Faipule Want Church Services Recorded in the Village, Not at The

PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA MONDAY, MARCH 26, 2018 $1.00

A look at the “TOP 5” for this year’s Territorial Science Fair competition, high school division. Paci c Horizons took o with three of the TOP 5 Awards, including overall rst place Gloria Park (far le ). 2nd and 5th place honors went to South Paci c Academy, while Faasao Marist walked away with 3rd place. C M Samoa News notes that there was a tie for second place overall, which Y K was shared by PHS and SPA. [photo: Leua Aiono Frost]

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DAILY CIRCULATION 7,000 Faipule want church Steps being taken for educational services recorded reform in American Samoa PROPOSAL RECOMMENDS DOE BECOME A SEMIAUTONOMOUS AUTHORITY by Blue Chen-Fruean a seven-member board of direc- funding. The rest of the budget in the village, not at Samoa News Correspondent tors — fi ve elected by constitu- will be from grants and other he Educational ents of each of the fi ve high sources. In terms of the budget Reform Task Force school districts, and two at-large split, $20 million represents T(ERTF) has drafted members appointed by the Gov- 30% of the present DOE budget the KVZK studio a proposed bill that, according ernor with Fono confi rmation. and 70% is from grants.” SAYS EXCUSES NOT ACCEPTABLE — STOP DOING to ERTF chairman Utu Abe Utu explained, “The board Other recommendations FAVORS FOR THE GOV’T Malae, “signifi cantly restruc- hires the Superintendent of include: by Ausage Fausia tures the form of public educa- Education. Twenty percent of � More parental involve- tion in the Territory, and further annual local government rev- ment memorialized by an Samoa News Reporter updates the current statutory enues or $20 million, which- Agreement of Expectations; ep. Vailuama Steve Leasiolagi told KVZK-TV deputy scheme which dates from the ever is greater, will be slotted � A fi ve-year planning director, Tautinei Misioka Olo during a hearing before 1960s and 70s.” the local share of overall DOE the House Government Operations committee last R As part of its outreach, Task (Continued on page 8) Friday, that Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga should not be involved Force members have been get- in making decisions about how the government’s television sta- ting airtime at schools across the tion conducts their daily business. That is up to the Legislature territory, and their most recent and the Director to decide. presentation — with recom- Olo appeared on behalf of KVZK-TV director, Tuimavave mendations — was made before Tauapa’i Laupola to answer questions from lawmakers as to the Leone High School Parent why the recording of church service program is no longer being Teacher Association (PTA) on conducted in the villages but instead each church has to record Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at their program at the KVZK-TV studio in Utulei. the school gymnasium. Rep. Gafatasi Afalava, at the insistence of his constituents “The comments and ques- from Aoloau, raised the issue during a House Session two weeks tions from the PTA displayed ago and asked for a hearing, requesting the director appear before a keen understanding of issues the committee to explain the changes. and a passion to make a sea Vailiuama told Olo that he supports faipule objections to change in the way educational recording at KVZK rather than in the villages. services are delivered to our Olo told the committee that the only church services that the C M children,” Utu said. governor instructed their offi ce to conduct in the villages were Y K The most far reaching rec- the church services sponsored by the government, such as the ommendation is to convert church service of the Toa o Samoa, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, the Department of Education Thanksgiving, and any other church service that has to do with (DOE) from a government the government. department to a semi-autono- “For church services, the governor has instructed our offi ce mous authority similar — but that all these programs should be conducted at our offi ce studio not identical — to the American in Utulei — not only to protect our equipment from damage if Samoa Community College we take it out, but also to avoid our staff from working after (ASCC), the American Samoa hours and overtime and not getting that pay,” Olo said. Power Authority (ASPA), the Olo told the committee that there are reasons why these Public School System of the changes were made — one of them being that all of the equip- Commonwealth of the Northern ment is more than 50 years old and the staff has to be very careful Mariana Islands, and school dis- when they take equipment out to the villages to record church tricts in the United States. service programs. To keep the equipment in good running order, According to Utu, the it’s better to keep them all inside the studio. recommendation garnered “If a church service program was recorded but we later found overwhelming support from Representing Aua Elementary School in this year’s Territorial out that the quality was not good because the equipment we’re speakers, including senators, Math in Art competition was 3rd grader Lisa Filipo, who took using is old, there is no time for us to inform the church in such principals, teachers, retirees, third place overall in the Level 3-5 cluster in the Poster division. a short notice and ask them for their program to be recorded and parents. Lisa is pictured with her proud dad and her siblings. See tomor- again,” said Olo, who stated that recording these church service row’s Samoa News for the o cial results of the math and science The ultimate goal is this: The programs at the studio is more convenient that conducting them fair competitions, both elementary and high school divisions. authority would be governed by (Continued on page 9) [photo: Blue Chen-Fruean] Page 2 samoa news, Monday, March 26, 2018 AUTO NATION House committee grills Le’i over NU’UULI: (684) 699-7168 • FAX: (684) 699-7175 GRAND OPENING FOR AUTONATION using ﬁ remen as prison guards MOBIL SUPREME PART SPECIAL OIL CHEVRON OIL MASTER FAIPULE SAY “NOT RIGHT” 5W-20 SAE-30 5W-30 10W-30 SAE-40 10W-30 10W-40 10W-30 10W-40 20W-50 10W-40 20W-50 WE’RE NOW SELLING ENGINE OIL IN A VERY LOW PRICE!!! COME AND JOINT US. PLEASE COME AND DON’T MISS OUT!! BUSNIESS HOURS OFFICE PHONE: MONDAY TO FRIDAY: 7:30AM TO 5:00PM (684) 699-1888 SATURDAY : 8:00AM TO 1:00PM (684) 699-7168 HOLIDAY : 8:00AM TO 1:00PM LOCATION: ACROSS A&T GAS STATION NU’UULI

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DPS o cials a er the House Public Safety hearing last week, where issues at TCF and the Fire Division were discussed. [photo by AF] by Ausage Fausia Commissioner Le’i Sonny were instructed to look after Samoa News Reporter Thompson during a hearing these particular inmates only. Firemen who were assigned with the House Public Safety According to Le’i they were to guard inmates at the Territo- committee last week. not asked to perform any other rial Correction Facility (TCF) Rep. Manumaua W. Wilson, duties of a police offi cer nor to have been returned to their reg- chaired the hearing, with several do anything that they were not ular jobs, according to Police representatives in attendance. trained to do — they were asked Fofo Faipule, Fagaoatua to just be present and look after Dorian Salavea requested the the inmates. If anything hap- hearing with the Police Com- pened such as inmates trying missioner to explain why the to escape again or inmates American Samoa Government Fire Division was removed from fi ghting, the fi remen were told OFFICE OF PROCUREMENT the Leone Substation and why to contact the TCF main offi ce some fi remen were assigned immediately. to guard the two inmates who “I understand that these escaped twice from prison this fi remen were not trained to year. He asked Police Commis- guard prisoners, nor can they REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) sioner Le’i to explain the rea- deal with any types of situations sons behind these decisions. happening at TCF. They have RFP No: RFP 029-2018 Date & Time Due: April 2, 2018 In his response, Le’i fi rst their own academy and training Issuance Date: March 16, 2018 No later than 2:00 p.m. local time apologized to the committee pertaining to their fi eld, but my for what was published in the hat goes off to the Chief of Fire The American Samoa Government (ASG) issues a Request For Proposals (RFP) from qualified firms newspaper about this issue, Division especially to those to provide the: saying that his decision to fi remen who were assigned to “Department of Education - School Lunch Program: Consultant and Project assign fi remen to guard the two do the task,” the Commissioner Management Services for the Electrical Transformer Relocation Project” inmates was a result of a discus- said. sion with TCF Warden, Tauese On the issue of removing SUBMISSION Va’aomala Sunia, and was due the fi remen and the fi re truck Original and five copies of the Proposal must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked: “RFP: to the fact that there is a need for from the Leone Substation, Le’i Department of Education - School Lunch Program: Consultant and Project Management additional manpower at TCF. defended his decision, saying Services for the Relocation of Electrical Transformer.” Submissions are to be sent to the “There are a lot of issues at that the fi re truck was taken to following address and will be received until 2:00 p.m. (local time), April 2, 2018: TCF that DPS needs to address, the mechanic shop for repairs, Office of Procurement and one of these issues is the and it and the fi remen are now American Samoa Government shortage of prison guards and back at the Leone Substation to Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799 the need to prevent inmates continue their daily schedule. attn: Dr. Oreta Mapu Crichton, CPO from continuing to escape from Vice Speaker, Rep. Fetu confi nement,” Le’i said. Fetui Jr referring to the shortage Any proposal received after the aforementioned date and time will not be accepted under any And although the new prison of guards at TCF, told Le’i that circumstances. Late submissions will not be opened or considered and will be determined as being facility is equipped with a secu- he thanked God that nothing non-responsive. rity camera system inside, Le’i has happened at TCF between DOCUMENT told the committee that this does inmates and police offi cers, and The RFP Scope of Work outlining the proposal requirements is available at the Office of Procurement, not stop inmates from escaping. who knows, maybe it was the Tafuna, American Samoa, during normal working hours. “The best way to stop work of the Holy Spirit inside REVIEW inmates from escaping is to the hearts of the inmates, which Request for Proposal data will be thoroughly reviewed by an appointed Source Evaluation Board have prison guards present prevents anything bad from under the auspices of the Chief Procurement Officer, Office of Procurement, ASG. inside the prison 24/ 7. Not only happening to any police offi cers to watch them but also to mon- at TCF. RIGHT OF REJECTION itor all of their actions, and that As a former cop, Fetu said The American Samoa Government reserves the right to reject any and/or all proposals and to waive is the main reason why I asked that he understands the need any irregularities and/or informalities in the submitted proposals that are not in the best interests of the American Samoa Government or the public. . the Fire Chief to allow some of for more prison guards at TCF his fi remen to help with the situ- because the last 12 of his 20 ation at the TCF,” Le’i said. years of service with DPS were DR. ORETA MAPU CRICHTON The fi remen who were at the TCF. Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Chief Procurement Officer assigned to guard the inmates (Continued on page 10) samoa news, Monday, March 26, 2018 Page 3 Cultural mediation touted to resolve “misunderstanding” 2 between alias and longliners Great Choices! by Fili Sagapolutele nity discussions regarding the decisions about the American Samoa News Correspondent tension between alia vessel Samoa EEZ, and how those Cultural mediation is being owners and longline owners. decisions should be made.” recommended as a way to According to PIFSC, this is During her presentation, WAREHOUSE LEASES address differences between similar to recommendations in a Kleiber noted some of the ideas the local alia fi shers and the US report by Severance and Franco that were suggested by alia longliners based in American in 1989 - ‘Justifi cation and fi shers, such as a “protected 2,400 Sqft. Warehouse Samoa, as there’s a “misunder- design of limited entry alter- market for the smaller boats” Brand new, never occupied! standing” between the two fi sh- natives for the offshore fi sh- — the alia — “so they wouldn’t eries in the territory, according eries of American Samoa, and have to compete with the long- to Danika Kleiber of the Pacifi c an examination of preferential line vessels.” 5,820 Sqft. Retail/Wholesale Island Fisheries Science Center fi shing rights for native people According to the PIFSC with mezzanine space. (PIFSC). of American Samoa within a report, alia fi shers were frus- And during the PIFSC’s limited entry context’. trated that US longliners could 21 Ft. Eave Height survey last month in the territory “Given that the dispute is sell their miscellaneous catch on “cultural fi shing” practices, framed as being about cultural locally and at what, alia fi shers, 10 Ft. Wide Awnings local alia fi shers also suggested fi shing practices,” the PIFSC “characterized as a lower price, infrastructure improvements for report said, “utilizing cultural securing contracts with restau- Secured Gated Lot this fi shery, and they oppose practices to make that determi- rants, schools, and prisons and Lots of Parking! opening up the large vessel pro- nation could be more satisfac- competing within the limited Info call: hibited area (LVPA) in territo- tory to those involved.” local market.” Great Location in Tafuna! 