Proof of Overpayment Entitles Person to Refund SEN

DMWR: marine monu- Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga (front), along with Manu’a ment expansion not District Governor Laolagi F.S. Vaeao, Samoan Affairs Sec- based on science 2 retary Mauga T. Asuega, and the delegation from Tutuila, arrived yesterday morning at Fitiuta Airport on Ta’u Island to celebrate Manu’a Cession Day, marking the 103rd year since the Manu’a island group was ceded to the United States and became part of American Samoa. The group was met by the ASBA Summer Youth police honor guard. Clinic helps kids of all [photo: courtesy/M. Gurr]

skill levels B1 ONLINE @ SAMOANEWS.COM

C M COOL STUFF Y K DAILY CIRCULATION 7,000 4 PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2017 $1.00 Proof of overpayment entitles person to refund SEN. MAGALEI: OMV OVERCHARGE FALLS UNDER TREASURY, NOT THE AG

by Fili Sagapolutele Samoa News Correspondent Sen. Magalei Logovi’i has voiced to ASG Treasurer Uelinitone Tonumaipea the government policy when it comes to reimbursing the public if they are overcharged; for example, the registration renewal of vehicles at the Office of Motor Vehicles that appears to have overcharged car owners for many years. Magalei raised the issue and sought an explanation on refunds when Tonumaipea appeared before the Senate Budget and Appro- priations Committee for a hearing last Friday morning on federal deductions — FICA and Medicare — being imposed on allow- ance checks for lawmakers. (See yesterday’s Samoa News for details). The senator is the Senate Budget and Appropriations Com- mittee chairman. The Tualauta Senator recalled a Senate Public Safety Com- mittee hearing held a day earlier, during which Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo Ale testified regarding OMV registrations. Magalei explained the issue at the center of Thursday’s hearing, and said the government was incorrect in their interpreta- tion of the law, regarding vehicle registration renewal. The first time a vehicle is registered, it’s $32 plus $12 per ton of weight. For motor vehicle renewals it’s $32. However, in the past, the practice has been to add $12 as part of the renewal process. The senator said the OMV has continued this long standing practice of adding $12 for renewal registration. He said some senators had asked if vehicle owners can be reimbursed or get a refund for the overpaid amount and the Attorney General’s reply was “no”. Magalei, who served as ASG Treasurer during the Togiola Administration, informed Tonumaipea that he was not pleased C M or happy with the Attorney General’s response to senators, espe- Y K cially when the matter does not fall under the AG’s jurisdiction, The wind force in the Utulei area was so strong during the late evening hours this past Sunday, but the purview of the ASG Treasury. that a part of the huge tree fronting the A.P. Lutali Executive Office Building (EOB) in Utulei fell According to the senator, he didn’t want to counter Talauega’s right on to the road, blocking motorists trying to use the access road between the Centennial Building response nor correct the AG during his response at the time, and the DHSS compound. Employees of the Department of Public Works (DPW) were at the site yes- but he wanted to wait until Tonumaipea appeared during terday morning trying to clear out the area. Friday’s already scheduled hearing for a direct response on the DPW Assistant Director Luki Tuitasi told Samoa News yesterday that he received the call about matter for all senators. the incident at 1a.m. yesterday morning but he told the guys to wait until morning, as it was too Magalei said that only when the Treasurer has a different inter- dark and windy to do anything, and having his crew respond at that time would have posed a pretation of the law, is when the AG’s opinion is sought. serious risk to their safety. “It just wasn’t safe for us to come out when I got the call,” he said. So to his understanding, said Magalei, if a person brings a Tuitasi was in the area yesterday supervising the clean-up of the site, saying he wanted to make receipt to show that the government owes that individual a reim- sure the crew was safe, that everyone knew what they were supposed to do. Samoa News contacted bursement, then a refund is made. the local weather station to inquire about the weather conditions when reports of the fallen tree were “Correct me if I am wrong,” Magalei asked Tonumaipea, who made, and meteorologist Elinor Lutu-McMoore said their logged observation had winds at 24 knots, acknowledged that Magalei’s statement is true, saying that a or 27 mph. person who overpays the government — for example, a registra- Yesterday afternoon, Lutu-McMoore issued a wind advisory for the territory until today, although tion fee — should get a refund on the overpaid amount. there is a possibility that it could be extended. She said winds of 20-35mph are in the forecast, espe- Unless the person agrees to use the amount, to be refunded, as cially in higher elevation areas, with strong gusts at times. a credit towards a future renewal, Tonumaipea said and reiterated She advises the people of American Samoa to expect strong winds throughout this week, adding that the requirement is that a person is reimbursed the overpaid that although there will be rain showers here and there - within the wind flow - of utmost impor- amount. tance and concern right now are the strong winds. Everyone is urged to be mindful of the current Magalei said that in order to get a refund, a person must pro- weather conditions and do what they can to stay safe, like staying indoors. vide a receipt — as proof of over payment — and Tonumaipea [photo: Blue Chen-Fruean] (Continued on page 3) Page 2 samoa news, Tuesday, July 18, 2017 DMWR argues marine monument $90 $80 2016 Toyota Corolla Daily Rate 2013 Hyundai Sonata Daily Rate Automatic (Red Car) Automatic (White Car) expansion not based on science *NEW* $90 $120 Daily 2015 Kia Sedona Daily Rate 2010 Toyota Tundra “BUT MORE ON POLITICAL LEGACY Automatic Automatic (White Truck) CONSIDERATIONS” Contact Information: Jiin Jang O&O INC. CAR RENTAL (258-4563) or Tafa Leaupepe by Fili Sagapolutele the additional national monu- PO Box 3897, Pago Pago, AS 96799 Office: 699-4484 • Fax: 699-2307 Samoa News Correspondent ment designation has added Located in Nu’uuli (O&O Inc. Wholesale) Email: [email protected] Department of Marine and another bureaucratic layer in the Wildlife Resources (DMWR) permitting process and added Chief Fisheries Biologist, confusion.” Domingo Ochavillo has shared All of Rose Atoll Marine concerns with US Interior Sec- National Monument is con- retary Ryan Zinke, over the tained within the National designation of Rose Atoll as Marine Sanctuary of American a marine monument; and also Samoa. argues that expansion of the PACIFIC REMOTE Pacific Remote Islands National ISLANDS Marine Monument was not Ochavillo further contends based on science “but more on that the decision to expand the political legacy considerations.” Pacific Remote Islands -Monu The biologist’s comment ment “was not based on science — a letter released last week by but more on political legacy the federal portal — was in response the original designation already to Zinke’s request for public protected coral reefs and the comments on DOI’s review expansion would be ineffec- of all land and marine monu- tive for otherwise highly mobile ments in the nation including marine animals whose move- Rose Atoll and Pacific Remote ments cover the vast Pacific Islands following President Ocean. Trump’s executive order in “The expansion also virtu- April. ally closed the economic fate “There is a need to review of the local canneries and the these national monument desig- American Samoa economy nations so that they are based on already reeling from unique the best available science, and challenges of a Small Island adequate cultural and economic Developing State,” she said. considerations,” said Ochavillo The Pacific Remote Islands who wrote the comment-letter Monument was expanded by in her capacity as DMWR former President Obama. acting director at the time. The governor along with “The recent consideration of StarKist Co., and Tri Marine the American Samoa Deeds of International have argued that Cession as a relevant document this expansion has closed off for federal decisions makes it traditional fishing grounds for more imperative now to review the US purse seiner fleet which these marine monument desig- services the local canneries. nations,” said Ochavillo, refer- (See yesterday and last Fri- ring to the Honolulu federal day’s Samoa News editions for court decision this year that details on Lolo and StarKist’s voids a US National Marine arguments.) USCG Lt. Whalen is presented a House Resolution commending his service to AS Fisheries Service rule which SUPPORT FOR ALL Rep. Su’a Alexander Eli Jennings (5th from right) shakes hands with US Coast Guard Lt. Kevin reduced last year the Large MARINE NATIONAL Patrick Whalen (4th from right), after Su’a read and presented Whalen a House Resolution, from Vessel Prohibited Area in ter- MONUMENTS the Fono and people of American Samoa, that commends him for his significant contribution to the ritorial waters from 50 to 12 There have been hundreds safety and environmental well-being of American Samoa. miles. of comments released by the Also pictured are Port Administration director Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Poumele (second from left) ROSE ATOLL federal portal which urge Zinke along with other Port Administration employees, and local US Coast Guard personnel, during the In her letter, Ochavillo and the federal government resolution presentation, made early last month, at Port’s conference room on the main dock. The explained that the “indigenous not to remove the Rose Atoll presentation happened before Whalen left the territory after his tour of duty as supervisor of the people of the Manu’a Islands designation. USCG Marine Safety Detachment unit in Pago Pago. consider Rose Atoll or Muli’ava One