PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2018 $1.00 Filipino woman who was Laser beams forced-deported says she aimed at HAL

C M Y K is not the one lying fl ight — this CLAIMS AN IMMIGRATION OFFICER WAS PAID $2,200 FOR THEIR BONDS by Ausage Fausia Samoa News Reporter he Filipino immigrant who was allegedly forced-deported with her 5-year-old son last time two of them by Samoa News staff craft or their fl ight path. Penalty month has responded to the many allegations made against her by the Chief Immigra- fter reports of another for violating the federal law is tion Offi cer (CIO), Peseta Dennis Fuimaono and his staff. One of her claims is that she laser beam incident up to 5 years in prison and up to was 7-months pregnant when forced to leave and has provided documentation to Samoa News to with Hawaiian Air- a $250,000 fi ne.” T support her assertion. linesA — this time last Thursday This report follows an earlier In her response, Merlin Gerin Lloren told — the Am. Samoa Dept. of incident in January of this year Samoa News that she never lied to the Chief Homeland Security issued a that sparked anger from the Immigration Offi cer or his staff about any- thing. It was they who lied to her. special bulletin late Friday community on why someone Lloren provided to Samoa News via- warning that this is a federal would do such a thing, which email her statement about what she claims offense. jeopardized the safety of those actually happened on Mar. 1, as well as According to the bulletin, on board the Boeing 767 plane, the documentation to support that she was reports of another laser beam which Samoa News under- 7-months pregnant when both she and her incident “blinding the Hawaiian stands was carrying some 200 son were forced to leave . The documents she provided appear to be Airline (HA) pilot’s cockpit as passengers — not including the reports from three different clinics she vis- of last night’s fl ight, Thursday, crew. ited for her pregnancy. One with the Tafuna April 12, 2018. The pilots of “There is nothing funny, Clinic on Feb. 28, 2018 and the others of the fl ight HA 465 fl ying in from humorous or cute about shining last two visits in both on Mar. 5 with Honolulu, Hawai’i arriving in a laser at an aircraft,” the FAA J’s Ultrasound Clinic and Plaza Health Care Pago Pago International Air- said at the time. Medical Clinic. All three documents confi rm that Merlin port, American Samoa encoun- One previous laser incident is pregnant with a due date set for May 12, tered not one but two laser involving a Hawaiian fl ight 2018, which indicates she was 7 months beams pointed at their line of while landing at the Tafuna pregnant when she was forced to leave sight while approaching the Airport was in the latter part of the territory with her son. (Samoa News landing air strip.” March 2011. has in its possession all three copies of the The bulletin warns that the Local Homeland Security documents.) She told Samoa News she never ran away incident is a very serious crime asks that the public report any from Immigration offi cers nor the H & H and violation of federal law. information they may have Samsung Company owner as stated by the “We would like to inform the relating this this incident at the CIO in his interview with the Samoa News, public that it is Illegal to aim EOC at 699-3800/699-0411 or which was published last week Friday. laser pointer beams at an air- police at 633-1111. (Continued on page 3)

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EMS employees are seen moving out of DPS Substation in Tafuna yesterday morning. Samoa News was told the EMS was ordered to vacate the small building that they share with the TCF Trustees at the substation on Friday, April 6th. ey are currently still looking for a base of operations on the Westside, according to EMS. See story in Wednesday’s edition. [photo by AF] Page 2 samoa news, Monday, April 16, 2018 NOTICE FOR SEPARATION AGREEMENT TO Members of the TUIASOSOPO Family and to all whom these present may come! NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ALOFA MAUIGOA & KUA MAUIGOA of VATIA has offered for recording in this office an instrument in writing which seeks to separate a certain structure which is or to be erected, on land VAIALA allegedly belonging to TUIASOSOPO FAMILY of the village of VATIA. Said land VAIALA is situated in or near the village of VATIA in the County of VAIFANUA, Island of TUTUILA, American Samoa. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that any interested person may object to the recording of such instru- by Samoa News staff ment by filing in the Territorial Registar’s Office in Fagatogo, a written objection to the recording of said fl ights for the summer months this year. instrument. Any objections thereto must be filed with in 30 days from the date of posting of this notice. DISASTER REGISTRATION MONDAY- Hawaiian spokesperson Ann Botticelli con- NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that if no such objections are filed within the said 30 day period, the instrument will be recorded and shall be valid and binding on all persons. The said instrument may be WEDNESDAY FOR 17 VILLAGES fi rmed to Samoa News on Friday that the extra examined at any time at the Territorial Registrar’s Office. In a joint statement this past Friday, the sections will operate on Tuesdays starting on June POSTED: APRIL 11, 2018 thru MAY 11, 2018 US Federal Emergency Management Agency 5 to Aug. 28. Flight times will the same as the SIGNED: Taito S.B. White, Territorial Registrar (FEMA) and ASG announced 17 new villages up current two weekly fl ights arriving and departing for registration at the Disaster Recovery Center Pago Pago at night on Mondays and Thursdays. FA’AALIGA O LE FEAGAIGA MO SE TU’U’ESEINA (DRC), located inside the DYWA Pago Pago The Honolulu-based carrier adds extra fl ights I tagata o le aiga sa TUIASOSOPO, ma i latou uma e silasila ma lauiloaina lenei fa’aaliga! Youth Center, which is open 8a.m. to 4p.m. during the busy summer travel months, as local O le fa’aaliga lenei ona o ALOFA MAUIGOA & KUA MAUIGOA o le nu’u o VATIA ua ia fa’aulu- faleina mai i lenei ofisa se feagaiga tusitusi e fa’ailoa ai se mana’oga fia tu’u’eseina o se fale ua/po o le a, The latest list for residents for villages residents head to the US for vacation, while fa’atuina i luga o le fanua o VAIALA e fa’asino i le aiga sa TUIASOSOPO, o le nu’u o VATIA. O lenei impacted by Tropical Storm Gita in February is Samoans living in the US return home for a visit. fanua e totonu pe latalata ane i le nu’u o VATIA , itumalo o VAIFANUA, ile motu o TUTUILA, Amerika Samoa. for today, Monday through Wednesday, this week July is extra busy with delegates attending church O le fa’aaliga fo’i e fa’apea, so o se tasi e iai sona aia i lenei mata’upu e mafai ona fa’atu’i’iese ile and it shows that the DRC will be open during the conferences here and in Apia. fa’amauina o lenei feagaiga pe a auina mai i le ofisa ole Resitara o le Teritori of Amerika Samoa i Fagatogo, sana fa’atu’ese tusitusia. O fa’atu’iesega uma lava e ao ona fa’aulufaleina mai i totonu o aso e 30 2018 Flag Day celebration: VETO-OVERRIDE MEASURE APPROVED faitauina mai i le aso na faíaalia ai lenei fa’aaliga. • Monday Apr. 16: Amaluia, Afao num- BY FONO Afai ole a leai se fa’atu’i’esega e fa’aulufaleina i totonu o aso 30 e pei ona ta’ua i luga, o le a fa’amauina loa lenei feagaiga e taualoaina ma ‘a’afia ai tagata uma. 04/16 & 04/30/14 bers 0001- 0088; Nua, Seetaga, Utumea, Agu- A Senate Joint Resolution giving the Fono gulu numbers 0001 – 0080; Fagamalo numbers authority to over-ride a vote by the governor, 0001 – 010; Poloa numbers 0001 – 0028 and instead of the US Interior Secretary, was approved Notice for Proposed Registration of Matai Title 0049; and Amanave numbers 0001 – 0041 by the House last Wednesday, the last day of the • Tuesday, Apr. 17: Faga’itua numbers NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 6.0105 of the Revised Code of American 3rd Regular Session of the 35th Legislature. Samoa that a claim of succession which has been filed with the Territorial Registrar’s office 0001 – 0093, 0133 – 0134 and 0149; Failolo With the House approval, the Joint Resolu- for the registration of the Matai Title TO’OMALATAI of the village of ONENOA by SEFULU numbers 0001 – 0019; Masausi numbers 0001 – tion will next go to the Governor, who is being TO’OMALATAI of the village of ONENOA, county of VAIFANUA, EASTERN District. THE TERRITORIAL REGISTRAR is satisfied that the claim, petition by the family and certifi- 0029; Masefau numbers 0001 – 0077 requested in the Joint Resolution to place the cate of the village chiefs are in proper form. • Wednesday, Apr. 18: Alofau numbers issue on a referendum for the voters to decide on NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that anyone so desiring must file his counterclaim, or 0001 – 0064, 0083 – 0084; Aoa numbers 0001 in the November 2018 general election. objection to the registration of this matai title with the Territorial Registrar Office before the expiration of 60 days from the date of posting. If no counterclaim, nor any objection is filed by -- 0085; Fagali’i numbers 0001 – 0037; Utumea The Joint Resolution seeks to amend the con- the expiration of said 60 days, the matai title TO’OMALATAI shall be registered in the name of East numbers 0001 -- 0014. stitution, and therefore such a change —through SEFULU TO’OMALATAI in accordance with the laws of American Samoa. A reminder from FEMA: If you need assis- the Legislative process — requires the measure POSTED: APRIL 11, 2018 thru JUNE 11, 2018 tance registering because you cannot get to the to be approved by 2/3rds of each House for two SIGNED: Taito S.B. White, Territorial Registrar DRC, call the Crisis Hotline at (684) 633-9017 consecutive legislatures. by Monday, April 16. FEMA Disaster Survivor Lawmakers also approved the measure in the Fa’aaliga o le Fa’amauina o se Suafa Matai Assistance Teams will come to your home to reg- 34th Legislature. O le fa’aaliga lenei ua faasalalauina e tusa ma le Maga 6.0105 o le tusi tulafono a Amerika ister you — you do not need to come to any reg- Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga has long supported Samoa, e pei ona suia, ona o le talosaga ua faaulufaleina mai i le Ofisa o le Resitara o Amerika Samoa, mo le fia faamauina o le suafa matai o TO’OMALATAI o le nu’u o ONENOA e SEFULU istration sites. After April 16 DSA teams will not this amendment, telling reporters last December TO’OMALATAI o ONENOA faalupega o VAIFANUA, falelima i SASA’E. be available. Anyone who already has a slip with that this is a very important issue, which gives the Ua taliaina e le Resitara lea talosaga, faatasi ma le talosaga a le aiga faapea ma le tusi faamaonia DSA written on it is already registered. Fono a say on bills rejected by a sitting governor. mai matai o lea nu’u, ma ua i ai nei i teuga pepa a lea ofisa. A i ai se tasi e faafinagaloina, ia faaulufaleina sana talosaga tete’e, po o sana faalavelave tusitu- HAWAIIAN AIR ADDS EXTRA FLIGHTS He explained that the current make-up of the ter- sia i le Ofisa o Resitara i totonu o aso e 60 mai le aso na faalauiloa ai lenei fa’aaliga. Afai o lea leai FOR SUMMER TRAVEL ritorial government is “centered” on the sitting se talosaga tete’e, po’o se faalavelave foi e faaulufaleina mai i aso e 60 e pei ona taua i luga, o lea In response to the usual busy travel summer governor making fi nal decisions. faamauina loa lea suafa matai i le igoa o SEFULU TO’OMALATAI e tusa ai ma aiaiga o le tula- fono a Amerika Samoa. 