258-4471 or rial waters for the US longline “Engaging the matai to The PIFSC survey found that (next to Red Cross) 252-1735 fl eet based in American Samoa. broker the discussion would also there were concerns from alia At the recent Western Pacifi c address some of the concerns fi shers about the local Saturday Regional Fishery Management over the US Federal govern- fi sh market at the Fagatogo Council meeting in Honolulu, ment ultimately making deci- Market place. (The fi sh market Kleiber presented the results sions about fi shery resources is now overseen by the Depart- Employment Opportunity of the PIFSC survey that inter- in the American Samoa Exclu- ment of Marine and Wildlife viewed 14 people — 13 of them sive Economic Zone (EEZ),” Resources, which continues to Exclusive by Off Da Rock is looking for 2 Seamstress through in-person interviews according to the report, which work closely with alia fi shers.) with at least 3 years experience must cut and sew. — regarding the defi nition of echoed long standing con- “Many alia fi shers men- Also looking for 2 Elei guys with experience. cultural fi shing (see last Thurs- cerns of the governor and local tioned selling their catch on Call us at 258-0066 or 252-8384. day’s story for other details). leaders over US decisions that the side of the road because According to Kleiber, there impact local fi sheries and the rent was too high at the local Please email your resume to [email protected] was disagreement on whether economy. government-run market to the LVPA should be opened As in many natural resource make it worthwhile to sell there, or not. She explained that local controversies, the stated dis- although there was hope that alia want it to remain closed but pute — protection of cultural new management [of the fi sh US longline fi shers disagreed. fi shing practices — “may mask market] would bring needed At the discussions during the deep-rooted or identity-based changes,” the report said. NEED a survey, Kleiber said there was confl icts,” it says citing a quote “From the... longline a “recommendation for cultural from the 2014 study by Madden [fi shers] perspective, because mediation between these fi sh- & McQuinn. they often operate with a thin Battery? eries” — alia and longline. PIFSC cited Gov. Lolo Mat- margin or sometimes at a loss, “… Repeatedly we were told, alasi Moliga’s previous remarks the ability to sell on the local that there’s misunderstanding to the Council that, “The LVPA market can make a difference to between the two fi sheries, mis- issue has far reaching implica- their operations,” PIFSC said. representation and there’s a tions for the people of Amer- Kleiber’s presentation also Go to NAPA! need for these two fi sheries to ican Samoa particularly on the outlined infrastructure issues be able to discuss together their principle of sovereignty, and listed by alia fi shermen: shared values and needs,” she the responsibility of the United • Dedicated market and/ points out. States to honor its promises or improved market access — In the Cultural Fishing in inherent in the ratifi cation of the including the banning of long- American Samoa Report pre- Deeds of Cession by the Con- line catch to be sold locally and sented at the Council, PIFSC gress of the United States.” cheaper rent at the fi sh market noted that in one of the coor- And the governor’s remarks • Freezer space to store dination discussions, the idea are an indication that the “issue catch of cultural mediation was sug- of cultural fi shing practices • Ice machine gested. And this could include sits within a larger governance • Assistance in vessel having the matai-led commu- question of who should make upgrades ‘Vote them out!’: Hundreds of 3 year warranty thousands demand gun control 18 months FREE Battery Check out our display of Commercial Batteries, Valve-Regulated By ASHRAF KHALIL and the nation’s capital and such that left 17 people dead Feb. 14. 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CALVIN WOODWARD, Associ- cities as Boston, New York, “If you listen real close, you ated Press Chicago, Houston, Minne- can hear the people in power We also carry a wide range of Oil, Grease, Chemicals, Replacement Parts, Muffler Pipes, Automotive Care Products, WASHINGTON (AP) — In apolis, Phoenix, Los Angeles shaking,” Parkland survivor Sealants, Automotive Tools, Automotive Paint and more. a historic groundswell of youth and Oakland, California, in the David Hogg said to roars from activism, hundreds of thousands kind of numbers seen during the the protesters packing Pennsyl- Stop by today and check out of teenagers and their supporters Vietnam era, sweeping up activ- vania Avenue from the stage our new arrivals in store. rallied across the U.S. against ists long frustrated by stalemate near the Capitol many blocks gun violence Saturday, vowing in the gun debate and bringing back toward the White House. to transform fear and grief into a in lots of new, young voices. “We’re going to take this to “vote-them-out” movement and They were called to action every election, to every state NAPA SAMOA tougher laws against weapons by a brand-new corps of leaders: and every city. We’re going to and ammo. student survivors of the school make sure the best people get in 699-NAPA/6272 They took to the streets of shooting in Parkland, Florida, (Continued on page 11) Page 4 samoa news, Monday, March 26, 2018 Letter to the Editor Congressman: Bombing suspect OP ED: Chair Ebisui’s Response to Gov. Lolo’s statements in www.talanei.com article called himself a ‘psychopath’ After reading the article titled “Governor defends ASG’s no vote on LVPA” posted on www.talanei.com (March 22, 2018), I He began by placing explosives in packages am compelled to correct what appear to be misconceptions of the left overnight on doorsteps, killing 39-year-old Council’s actions taken on the LVPA. father Anthony Stephan House and 17-year-old First, the article says that the “rule that was instigated by the musician Draylen Mason and critically injuring Council to allow longliners to fi sh within 12 miles from shore in 75-year-old Esperanza Herrera. He then rigged local waters.” The Council’s 2015 action was to allow longline an explosive to a tripwire along a public trail, vessels to fi sh outside of 12 nm, not within 12 nm from shore and injuring two young men who crossed it. Finally, not within local waters. he sent two parcels with bombs via FedEx, one Second, US-fl agged longline vessels operating out of Amer- of which exploded and injured a worker at a dis- ican Samoa target albacore tuna, a pelagic stock that is sold to tribution center near San Antonio. the local cannery. American Samoa longline vessels do not target Conditt died after detonating a explosive or incidentally catch bottomfi sh such as snappers, groupers, and device early Wednesday as SWAT team offi cers jacks. There is simply no evidence to suggest that longline vessels ran toward his vehicle to arrest him in an Austin would impact bottomfi sh stocks. It’s like equating cricket to rugby suburb. Investigators discovered a roughly — both are sports, but clearly much different. 25-minute recording that Conditt had made on According to the most recent stock assessment for bottomfi sh his cell phone allegedly confessing to the crimes. in American Samoa, bottomfi sh stocks are healthy and fi shed well Interim Austin Police Chief Brian Manley below Maximum Sustainable Yield. said the department will continue withholding Third, the LVPA was developed by the Council in 2002 the recording from the public as investigators to address the potential for gear confl ict and catch competition look into Conditt’s motive and whether anyone ADDS THE YEAR 2010, WHEN THE among commercial fi shing vessels greater than 50 feet and smaller else was involved. He noted that Conditt’s PHOTO CREATED - is 2010 student ID coastal fi shing sectors, including pelagic troll, alias, and recre- two roommates have been questioned and said photo released by Austin Community Col- ational fi shers. However, since developing the LVPA, the long- that several more people will be interviewed. lege shows Mark Anthony Conditt, who liners have experienced severe economic turmoil, with increasing Releasing the recording now could jeopardize attended classes there between 2010 and 2012, costs and signifi cantly reduced catch rates of albacore, while the any future prosecutions, although no one else according to the school. Conditt, the suspect in alia longline fi shery has virtually disappeared. has been arrested or charged, Manley said. the deadly bombings that terrorized Austin, Under the Magnuson Stevens Act, the Council is required to For days, Manley has been under fi re for blew himself up early Wednesday, March 21, manage fi sheries utilizing the best scientifi c information currently calling Conditt “a challenged young man” and 2018, as authorities closed in on him, bringing available. Here, the Council is proposing to adjust the size of a not a terrorist. He struck a different note Sat- prohibited area that it created in 2002 to respond to signifi cantly a grisly end to a three-week manhunt. (Austin Community College via AP) urday, saying: “The suspect in this incident changed circumstances. reined terror on our community for almost 3 Last October, the Council considered the LVPA issue at its By RYAN J. FOLEY, Associated Press weeks.” meeting held in American Samoa and recommended as initial AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The suspected Austin Mayor Steve Adler said Herrera, who action, an exemption for longline vessels greater than 50 feet per- Austin bomber called himself a “psychopath” in suffered broken legs and other severe injuries in mitted under the American Samoa longline limited entry program a recorded confession and said he felt no remorse a March 12 blast, remains hospitalized in critical to fi sh seaward (outside) of: 12 nm around Tutuila; 12 nm around for deadly explosions that killed two people and but stable condition. Herrera’s grandson, Josh, Manua; 12 nm around Swains; and 2 nm around the offshore terrorized the city, a U.S. congressman said wrote on his Facebook page that she has under- banks. The Council’s initial action on providing a 2 nm buffer Saturday. gone several surgeries and is fi ghting for her life. around the offshore banks was to accommodate troll vessels that Investigators are still looking into what moti- The identifi cation of Conditt as the bomber fi sh near the banks for pelagic species such as yellowfi n and skip- vated 23-year-old Mark Anthony Conditt, but continued to baffl e residents in Pfl ugerville, the jack tuna, wahoo, and masimasi. the recording he left on his cell phone shows that Austin suburb where Conditt had been home- I have concerns with the Governor’s statement that “if the he was a “sick individual,” U.S. Rep. Michael schooled and grew up in a Christian family. council withdraws its appeal, we are willing to sit down and talk McCaul said. Mark Roessler, 57, lives across the street with them. But don’t force what they want on us.” The Council is “He did refer to himself as a psychopath. He from where Conditt moved in last year, a mile not forcing anything on the American Samoa Government. did not show any remorse, in fact questioning from his parents. Conditt and his father had pur- At its 173rd meeting held last week in Honolulu the Council himself for why he didn’t feel any remorse for chased the home in a quiet neighborhood known requested that the American Samoa Government consider relevant what he did,” McCaul said. as Old Town, and spent months remodeling it information and meet with longline and alia fi shermen and other Conditt makes no mention of a racial motiva- together. Roessler said he got to know Conditt’s interested parties; and further, that the American Samoa Govern- tion on the recording, but investigators are still father, Pat, during the project and said he was ment forward its recommendation to the Council for its consider- looking into that as a possibility, he said. The “kind of envious” of the time he got to spend ation prior to taking fi nal action. fi rst three victims were minorities. working with his son. He said Mark Conditt was The Council is sincerely interested in hearing the Govern- McCaul, a former federal prosecutor who “polite, very quiet and respectful.” ment of American Samoa’s concerns for the preservation of cul- chairs the House Committee on Homeland Roessler said he last saw him some time after tural fi shing and believes that resolution of this dispute cannot be Security, spoke at a news conference where he the fi rst bomb had exploded, but didn’t talk with achieved without constructive dialogue among the stakeholders. thanked law enforcement offi cials for bringing him. He said he never had any idea his neighbor Ed Ebisui Jr., the three-week spree to an end. He called the was allegedly using supplies such as batteries Chair, Western Paciﬁ c Regional Fishery Management Council investigation, which included more than 800 and nails to assemble bombs in his home. March 23, 2018 offi cers, a textbook example of how local, state “People died and it’s a horrible tragedy. My and federal agencies should work together. feelings move from shock and disbelief to going Beginning March 2, police say Conditt to the ‘what-ifs’,” he said. “What if I tried to planted bombs in different parts of Austin, killing reach out to him that last time I saw him? ‘Hey two people and severely wounding four others. Mark, how are you doing?’”