of the strongest sup- The resolution, sponsored by Su’a and House Vice Speaker Fetu Fetui Jr., says Whalen responded their traditional fishing ground”, porters of this viewpoint is to numerous marine casualties in the port of American Samoa involving a tanker collision, injuries, and monument designation the US based National Marine environmental damage and a death. “meant that additional cultur- Sanctuary Foundation. Furthermore, Whalen, a graduate of the Coast Guard Academy with a degree in environmental ally important area was lost.” In a July 9th letter to Zinke science, oversaw correction actions for safety and environmental compliance on approximately “Scientifically, the superim- and US Commerce Secretary 130 vessels improving safety of the vessel and its crews.In tandem with the US National Oceanic position of the national monu- Wibur Ross, the foundation and Atmospheric Administration in response to the grounding of the fishing vessel No. 1 JI HYUN, ment designation to the Rose urges the Trump Administration Whalen engaged local marine surveyors and environmental agencies to conduct a damage survey Atoll Wildlife Refuge was to uphold the designations of all and analysis of the grounded vessel. redundant,” said Ochavillo marine national monuments at His actions vastly reduced the impact in the National Marine Sanctuary and led to the eventual because it “was already a no- their current size and with the recovery of the vessel from the reef. According to the resolution, Whalen’s commitment to Marine fishing zone up to 12nm thereby requirements put in place in the Safety led to a successful collaboration of the first search and rescue assessment involving several effectively protecting the coral Proclamations made by pre- state agencies, New Zealand and Coast Guard responders. reefs.” vious Presidents. “This assessment led to identifying American Samoa’s response capabilities and shortfalls,” it “Expansion up to 50nm has For Rose Atoll, the Founda- states. “As a result, American Samoa is developing plans and networking with our Pacific islands no added benefits to pelagic tion argued among other things, for more capable response time and capability.” The resolution went through the usual protocol of animals that are highly mobile that this is one of the most pris- official approval last week in the House when the Fono convened for the 2nd Regular Session of the that move in the South Pacific tine atolls in the world. Fur- 35th Legislature. region,” she noted. “In addition, thermore, the lands, submerged [photo: Port Administration] (Continued on page 3) samoa news, Tuesday, July 18, 2017 Page 3 ➧ Proof of overpayment… ➧ DMWR argues… Continued from page 1 Continued from page 2 agreed. jurisdiction. cial’ weight schedule OMV lands, waters, and marine envi- Samoan island group,” it says. Sen. Fa’amausili Mau Mau He also told House members uses to charge per ton of weight ronment around Rose Atoll sup- The Foundation also Jr., noted that the particular pro- that OMV has already halted the for a vehicle. It is not specified port a dynamic, addressed the issue of “Cultural vision of the law in question, $12 charge for people renewing in the statute. interconnected reef eco- Resources and regarding the renewal fee, their registration. Current statute from the system that is home to a very Traditions”, saying that the goes back to 1977 and that’s BACKGROUND Annotated Code of American diverse relatively pristine marine habi- a lot of money (for refunds) to Samoa News in its OMV Samoa, written in 1977: assemblage of terrestrial and tats at be paid, especially if the owner hearing story published last Title 22 - Highways and marine species, Rose Atoll also provide has more than one vehicle. week Friday, July 14, 2017, Motor Vehicles; Chapter 10; During Thursday’s Public pointed out that it is not just Section 22.1002- Application many of which are threat- essential cultural resources by Safety Committee hearing, an extra $12 or overcharge of for and issuance of license-Fees; ened or endangered. maintaining and supporting the Talauega told senators that no $12 that was added on to the Subsection (d) The following Additionally, Rose Atoll traditional spiritual connection refunds were issued and none renewal fee of $32. vehicle license registration fees supports the largest populations with coral reefs. will be issued, It was an actual extra $12 are established: of giant clams, “In the Samoan creation saying “thank you for per ton of weight/ every 2,000 and it is a primary nesting legend, helping the government”. Police pounds. Keeping it simple: (1) motor vehicle, including site for threatened green and the god Tagaloa split a rock Commissioner Le’i Sonny If OMV said your vehicle private vehicles, cargo vehi- endangered hawksbill sea into clay, coral, cliffs, and Thompson, who also testified weighed 4,000 pounds or 2 tons, cles, buses, motorcycles, taxis, turtles, stones. at the hearing, said his office then you paid $24, plus the $32, trailers, and central seabird colony in These fundamental natural does not have jurisdiction over and don’t forget the inspection tractors and rentals, $32.00; the region formations are intact at Rose refunds or reimbursements, fee of $9. plus per ton of weight, $12.00; with approximately 97% of Atoll,” and he has never said that This is a total of $65 for your the seabird population of Amer- the Foundation said and refunds will be issued. renewal, which probably was (2) bicycle, $2.00; ican Samoa, cited its sources of information, Sen. Muagututi’a M.T. the same amount you paid on and rare species of reef fish such as the National Park of Tauoa urged the government the original registration of your (3) renewal for motor in the territory. American Samoa. to reimburse members of the vehicle. vehicle, $32.00; The Monument area includes “It is believed that Polyne- public who have overpaid the This makes up for much the submerged volcanic cone sians have harvested at Rose renewal fee, adding that he is more than a $12 overcharge (4) Legal Ownership Certifi- known as the Vailulu’u Sea- Atoll for millennia and several concerned with vehicle owners on each person’s registration cates and Titles, $10.00; (etc…) mount which has a diverse bio- species, taking ASG to court, as it will renewal. logical community that includes such as the giant clam, were be an embarrassment to the The simple math according Notice d) (1) gives us the tag crinoids, octocorals, used for cultural celebrations government. to the statute on registration fees for a first time registration. sponges, and cutthroat eels, and events,” Paraphrasing a quote from renewal is $32 This is either a new vehicle pur- according to the Foundation, it says but made no mention the Bible, Muagututi’a said God (renewal fee) plus $9 chase here or a vehicle brought adding that since 2003, of the indigenous people of the will punish those who want (inspection fee), equals $41.00. on island for the first time. an 1100 foot tall volcanic Manu’a islands. their neighbor’s property. Minus this amount from your Next, d) (3) shows us the cone, known as Nafanua, has The Foundation letter also During Le’i’s testimony renewal receipts and you have renewal fee for any vehicle grown in the seamount’s crater. covered the marine monuments last Thursday afternoon before the amount you have been regardless of size, weight or of Papahanaumokuakea the House Public Safety Com- overcharged. usage is $32. Period. mittee, he explained to law- Samoa News also pointed (A $9 inspection fee is also “Scientists speculate that in the Hawaiian islands makers that he never made any out in its story published last assessed to ensure safe driving Nafanua will breach the sea sur- and Marianas Trench in the statements that refunds will be Friday that a question could in American Samoa.) face within decades, Northern Mariana Islands and issued because it is not in his also be raised about the ‘offi- forming a new island in the Guam. Page 4 samoa news, Tuesday, July 18, 2017 Pacific Island News in Brief Compiled by Samoa News staff of Samoa’s new Head of State, ASTCA APOLOGIZES Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sual- FOR QUALITY OF THEIR auvi II has been confirmed for INTERNET SERVICE 3p.m. at the Parliament pre- The American Samoa Tele cinct, Tuanaimato. The con- Communications Agency firmation came in a statement (ASTCA), in a press release, from Parliament. says it has identified some tech- “A formal ceremony nical issues, which are affecting whereby Afioga Tuimalealii- the quality of their Internet ser- fano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II will vice; and apologizes for any take the oath of Head of State inconvenience this may have before his Honor, the Chief Jus- caused and reassures the public tice is scheduled for Friday 21st that measures have been taken July 2017, 3:00pm at the Par- to resolve the existing issue by liament precinct, Tuanaimato,” the end of the week. the statement reads. ASTCA asks its customers Two weeks ago, Prime Min- for their patience and continued ister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Maliele- support as they work towards gaoi made the official announce- resolving the occurring issue. ment during Parliament. The media release advises its Speaking to the Samoa customers to feel free to call Observer, Tuimalealiifano said their Helpdesk for further infor- he was humbled about being mation regarding this issue. chosen to lead Samoa for the Samoa News notes the next five years. problem has progressively As reported earlier, Tuilaepa gotten worse over the last 3 said during the announcement months. the appointment of the Honor- (Source: ASTCA Management) able Tuia’ana as Head of State, INAUGURATION OF is a milestone for the Indepen- SAMOA’S NEW HEAD dent State of Samoa. OF STATE SET FOR THIS The outgoing Head of State, FRIDAY His Highness Tui Atua will One of the most impor- record his farewell message to tant official ceremonies for the nation on Wednesday. Samoa this year is scheduled [Source: Samoa Observer] for Friday. The inauguration