04/16 & 05/16/18 months, Hawaiian Airlines is adding 13 extra (Continued on page 10) samoa news, Monday, April 16, 2018 Page 3 Car Amata commemorates “our Problems? one-of-a-kind “ Flag Day No Problem. Washington, D.C. – Con- added opportunity for the com- lowing Cyclone Gita and the gresswoman Aumua Amata is entire community’s shared Go to NAPA! commemorating our one-of-a- efforts to overcome the results kind Flag Day celebration that of the storm in unity. hails both our Samoan culture “I’m always happy to be and our patriotic love for the home and part of this wonderful FLOOR JACK SPECIALS! United States, and released the week. It’s such a pleasure to following statement: enjoy this combination of our 2-15 ton Super Duty “On April 17th, our week- deep sense of American patrio- Floor Jacks long celebration culminates tism with the celebratory tradi- when all of American Samoa tions of our ancient Samoan remembers the fi rst raising culture. of the U.S. fl ag in American “Our culture will always be Samoa 118 years ago. Like an important part of guiding our you, I’m delighted to share people. It’s such a joy to see these cultural experiences that our Samoan Way infl uencing we’ve known since childhood, our younger generation and including the storytelling of the enriching our great country’s pese malie and the siva, along Aumua Amata at the 2015 many cultural experiences. Our with a joyful church service to Flag Day celebration at the heritage is a beautiful blessing, acknowledge God as our bene- Veterans Memorial Stadium. and even when there are tough factor, the fautasi race, plenty [SN le photo] times — such as Storm Gita — We also carry: of good Samoan food and much we fi nd comfort and enjoyment more. in these cultural events that will Automotive Paint “This year, Flag Day is an munity to come together fol- always bring us together.” Wide Selection of Car Batteries Hydraulic Hoses and her father so that he (Patu) option to becoming a legal Motor Oil ➧ Filipino… could process their immigration immigrant in the territory, Wind Shields Continued from page 1 paperwork before they arrived. Lloren then approached the H Heavy Duty and Industrial Parts And then with everything ready, & H Samsung Inc. in June 2017 Lloren said everyone knew they would be able to get their hoping that the company would You need it? We have it! the apartment where she stayed immigration IDs as soon as help her out. She applied for a with her son in Nu’uuli. they entered the territory, before job based on her experience She recalled her conversa- their permits expired. and credentials she had, and she tion with the female immigra- According to Lloren, her was hired immediately after the NAPA SAMOA tion offi cer, Siutu Savusa at mother and cousin went to the interview. Carl’s Jr. on March 1, where Immigration offi ce in Utulei and Lloren explained she was 699-NAPA/6272 the offi cer asked her if she had gave Patu the sum of $2,200 for given a 3-year contract by the her passport with her. Lloren their bonds. The fi rst payment (Continued on page 11) said the offi cer told her she was for her father’s bond in the just wanted to check on some- amount of $1,100, followed by thing in her passport. Without her and her son’s bond payment any hesitation, she gave the in the amount of $1,100 a few offi cer the passport, trusting that weeks later. nothing was going to happen. According to her, Patu “When she got my passport received the money in Dec. that’s when she told me that I’m 2015 and they arrived with her an over-stayer and I needed to son in June 2016 hoping that go back home immediately,” their immigration IDs would be Lloren recalled. ready. Unfortunately that was “I told her that I can’t travel not the case, and when their because I’m 7 months pregnant permits expired and they still but her response was — it’s the hadn’t received their immigra- law and no one is above the tion IDs. law.” “Patu never gave my mother According to Lloren, “This and cousin receipts for the was not a voluntary departure money he received for the because I was never given a bond. Maybe they trusted him chance to explain the reason because he’s also my cousin’s why I overstayed. In fact, it was sponsor and I think that’s why a planned move by the Immi- our family fully trusted him,” gration Offi ce to set me up and Lloren said. it was that same day they put “My parents talked to him on me and my son on the plane to Nov. 24, 2016 near their church Apia.” in between Fly Inc. and Family Lloren said her story started Mart about our immigration almost three years ago before IDs. He promised to give the IDs their arrival in American Samoa. on Wednesday the following She told Samoa News this week, but he didn’t. I had to was in 2015 when her cousin cancel my prior employment who was residing in Nu’uuli because of his un-kept promises met up with an Immigration about getting my immigration offi cer by the name of Siliva ID but nothing was done. Since Patu and asked him for a chance then, we never heard from him to sponsor her, her son and her anymore.” father to come to American Lloren told Samoa News that Samoa. it was not their intention to be Her cousin introduced Patu in American Samoa illegally, to her mother, who was already and they wouldn’t have been if on island at that time and legally not for Patu. He made promise resides here. after promise that they would According to Lloren, both get their immigration IDs, but her mother and cousin were nothing happened up until the advised by this immigration day they were forced to leave offi cer that they must fi rst pay American Samoa. the bonds in full, for her, her son In an effort to fi nd another Page 4 samoa news, Monday, April 16, 2018 AUTO NATION NU’UULI: (684) 699-7168 • FAX: (684) 699-7175 