government and 2. Reject proposal from companies with adverse records involving fraud, overcharging and that killed dozens of people, a fourth on the Islamic State bribery in construction projects. including children. Victims group. Nikki Haley, the United show signs of suffocation, con- States Ambassador to the 3. Request additional information from any company submitting a proposal. vulsions, foaming at the mouth United Nations, added Monday 4. Select a firm for award based on other than “least cost” (e.g. capability to complete work in a and pupil constriction. on Twitter: “Any further attacks timely fashion or proven technical capabilities). Days later, President Donald done to the people of Syria will 5. Negotiate a contract with the firm selected for award. Trump launched a cruise missile be blamed on Asaad, but also on 6. Waive any non-material violations of rules set up in this RFP at its sole discretion. strike on a Syrian government- Russia & Iran who support him Approved for Issuance: Utu Abe Malae, Executive Director Date: June 03, 2017 controlled air base where U.S. killing his own people.” officials said the Syrian - mili samoa news, Tuesday, June 27, 2017 Page 15 China’s jailed Nobel EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Peace laureate given NEWS REPORTER

medical parole Samoa News is looking for a news writer that has a natural curiosity about our local community and is BEIJING (AP) — China’s most prominent half a dozen plainclothes willing to report accurately for our newspaper readers. Imprisoned Chinese Nobel democracy campaigner, and other security officers Peace Prize laureate and was sentenced to 11 years and physically blocked The successful applicant must possess bi-lingual, dissident Liu Xiaobo has in prison in 2009 after from going beyond the first Samoan and English, speaking and/or writing been transferred to a hos- being convicted of inciting floor. skills. They must be able to meet daily deadlines pital after being diag- state subversion for writing Geng Shuang, a and if needed, to work weekends. nosed with late-stage liver and disseminating Charter spokesman for China’s Access to computer, camera and vehicle is a cancer, authorities and his ‘08, a manifesto calling for foreign ministry, said definite advantage. friends say. an end to single-party rule. Monday he was not aware The deteriorating health The following year, he of the latest development Call Samoa News at 633-5599 for an appointment of China’s best-known was awarded the Nobel in Liu’s case. to interview. political prisoner was Peace Prize by a Norway- The news of Liu’s diag- immediately met with based Nobel committee, nosis shocked and sad- dismay and anger by the which cheered China’s dened fellow human rights country’s beleaguered fractured, persecuted dis- activists who have admired We’re Here For You! community of rights activ- sident community and the sacrifices Liu and his ists and lawyers, who brought calls from the wife have made in the called it a blow to the U.S., Germany and others hope of achieving peaceful democracy movement. for Liu’s release, but also political change. Liu, 61, is receiving infuriated Beijing. Activists have also treatment at a hospital in In April, Beijing finally been alarmed by Liu Xia’s the northeastern city of normalized relations with gradual descent into depres- Official: Los Shenyang, lawyer Mo Sha- Oslo after a six-year hiatus. sion after the soft-spoken oping told The Associated The Liaoning Provin- poet and artist was forc- Press. Liu was diagnosed cial Prison Administrative ibly sequestered by state on May 23, and prison Bureau, which oversees security at home during authorities in a statement the prison where Liu was her husband’s imprison- Angeles officer said Liu was granted a incarcerated, confirmed ment. “It’s known that medical parole and placed in a statement on its web- Liu Xiaobo and his family in the care of cancer site Monday that Liu had have made a tremendous experts, although it was not received a medical parole. sacrifice for the cause of clear exactly when he was It said the China Med- freedom and democracy had dozens of transferred to the hospital. ical University No. 1 Affil- in China,” said Shanghai- His cancer appears to iated Hospital in Shenyang based legal scholar Zhang be severe. “No surgery, no formed a team of eight Xuezhong. radiation, and no chemo- nationally known experts “This is unfortunate therapy will do,” a sobbing in the field of tumors that news for him and his illegal guns Liu Xia, his wife, said in