Elzira Noga was one of the 5 local students who took First Place in the DOE’s 21st Annual Elementary Mathematics Compe- tition SY 2017-2018. Elzira shared the honor with her Manumalo Uifaatali Peter Coleman Elementary School in Pago Pago made noise this year in the Territorial classmate Jasmine Mondelo; South Paci c Academy’s Michael Math in Art and Science Fair competitions. For the Math in Art competition, the school placed in Sun and Lily Feng; and Angela Chen of Paci c Horizons. the Top ree for all categories: Poster, Model, and Tessalation. Congratulations to all the students, [photo: Blue Chen-Fruean] parents, and teachers for a job well done! [photo: Blue Chen-Fruean] samoa news, Monday, March 26, 2018 Page 5 GITA UPDATE: Nat’l Red Cross personnel head home, while DRC registration continues • Fatumafuti numbers 0001 – 0006 • Faga’alu numbers 0001 – 0081 • Futiga numbers 0001 – 0080 Applicants should have the following information at hand for registration: Social Security number; Address of the damaged primary residence; Description of the damage; Information about insurance coverage if applicable; current contact telephone number; a PO Box where they can receive mail; and Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds. For future village dates and times to register at the DRC, a schedule will be provided by the Territory and FEMA. A reminder from FEMA: Individuals with access and functional needs who are heads of household and still need to register should call the Crisis Hotline at (684) 633-9017. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assis- tance (DSA) Teams will come to your home to register you – is Mar. 22, 2018 photo shows residents waiting to register for federal assistant at the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) inside you do not need to come to the the DYWA Pago Pago Youth Center. [photo: FEMA] DRC. Those in Ottoville already visited by DSA, with slips that by Fili Sagapolutele island for nearly two weeks were also distributed to families need attend to the registration have DSA written on them, do Samoa News Correspondent before returning to the main- affected by the storm. process and the DRC is open not have to come to the DRC, as American Red Cross per- land, also says that the Red • Nearly 2,500 phone calls 8a.m. to 4p.m. they are already registered with sonnel and volunteers deployed Cross worked closely with the were fielded at the Red Cross For today, Monday, Mar. 26 FEMA. to American Samoa following American Samoan government office - Faleniu numbers 0001 – 0098 FEMA have already started last month’s Tropical Storm to receive damage assessment DRC REGISTRATION and 0501 – 0653. fieldwork inspection of those have returned to the US, with information. More villages have been For Tuesday, Mar. 27: who have already registered their disaster recovery work (And that ASG information added to the list for registra- • Faleniu numbers 0654 at the DRC and homeowners completed and turned over to is how Red Cross follows up tion for federal disaster assis- – 0762 are reminded to have someone the local Red Cross as registra- with its response to local resi- tance at the DRC — which is • Matu’u numbers 0001 home, when FEMA contracted tion for assistance at the Disaster dents, says ASG officials and jointed operated by the US Fed- – 0043 inspectors show up. Recovery Center (DRC) inside two local Red Cross volunteers eral Emergency Management • Faganeanea numbers the DYWA Pago Pago Youth — who noted that Red Cross Agency (FEMA) and ASG — 0001 – 0021 Center, continues this week workers had received some very for this week, Mar. 26 to Wed. • Mesepa numbers 0001 with more villages. angry responses from residents Mar. 28. The public is reminded – 0060. RED CROSS who said they had not been that only heads of household On Wednesday, Mar. 28: American Red Cross San served although their homes Diego/Imperial Counties, which had suffered damage.) includes American Samoa, Cox explained that more than announced two weeks ago that 220 Red Cross disaster workers it would officially complete were involved in the American disaster relief operations on Samoa disaster relief opera- PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT Mar. 21 following the Feb. 9 tion, including staff and volun- FOR INDIVUDALS WITH ACCESS AND FUNCTIONAL NEEDS storm. teers deployed from across the Individuals with access and functional needs a ected by the storm, people with Red Cross staff, disaster United States, local American disabilities, seniors, children, individuals with limited English prociency, and workers and volunteers who Samoa residents, and Red Cross individuals and families who are transportation disadvantaged who are heads of disaster workers supporting the were deployed to Pago Pago household and still need to register should call the Crisis Hotline at (684) 633- returned to their US bases and operation remotely. hometowns last Thursday night Some final information from 9017. — which is also when Hawaiian Cox on the overall Red Cross FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams will come to your home to register you Airlines officially changed its disaster response: – you do not need to come to any registration sites. If it is hard for an individual to Friday flights to Thursdays, • More than 1,650 cases were use the telephone (hearing loss), please ask a family member or a friend to make while still maintaining the opened for families affected the call on behalf of that individual. Monday night regular flight. by Gita, including more than “We have completed the 11,000 family members. relief operation and returned Roughly 20% of the population the local Red Cross office to its of American Samoa received FA’ASILASILAGA normal day-to-day operations,” Red Cross assistance Mo i latou uma e le atoatoa le mafaufau po o le tino ma e iai ni manaoga fa’apitoa said Red Cross regional com- • Red Cross supported ua mafua ai ona le mafai ona o’o mai i nofoaga o le tusigaigoa mo fesoasoani a le munications director Emily Cox feeding efforts in shelters with FEMA, fa’amolemole valaau mai ile 633-9017 e fa’ailoa mai ile au-faigaluega\lou over the weekend in response to more than 15,300 meals served. suafa mo le resitala a le FEMA. Aua ete alu i nofoaga o tusigaigoa, ae lava mai Samoa News inquiries. • Red Cross hosted 13 le onosa’i e asiasi atu sui o le FEMA i o outou maota po o laoa e fa’ataunu’uina le However, “comfort kits, points of distribution (PODs) clean-up kits and welcome kits throughout American Samoa resitala. are still being distributed by to distribute supplies including Fa’asilasilaga: Afai o oe o se tagata matua po o se tasi e iai ni manaoga fa’apitoa, local [American Samoa] volun- nearly 600 “Jumpstart to valaau mai i le numera 633-9017 E i ai le vaega fa’apitoa o le FEMA e o’o atu i lou teers as new tents are installed Recovery” kits, nearly 1,300 maota po o lou laoa e resitala oe mo fesoasoani a le FEMA. Aua e te alu i nofoaga by the American Samoan clean-up kits, and more than o tusigagoa, e asiasi atu sui o le malo ma FEMA. government at locations of 2,300 comfort kits. Several destroyed homes,” Cox said via thousand emergency supply Afai e faigata ona e feso’ota’i mai i le telefoni, fai i se tasi o lou aiga e valaau mai i le email from San Diego. items including mosquito nets, numera mo le fesoasoani. Cox, who had been on tarps, flashlights, and more Page 6 samoa news, Monday, March 26, 2018 No clear historical record of why marriage age for females is set at 14 in Territory by Fili Sagapolutele citizen told Samoa News that Samoa News Correspondent decisions made by “our forefa- Current law setting the mar- thers in those days shouldn’t be riage age for females at 14-years second guessed, or even ques- old, with the consent of a parent tioned today, as they made the or guardian, was passed by the best decision they saw fi t at the Fono many years ago during time” and it’s the responsibility the Seventh Legislature, says of future generation to make Senate legal counsel, Mitzie necessary changes in a continu- Jessop-Ta’ase in testimony ally changing world. before a Senate committee Some long-time political recently. observers agreed with the However, the lingering assessment, but also noted question remains — why is it that current existing laws, and set at 14 years old for females today’s environment take very — even when the move to raise seriously cases where a 14-year the marrying legal age began old becomes the victim of a some six years ago? sexual offense. The Senate rejected the One political observer approved House bill setting the pointed to Jessop-Ta’ase’s testi- marriage age of both females mony during the Senate hearing and males at 18 years old last that allowing a 14-year old to week Monday, and 24-hours marry, with consent of a parent/ later the House requested a guardian, confl icts with the cur- conference committee that was rent criminal code where the later rejected by the Senate consent age for a sexual rela- because senators didn’t make tion is 17-years old (see Samoa any changes to the House bill. News edition Mar. 21st for Representatives of the business community attending last ursday’s Chamber of Commerce Conference committees are details). meeting where o cials from the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the US usually called and convened Another political observer Small Business Administration (SBA) spoke on federal disaster assistance programs available to to iron out fi nal language of a noted that, “statutory rape is businesses and others impacted by last month’s Tropical Storm Gita. bill, if both sides don’t agree a more important issue as far Standing in the background of the meeting at DDW Restaurant are o cials from FEMA. on changes made by the other as the age of girls and sexual [photo: Leua Aiono Frost] chamber. In this case, the Senate consent.”Among the concerns didn’t make any changes to the raised during the Senate hearing Human Resource Department, Tafuna PO Box PPB, Pago Pago bill, which was rejected with is what would happen, if current American Samoa 96799 seven senators in support and law is changed, to a 14-year old Phone No: (684) 248-1234 Option #6 nine opposing it. girl who is pregnant, and the [email protected] During the Senate com- parents want her married to the mittee, Sen. Fai’ivae Iuli father of the unborn child. PUBLIC JOB POSTING Godinet asked if research was ASG digital archives com- done into why the marriage age piled by the American Samoa Position Title ICT Technician I Posting Date March 21, 2018 for females was set at 14 years Historic Preservation Offi ce and Department ICT Deadline April 3, 2018, 4:00 p.m. old to which Jessop-Ta’ase said available online, show that the she researched the initial law, 7th Legislature was from 1961 Division Support Services Pay Rate $7.28/hour - $7.58/hour which was approved by the to 1962. At the time, the US Position Type Career Service - 12 months probation Job Grade/Status D/1/A – D/2/A, Non-Exempt Fono during the 7th Legislature. Interior Department appointed- However, she said she governor submitted an annual Reports To Information Systems Manager couldn’t locate written records fi scal year report to the Interior for any other information. Secretary. Major Duties & Responsibilities It was noted by some sena- The reports from the gov- Provide PC, Windows Server and Network help desk support to Senior Network Technicians. WAN/ tors that “our [Samoan] ances- ernor, includes a section on the LAN experience. Install setup and congure PC systems to meet or exceed client requirements. Install tors” were married at a very Legislature and summarized the setup and congure Microso based server and network based environments to meet requirements. young age many years ago, number of bills and other mea- Provide remote and/or onsite diagnosis, repair and troubleshooting as required. Install, congure and but no one offered any other sures introduced, passed and maintain