GRAND OPENING FOR AUTONATION by Ausage Fausia and two other co-defefendants stance, to wit; marijuana into MOBIL SUPREME PARTS Samoa News Reporter — all female — came about the territory in March of last SPECIAL OIL CHEVRON OIL MASTER JUDY TAUTALAGA after the Western Union Group year was ordered by the High 5W-20 SAE-30 5W-30 One of the three former Risk and Compliance Manager Court in Feb. of this year to 10W-30 SAE-40 10W-30 employees of Western Union travelled from to serve an imprisonment term of 10W-40 10W-30 10W-40 accused of stealing thousands investigate a complaint fi led 20 months at the Territorial Cor- 20W-50 10W-40 20W-50 of dollars from their former by a customer involving US rectional Facility and pay a fi ne employer told the court that the $7,000, and later found out that of $5,000.After his sentence WE’RE NOW SELLING ENGINE OIL IN A VERY LOW PRICE!!! accusation against her is true. the money was stolen by the was read out in open court, COME AND JOINT US. Judy Leilua Tautalaga, a defendant.Tautalaga confessed Chief Justice Michael Kruse 41-year-old mother was initially to her supervisor that she stole said that Siaumau had initially PLEASE COME AND DON’T MISS OUT!! charged with two counts of and used the $7,000 for her sis- posted a cash bond of $10,000 BUSNIESS HOURS OFFICE PHONE: embezzlement and two counts ter’s funeral. While reviewing and failed to show up at an ear- MONDAY TO FRIDAY: 7:30AM TO 5:00PM (684) 699-1888 of stealing — all class C felo- the complaint, it was revealed lier hearing. SATURDAY : 8:00AM TO 1:00PM (684) 699-7168 nies, punishable by an impris- that two other employees also After that, the court issued a HOLIDAY : 8:00AM TO 1:00PM onment term of not more than stole money from the com- bench warrant, which resulted in LOCATION: ACROSS A&T GAS STATION NU’UULI 7 years, and a fi ne of not more pany. The matter was then his arrest and it was at that same than $5,000, or both. referred to police for a criminal time his prior attorney moved to After initially pleading investigation. withdraw. According to Kruse, guilty, under a plea deal she The victim, an Asian cus- the court is mandated to forfeit entered with the government tomer, told police he went to the bond, however the court will that was accepted by the court Western Union offi ce in Nuuuli entertain any motion within 10 last week, Tautalaga changed to make two separate transac- days, and if nothing is fi led, the her plea to the charge of tions, each $7,000 to be sent to $10,000 cash bond will be for- embezzlement. a friend in China. One transac- feited to the government. USD one-way Upon her plea of guilt, Tau- tion went through but the other During last week’s hearing, USD one-way talaga told the court that on May Tautalaga put on hold and told Siaumau’s new attorney Olson 31, 2016 while working as an him the money would be avail- stated that his client did miss an USD one-way employee of the Western Union able in 30 days. appearance, which is a violation in American Samoa, she embez- Tautalaga is still in custody of his release terms. He also zled the amount of $7,000 in unable to post a $30,000 surety stated that his client admitted two separate transactions, and bond and awaits sentencing, that was a mistake. stole the total of $14,000 from which is now scheduled for Olsen then asked the court to company.Tautalaga further May 14. set aside the forfeiture and either admits that she stole $14,000 MELCHOR ALAMIS remand the whole $10,000 or a by taking money from cus- A 48- year-old Filipino minimum of $5,000. tomers who came to the offi ce national who was accused of DAVID TALITIGA for the purpose of sending their sexually abusing a 15-year- A man accused of tres- money to their families outside old girl has entered into a plea passing onto private property of American Samoa. agreement with the government. while intoxicated was sentenced Charges against Tautalaga Melchor Alamis, who told before the District Court last the court that he came here to week.David Talitiga of Mesepa work as a mechanic was initially entered into a plea agreement charged with rape, sodomy and with the government, pleading three counts of fi rst-degree guilty to charges of trespassing BOOKKEEPER NEEDED sexual abuse. However under and disturbing the public peace Must be: a plea agreement with the gov- — both misdemeanors. Talitiga ernment that was accepted by apologized to the court for his • Knowledgeable in basic accounting work, accounts receivable /payable, bank the court, he pled guilty to fi rst- wrongdoing and promised the reconciliation, inventory, typing and filing. degree sexual abuse. court that he would not break Upon his guilty plea, Alamis the law in the future. • Proficient in Microsoft Office Word and Excel admitted that on the night of Before sentencing was • Have experience with Quick Books Online (QBO), eHopper POS and Back Office June 30, 2017, he touched the handed down, District Court system. breast of a 15-year-old girl who Judge Fiti Sunia told the defen- was his neighbor for the pur- dant that he’s a good person, • Have high school diploma. pose of arousing or gratifying but once he drinks alcohol, he his sexual desire. makes mistakes. Please send resume to the following address: The defendant further Sunia sentenced Talitiga to admitted that on that day, he 45 days per each charge how- went inside the house of the ever that was stayed, and the VCX Technologies Inc. girl, entered the living room and defendant placed on probation P.O. Box 4440 found her lying on the couch, for 24 months on conditions where he sexually touched that he consumes no alcohol, Pago Pago, AS 96799 her breast without any legal nor congregates with those who authority.Attorneys for both are drinking alcohol. He must sides agreed that they would