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RESERVES ALL RIGHTS. just clip the Poptical hard case Hawai’i coffee for him and dba Samoa News publishes Monday to Friday, except for some local and federal holidays. to your belt loop, backpack then his lovely Singapore wife, and Send correspondences to: OF, dba Samoa News, Box 909, Pago Pago, Am. Samoa 96799. on arrival toss on your Popticals the Popgear Poptical sunglasses Telephone at (684) 633-5599 • Fax at (684) 633-4864 to combat the harsh morning as Jason’s special personal gift. Email advertisements to [email protected] glare; e) Popticals nylon Carl Knowing that Jason is a Email the newsroom at [email protected] Zeiss lenses are UV400, are great outdoorsman, who has Normal business hours are Mon. thru Fri. 8am to 5pm. scratch resistant, and incorpo- done documentary stories on Permission to reproduce editorial and/or advertisements, in whole or in part, is required. Please rate Ri-Pel moisture/oil/ dust/ Malaysia, etc., address such requests to the Publisher at the address provided above. dirt resistant technology; and, the pictured Popgear was Please visit samoanews.com for weekend updates. samoa news, Tuesday, July 18, 2017 Page 5 Cool Stuff: Ingenious Klecker Axe by Barry Markowitz Special to Samoa News A small axe with no handle is the best hand tool! The Klecker Tool & Knife folks know it’s so much easier to clip the Klecker to your hip or backpack and grab a handle from a tree branch if you really need it. Frequently you don’t need a handle on a small axe as you are shaving wood, fitting small notches, or doing some lightweight hammering. Over kill on basic tools means weight, and awkward devices bumping you in the shoulder, butt, and even your head. So the “Klecker Klax” lets you function with no handle, a store bought handle or best of all a free one made of a fallen branch assembled in two minutes. 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The innovative magic and quality are a bargain at $180 for the stainless Klax, $140 for the basic version (attachable with para- cord), and for you true Coolios there is a magnificent Titanium version Ti-Klax for $595. Order yours at Kleckerknives.com Check out their solid knives listed on their website... really unique, very strong... and as only you Coolios know, inspired by dreams. We at Cool Stuff having saved all our Samoa News two tala bonuses to pick up my Ti-Klax later this month if ya’ll don’t buy all the stock. You Coolios probably will... and you will use and enjoy the heck out of it! ACCURACY We make an issue of it every day. If you want to comment about our accuracy, call Samoa News at 633-5599 Page 6 samoa news, Tuesday, July 18, 2017 samoa news, Tuesday, July 18, 2017 Page 7 Justice Dept. signals more police property seizures coming MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — priority.” The Justice Department will The Justice Department sees soon make it easier for local the assets forfeiture program law enforcement to seize cash as a way to strip suspects of and property from crime sus- the proceeds of their activities, pects and reap the proceeds, to deter crime and to compen- Attorney General Jeff Sessions sate crime victims. An effort to said Monday. expand it is in keeping with Ses- Sessions said a shift will sions’ tough-on-crime agenda, be announced this week that which he continued to espouse will increase the use of asset during Monday’s speech. forfeiture, especially for drug He again implored prosecu- suspects. The practice has been tors to pursue the toughest pun- criticized because it allows law ishments against most crime enforcement to take possessions suspects, echoing a directive — such as cars and money — he issued earlier this year to without indictments or evidence U.S. attorneys. He reiterated a crime has been committed. his top priorities: cracking “With care and profession- down on illegal immigration alism, we plan to develop poli- and quashing violent crime. Samoan tattoo artist Falefitu Taefu working on a sleeve for one of many people who got inked cies to increase forfeitures. No Sessions stressed the need to during the Northwest Tatau Festival held in Tacoma, WA earlier this month. Falefitu is a Samoa- criminal should be allowed tackle gang activity, pointing born artist who grew up in New Zealand and now owns a tattoo shop in Canada. He was one of to keep the proceeds of their to cities such as Minneapolis. numerous Polynesian artists who showcased their work during the three-day event. crime,” Sessions told local [photo: Blue Chen-Fruean] prosecutors in Minnesota. A change would likely represent another reversal by Sessions of Obama-era Jus- tice Department policies. His Democratic predecessor Eric Holder had tightened control of the department’s asset forfeiture operations amid concerns that property could be seized without judicial oversight and without the owner ever being charged with a crime. Holder namely restricted the ability of the federal government to take possession of, or adopt, assets seized by local authorities, who could then share in the proceeds with their federal counterparts. Civil liber- ties groups and some members of Congress praised the move as a step toward reform because that practice made it easier for local authorities to circumvent state laws that were sometimes stricter than the federal ones governing seizures. Sessions on Monday said such practice — known as adoptive forfeiture — is “appropriate, as is sharing with our partners.” The line drew a round of applause from the hundreds of county attorneys and law enforcement officials inside a Minneapolis conven- tion center. Local law enforcement agencies use forfeited proceeds to pay for expenses, and some had complained that Holder’s policy left them without a key source of funding. But that policy was also designed to save federal resources for larger, complex investigations where the ability to seize assets is critical, such as cases involving national money laundering or Russian organized crime, said Stefan Cassella, a former federal prosecutor and expert on asset forfeiture and money laundering law. “It’s a great way to build teamwork by adopting the cases and sharing the money,” Cas- sella said. “But at the same time, not everything can be a Page 8 samoa news, Tuesday, July 18, 2017 Introducing House gives go-ahead the ORIGINAL Korean Saimin Bowl for Washington Metro SAMYANG safety commission WASHINGTON (AP) — near one of the system’s under- The House approved legislation ground stations. $7.95 Monday giving the go-ahead for But the federal govern- a new safety watchdog for the ment’s move to assume safety case passenger rail system serving oversight was designed as a 12x86 grams commuters and visitors in and temporary measure. around the nation’s capital. To provide a longer-term After a series of critical solution, lapses, the Obama administra- the Federal Transit Admin- tion directed the Federal Transit istration required that Virginia, Administration in late 2015 Maryland and the District of to oversee safety for the Wash- Columbia establish an effective ington Metropolitan Area safety monitor. Transit Authority. Lawmakers in those juris- C M Insufficient investment in dictions have already approved Y K maintenance legislation to create the new 75¢ bowl and delayed repairs led to safety commission. a deterioration of the transit Maryland and Virginia law- system. In January 2015, an makers acted after federal offi- Alexandria, Virginia, woman cials announced they would died and more than 80 other withhold Now available on Island at people were taken to the hospital millions of dollars in trans- after they were trapped in portation funding until the a store near you. a smoke-filled train stopped states acted to create the new commission. About $9 million has been withheld. The passage of the resolution giving Congress’s consent — the vote was 399-5 — is the final piece in creating the commission. However, the federal transit agency will continue to oversee safety until it determines that the new entity is capable of meeting its responsibilities. Metrorail provides transit service for more than 600,000 customers a day and is the second busiest transit system in the nation, serving 91 stations in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. Lawmakers from both parties spoke in favor of the legislation, which was sponsored by Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md. The Senate gave its approval in May. Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., said the bill responds to the safety needs of the system.