client soware as required. Perform product research, development and testing to determine information. enacted into law. The bill gives feasibility of deployment of technology. Provide user training/assistance as required. Other duties as Later in the hearing, Fai’ivae only brief titles of each mea- assigned. asked if there are any states that sure but no further explanation. legalize marriage at age 14, to Samoa News could not identify Minimum Requirements which Jessop-Ta’ase explained in reports specifi c issues per- that her license to practice law taining to a bill approved at the Education High School diploma; Associate’s degree in related eld preferred. is from Utah, where 14-year time for female marriage at 14 Experience One to three years of experience in a technical capacity in Information Systems. olds are allowed to marry years old. under special conditions. She However, the 1962 report Skills, Abilities, Skilled in: Microso Technologies; LAN/WAN; Hardware installation; Soware and was not asked and she didn’t says that of the 29 bills Job Help Desk Systems. go into details on the specifi c signed by the governor that Requirements conditions. became public law, is a bill on Ability to: Use Information Technology to solve pc/network issues; identify and Samoa News has reached “Domestic Relations” — but evaluate new technological developments; gauge their appropriateness; and trouble- out to several senior citizens in again, no additional information shoot. the community about the law was provided in the report. allowing marriage at 14, and Samoa News notes: current Must be a team player that contributes proactively to the team. Varying work hours those who responded could only American Samoa Code Anno- may be required from time to time. say that it wasn’t uncommon tated, or statute shows Title 42 many years ago, when Samoans — “Domestic Relations”, and were married young, such as 16 Chapter 01 outlines the specifi c Quali ed applicants: Submit a completed ASPA Employment Application with a copy of your resume to ASPA Taf- or 17 years old. provisions of the law on “Mar- una (address listed above) by the deadline listed above. Please attach copies of credentials and transcripts. Candidates However, those who spoke riage”, with provision 42.0101 selected for hire must pass examinations (when applicable), pre-employment clearances & test negative on pre-em- with Samoa News declined to for Requisites of Valid Mar- ployment drug test. speculate as to why our forefa- riage. And under this provi- No phone inquiries accepted. thers set the marriage age at 14 sion shows the marriage age of for females. One female senior females at 14 years old. An Equal Opportunity Employer * A Drug Free Workplace samoa news, Monday, March 26, 2018 Page 7 Congress increases American Samoa’s Insular Budget at Amata’s Request Washington, D.C. — Friday, Veterans Committee. March 23, 2018 — Con- gresswoman Aumua Amata “This legislation restores announced the passage of H.R. $1.2 million in funding for 1625, the Consolidated Appro- American Samoa that was priations Act of 2018, the major threatened early in the budget yearly government funding bill, process, and then adds $250,000 including an increase in the more than the previous year,” ASG operations account and a said Aumua Amata. 2.4% military pay raise. “The federal government has The negotiators in the House fi scal responsibilities to Amer- of Representatives and Senate ican Samoa, and I appreciate leadership, at Amata’s request, that House leaders understood rejected a proposed cut of over the negative impact that cuts $1.2 million to the American would have had in American Samoa Government’s (ASG) Samoa and we were able to operations account and instead secure this funding. adopted Amata’s proposed “Already, I’ve expressed $250,000 increase — a com- concerns for the next fi scal year bined difference of over $1.45 and we’re laying the ground- million to the ASG account in work to preserve the territory’s the Department of Interior’s funding going forward. In addi- (DOI) Offi ce of Insular Affairs tion, the funding bill provides (OIA). a much-needed increase in pay The change was adopted in for our troops and more money the House passed bill after her for better housing and health- testimony to the Appropriations care for those who protect us,” Subcommittee that handles the she concluded. DOI and OIA Budgets as the summary chart shows: FY 2017 Enacted FY 2018 Request Final Bill Final Bill vs. Enacted Final Bill vs Request ASG Operations 22,752,000 21,529,000 23,002,000 +250,000 +1,473,000 The Bill accordingly secures and increases the ASG’s fi scal year 2018 funds from the Inte- rior Department with an overall increase of $250,000 to the ASG operations account. Signed into law Friday, the Omnibus spending also provides: • The largest investment in the Armed Forces in over 15 years with an increase of over $61 billion in support of our troops; • A military pay increase of 2.4% and an additional increase of $764 million for the Defense Health and Military Family Programs for cancer, traumatic brain injury and psychological health research and treatment as well as additional funds for sexual assault preven- tion and response; • Robust funding for military housing construction and the Department of Vet- erans Affairs, with an increase of over $7 billion or 9.5% for VA programs and medical care services, including additional funds to help speed up the process to address the backlog in disability claims, something Amata advocated for and supported in her role on the House Page 8 samoa news, Monday, March 26, 2018 solutions.” ➧ According to Utu, “Year Steps… after year, no matter who is Gov- Continued from page 1 ernor or Director of Education, process; the education outcomes as mea- � Dual language, espe- sured by standardized tests are cially in the early grades; sub-par and not improving. Par- � School fees imple- ents are getting desperate but mented by rule-making for most cannot afford to send two extra-curricular activities; or three children at the same � Emphasis on voca- time to a private school. It is tional education with articu- a huge disservice to our chil- lation to other educational/ dren and to society to put kids training institutions; through a dysfunctional public � Accommodations for education system. ‘E atamamai charter schools, home schools, a tatou fanau, ae faaletonu le the gifted and education at the “system”.’” Juvenile Detention Center; Utu continued, “Since one � A format for summer famous defi nition of insanity is school; and doing something over and over � A substitute teacher with the expectation of getting a system. different result, it became clear When asked the looming — and has been for years — that we have to Change (that is question, “Why change?” Utu C M told Samoa News over the with a capital “C”) the system.” weekend, “We must change To help get the message Y K because whatever system we out, Utu said he and other Task are following at present isn’t Force members are speaking working. In essence, the Gov- to educators and PTAs at town ernor asked the Task Force to hall type gatherings. fi nd out why we continue to “We would also like to speak get poor results as measured by to churches and organizations the performance metrics of our such as STEM (Science, Tech- children in the public educa- nology, Engineering, Math- tion system and to recommend ematics) and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs). After that, we will submit our fi nal recommendations to the Gov- ernor who will then work with the Fono,” Utu explained. “Title 16 of the American Samoa Code Annotated will need to be revised in order to take into account the recommendations. The feedback from the educators, PTAs, legislators (who are members of PTAs) have been invaluable and, so far, the support for semi- autonomy has been immense,” he said. So how is all this going to make it better for the territory’s children? Utu responded, “The goal is to get all our children edu- cated and then be able to thrive in society. We cannot have a public education system where 80% of the students matricu- lating into the community college take remedial courses in language and mathematics. Even if one does not plan to go to college, there should be opportunities in Career Tech- nical Education and the basics of literacy and numeracy must have been met upon graduation from high school. Not everyone can be a sports star or join the military.”According to Utu, semi-autonomy gives the organization the tools to make deci- C M sions with less red tape. “For Y K example, year after year, we continue to have problems getting textbooks to arrive on time or replacing teaching vacan- cies. The support functions (e.g. procurement, budget, treasury, personnel) in the present system fall under the purview of other agencies who may have other priorities.”The Educational Reform Task Force members are Utu Abe Malae (chairman); ASDOE Director Dr. Ruth Matagi-Tofi ga; Attorney Gen- eral Talauega Eleasalo Ale; Port Administration Director Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Pou- mele; the Governor’s Legal Counsel Steve Watson; Vaiti- nasa Dr. Salu Hunkin-Finau; and Dr. Etuale Mikaele. samoa news, Monday, March 26, 2018 Page 9 ➧ Faipule… Continued from page 1 KVZK-TV is working together with ASTCA with some of the new technology such as the live streaming, so that people living abroad can watch some of the It feels gooood in events happening on our island the morning! live, such at the Flag Day fau- tasi race. Vice Speaker, Rep. Fetu Fetui Jr told the witness that he does not agree with the changes Welcome Home! the governor has made, saying that Toa o Samoa prayer service is not a government event — And Happy Bthday to my beled it’s a Marist Brothers’ monthly event for the Toa o Samoa and their families. “If your staff can go out to the villages and record the C M government’s program, why can’t you do the same to the Y K church service programs in villages,” Fetu said. “Something is not right over here. If you’re allowing the government program to be recorded in the villages, you must do the same to the church service programs. If not, I instruct you to tell your director to stop doing favors for the government if he can’t do the same for the people.” Rep. Faimealelei Anthony Fu’e Allen, who is the chairman of the committee made a motion Rep. Vailiuama Steve Leasiolagi [photo by AF] that the committee introduce a out in villages. the government is only thinking resolution asking the governor She also told the committee about themselves and wanting to consider a way to let church that their staff is not getting to make things easier for them, service programs be conducted NENE O’BRIEN paid when they go out to record but not for the people,” Gafatasi in the villages. these programs, and that’s said. From your one and only O’B. another reason why the gov- “If this is what the governor ernor advised their director to wants, recording only govern- stop recording church service ment programs in villages but programs in villages. the churches and the villages Olo further told the com- have to use your small, hot and mittee that leaders of several crowded space studio to record churches had already been their church service program, In Remembrance of our Brother informed about these changes I believe that it’s about time and they are well aware of it. for the KVZK-TV to be priva- “As you all know, KVZK- tized. If the government is not TV was established over 50 willing to make things easier for years ago, so all equipment the community, so let a private inside our studio is old. We company own our only televi- have to be very careful when sion station and run it, hoping taking our equipment out to that it (a private company) record these programs, and our will hear our cry and respond vehicles that are used to trans- accordingly,” Gafatasi said. port the equipment back and Rep. Veevalu Meauta L. forth are