also visit the probation offi ce recommend a probated sentence regularly.Court fi lings say that to the court without any addi- on Jan 27, the defendant was tional jail term. arrested at a bus stop in Iliili Prosecuting the case for the where he was drinking alcohol, government is Robert Morris and he appeared before the court while deputy public defender on Jan. 29 where he denied the Michael White is representing charges. He was released on $120 $80 Alamis, who is still in custody bail with the condition that he Daily Rate 2013 Toyota Sienna Daily Rate 2016 Toyota Corolla unable to post a $20,000 surety remains a law-abiding citizen. Automatic (White Mini Van) Automatic (White Car) bond, awaiting sentencing on Court fi lings say that a month May 10. later, the defendant was arrested ‘’WE ARE NOW TITIFALAULA SIAUMAU in Fagatogo for trespassing and ACCEPTING ORDERS FOR ANY CAR PARTS’’ Titifalaula Siaumau through since then Talitiga has been in WITH AFFORDABLE PRICE his attorney William Olson is jail. asking the court to set aside Sunia released the defendant SPECIAL for weekly rate his bond forfeiture and allow last week, and he was ordered $130 the court to release the whole to obey all conditions of his 1 day FREE for every 7 days rental! Daily Rate 2013 FORD F150 Automatic (Green Truck) $10,000 that was posted as a release. He was represented by cash bond for his case. assistant public defender Ryan O&O Inc. cAR REnTA L Contact Information: Jiin Jang Siaumau, a 22-year-old cus- Anderson while prosecuting the (258-4563) or Tafa Leaupepe toms agent, who was convicted case was assistant attorney gen- PO Box 3897, Pago Pago, AS 96799 Office: 699-4484 • Fax: 699-2307 Located in Nu’uuli (O&O Inc. Wholesale) Email: [email protected] of importing a controlled sub- eral Bianca Lherisson. samoa news, Monday, April 16, 2018 Page 5 Page 6 samoa news, Monday, April 16, 2018 GAO report points to lack of physicians for VA care in territories, high cost of living FOR AMERICAN SAMOA — LACK OF ADEQUATE INTERNET SERVICE & AIR TRAVEL SERVICE by Fili Sagapolutele included a provision for GAO to eleine Bordallo of Guam, Gre- deserve better. Some prog- of Veterans Affairs’ VAPIHCS Samoa News Correspondent review the scheduling, staffi ng, gorio K. Sablan of the Northern ress has been made to improve within timeliness goals set by While most military vet- outreach, and access manage- Mariana Islands, Tulsi Gabbard health care services for veterans VA’s Veterans Health Adminis- erans in the US Pacifi c islands ment practices at VA Pacifi c of Hawai’i and Colleen Hana- who live on Guam and the other tration (VHA). However, GAO received timely primary and Islands Health Care System busa of Hawai’I — “will con- Pacifi c territories, but this report also found that some of these mental heath care, the US Gov- (VAPIHCS) that provides health tinue to fi ght to ensure that our underscores that more needs to veterans experienced delays ernment Accountability Offi ce care services to approximately veterans can receive the care be done.”“This report is also related to the processing of (GAO) found that some delays 50,000 veterans that reside in that they are owed.” helpful as I continue advocating their enrollment applications, and weaknesses in the referral the Pacifi c Islands of Hawai’i, “The Pacifi c Islands con- in Congress for better care and contacting them to schedule process to community providers American Samoa, Guam, and tinue to need special care and services for veterans who sac- appointments, and completing such as inconsistent guidance the Commonwealth of the attention due to the vast dis- rifi ced much for our island and comprehensive mental health of staff roles and responsibility, . tances between ourselves and nation,” Bordallo said. evaluations. according to a GAO study pub- AMATA & BORDALLO the United States mainland,” GAO FINDINGS For the sample of veterans’ licly released last Thursday. RESPONSES said Amata, who noted that she In it’s 67-page report, GAO, medical records that were Results of the study were “The study provides further had spoken with US House Vet- the investigative arm of the US reviewed, GAO said VAPIHCS send to Congressional commit- proof of the challenges that erans Committee Chairman Roe Congress, also provided a sum- referred nearly all specialty care tees with oversight on Veterans veterans in the Pacifi c Islands and “he has assured me that his mary of its fi ndings, along with to non-VA providers within Affairs — in both the US Senate face,” Amata said last Friday staff will be following up on the specifi c details. It also noted VHA’s timeliness goal, but the C M and US House — who requested responding to Samoa News issues raised by the GAO.” that GAO didn’t travel to Amer- time taken to provide care was Y K the report, as well as to Con- request for comments. And she She explained that the Vet- ican Samoa the island of Maui, variable and sometimes lengthy. gresswoman Aumua Amata and hopes that the new Secretary of erans Committee would “inves- Hawai’i for the study, but spoke Specifi cally, VAPIHCS Guam Congresswoman Mad- the Veterans Affairs — when tigative staff into the fi eld to with clinic staff from these loca- sent specialty care referrals to eleine Z. Bordallo. confi rmed by the US Senate hear from Pacifi c veterans fi rst tions via teleconference while the Veterans Choice Program The study was requested — takes action on the GAO hand and then holding a hearing in Honolulu. For the sample (Choice Program) — for vet- through a US House report, recommendations. to further explore opportunities of veterans’ medical records erans that GAO reviewed, the which accompanied the Mili- According to the Congress- for improving Pacifi c Veteran that GAO reviewed, GAO said number of days to receive