C M Y K

ACCURACY We make an issue of it every day.

If you want to comment about our accuracy, call Samoa News at 633-5599 samoa news, Tuesday, July 18, 2017 Page 9 Ex-Texas officer indicted on murder charge in teen’s death DALLAS (AP) — A white An attorney for the teen’s former police officer has been family, Lee Merritt, said Oliver indicted on a murder charge in getting indicted is “one step on the April shooting death of a the road to justice.” black teenager who was a pas- “We’re looking forward to senger in a car that was leaving a conviction and proper sen- a party in suburban Dallas, tencing,” the lawyer said. He prosecutors said Monday. added that anything less than The grand jury’s indictment serious jail time wouldn’t be of Roy Oliver also charges him adequate. Johnson promised with four counts of aggravated during a news conference to assault with a deadly weapon thoroughly prosecute the case. by a public official related to With Edwards’ parents at her C M the other four teens who were in side, the district attorney touted Y K the car with 15-year-old Jordan the speed with which Oliver Edwards, said Dallas County was charged and arrested. District Attorney Faith Johnson. “This is the very first time we Oliver, 37, was fired from the have issued an arrest warrant Balch Springs Police Depart- for a police officer before the ment in May for violating case was presented to the grand department policies. Body jury,” she said. “As we move camera footage of the incident forward, my office continues to showed Oliver shooting his rifle be committed to seeking justice into a car that was moving away for Jordan and his family.” from him and another officer. Charmaine Edwards said the Edwards, his two brothers world lost “so much” with the and two other teens were death of her stepson, who was leaving the party where police a high school freshman at the had arrived to investigate an time. underage drinking complaint. “A great kid, a great football FILE - In this May 6, 2017, file photo, mourners hold the commemorative program as they emerge Officers heard unrelated - gun player, straight-A student ... from the funeral service for 15-year-old, Jordan Edwards, at Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church shots and spotted the vehicle somebody who was going to go in Mesquite, Texas. A white former Texas police officer has been indicted on a murder charge in the leaving. somewhere,” she said. April shooting death of Edward’s, who was leaving a party, prosecutors said Monday, July 17, 2017. Shots from Oliver’s rifle Oliver’s attorney, Jim Lane, Dallas County District Attorney Faith Johnson announced that a grand jury indicted former Balch pierced the front passenger did not immediately return a Springs police officer Roy Oliver in the death of the 15-year-old. window, hitting Edwards in the phone message seeking com- (Louis DeLuca/The Dallas Morning News via AP, File) head as he sat in the front seat. ment Monday.