not in good condition. Mageo asked the witness what So, the best thing to protect our are they going to do with the equipment from damage and to old equipment they have — avoid our staff from working will they continue to rely on overtime without getting paid the old equipment and continue is to bring all the church service to use it for another 50 years or programs to record at our studio are there any plans to buy new in Utulei”, Olo concluded. equipment because the world’s C M Gafatasi, who raised this technology is moving forward Y K issue, did not mince words and our local television station when telling Olo that her state- needs to upgrade? Olo quickly ment did not satisfy him. responded and changed her “I don’t accept your excuse answers, saying that all the cam- that church programs are being eras and other equipment used KENNETH PORTER recorded in the studio because to record programs is all new it is more convenient as far as equipment, only some equip- April 9, 1958 - Februy 12, 2018 equipment transfer. Why is it so ment inside the studio is old. hard to transfer your equipment “ … but you just said that Ia taoto ia fa’a i’a o tailoloto Samoa, i ou fa’avae mautu ma ou pa ua le so’o, i le when recording church service all of your equipment is more amata mai Saua se’ia pa’ia le Vaisuatoto o le Nafanua. Tulou, Tulou Lava. programs, but when it comes than 50 years old and that’s one Ae o le a tulituli matagalu ia le u asi Tama’ita’i ae a pelega ma valevale alofa sa to the Toa o Samoa prayer ser- of the reasons why you plan to outou asaina ai le susu o le taeao ma laina ai outou ao i ala faigata. vices every month, you’re able keep all the church service pro- to transfer your equipment to grams recording at your studio I o’u aiga pele, uso ma nai o’u tuagane, aemaise uo ma e masani, lea ua oloa wherever village the service is in Utulei, to protect your equip- lu’ulu’u le aso o si o’u tuagane, ona o lo outou agalelei ma lo outou alofa tula’i. being held,” Gafatasi said. ment from damage. Our televi- Fa’afetai, Fa’afetai Tele. “I respect the governor and sion station needs to upgrade Ia toe sasa’a mai Lagi manu mo outou uma, ma ia toe fa’atutumu e le Atua mea the changes he made, but this and should be using new tech- is my own opinion and I can’t nology to help out with your ua to’esea ona o le manu’a o si o’u tuagane o Kenneth. hold back my opinion about this programs,” Veevalu said to the God Bless, issue because from what I have witness. just heard from your statement, In response, Olo said that Alaimalo J. Porter-Woo ma le Aiga Page 10 samoa news, Monday, March 26, 2018 Iowa family died of gas

(Photos: Leua) asphyxiation at Mexican resort

In this undated photo provided by the Quintana Roo Prosecutors O ce, a re ghter examines a gas stove in the rented condo where an Iowa couple and their two children died in Tulum, Mexico. Mexican authorities said on Saturday, March 24, 2018 that autopsies indicate the Iowa couple and their two children died from inhaling toxic gas at the rented condo on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, but there was no sign of foul play or suicide. (Quintana Roo Prosecutor’s O ce via AP) MEXICO CITY (AP) — Autopsies indicate The family was reported missing by rela- an Iowa couple and their two children died from tives in their hometown about a week after the inhaling toxic gas at a rented condo on Mexi- family left for vacation. Creston police contacted co’s Caribbean coast, but there was no sign of the U.S. State Department, and the bodies were foul play or suicide, Mexican authorities said found during a welfare check at the condo in Saturday. Tulum, on the Yucatan Peninsula. The prosecutors’ offi ce in the Caribbean The Quintana Roo prosecutors’ offi ce said coast state of Quintana Roo said that “the cause the family had been dead for between 36 and 48 of death was asphyxiation from inhaling toxic hours by the time they were found Friday at the gases.” It said the type of gas hadn’t yet been Tao condominium complex. determined, but added that “any violent act or Contacted Friday, the developer of the condo suicide has been discounted.” complex where the deaths occurred declined to Photos released by the offi ce showed investi- comment. gators in anti-contamination suits and fi refi ghters The Creston News Advertiser newspaper in with air tanks examining gas connections to Iowa reported that the family fl ew to Cancun on a stove in the condo in Tulum. The offi ce said March 14. According to her sister, Amy Sharp investigators “carried out a physical investigation texted their mother the next day to say they had of the gas connections in the room,” and the civil reached Tulum, but relatives didn’t hear any defense offi ce of Tulum would issue a technical more from the family. report on the fi ndings. The sister, Renee Hoyt, said the Sharps were In 2010, the explosion of an improperly scheduled to return to the U.S. this week. They installed gas line at a hotel in the nearby town were scheduled to depart from the Cancun airport of Playa del Carmen killed fi ve Canadian tourists on Wednesday and fl y to St. Louis on a non-stop and two Mexicans. fl ight. The family had planned to then drive about Iowa offi cials identifi ed the family as Kevin 200 miles (322 kilometers) to Danville, Illinois, Sharp, 41; his wife, Amy Sharp, 38, and their to watch a basketball game Thursday, Hoyt said. children Sterling, 12, and Adrianna, 7. They were When the family didn’t arrive in St. Louis, from Creston, Iowa. family members contacted authorities, she said. ➧ House… Continued from page 2

“I have been at TCF and “What happens if these that one of the fi remen carries I know exactly what you’re inmates manage to escape a pocketknife for his protec- taking about Mr. Commis- again under the watch of these tion every time he’s at the TCF, sioner. I thank you for looking fi remen? What happens if and it was something that really at every side to fi nd ways to there is a big fi ght amongst bothered him. solve the situation at TCF, but the inmates inside the prison, Several lawmakers voiced to me as a representative, that or if prisoners start attacking the same issue. Although they does not excuse you for doing the guards and escape? Who thanked Le’i for the hard work, what you did,” Fetu said. is responsible for that? Who they also said that his decision to Fetu said his only con- is going to take the blame and assign fi remen to guard inmates cern was that these fi remen what is the government going to was not right, and there are were trained to be fi remen and say if the lives of these fi remen other options DPS should con- they have to perform work as are affected?” Fetu asked Le’i. sider instead of using fi remen as fi remen, not guard prisoners. Fetu told Le’i that he heard prison guards. samoa news, Monday, March 26, 2018 Page 11 roster of speakers will create a Gun violence was fresh for quarters, standing quietly with ➧ tipping point, starting with the some who watched the speakers signs such as “Armed Victims Vote… midterm congressional elec- in Washington: Ayanne Johnson Live Longer” and “Stop Vio- Continued from page 3 tions this fall. To that end, of Great Mills High School in lating Civil Rights.” Other our elections to run, not as poli- 14, when it tweeted a photo of chants of “Vote them out!” rang Maryland held a sign declaring, gun-control protests around ticians but as Americans. an assault rifl e and the mes- through the Washington crowd. “I March for Jaelynn,” hon- the country were also met with “Because this,” he said, sage “I’ll control my own guns, Emma Gonzalez, one of the oring Jaelynn Willey, who small counter-demonstrations. pointing behind him to the Cap- thank you.” fi rst students from Florida’s died Thursday two days after The president’s call to arm itol dome, “this is not cutting President Donald Trump Marjory Stoneman Douglas being shot by a classmate at the certain teachers fell fl at at the protest, and from critics as young as Zoe Tate, 11, from Gaithersburg, Maryland. “I think guns are dumb. It’s scary enough with the security guards we have in school,” she said. “We don’t need teachers carrying guns now. I fi nd it amazing that I have to explain that idea to adults.” Parkland itself was home to a rally as more than 20,000 people fi lled a park near the Florida school, chanting slogans such as “Enough is enough” and carrying signs that read “Why do your guns matter more than our lives?” and “Our ballots will stop bullets.” Around the country, protesters complained that they are scared of getting shot in school and tired of inaction by grown- ups after one mass shooting after another. “People have been dying since 1999 in Columbine and nothing has changed. People are still dying,” said Ben Stewart, a 17-year-old senior at Shiloh Protesters ll Pennsylvania Avenue, as seen from the Newseum, during the “March for Our Lives” rally in support of gun control Hills Christian School in Ken- in Washington, Saturday, March 24, 2018. nesaw, Georgia, who took part (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) in a march in Atlanta. Callie Cavanaugh, a 14-year- it.” was in Florida for the weekend High School to speak out after school. The gunman also died. old at a march in Omaha, Some of the young voices and did not weigh in on Twitter the tragedy there, implored About 30 gun-rights sup- Nebraska, said: “This just needs were very young. Yolanda either.White House spokesman those of voting age to vote. porters staged a counter-dem- to stop. It’s been going on my Renee King, the Rev. Martin Zach Parkinson said: “We In her speech, she recited onstration in front of FBI head- entire life.” Luther King Jr.’s 9-year-old applaud the many courageous the names of the Parkland dead, granddaughter, drew from young Americans exercising then held the crowd in rapt, American the civil rights leader’s most their First Amendment rights tearful silence for more than Samoa famous words in declaring from today.” He pointed to Trump’s six minutes, the time it took the Environmental the stage: “I have a dream that efforts to ban bump stocks and gunman to kill them. Protection enough is enough. That this his support for school-safety “We will continue to fi ght Agency should be a gun-free world. measures and extended back- for our dead friends,” Delaney Period.” ground checks for gun pur- Tarr, another Parkland survivor, Lagolagoina le fa’amamāina o matāfaga ASEPA By all appearances — there chases.Since the bloodshed in declared from the stage. The were no offi cial numbers — Florida, students have tapped crowd roared with approval as Aso o le Fa’asalalauga: Mati 05, 2018 Washington’s March for Our into a current of gun control she laid down the students’ cen- Fa’afeso’ota’i: AS-EPA Polokalama a le Vai – 633-2304 Lives rally rivaled the wom- sentiment that has been building tral demand: a ban on “weapons Fa’asilasilaga mai le Ofisa o le Puipuiga o le Si’osi’omaga en’s march last year that drew for years — yet still faces a of war” for all but warriors. mo le mamalu o le atunu’u: sa faia su’esu’ega o gataifale far more than the predicted powerful foe in the NRA, its Student protesters called for ia Mati 06, 2018, ma fa’amaonia ai le i ai o siama 300,000.The National Rifl e millions of supporters and law- a ban on high-capacity maga- (Enterococci) i gataifale o alalafaga nei: Association went silent on makers who have resisted any zines and assault-type weapons Twitter as the protests unfolded, encroachment on gun rights. like the one used by the killer in in contrast to its reaction to the Organizers are hoping the Parkland, comprehensive back- Asili Stream Mouth Laulii Stream Mouth nationwide school walkouts electricity of the crowds, their ground checks, and a higher Leone Pala Alega Stream Mouth against gun violence March sheer numbers and the under-18 minimum age to buy guns. Nuuuli Pala Lagoon Alega Beach Nuuuli Pala Spring Fagaitua Stream Mouth Coconut Point Sailele Beach Fagaalu Beach Masausi Stream Mouth Utulei Beach Alofau Stream Mouth Fagasa-Fagalea Amouli Beach Fagasa-Fagatele Aoa Stream Mouth Afono Stream Mouth Aganoa Beach Aua – Pouesi Utumea East Vatia Stream Mouth Alao Beach Aua Stream Mouth Tula Beach