care tary Construction, Veterans woman, she along with her US healthcare.”In a public state- it found that most veterans from the Choice Program was, Affairs, and Related Agencies Pacifi c Islands colleagues in the ment released last Thursday, received primary and mental on average, 75 days. Appropriations Bill 2017, and US House — US Reps. Mad- Bordallo said, “Our veterans health care from the Department GAO also found that VAPIHCS faces challenges recruiting and retaining physi- cians. As of last October 17 of approximately 100 VAPIHCS physician positions were vacant, as were several other types of health care providers. Some of the challenges VAPIHCS faced are unique to the Pacifi c Islands, such as the availability of only one local medical school from which to recruit, along with travel bur- dens and a high cost of living that may discourage physicians from relocating there. According to GAO, the University of ’s John A. Burns School of Medicine is the only local medical school across Hawai’i, Guam, and American Samoa from which VAPIHCS recruits physicians. American Samoa, Guam, and Hawai’i all include coun- ties, facilities, or populations designated as Health Profes- sional Shortage Areas, which indicate health care provider shortages in primary, dental, or mental health care. And these designations indicate a limited number of local physicians for VAPIHCS to target in the event of a vacancy. Finding physi- cians that are willing to relocate to such remote locations is dif- C M fi cult, according to VAPIHCS Y K offi cials, said GAO, adding that both American Samoa and Guam are thousands of miles from the U.S. mainland, and travel to and from these islands requires signifi cant time and money. For example, American Samoa only has two direct commercial fl ights a week and Guam has only a daily direct commercial fl ight to Honolulu. GAO also notes that resi- dents face a high cost of living, limited community resources, and trade-offs associated with island living. “While other regions of the country face similar challenges, they may be more pronounced living on an island where alternatives are limited,” the report said. (Continued on page 10) samoa news, Monday, April 16, 2018 Page 7 ASCC-PTK hosts School of International Training By James Kneubuhl, ASCC Press Samoa were a number of aca- Offi cer demic and cultural authorities One component of the Mis- that gave lectures, presentations sion of the American Samoa and tours. Community College (ASCC) is These individuals included to promote awareness of Samoa Kelley Anderson Tagarino, and the Pacifi c, while one of the Evile Feleti, Dr. Micah van der College’s Institutional Learning Ryn and Kuki Tuiasosopo of Outcomes is that students ASCC, along with the students acquire profi ciencies as Global of Art instructor Regina Mer- Citizens. edith-Fitiao. They also heard A recent project by the a presentation on the military ASCC Alpha Epsilon Mu in American Samoa from LTC chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Clint Seybold and team, and a (PTK) honor society combined talk by Dr. Daniel Aga of the both of these goals when PTK American Samoa Offi ce of students opened their homes Political Status. C M late last month to 17 visitors The SIT students’ visit con- Y K from the School of Interna- cluded with a luncheon and tional Training (SIT), a USA- gift-giving ceremony, with both based institution which offers visitors and hosts taking turns on study-abroad programs that sharing how their experiences take place in different parts of have led to the formation of the world, including the Pacifi c. lifelong friendships. The visiting students are “For the PTK students at enrolled in the SIT course ASCC, hosting an SIT stu- Samoa: Social and Environ- dent gives them an opportu- mental Change in Oceania, nity to share some of the cul- which touches on the social, cul- (Continued on page 10) tural and environmental aspects of life in these islands. For most of the course, which began in late January and will conclude in mid-May, the SIT group is based in the Independent State of Samoa, with accommoda- tions at the National University of Samoa (NUS). To give them a “big picture” historical and cultural perspec- tive of Samoa as a whole, the group also spent a week in American Samoa, where 17 members of the ASCC PTK volunteered to each host an individual SIT student. SIT student Vasthy Mau- rival, 20, an anthropology major from Cedar Park, Texas, stayed with ASCC student and PTK member Francine Iopu, an experience she described as “a complete blast. Francine made me feel welcome from the moment we met until the day I left, and her family was so loving and so accommodating.” For Maurival, her week in a High School Seniors planning to attend ASCC family environment came as a welcome change from the dor- mitory at NUS. “I liked how for ASCC Graduates (Fall 2017/Spring 2018) the fi rst time in months I felt like an actual college student as opposed to a researcher,” she Cumulative GPA of at-least 3.50 refl ected. C M Maurival also took careful SAT Score 1,000 or better (High School) Y K note of American Samoa’s blend of indigenous and US Citizen/Nationals or AS Permanent Resident western culture. “The whole concept of ‘American’ Samoa is related to my area of study,” she explained. “As an anthropology major, we look very closely at cultural practices and the histo- ries that formed them. I noticed Pick up/Download an application package how different Samoa and Amer- ican Samoa is right off the bat, Facebook Page: McdonaldsAmSam due to the immense US infl u- ence. American Samoa is a per- fect blend of Samoa and the US, Pick up at McDonald's Main Office in Nuuuli and I fi nd that very interesting. I am also eager to understand Monday to Friday (8am to 4pm) why American