C M Y K Page 10 samoa news, Tuesday, July 18, 2017

(Photos: TG)

White House press secretary Sean Spicer speaks during an off camera daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Monday, June 26, 2017. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Trump wants new NAFTA deal to cut trade deficit with Mexico WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald and boost wages by crafting new trade deals. Trump vowed Monday to boost U.S. manufac- Supporters note that NAFTA enabled companies turing by cutting the $64 billion trade deficit with to charge cheaper prices for products that range Mexico as he showcased products made in all 50 from cars to vacuum cleaners, helping many U.S. states — everything from a fire truck to a base- consumers. ball bat. The president said he only seeks a level “No longer are we going to allow other coun- playing field for U.S. companies and workers, tries to break the rules, to steal our jobs and drain but “if the playing field was slanted a little bit our wealth,” Trump said at a White House event toward us, I would accept that, also.” that spilled from the East Room to the South But the president has a conflicted relationship Lawn. Shortly after Trump’s remarks, the U.S. with global trade. His namesake clothing busi- trade representative released an 18-page report ness depended on the work of low-wage workers about its goals for updating the decades-old living overseas, as does the fashion line of his North American Free Trade Agreement with daughter and White House aide, Ivanka Trump. Canada and Mexico. As of now, Ivanka Trump’s firm continues In addition to reducing the trade deficit, the to have its products made overseas. Her lawyer, administration wants to insert a chapter on the Jamie Gorelick, said in a statement Monday that digital economy into the deal. It also wants to the president’s daughter “has resigned from the strengthen labor and environmental obliga- company, does not control its operations, and has tions, as well as amending the rules of origin so been advised that she cannot ask the government that more of the products traded come from the to act in an issue involving the brand in any way, United States and North America. constraining her ability to intervene personally.” Facing an investigation into his campaign’s Trump has blasted trade deficits as hampering ties with Russia and a tax and health care agenda the economy by sending money abroad. But the struggling to make headway as quickly as prom- trade deficit has actually improved from $762 bil- ised, Trump is turning his focus to trade this week. lion in 2006 to $505 billion last year, a change Administration officials are to meet Wednesday brought about largely because U.S. consumers with economic officials from China, a nation the cut back spending during the Great Recession. president has accused of dumping steel on the His administration already is pursuing mul- global market to hurt U.S. steelmakers. tiple trade cases on individual products and is The White House emphasis on trade follows weighing whether to impose tariffs and quotas a string of other recent theme weeks on energy, on foreign steel in hopes of curbing production job-training and infrastructure that mostly failed in China, even though that country represents a to draw much attention away from the Russia fraction of U.S. steel imports. inquiry. The Mexican government said in a statement The president took his time checking out prod- that the administration’s NAFTA objectives will ucts from all over the country: Trump donned a give greater clarity to the negotiations. cowboy hat from Texas. He swung a baseball bat Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s minister of for- from Louisiana. And he even climbed into the eign affairs, said, “NAFTA supports millions cab of a Wisconsin-built fire truck and pretended of middle class jobs” across North America and to be a firefighter, saying, “Where’s the fire? Canada welcomes the opportunity to add “pro- Where’s the fire? Put it out fast!” gressive, free and fair approaches” to the pact. The new NAFTA objectives, a requirement to Despite the report, it’s still not clear exactly begin talks on updating the agreement in the next how Trump will renegotiate NAFTA to reduce 30 days, contain the first specifics for a Trump the trade deficit, said Phil Levy, a senior fellow administration that has made bold promises on for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and trade. Trump has pledged to recover factory jobs a business professor at Northwestern University. samoa news, Tuesday, July 18, 2017 Page 11 Arizona flash flood kills 9 relatives celebrating birthday