E fautuaina le mamalu o le atunu’u o lo’o fa’aaogaina ia ogasami mo ta’elega ma fagotaga: talu ai ona o su’esu’ega o ia vaega o ogasami sa faia i le vaiaso ua mavae, sa molimauina ai le maualuga o le faitau aofa’i o siama (Enterococci) mai numera ua fa’atapula’aina i le tulafono i ia vaega o ogasami. O nei siama e afua mai otaota po’o suavai lafoa’i o tagata ma meaola. Afai ae o’o atu le faitau aofa’i o siama mai numera ua fa’atapula’aina, o lona uiga, e i ai le avanoa e ono afaina ai lou soifua maloloina ini fa’ama’i e pei o le manava-tatā, o fofoga fa’apea fo’i ma manu’a o le tino pe a sao i ai le siama. Mo lou saogalemu: ‘aua le inuina le suasami, ia fa’alanu lelei, ma fa’amālū pe a mae’a ta’elega. O le fautuaga mai le Ofisa o le AS-EPA, fa’afeso’ota’i muamua se foma’i, a’o le’i fa’aaogaina ia ogasami, auā le puipuiga o lou soifua maloloina. Fa’amolemole, fa’autagia mai nei fautuaga. O le a toe maua atu se isi ripoti, pe a mae’a nisi o su’esu’ega mai le Potu Su’esu’e a le AS-EPA i le vaiaso fou. O lo’o i lalo o le va’ava’aiga a le AS-EPA matafaga mo tafaoga e 44 i le motu o Tutuila, e 5 i Manua ma le uafu i Aunu’u. O fa’asalalauga mo fautuaga mo le motu o Tutuila o lo’o auina atu i vaiaso ta’itasi, ae o Manu’a ma Aunu’u e fa’asalalau atu i masina Steven Rothman, le , and Dan Knorowski attend the “March for Our Lives” rally in support of ta’itasi. Mo ni fesili pe fia malamalama atili, fa’amolemole, vala’au mai i le telefoni (684) 633-2304. gun control in Washington, Saturday, March 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) Page 12 samoa news, Monday, March 26, 2018 Mueller probe witness Porn star describes threat over secretly backed UAE alleged Trump encounter agenda in Congress By DESMOND BUTLER, TOM LoBIANCO and BRADLEY KLAPPER, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — A top fundraiser for President Donald Trump received millions of dollars from a political adviser to the United Arab Emirates last April, just weeks before he began handing out a series of large political donations to U.S. lawmakers considering legislation targeting Qatar, the UAE’s chief rival in the Persian Gulf, an Associated Press investigation has found. George Nader, an adviser to the UAE who is now a witness in the U.S. special counsel investigation into foreign meddling in American politics, wired $2.5 million to the Trump fundraiser, Elliott Broidy, through a company in Canada, according to two people who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. They said Nader paid the money to Broidy to bankroll an effort to persuade the U.S. to take a hard line against Qatar, a long-time American ally but now a bitter adversary of the UAE. A month after he received the money, Broidy sponsored a conference on Qatar’s alleged ties to Islamic extremism. During the event, Republican Congressman Ed Royce of California, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, announced he was introducing legislation that would brand Qatar as a terrorist- is image released by CBS News shows Stormy Daniels, le, during an interview with supporting state. Anderson Cooper which will air on Sunday, March 25, 2018, on “60 Minutes.” In July 2017, two months after Royce introduced the bill, (CBS News/60 Minutes via AP) Broidy gave the California congressman $5,400 in campaign By KEN THOMAS and KEVIN does not allege that she was ordered him to drop his pants gifts — the maximum allowed by law. The donations were part FREKING, Associated Press coerced in her encounter with and, in a playful manner, “I just of just under $600,000 that Broidy has given to GOP members WASHINGTON (AP) — Trump, saying, “This is not a gave him a couple swats.”She of Congress and Republican political committees since he began Adult film star Stormy Daniels ‘Me too.’ I was not a victim.” said they talked some more, the push for the legislation fingering Qatar, according to an AP says she was threatened to keep The adult film actress pro- although he quit talking about analysis of campaign finance disclosure records. silent about an alleged sexual vided little new evidence of her himself, and that she became Broidy said in a statement to AP that he has been outspoken for encounter with Donald Trump alleged 2006 affair with Trump more comfortable.“He was years about militant groups, including Hamas. in 2006, telling her story in a but said she faced intimidation like, ‘Wow, you — you are “I’ve both raised money for, and contributed my own money to, highly anticipated interview tactics aimed at ensuring her special. You remind me of my efforts by think tanks to bring the facts into the open, since Qatar with CBS’ “60 Minutes” broad- silence in 2011.Daniels said daughter.’ You know — he was is spreading millions of dollars around Washington to whitewash cast Sunday.Daniels said she that in the incident, in a parking like, ‘You’re smart and beau- its image as a terror-sponsoring state,” he said. “I’ve also spoken was threatened by an unidenti- lot, the man told her: “Leave tiful, and a woman to be reck- to like-minded members of Congress, like Royce, about how to fied man in Las Vegas to keep Trump alone. Forget the story.” oned with, and I like you. I like make sure Qatar’s lobbying money does not blind lawmakers to quiet about her alleged rela- She said he then looked at her you.’”She said after dinner in the facts about its record in supporting terrorist groups.” tionship with Trump, an inci- daughter and said, “That’s a Trump’s room, they had sex. While Washington is awash with political donations from all dent that she said happened beautiful little girl. It’d be a He didn’t use a condom, she manner of interest groups and individuals, there are strict restric- while she was with her young shame if something happened said, and she didn’t ask him to. tions on foreign donations for political activity. Agents of foreign daughter. She said in the inter- to her mom.”Daniels received a Afterward, he asked to see her governments are also required to register before lobbying so that view that she had one encounter $130,000 payment days before again, she said.Daniels said that there is a public record of foreign influence. of consensual sex with the the 2016 presidential election before they had sex Trump had Cory Fritz, a spokesman for Royce, said that his boss had long future president. for her silence and has sought broached the idea of her being a criticized the “destabilizing role of extremist elements in Qatar.” “He knows I’m telling the to invalidate a nondisclosure contestant on “The Apprentice,” He pointed to comments to that effect going back to 2014. “Any truth,” said Daniels, whose legal agreement. and she likened it to a “business (Continued on page 14) name is Stephanie Clifford. She The White House did not opportunity.” She said he called immediately comment Sunday her several times and would ask on the interview. Trump, if they could get together again through his representatives, and that he had an update for has denied the allegations. His her. She said she felt that he attorney, Michael Cohen, has was dangling the opportunity to said Trump never had an affair keep her coming back. with Daniels. Cohen has said “Of course. I mean, I’m not he paid the $130,000 out of his blind. But at the same time, pocket.Cohen has said neither maybe it’ll work out, you the Trump Organization nor the know?” Daniels said. Trump campaign was a party In July 2007, a year after they to the transaction with Daniels had met, Daniels said Trump and he was not reimbursed for asked to meet with her privately the payment. However, Dan- at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los iels’ attorney Michael Avenatti Angeles. She said they did not told “60 Minutes” he has docu- have sex, but he wanted to. ments showing Cohen using Daniels reported that Trump his Trump Organization email called her the following month address in setting up the pay- to say he had not been able to ment and that the nondisclosure get her a spot on his TV show. agreement was sent by FedEx to She said they never met again. Cohen at his Trump Organiza- Daniels was asked why she’s tion office in Trump Tower. talking now: “Because it was In the interview, Daniels very important to me to be able described a sexual encounter to defend myself,” she said. with Trump that began with Daniels said she was fine him talking about himself saying nothing at all. “But I’m and showing her an issue of a not OK with being made out to magazine with his picture on be a liar, or people thinking that the cover. She said she asked, I did this for money and people “Does this ... does this nor- are like, ‘Oh, you’re an oppor- mally work for you?” He was tunist. You’re taking advantage taken aback, she says. “And of this.’ Yes, I’m getting more I was like, ‘Someone should job offers now, but tell me one take that magazine and spank person who would turn down you with it.’” She says she then (Continued on page 16) samoa news, Monday, March 26, 2018 Page 13 Trump plans to oust Shulkin as VA secretary By HOPE YEN and KEN White House discussions told THOMAS, Associated Press the AP on Sunday that the White PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) House was looking closely at — President Donald Trump roughly half a dozen candidates is planning to oust embattled to head the VA, the govern- Veterans Affairs Secretary ment’s second-largest depart- David Shulkin amid an extraor- ment with 370,000 employees. dinary rebellion at the agency Among the candidates being and damaging government vetted include Hegseth, a former investigations into his alleged military officer and former CEO spending abuses, three adminis- of the conservative Concerned tration officials told The Asso- Veterans for America; former ciated Press on Sunday. Rep. Jeff Miller, who had been Two officials said an chairman of the House Veterans announcement on Shulkin Affairs Committee; retired U.S. could happen this week, sub- Army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg; ject to Trump’s final decision Michael Kussman, a former as the White House hones in VA undersecretary of health; March 8 was “Purple Day” at Masefau Elementary School, in recognition of their continuing on possible replacements to Toby Cosgrove, a former presi- campaign to raise disability awareness. As part of their Disability Awareness Week agenda, the head the Department of Vet- dent and CEO of the Cleveland special education students, as well as administrators and select sta members wore themed shirts erans Affairs. One of the offi- Clinic; and Leo Mackay Jr., a provided by Congresswoman Aumua Amata. e day ended with a visit to the Territorial Admin- cials rated Shulkin’s chances former VA deputy secretary istration on Aging Oce (TAOA) where the youngsters learned about cultural arts and cras, in of being pushed out in the next who is now senior vice presi- addition to interacting with the elderly folks there. day or two at “50-50.” The three dent at Lockheed Martin Corp. {photo: courtesy] officials demanded anonymity to discuss a sensitive personnel matter.Trump, who spent the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate, told associates that he would keep two other admin- American Samoa Government istration officials who had been under fire: White House chief of DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION staff John F. Kelly and Housing Secretary Ben Carson. “He did say that he’s expecting to make one or two major changes,” said Newsmax CEO Chris RuMonday, March Request for Public Comment on 26, 2018, a Trump confidant who spoke with the president over the weekend, on ABC’s Special Education Funding Application “This Week.” The American Samoa Department of Education (ASDOE) Special Education Division (SPED) has for