Samoans don’t want independence from their colonial past.” Contributing to the SIT stu- dents’ understanding of the many aspects of American Page 8 samoa news, Monday, April 16, 2018 samoa news, Monday, April 16, 2018 Page 9 Page 10 samoa news, Monday, April 16, 2018 schools and thus deter them it can take almost 1.5 hours to ➧ ➧ from accepting employment. access the web-based program Community… GAO… Other concerns include, VHA offers for voice-activated Continued from page 2 Continued from page 6 for example, the lack of a vet- dictation of medical notes, and erinarian in American Samoa. thus, instead, he often uses ser- Several senators suggested David Vaeafe said the For example, the cost of According to an offi cial, living in Hawai’i is higher vices offl ine, although doing so early this year that once the “caliber of buyers” this year VAPIHCS lost a candidate who than the nationwide average. had agreed to relocate to the means he has to enter his notes House approves the measure, showed a signifi cant shift from VAPIHCS offi cials also said into VA’s medical record at a Fono leaders should appoint a the traditional travel agent shop island until learning of the lack that physician candidates have of veterinary services. later time, according to GAO. committee of lawmakers tasked operation to more online travel raised concerns about the quality “Technical issues due to Samoa News will report this with conducting public aware- agency (OTA) and diverse dig- of the public school system in locations”, is another chal- week on other issues specifi ed ness on KVZK-TV and in the ital campaigns. some areas of the islands, which lenge for recruiting physicians. could add a potential expense of in the GAO study as well as its villages on the importance of “We are representing our For example, one physician in recommendations. the veto override. entire industry and buyers we sending their children to private American Samoa told GAO that Similar measures on the veto- spoke to... are very interested override have been approved by in doing business with our the Fono in past years but were industry,” he said in a Visi- all rejected by voters, many of tors Bureau statement from American Samoa whom want to maintain the cur- . Telecommunications Authority rent process, especially for the Also attending the 5th fact that the governor is elected SPTE was American Samoa’s (ASTCA) by voters, while senators are reigning Miss Pacifi c Islands, selected by their respective tra- Matauaina To’omalatai as the EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ditional counties. Global Tourism Ambassador Posting Date AMERICAN SAMOA for the South Pacifi c Tourism Position Title SALES MANAGER April 13, 2018 SHOWCASED AT Organization, the organizers of Position Type 1 Year Contract Deadline April 20, 2018/ 4 :00 pm TOURISM GATHERING the event. Job Opening One (1) Starting Salary GS: 14/1 $26,607.00 to American Samoa was Later this month the ASVB 14/13 $40,000.00 showcased at last week’s will partner with the local Report to: Chief Commercial Officer Status Exempt 2018 South Pacifi c Tourism Hawaiian Airlines offi ce to Major Responsibilities: Exchange campaign held in showcase American Samoa at Adelaide, Australia, with Amer- the Samoa Tourism Exchange This position is located in the Commercial Department of the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority ican Samoa Visitors Bureau (STE) in Apia, Samoa from (ASTCA). Work is generally performed in a standard office environment, but also includes activities that occur in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings. Some exposure to varied weather conditions may be required. executive director with buyers April 30 to May 2. Also from Australia, USA, China, attending the event will be hote- Minimum Requirements & Qualifications India, and Singapore. lier Sadie’s by the Sea. Education/ Must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university or (5) years notion. I’m sure the hospitality Experience: of related experience in sales, market, trends, and current campaigns. Four (4) years in leadership sales position; excellent negotiation skills, strong decision-making abilities. ➧ they experienced made a very ASCC… strong impression, not just of • Achieve growth and hit sales targets by successfully managing the sales team; Continued from page 7 Duties & their hosts but of American Responsibilities • Design and implement a strategic business plan that expands company’s customer ture of the outside world with Samoa in general.” base and ensure it’s strong presence; someone their own age,” said For more information on • Own recruiting, objectives setting, coaching and performance monitoring of sales PTK advisor Tuiasosopo. “For ASCC, visit the College’s web representatives; the SIT students, they get to page at www.amsamoa.edu. • Build and promote strong, long lasting customer relationships by partnering with experience how for us ‘family them and understanding their needs; values’ are a living, thriving • Present sales, revenue and expenses reports and realistic forecasts to the management thing rather than some outdated team; • Identify emerging markets and markets shifts while being fully aware of new products; • Establishes sales objective by forecasting an developing annual sales quotas; • Maintains sales volume, product mix, and selling price by keeping current with supply FOR SALE and demand; • Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; • Contributes to team effort by accomplishing positive results • Develop and implement new sales initiatives, strategies and programs to capture key demographics; • Provide daily report of field sales success and communicate results to superiors; • All other responsibilities as required by higher authority.