TONTO NATIONAL “We’re all just saying that FOREST, Ariz. (AP) — The we got blessed, but I don’t like flash flood that killed nine to use that word because other people in an Arizona river families weren’t blessed,” Coto canyon began its deadly descent said. “Children died.” as an impressive but avoidable About 40 volunteer workers surge of churning water, black and four search dogs looked with cinders from a recent wild- for the missing man, whom fire and choked with tumbling authorities identified as Hector tree trunks and limbs. Garnica. By the time it reached a The search was suspended rocky swimming hole sev- late Monday afternoon by an eral miles downstream, it was approaching thunderstorm, but a roaring torrent 6 feet (1.8 was scheduled to resume at dawn meters) high, and an extended Tuesday weather-permitting. family celebrating a birthday Detective David Hornung of while seeking refuge from the the Gila County Sheriff’s Office summer heat had no warning — said more dogs and crews from and no chance to escape. around the state would be The bodies were found up joining the search. to 2 miles (3 kilometers) away. There still is hope Garnica Five other people were rescued, would be found alive, he said. some of them clinging desper- “I’ve seen miracles happen ately to trees, and were treated before,” Hornung said. for hypothermia and released. Garnica had come to cel- As rescuers searched ebrate his wife’s birthday with Monday for a 27-year-old man their three children and other still missing about 100 miles family. All were among those This Saturday, July 15, 2017, image taken from video provided by Mindy Russell shows a rescue (160 kilometers) northeast of killed. helicopter picking up people who survived a flash flood at a popular swimming hole that swept sev- Phoenix, authorities identified Authorities and a family eral people to their deaths in the Tonto National Forest near Payson, Ariz. The flooded area is at the victims, who ranged in age member identified the dead as lower right. The flood was the result of a thunderstorm that dumped heavy rainfall just upstream, from 2 to 60. 2-year-old Erica Raya-Garcia; unleashing 6-foot-high floodwaters, dark with ash from a summer wildfire. Among them were three Emily Garnica, 3; Mia Garnica, (Mindy Russell via AP) generations of a family. Five of 5; Danial Garnica, 7; and Jona- the dead were children. than Leon, 13. Also killed were The victims had been Javier Raya-Garcia, 19; Celia lounging Saturday in the swim- Garcia Castaneda, 60; Maribel ming hole, where rocks create Raya-Garcia, 24; and 26-year- pools and a series of small old Maria Raya-Garcia, Hector waterfalls. There the river nar- Garnica’s wife. rows, squeezing the flow of The group went up the water and increasing its deadly mountain early Saturday, said force. Tom Price, the general manager The river roared to life after at The Horny Toad, a restaurant a thunderstorm had dumped up where Hector Garnica worked. to 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) Garnica’s parents were of rain in an hour, prompting eating at the restaurant in a a flash-flood warning from the Phoenix suburb Saturday night National Weather Service. when they got a call that some- Though the service sent out thing had happened, Price said. a flash-flood warning over cell- “Very tight knit,” he said phone networks, service in the of the family. “They’re just remote area is patchy at best. extremely close.” Unless they had a weather radio, About 5 miles up the moun- the swimmers would have been tain from where the family was unaware. relaxing Saturday, Scott Muller “They had no warning. They spotted the water rumbling heard a roar, and it was on top down the nearly dry East Verde of them,” said Fire Chief Ron River. Sattelmaier of the Water Wheel Muller was spending the Fire and Medical District. day with a dozen other mem- Carrie Templin, a spokesman bers of AZ Krawlers, a volun- for the Tonto National Forest, teer group of Jeep owners that said people headed to the forest was checking dirt roads and should check weather alerts trails for dangerous erosion and ahead of time to determine missing signs. whether it’s safe. It is hard to It was an area where a June predict where rain will fall in the wildfire burned 11 square miles desert Southwest, and people of the Tonto National Forest. should know that heavy down- Flooding is worse after a wild- pours can cause flash flooding, fire because the scorched land Templin said. repels water and the lack of One hiker who was stranded vegetation makes soil unstable. by the flood said she can’t get Muller began making a the sound of the rushing water video with his phone from the out of her head. river bed, and comfortably Nancy Coto, 17, said she scampered to the bank before was stuck for four hours on a water clogged with debris slab of rock with her boyfriend whooshed past. The river was and his family before they were wide enough that the water able to walk out. was not the inescapable wall it Page 12 samoa news, Tuesday, July 18, 2017 EMPLOYMENT Venezuela opposition OPPORTUNITY NEWS REPORTER calls strike, Trump

Samoa News is looking for a news writer that has a threatens ‘actions’ natural curiosity about our local community and is CARACAS, Venezuela speech at the presidential palace. Press that its members would willing to report accurately for our newspaper readers. (AP) — Venezuela’s opposition Maduro’s allies have called on not punish employees for par- called Monday for a 24-hour the assembly to impose execu- ticipating in the strike. The successful applicant must possess bi-lingual, nationwide strike to pressure tive branch authority over the On Friday, the opposition Samoan and English, speaking and/or writing President Nicolas Maduro to few remaining institutions out- will name 13 judges to the skills. They must be able to meet daily deadlines drop plans to rewrite the con- side the control of the ruling supreme court to replace those stitution while the United States party. named by the outgoing, ruling and if needed, to work weekends. threatened “strong and swift On Monday, opposition party-dominated congress in Access to computer, camera and vehicle is a economic actions” against his leaders laid out their plans about 2015 in a process that legal definite advantage. socialist administration if it how they will resist Maduro in experts say violated nomination ignores the will of voters in a the wake of the referendum. procedures. Call Samoa News at 633-5599 for an appointment referendum. They said the opposition- The nominations would not to interview. President Donald Trump controlled National Assembly give the opposition a supreme joined other world leaders in would name new members to court majority but are almost urging Maduro to heed Sun- the government-dominated certain to be rejected by the day’s symbolic plebiscite in Supreme Court, setting up a current court and the executive which millions of voters rejected showdown with Maduro. Oppo- branch, making them a largely We’re Here For You! the plan to remake Venezuela’s sition parties also said they plan symbolic tactic to increase pres- political system, which the to sign a declaration calling for sure on Maduro. opposition calls a power the formation of an alternative “We call on the whole grab by the ruling party as it “government of national unity,” country to launch a 24-hour struggles with shortages, infla- a step toward total rejection of national strike this Thursday, a tion and more than 100 days of government authority. massive, non-violent protest, as anti-government protests. “Overall the package is a way to pressure the govern- The vote came two weeks pretty radical, especially the ment and to prepare for the final before Venezuela’s government idea of a parallel government,” steps, which will be next week, will hold an election to select a said David Smilde, a Tulane to confront this fraud ... and to constituent assembly charged University expert on Vene- restore constitutional order,” with rewriting the constitution. zuela. “I think it could lead to opposition leader FreTuesday, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and real chaos.” July 18, 2017 Guevara said. the European Union have also He noted, however, that the He didn’t say what the final come out against the effort. opposition moves were to be steps would be. “The United States will not implemented in phases over the More than three months of stand by as Venezuela crum- next week, giving both sides the street protests, which have left bles,” Trump said in a statement. opportunity to negotiate pos- at least 93 people dead and “If the Maduro regime imposes sible concessions. 1,500 wounded. More than its Constituent Assembly on After some procedural 500 protesters and government July 30, the United States will moves in the National Assembly opponents have been jailed. take strong and swift economic on Tuesday, the opposition said The opposition said 7.6 mil- actions.” it would launch a plan it called lion Venezuelans participated in The U.S. president lauded “zero hour” on Wednesday that Sunday’s symbolic referendum, voters in Sunday’s referendum, includes an agreement to form which the government labeled saying “their strong and coura- an alternate government and an internal party poll with no geous actions continue to be create 2,000 local committees relevance for the country. ignored by a bad leader who that would function as street- Sunday’s vote was marred dreams of becoming a dictator.” level support for the opposition. by violence when a 61-year- Despite the global and That will be followed old woman was killed and four domestic calls for him to cancel Thursday by a nationwide people wounded by gunfire the constituent assembly, strike, which could bring much after government supporters on Maduro vowed to press ahead of Venezuela’s already sput- motorcycles swarmed an oppo- with it. tering economy to a standstill. sition polling site at a church in “I won’t be intimidated,” Venezuela’s largest chamber of western Caracas. Venezuela’s president said in a commerce told The Associated