public review its application for “Now, other White House funding under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) with sources, not the president, tell the US Department of Education. me that Veterans Affairs Secre- tary David Shulkin is likely to These funds are used to provide special education services to all school age children, ages 3 - 21 years, in the territory of American depart the Cabinet very soon,” Samoa who have a disability that adversely affects their classroom achievements. As a condition for granting the funds, each State or RuMonday, March 26, 2018 Territory proposing the application must submit the application for public review and comment. The public must be afforded reasonable said.The White House did not opportunities for comment 30 days prior to the submission of the application on May 14, 2018. The public hearing is scheduled immediately comment. Shulkin for April 12, 2018 at the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Conference Room in Utulei at 2:00pm. The Department of did not respond to a request for comment Sunday. Education must review and give due consideration to all comments and suggestions prior to the submission of the Speculation over Shulkin’s application for funding. fate has ramped up in recent Copies of the application are available at the Special Education Office located in Faga’alu. All persons interested in the application weeks following a blis- are encouraged to pick up a copy between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm. Written comments will also be taken during these tering report by VA’s internal watchdog in February that found hours. Comments and suggestions may also be made via email to Faauifono Vaitautolu at [email protected] or Dr. Teresa Le’iato he had improperly accepted Atuatasi at [email protected] or may be sent surface mail to Dr. Teresa Lei’ato Atuatasi, Assistant Director Special Education Wimbledon tickets and his staff Division, PO Box ASDOE-SPED, Pago Pago, AS 96799. had doctored emails to justify his wife traveling to Europe with him at taxpayer expense. Earlier this month, two people Talosagaina Finagalo Lautele mo le Tusi Talosaga mo familiar with the White House discussions told the AP that Trump increasingly viewed Alagatupe Fuafuaina o le Ofisa o A’oga Fa’apitoa Shulkin as a distraction as the Ua tu’uina mai e le Matagaluega o A’oga Amerika Samoa (ASDOE) Ofisa o A’oga Fa’apitoa (SPED) se avanoa e fa’alia ai finagalo White House floated the names fa’alaua’itele a le mamalu o le atunu’u mo le alagatupe talosaga i lalo o le Maga B Tulafono mo Tagata o iai Manaoga Fa’apitoa of possible candidates to replace (IDEA) ofisa o A’oga Fa’apitoa (OSEP) o le Matagaluega o A’oga a le Malo Tele o Amerika (USDOE). him, including conservative “Fox & Friends” contributor O ia alagatupe ua fuafuaina e fa’atino ai a’oa’oga fa’apitoa tu’uina atu mo tamaiti a’oga uma, e amata mai i le 3 - 21 tausaga, i totonu Pete Hegseth. o le Teritori o Amerika Samoa o lo’o iai manaoga fa’apitoa ua fa’afaigata ai taumafaiga taua’oa’oga i totonu o potu a’oga. O se tasi A separate VA watchdog aiaiga mo le taliaina o le talosaga, e tatau i Setete ma Teritori uma o lo’o talosagaina ia alagatupe ona fa’asalalau a latou tusi talosaga investigation, due out in the mo se finagalo fa’aalia o tagata lautele. E tatau ona lava se avanoa e silasila lelei ai le atunu’u mo le silafia ma tu’uina mai so latou coming weeks, is also looking finagalo fa’aalia e tusa e 30 aso ae le’i tu’uina atu le tusi talosaga ia Me 14, 2018. O le a faia se fono fa’alaua’itele ia Aperila 12, 2018 into a complaint that Shulkin i le potu fonotaga i le Ofisa ASDOE Early Childhood Education i Utulei i le itula e 2:00pm. O le a iloiloina e le Matagaluega a A’oga asked his security detail to Amerika Samoa finagalo ma manatu fa’aalia a le lautele ma tu’uina atu ni fautuaga ae le’i o’o i le aso fa’atapula’aina o tusi talosaga. accompany him to a Home Depot store and cart furniture O lo’o maua kopi o lenei tusi talosaga i le Ofisa o A’oga Fa’apitoa i Faga’alu. Mo i latou e mana’omia se kopi o le tusi talosaga, items, according to two people e avanoa le ofisa mai le itula 8:00am i le 4:00pm. O manatu fa’aalia e tauala mai i tusitusiga e mafai ona tu’uina mai i taimi ua familiar with the allegation who fa’atulagaina. A iai nisi manatu ma fautuaga, e mafai ona imeli mai ia Fa’auifono Vaitautolu [email protected] po’o Teresa Le’iato requested anonymity to discuss Atuatasi [email protected] pe tusi mai ia Teresa Le’iato Atuatasi, SPED Assistant Director, PO Box ASDOE-SPED, Pago an ongoing investigation. One person familiar with the Page 14 samoa news, Monday, March 26, 2018 Pussy Riot targets ➧ Mueller… Continued from page 12 Trump in Republican stronghold of Idaho By KIMBERLEE KRUESI, Associated Press BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho is not the most obvious place to attract members of the Russian punk collective Pussy Riot. But even in the Republican stronghold that strongly supports President Donald Trump, Pussy Riot members carved out time late Saturday to swing by the largest city in the state, Boise, during their fi rst North American tour. “There is power in doing what we want, and not what they want,” said Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, who spent nearly two years in prison with another group member for a protest against Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2012. “Thank you for supporting us.” The balaclava-clad women who rose to global prominence with daring outdoor performances in their home country brought a show to Idaho that was more political rally than traditional concert, featuring anti-fascist, anti-Trump messages. It comes as a special counsel investigates Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and whether there was any collusion with the Trump campaign.Idaho is the only Republican-dominant state that Pussy Veterans A airs Secretary David Shulkin testi es on FY2019 and FY2020 budgets for veterans Riot is visiting during their North American tour, which has con- programs before the Senate Committee on Veterans A airs on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, March 21, sisted of stops in bigger, left-leaning cities like Portland, Oregon; 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) Seattle; and Chicago.They were drawn to Idaho by the small but increasingly popular Treefort Music Fest, which launched in 2011 attempts to infl uence these longstanding views in-law Jared Kushner and Steve Bannon, who as a hyper-local indie-rock music festival but has since attracted would have been unsuccessful,” he said. was Trump’s chief strategist at the time. A month worldwide interest. Other groups pushed a political agenda, but In October, Broidy also raised the issue of later, Nader and bin Zayed were a world away on Pussy Riot is one of the most contentious to appear at the fi ve- Qatar at the White House in meetings with Trump the Seychelles island chain in the Indian Ocean, day event.They played their political music videos on a screen on and senior aides. meeting with Erik Prince, the founder of the a dark stage as audience members raised their fi sts in solidarity. The details of Broidy’s advocacy on U.S. leg- security company Blackwater, and the Kremlin- Attendees danced and cheered as the group played “Police State,” islation have not been previously reported. The connected head of a large Russian sovereign which came out on the anniversary of Trump’s election, and AP found no evidence that Broidy used Nader’s wealth fund, Kirill Dmitriev. “Make America Great Again,” a 2016 hit released a week before funds for the campaign donations or broke any Nader, a Lebanese-American businessman, the presidential election that focuses on a call to action. laws. At the time of the advocacy work, his com- agreed to cooperate with Mueller’s team after “Pussy Riot has been on my radar for several years,” said Boise pany, Circinus, did not have business with the investigators stopped him at Dulles International resident Adnan Muminovic, who was standing in line for nearly UAE, but was awarded a more than $200 million Airport, according to a person familiar with his two hours to ensure he got a spot for the show. “I’m Bosnian, so contract in January. case.That person and others who spoke to the AP I’m not fan of the leadership in Russia. The sanctions bill was approved by Royce’s on condition of anonymity said they could not be committee in late 2017. It remains alive in the identifi ed because of the sensitivity of the issues House of Representatives, awaiting a review by surrounding the Mueller investigation. the House Financial Services Committee. A lawyer for Nader declined to comment for __MEETINGS PROBED this story. PRINTER FOR RENT! The backstory of the legislative push is __POLICY PUSH WIRELESS / COPY / PRINTER / FAX / SCANNER emerging amid continuing concerns about efforts Broidy and Nader fi rst met at Trump’s presi- FOR FAST, UNLIMITED PRINTING, GREAT FOR COMMERCIAL USE by foreign governments or their proxies to infl u- dential inauguration on Jan. 20, 2017, according ence American politics. While reports about pos- to a person with knowledge of the matter. FREE INK We sell good quality sible Russian links to Trump’s campaign and his Both men have checkered legal histories. HP Officejet Pro 8610 printing paper. presidential administration have been making Nader was convicted in a Czech Republic court headlines since 2016, questions are now arising in 2003 of multiple counts of sexually abusing $70 Monthly Payment Premium about efforts during the Trump era to infl uence minors. Broidy, a businessmen and prolifi c Printing Paper U.S. policy in the Middle East. Republican fundraiser, was sidelined for a few Ream $3.95 The U.S. has long been friendly with Saudi years after he pleaded guilty to bribery in a case Case $38.95 Arabia and the UAE as well as Qatar, which is stemming from an investment scheme involving home to a massive American air base that the New York state’s employee pension fund. Double A U.S. has used in its fi ght against the Islamic State. Broidy later re-emerged as a player in GOP Printing Paper But as political rifts in the Gulf have widened, politics. During the 2016 Republican presidential Ream $4.75 the Saudis and Emiratis have sought to undercut primary, he raised money for U.S. Sen. Lindsey Case $43.95 American ties with Qatar. Graham, Sen. Marco Rubio and Sen. Ted Cruz. Qatar and UAE have also exchanged allega- After Cruz bowed out of the race, Broidy signed tions of politically motivated hacks. Scores of on to help Trump during the 2016 election O&O INC. WHOLESALE in Nu’uuli Broidy’s emails and documents have leaked to and beyond, co-hosting fundraisers across the Please contact: Jiin (258-4563) or Tafa Leaupepe news organizations, drawing attention to his rela- country.The meeting between Broidy and Nader Office: (684) 699-4484 • Fax: (684) 699-2307 Email: [email protected] tionship with Nader. Broidy has alleged that the at the dawn of Trump’s presidency soon led the hack was done by Qatari agents and has reported two to work together in an effort to shift U.S. the breach to the FBI. policies on the Middle East. LAND COMMISSION “It’s no surprise that Qatar would see me as an On April 2, 2017, Nader asked Broidy to NOTICE is hereby given that AOELUA V. SOLOMONA of AFONO, American Samoa, obstacle and come after me in the way it has,” he invoice his Dubai-based company for $2.5 mil- has executed a LEASE AND EASEMENT AGREEMENT to a certain parcel of land com- said in a statement. lion, according to someone familiar with the monly known as TAFATAFA & FAILAFUA which is situated in the village of AFONO, in the County of SUA, EASTERN District, Island of Tutuila, American Samoa. Said LEASE A spokesman for the Qatari embassy, Jassim transaction who spoke on condition of anonymity. AND EASEMENT AGREEMENT is now on le with the Territorial Registrar to be forward- Mansour Jabr Al Thani, denied