a drew up a treatment plan family, and it’s a blow to video phone call recorded for Liu. China’s democracy move- LOS ANGELES (AP) — gun collector, and there is no on a cell phone. It was unclear exactly ment, as so many people A Los Angeles police officer indication at this point in the The clip has been shared what treatment Liu was have placed hope in him, who was arrested last week and investigation that Cain was in circles of supporters and receiving but as of 10 and rightfully so.” suspected of having sex with planning to sell any of the verified by the couple’s days ago his condition was Zhang said Liu must a teenage cadet had dozens weapons. of illegal guns in his home, a Cain is accused of having friends, who said she was stable, Mo said, citing Liu’s go abroad for medical law enforcement official said sex with a 15-year-old cadet at the hospital. family. He noted, however, treatment. Monday. who volunteered at his police Liu’s supporters and that medical parole is only “I doubt he will get the More than 100 weapons station. Investigators said the international human rights granted to prisoners who treatment that is timely, were found Thursday when teen had been a police cadet for advocates are urging China are gravely ill and unable sufficient and attentive in investigators searched Officer about three months. They were to provide the best care to to be treated at the prison’s China,” Zhang said. Robert Cain’s home, including led to Cain by messages on the several assault rifles, a non- teenage girl’s cellphone. Liu and allow him to seek medical facilities. “The international com- functioning grenade launcher, Cain’s arrest came amid a medical treatments abroad. Mo said Liu was likely munity has a moral obli- and inert grenades, according to widening probe into a program “The Chinese govern- to be closely guarded at gation to fight for him to the official. for those who may want to ment’s culpability for the hospital in Shenyang get the treatment outside The official wasn’t autho- become officers, which started wrongfully imprisoning and unable to receive visits China.” Guo Yuhua, a rized to speak publicly about earlier this month. They’re Liu Xiaobo is deepened by from friends or return professor of sociology at an ongoing investigation and accused of taking police spoke to The Associated Press cruisers, going on patrol and the fact that they released home. “Normally, most the elite Tsinghua Univer- on condition of anonymity. pulling over at least one driver. him only when he became people will be allowed sity in Beijing, said she At least 30 of the weapons Four other cadets were later gravely ill,” said Sophie to go home, or to be with was angered by the news. “ that were seized during the raid arrested for allegedly riding Richardson, China director their families, or hospitals, Those with conscience at Cain’s Rancho Cucamonga along. at New York-based Human but Liu Xiaobo is a special have given so much to home have been found to be Cain, a 10-year veteran Rights Watch, in a state- case,” Mo said. this country, yet they are illegal to possess under Cali- officer, worked as an equipment fornia law, the official said. Los room operator, and investiga- ment. “The government “I don’t think he will persecuted by the totali- Angeles police are still ana- tors believe he knew about and should immediately allow be allowed to meet with tarian rule,” she told AP. lyzing the other weapons they was involved in the unlawful Liu Xiaobo and his wife, people other than close rel- “Those who have done evil seized to determine if those use of the police cars and other Liu Xia, to seek proper atives,” he added. At Liu will sooner or later be held weapons are legal, according to equipment. It wasn’t immedi- treatment wherever they Xia’s apartment building accountable and written the official. ately clear if he had an attorney wish.” in Beijing, AP journalists into the history to be spat The official said investiga- who could comment on the tors suspect Cain was an avid allegations. Liu, a literary critic and were accosted Monday by on forever.” Page 16 samoa news, Tuesday, June 27, 2017 red white blue & DAYONLY C M SALE Y K 1 TUESDAY, JULY 4TH FROM 8 TO 2 Electronics select items over $100 % look for the red sale tags 10off Major Appliances fridges, ranges, washers, etc. look for the white sale tags % 25off % Furniture 20off select items over $200 look for the blue sale tags C M Y K hurry in for best selection! Food Booth TUESDAY, July 4th

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