FILE - In this July 11, 2017 file photo, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. listens on Capitol Hill in Washington, during the committee’s confirmation hearing President Donald Trump holds up a signed proclamation for Nay Secretary nominee Richard Spencer. Surgeons in Phoenix said they removed a blood clot during a “Made in America,” product showcase featuring items from above the left eye of McCain. Mayo Clinic Hospital doctors said Saturday, July 15 that McCain created in each of the U.S. 50 states, at the White House, Monday, underwent a “minimally invasive” procedure to remove the nearly 2-inch (5-centimeter) clot, and July 17, 2017, in Washington. that the surgery went “very well.” They said the 80-year-old Republican is resting comfortably at his (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) home in Arizona. Pathology reports are expected in the next several days. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, samoa news, Tuesday, July 18, 2017 Page 13 California climate law touted as global

model clears hurdle Department of Human and Social Services SACRAMENTO, Calif. to mention higher costs for food (AP) — California lawmakers and gasoline. Government of American Samoa moved closer Monday to Republicans likened the bill renewing a climate initiative to a tax that will hit Californians Utulei, American Samoa 96799 that Gov. Jerry Brown holds at the gas pump and the grocery up as a model for confronting store. global warming to be replicated The nonpartisan legislative TEMPORARY JOB OPPORTUNITIES around the world. analyst said last year that the But a key hurdle remains. existing cap and trade program The Departments of Human and Social Services (DHSS) and Health (DOH) are The state Senate voted to accounted for an 11-cent-per- collaborating to conduct a hybrid survey in July 2017 to gather health information that give another decade of life gallon increase in gasoline includes behavioral and mental health questions and non-communicable disease questions to California’s cap-and-trade prices. The office has not - ana for baseline data so we may better understand the health needs of our community. The program, sending the measure lyzed the extension proposal. survey will be conducted using household interviews with adults 18 years of age and older to the Assembly, which was “We could shut down the between the hours of 1 pm and 8 pm. Our target is to survey 3,500 households on the islands scheduled to take it up immedi- entire state of California and it of Tutuila, Aunu’u and Manu’a. ately. The legislation has global would have absolutely no effect implications as the largest U.S. on the global climate,” said Sen. We are currently recruiting for the following temporary, part-time positions for the state moves to be a leader in Andy Vidak, a Republican from survey. Interested applicants must pick up an application form from the DHSS’ Special reducing carbon emissions at Hanford in the agricultural Cen- Projects and Community Assistance Division located on the second floor of the Children, a time when President Donald tral Valley. Families and Behavioral Health Services Building (CFBHS) between the ASWIC and the old Trump is pulling back from “But what is measureable is Election Office buildings in Utulei on the main road. Please submit completed applications fighting global warming. the effect this tax will have on along with a copy of your birth certificate, Social Security card, a valid picture Identification “It is more important than the poorest of the poor in my (e.g., Driver’s License, Passport, etc.) and a copy of your Immigration ID card if you are not ever for California to send a district and across California.” crystal clear message to the Sen. Tom Berryhill of Twain a US citizen or US National. Deadline to receive applications is 3 pm, Friday, July 14, 2017. world that that does not repre- Harte was the only Senate Please contact Ms. Tu’umafua Maiava or Mr. Wilfredo Tuiasosopo at 633-2696 or 633-0315. sent all Americans,” said Sen. Republican to support the Scott Wiener, a San Francisco legislation. Democrat. The bill is supported by JOB DURATION NO. POSTS AGE QUALIFICATIONS Brown portrays the initia- national environmental groups tive as essential for the survival and business interests, which • Associate Degree of civilization, but critics say echo Brown’s refrain that cap • Must have Management it fails to aggressively combat and trade is the most affordable Skills pollution. It is one of his highest way for California to meet its Survey • Speak and write in English and Samoan priorities as he nears the end of ambitious climate goals. Supervisors 4-5 months 2 20 and older his fourth term, but he’s strug- State law requires California • Must have a drivers license gled to line up support from to reduce greenhouse gas emis- • Must be a US citizen, US two-thirds of lawmakers that he sions 40 percent from 1990 national or a legal resident of will need. levels by 2030 — among the American Samoa authorized The program expires in most aggressive mandates for by the Immigration Board to 2020 if lawmakers don’t renew carbon reduction in the world. work in the Territory it. The real battle is in the Without cap and trade, state • High School Diploma Assembly, where 54 votes are regulators will be forced to • Speak and write in English needed to pass it but where enact restrictive mandates on and Samoan Democrats have only 53 mem- polluters that would be burden- • Must have good PR Skills bers present due to a lawmak- some for businesses and signifi- er’s longstanding absence and a cantly more expensive for con- • Must be able to walk in the Advance villages fresh vacancy from another who sumers, Brown said. Mapping 1.5 months 10 18 and older went to Congress. That makes The legislation shows the • Must have a Drivers License Republican support essential. divisions between environmen- • Must be a US citizen, US But the plan has mobilized talists who work nationally, national or a legal resident of intense opposition from con- focusing on reducing global American Samoa authorized servatives who say it will raise carbon emissions and creating by the Immigration Board to work in the Territory costs in an already expensive a policy that can be replicated state as well as from liberals elsewhere, and environmental • High School Diploma who say it’s too timid for pro- justice advocates who work • Speak and write in English gressive California. locally. and Samoan Cap and trade puts a limit on The latter group said cap and • Must have good PR Skills carbon emissions and requires trade allows polluters to keep • Must be able to walk in the polluters to obtain permits to fouling the air around major Enumerator/ Interviewer 4-5 months 15 18 and older villages release greenhouse gases. Some sources of pollution like oil • Basic Computer Skills permits, known as allowances, refineries and objected to - con are given away while others are cessions Brown made to the oil • Must be a US citizen, US national or a legal resident of auctioned, generating billions industry and other polluters in a American Samoa authorized of dollars in revenue for the bid to win support from Repub- by the Immigration Board to state. licans and moderate Democrats. work in the Territory Lawmakers are considering Some lawmakers have ques- a package of measures, one to tioned why Brown so urgently • High School diploma renew cap and trade through wants to extend a program that • 1 year of Nursing or Medical 2030 and another aimed at doesn’t expire for another 2½ Assistant Experience improving local air quality. A years. Brown says extending it • Must have good Public third would give Republicans now would give businesses the Relations Skills more of a say in how to spend certainty they need to plan. • Must be able to walk in the Enumerator/ money collected through cap A quick extension would 4-5 months 15 18 and