the charges, On the same day, Broidy attached an invoice ed to the Governor respecting his approval or disapproval thereof according to the laws of calling them “diversionary tactics.” Representa- for that amount from Xiemen Investments Lim- American Samoa. Said instrument names CORPORATION PRESIDING BISHOP OF THE tives of the UAE did not respond to requests for ited, a Canadian company directed by a friend. CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS as LESSEE. Any person who wish, may le his objection in writing with the Secretary of the Land comment. The money was forwarded to his own account Commission before the 16TH day of APRIL, 2018. It should be noted that any objection The timeline of the infl ux of cash wired by in Los Angeles from the Canadian account, the must clearly state the grounds therefor.. Nader, an adviser to Abu Dhabi Crown Prince person said. It was marked for consulting, mar- POSTED: FEBRUARY 13, 2018 thru APRIL 16, 2018 Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the de keting and advisory services, but was actually SIGNED: Taito S.B. White, Territorial Registrar facto leader of the UAE, may provide grist for intended to fund Broidy’s Washington advocacy U.S. special counsel Robert Mueller’s legal team regarding Qatar, two people familiar with the KOMISI O LAU’ELE’ELE as it probes the activities of Trump and his associ- transaction said. The fi nancial transaction and the O LE FA’ASALALAUGA lenei ua faia ona o AOELUA V. SOLOMONA ole nu’u o ates during the 2016 campaign and beyond. How- White House meetings were fi rst reported by The AFONO, Amerika Samoa, ua ia faia se FEAGAIGA LISI MALE AUALA, i se fanua ua lau- iloa o TAFATAFA & FAILAFUA, e i le nu’u o AFONO i le itumalo o SUA, Falelima i SASA’E ever, it is not clear that Mueller has expanded his New York Times. ole Motu o TUTUILA Amerika Samoa. O lea FEAGAIGA LISI MALE AUALA ua i ai nei i investigation in that direction. It was on May 23, 2017, when Royce, a teuga pepa ale Resitara o Amerika Samoa e a auina atu ile Kovana Sili mo sana fa’amaoniga Mueller’s investigators are looking into 13-term Congressman, appeared at a conference e tusa ai ma le Tulafono a Amerika Samoa. O lea mata’upu o lo’o ta’ua ai CORPORATION two meetings close to Trump’s inauguration on Qatar’s ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and PRESIDING BISHOP OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS. attended by Nader and bin Zayed. The pair announced that he was introducing the sanctions A iai se tasi e a fa’atu’i’ese i lea mata’upu, ia fa’aulufaleina mai sa na fa’atu’iesega tusitusia ile Failautusi o lea Komisi ae le’i o’o ile aso 16 o APERILA, 2018. Ia manatua, o fa’atu’iesega joined a meeting at New York’s Trump Tower bill that would name Qatar a state sponsor of uma lava ia tusitusia manino mai ala uma e fa’atu’iese ai. 02/23 & 03/23/18 in December 2016 that included presidential son- terrorism. samoa news, Monday, March 26, 2018 Page 15 Facebook questioned about pulling Android call, text data The ads say the social media Times and The Sunday Tele- platform doesn’t deserve to graph in the United Kingdom. hold personal information if it The ads said Facebook is can’t protect it. limiting the data apps received According to the ads, a quiz when users sign in. It’s also app built by a Cambridge Uni- investigating every app that had versity researcher leaked Face- access to large amounts of data. book data of millions of people “We expect there are others. four years ago. Zuckerberg said And when we fi nd them, we this was a “breach of trust” and will ban them and tell everyone that Facebook is taking steps affected,” the ads stated. to make sure it doesn’t happen Cambridge Analytica got again. the data from a researcher who Facebook’s privacy prac- paid 270,000 Facebook users to tices have come under fi re after complete a psychological pro- Cambridge Analytica, a Trump- fi le quiz back in 2014. But the affi liated political consulting quiz gathered information on fi rm, got data inappropriately. their friends as well, bringing The social media platform’s the total number of people stock value has dropped over affected to about 50 million. $70 billion since the revelations The Trump campaign paid were fi rst published. the fi rm $6 million during the Among the newspapers with 2016 election, although it has the ads were The New York since distanced itself from Times and The Washington Post Cambridge. in the U.S., and The Sunday An advertisement in The New York Times is displayed on Sunday, March 25, 2018, in New York. Facebook‚Äôs CEO apologized for the Cambridge Analytica scandal with ads in multiple DEVELOPMENT BANK OF AMERICAN SAMOA U.S. and British newspapers Sunday. The ads signed by Mark P. O. BOX 9, Pago Pago A. S. 96799 Zuckerberg say the social media platform doesn‚Äôt deserve to Office: (684) 633-4031 Fax: (684) 633-1163. hold personal information if it can‚Äôt protect it. Website: www.dbas.as (AP Photo/Jenny Kane) By TOM KRISHER, AP Business Facebook uses the information Writer to rank contacts in Messenger On the same day Facebook so they are easier to fi nd, and to EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY bought ads in U.S. and British suggest people to call. newspapers to apologize for the Users get the option to allow Position: LOAN CLERK Cambridge Analytica scandal, data collection when they sign RESPONSIBILTIES: the social media site faced up for Messenger or Facebook new questions about collecting Lite, the Facebook posting said. 1. Maintain log of different loan programs for all incoming loan applications. phone numbers and text mes- “If you chose to turn this feature 2. Verify and examine information and accuracy of loan applications. sages from Android devices. on, we will begin to continu- 3. Interview loan applicants in order to obtain personal and financial data and to assist The website Ars Technica ously log this information,” the in completing applications. reported that users who checked posting said. 4. Assemble and compile documents for loan closing. data gathered by Facebook on The data collection can be 5. Record applications for loan and credit, loan information and disbursements of funds them found that it had years turned off in a user’s settings, using computers. of contact names, telephone and all previously collected call numbers, call lengths and text and text history shared on the 6. Contact customers by mail, telephone or in person concerning acceptance or rejection of messages. app will be deleted, Facebook applications. Facebook said Sunday the said. 7. Conduct follow ups with Immigration, Territorial Registrar Office, ANZ Bank for applicant information is uploaded to The feature was fi rst intro- clearances. secure servers and comes only duced on Facebook Messenger 8. Check value of customer collateral to be held as loan security. from Android users who opt-in in 2015 and added later on 9. Answer questions and advise customers regarding loans and transactions. to allow it. Spokeswomen say Facebook Lite. the data is not sold or shared Messages were left Sunday 10. Schedule closings of mortgage loans transactions. with users’ friends or outside seeking comment about secu- 11. File and maintain loan records. apps. They say the data is used rity from Google offi cials, who 12. Perform day to day administrative/clerical tasks such as maintaining information files and “to improve people’s experience make the Android operating processing paperwork. across Facebook” by helping to system. 13. Develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others. connect with others. Reports of the data collection 14. Perform other assigned duties by Supervisor/Manager. The company also says in a came as Facebook CEO Mark website posting that it does not Zuckerberg took out ads in mul- QUALIFICATIONS: collect the content of text mes- tiple U.S. and British Sunday • Must be fluent in English and Samoan with the ability to effectively communicate information. sages or calls. A spokeswoman newspapers to apologize for the • Must have good organizational and interpersonal skills. told the Associated Press that Cambridge Analytica scandal. • Must have experience with computers and word processing packages. • Must have good written communication skills. © OSINI FALEATASI INC. RESERVES ALL RIGHTS. • Must be a self – starter. dba Samoa News is published Monday through Friday, • Must have a professional attitude and appearance. except for some local and federal holidays. • Must have a valid driver’s license. Please send correspondences to: OF, dba Samoa News, Box EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: 909, Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799. • High school diploma or GED with six (6) months experience directly related to the Telephone at (684) 633-5599 • Fax at (684) 633-4864 duties and responsibilities specified. Email advertisements to [email protected] Email the newsroom at [email protected] Applications available on the second floor of Development Bank Building located in Pago Pago. Normal business hours are Mon. thru Fri. 8am to 5pm. Please submit Resume and Application at the Development Bank Office; Deadline to apply: Permission to reproduce editorial and/or advertisements, in March 30, 2018. whole or in part, is required. Please address such requests to the Publisher at the address provided above. No phone calls please. Please visit samoanews.com for weekend updates. Development Bank of American Samoa is an Equal Opportunity Lender, Provider and Employer Page 16 samoa news, Monday, March 26, 2018

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Members of Chamber of Commerce and o cials from the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the US Small Business Administration (SBA) following a Chamber general membership meeting last ursday evening at the DDW Restaurant where FEMA and SBA o cials shared with the members of the business community, the federal disaster assistance programs in the wake of Tropical Storm Gita last month. Among the federal o cials in the photo are FEMA federal coordinating o cer, Benigno B. Ruiz (far le - rst row) and SBA public information o cer Yolanda Stokes (second from right- second row). Both Ruiz and Stokes spoke at the Chamber meeting, which was also open to the public. Leading the meeting was Chamber chairman, Paul Young (third from le -back row). [photo: Leua Aiono Frost] ➧ Porn… Continued from page 12 a job offer making more than they’ve been making, doing the same thing that they’ve always done?” “60 Minutes” correspondent Anderson Cooper noted during the interview that Melania Trump had recently given birth just a few months before. “Did he mention his wife or child at all in this?” Cooper said. “ “I asked. And he brushed it aside, said, ‘Oh yeah, yeah, you know, don’t worry about that. We don’t even, we have separate rooms and stuff’” Daniels said. The CBS interview came as Trump deals with allegations about his sexual exploits long before he ran for president. Former Playboy model Karen McDougal told Cooper in a CNN interview broadcast Thursday that her affair with Trump began at a bungalow at the Beverly Hills Hotel in 2006. McDougal said she ended the relationship in 2007 out of guilt. McDougal has fi led suit in Los Angeles seeking to invalidate a confi dentiality agree- C M ment with American Media Inc., the company that owns the Y K supermarket tabloid National Enquirer. It paid her $150,000 during the 2016 presidential election. The lawsuit alleges that McDougal was paid for the rights to her story of an affair, but the story never ran. It also alleges that Cohen was secretly involved in her discussions with American Media. Trump is also facing a New York defamation lawsuit fi led by Summer Zervos, a former contestant on “The Appren- tice.” Zervos has accused Trump of unwanted sexual contact in 2007 after she had appeared on the show with him, and sued after he dismissed the claims as made up.