Qualified applicants: Please submit a completed ASTCA Employment Application with a copy of your resume to ASTCA (address listed below) by the deadline listed above. Please attach copies of credentials and transcripts. Candidates selected for hire must pass examinations (when applicable), pre-employment clearances & test negative on pre-employment drug test. ASTCA reserves the right to waive education and experience requirements as necessary. Human Resources Division Qualified Tel: (684) 633-9003 ext 9093 American Samoa Telecommunications Authority Fax: (684) 699-9032 Applicants (A.S.T.C.A.) Apply To: P.O. Box M Email inquiries: [email protected] Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799 Contact 272-1719 or 770-7566 An Equal Opportunity Employer

SOUTHBOUND SOUTHBOUND ARRIVAL ARRIVAL

VESSEL VOY SEA L/BEACH OAK PPT NUKUALOFA APIA PAGO VESSEL VOY PPT N/ALOFA APIA PAGO Polynesia 495 TBA SAILED SAILED 04/22 --- 04/27 04/27 Polynesia 495 04/22 --- 04/27 04/27 Cap Taputapu 040 TBA 04/24 04/26 05/07 --- 05/12 05/12 Cap Taputapu 040 05/07 --- 05/12 05/12 Polynesia 496 TBA 05/10 05/12 05/23 --- 05/28 05/28 Polynesia 496 05/23 --- 05/28 05/28 Cap Taputapu 041 TBA 05/26 05/28 06/08 --- 06/13 06/13 Cap Taputapu 041 06/08 --- 06/13 06/13 Polynesia 497 TBA 06/11 06/13 06/24 --- 06/29 06/29 Polynesia 497 06/24 --- 06/29 06/29

Note: All Schedule dates are estimated 333 Market Street Satellite Building For Local Enquiries, Contact Suite 325 SAMOA PACIFIC SHIPPING, INC. 333 Bush Street Suite# 2580 P.O. Box 1417, Pago Pago, AS 96799 San Francisco. CA 94104 Telephone: (684) 633-4665 • Fax (684) 633-4667 “Our Service Sells Itself” 249 East Ocean Blvd Suite 200 Long Beach, CA 90802 Tel (562) 590-9021 Direct Independent Service Between North America, South Pacific Islands, Hawaii and New Zealand Fax (562) 436-0404 samoa news, Monday, April 16, 2018 Page 11 ➧ Filipino… Continued from page 3 Employment Opportunity owner of the H & H Samsung the dishes, mop the fl oor and we were over-stayers,” she said. LEAD CARPENTER AND SUPERVISOR Inc. Based on her experience, clean the offi ce. The accounting Lloren and her son are she knew she must provide work was given to (a woman staying with a Samoan family • Must have 5 to 10 years experience Immigration with a copy of named) Hannah and another in Apia. She denies claims by • Must be excellent in Reviewing and Reading Blue Print the job contract with her job Filipino girl but not me.” the CIO that they were picked • Proven capability as team player/leadership skills description, her salary and She says her copy of the up by a Filipino family when the owner’s signature on the employment contract turned they arrived at the Fagalii Air- Contact 733-2637 or 699-7050 • Email: [email protected] contract. out to be, “only a blank piece of port last month. Once the company hired her, paper, nothing else was on it.” She told Samoa News she was told that they had to go “The owner promised that he she received US $200 from PRINTER FOR RENT! back to Apia and come back would help out with my immi- the owner of H&H Samsung WIRELESS / COPY / PRINTER / FAX / SCANNER under the company’s sponsor- gration ID, assist with my son’s Inc. when she was force- FOR FAST, UNLIMITED PRINTING, GREAT FOR COMMERCIAL USE ship on the same day. This was education and even [provided] deported. The H&H owner back in June 2017. an accommodation for us. attended CIO Peseta’s meeting FREE INK Things went smoothly All these promises never hap- with Lloren, after the CIO had We sell good quality during the fi rst week with pened,” Lloren said. apparently contacted the owner HP Officejet Pro 8610 printing paper. her new employment, but in Lloren denies allegations and told him he needed to pro- $70 Monthly Payment the second week, the owner that she ran away from the vide ‘pocket money’ as he was Premium of H&H told her that federal owner and spread rumors about the ‘sponsor’. She said she used Printing Paper agents were roaming around on him — he is not the father of this money to pay the two nights Ream $3.95 island looking for workers who her baby she told Samoa News. they stayed at a hotel, after Case $38.95 did not have immigration IDs She said that she has a son to Fiji Airways refused to board and if they found her, both she feed and they needed to sur- them — due to her advanced Double A and the company would receive vive. That’s why she took a part pregnancy. Printing Paper fi nes. time job at a bakery so that they A family in American Samoa Ream $4.75 “They didn’t gave me any would be able to survive. then contacted their family in Case $43.95 accounting work to do, they “I’m not trying to do any- Apia, who picked them up from instructed me to go out with the thing so that I can come back to the hotel and they’re staying technicians and observe them American Samoa, I just wanted with them now. O&O INC. WHOLESALE in Nu’uuli Please contact: Jiin (258-4563) or Tafa Leaupepe while they were installing air- to let the truth out so that people Office: (684) 699-4484 • Fax: (684) 699-2307 conditioners,” Lloren recalled. will understand the reason why Email: [email protected] “I have my report submitted to the owner every afternoon, but it was just a week. In the fol- lowing week they let me clean Stapleton, Lam- bert, Underwood and Vegas win at ACM Awards By MESFIN FEKADU, AP Music Writer The 2018 Academy of Country Music Awards marked a memorable night for the vic- tims of the massive Las Vegas shooting, comeback queen Carrie Underwood and triple- winners Chris Stapleton and Miranda Lambert.Jason Aldean paid tribute to 58 people who died at the Route 91 Har- vest Festival in Las Vegas last October when he was named entertainer of the year Sunday for the third consecutive time. “It’s been a rough year,” Aldean said, thanking those “that showed us love and sup- port over the last six months.” The ACMs brought the country music community back to Vegas six months after the deadly tragedy. Aldean was performing onstage when the shooting occurred.“You guys are in our hearts always,” Aldean said. “We love Las Vegas. Vegas strong.” Though Aldean beat out Stapleton for the top honor, Stapleton’s Sunday was met with many high points: His wife, Morgane, gave birth to twin boys; he celebrated his 40th birthday; and the leading nominee, who didn’t attend the show, won male vocalist of the year and album of the year, where he won twice as a singer and producer.Underwood also had a big night, returning to the stage like an A-List veteran in her fi rst television appearance since injuring her face . Page 12 samoa news, Monday, April 16, 2018

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