older villages and trade. All three cleared the also bolster Brown’s global Interviewer • Basic Computer Skills Senate. advocacy for climate action. • Must have a Drivers License Brown sounded an apoca- He made a high-profile trip • Must be a US citizen, US lyptic tone in a rare personal to China last month, plans to national or a legal resident of appeal before a Senate com- attend a climate summit in Ger- American Samoa authorized mittee last week, telling law- many in November and will by the Immigration Board to makers that failing to pass the host a climate conference next work in the Territory extension would lead to fires, year in San Francisco. disease and mass migration, not Page 14 samoa news, Tuesday, July 18, 2017 American scholar jailed in Iran is innocent, professor says DUBAI, United Arab Emir- ordinary on anything that he ates (AP) — A Chinese-Amer- undertook or did,” Kotkin said. ican graduate student at Princ- “He’s a graduate student in eton sentenced to 10 years in good standing.” in the Pago Plaza - across from ASPA office. prison in Iran for allegedly A photo on Princeton’s his- “infiltrating” the country and tory department website shows sending confidential material Wang posing under a plaque at COME AND HAVE YOUR HAIR abroad is innocent of all charges the entrance of China’s official against him, his professor said Xinhua News Agency bureau in Monday. Kabul, Afghanistan. DONE BY PROFESSIONAL Xiyue Wang’s arrest, which A short bio on the Princeton happened nearly a year ago, in Asia website said Wang had HAIR STYLISTS: only came to light Sunday when been a fellow in Hong Kong Iran’s judiciary announced his in 2008-2009, had completed sentence and the detention of a bachelor’s degree in South Veronica & Mali President Hassan Rouhani’s Asian studies at the University Call for an appointment or stop by and see us!! brother in an unrelated case. of Washington and did Russian Princeton said that it is “very and Eurasian studies at Harvard. “Veronica is also a trained barber” distressed” by the charges lev- In addition to Mandarin and eled against Wang while he was English, Wang was able to com- Tuesday - Saturday 9am to 4pm carrying out scholarly research municate in Persian, Turkish Mondays (Appointments Only) in the Islamic Republic. and Pashto, and had worked as 633-0774 It has been working with a Pashto translator in Afghani- Wang’s family, the U.S. gov- stan, Kotkin said. It was his first ernment, lawyers and others trip to Iran. to secure his release, it said, “He is unbelievably com- adding that it hopes he will be mitted to the life of the mind,” released on appeal. Kotkin said. “You have to “Xiyue Wang is a remark- hand it to this guy, this kind of able, linguistically gifted ambition.” graduate student,” Princeton The U.S. State Department University professor Stephen has not provided details on the Kotkin, who has served as case but called on Tehran to Wang’s doctoral adviser, told immediately release “all U.S. The Associated Press. “He is citizens unjustly detained in innocent of all the charges.” Iran.” An article posted on Mizan The U.S. does not maintain Online, a website affiliated with formal diplomatic relations Iran’s judiciary, said 37-year- with Tehran and warns its citi- old Wang was born in Beijing zens traveling there that they and is a dual national of the risk arrest or being barred from United States and China. leaving. He has already filed an appeal “The Iranian regime con- to his sentence, according to the tinues to detain U.S. citizens website. and other foreigners on fabri- Wang was arrested on cated national-security related Aug. 8, 2016 and is accused changes,” it said. of passing confidential infor- Other Americans who remain mation about Iran to the U.S. in Iranian custody include Ira- State Department, Princeton’s nian-American art gallery man- Sharmin and Bijan Mossavar- ager Karan Vafadari, who was Rahmani Center for Iran and detained along with his Iranian Persian Gulf Studies, the Har- wife last year. They have yet to vard Kennedy School and the be convicted. British Institute of Persian Iranian-American busi- Studies, Mizan Online said. nessman Siamak Namazi and It alleged he scanned some his 81-year-old father, Baquer 4,500 pages of digital docu- Namazi, are each serving ments, paid thousands of dollars 10-year sentences for “cooper- to access archives he needed ating with the hostile American and sought access to confiden- government.” tial areas of Tehran libraries. Another Iranian-American, He was arrested while con- Robin Shahini, was released ducting research on the Qajar on bail last year after staging a dynasty that once ruled Iran for weeks-long hunger strike while his doctorate in late 19th and serving an 18-year prison sen- early 20th century Eurasian his- tence for “collaboration with tory, according to Princeton. a hostile government.” He is He was expecting to con- believed to still be in Iran. tinue his research in Russia and Former FBI agent Robert needed to get as much work Levinson, who vanished in Iran done in Iran as he could before in 2007 while on an unauthor- taking up a fellowship there, ized CIA mission, remains Kotkin said. unaccounted for. That included scanning large Also in an Iranian prison is volumes of documents that he Nizar Zakka, a U.S. permanent could access later — something resident from Lebanon who Kotkin described as “normal, advocates for internet freedom Catherine Garoupa joins others critical of Gov. Jerry Brown’s cap-and-trade program, calling standard scholarly practice.” and has done work for the U.S. for defeat of the bill at a news conference, Monday, July 17, 2017, in Sacramento, Calif. California The documents he accessed government. He was sentenced lawmakers are expected to vote Monday on AB398, Monday, which critics say is too friendly to the were roughly 100 years old, the to 10 years behind bars last year oil industry. professor said. after being accused of espio- (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) “We saw nothing out of the nage-related charges. samoa news, Tuesday, July 18, 2017 Page 15 American scholar jailed in Iran is innocent, professor says DUBAI, United Arab Emir- A photo on Princeton’s his- repeatedly tried to get Zakka to ates (AP) — A Chinese-Amer- tory department website shows sign documents in Persian said ican graduate student at Princ- Wang posing under a plaque at to be for his medical care, but he eton sentenced to 10 years in the entrance of China’s official has refused, fearing they could prison in Iran for allegedly Xinhua News Agency bureau in be a false confession. “infiltrating” the country and Kabul, Afghanistan. Wang’s sentence was sending confidential material A short bio on the Princeton announced the same day author- abroad is innocent of all charges in Asia website said Wang had ities said they had detained against him, his professor said been a fellow in Hong Kong President Rouhani’s brother, Monday. in 2008-2009, had completed Hossein Fereidoun, on allega- Xiyue Wang’s arrest, which a bachelor’s degree in South tions of financial misconduct. happened nearly a year ago, Asian studies at the University Fereidoun is a close con- only came to light Sunday when of Washington and did Russian fidante of the moderate presi- Iran’s judiciary announced his and Eurasian studies at Harvard. dent, a cleric who changed his sentence and the detention of In addition to Mandarin and surname to Rouhani, meaning President Hassan Rouhani’s English, Wang was able to com- “spiritual,” after joining the brother in an unrelated case. municate in Persian, Turkish seminary decades ago. Princeton said that it is “very and Pashto, and had worked as Fereidoun was part of the distressed” by the charges lev- a Pashto translator in Afghani- Iran’s negotiating team during eled against Wang while he was stan, Kotkin said. It was his first the final phases of its 2015 carrying out scholarly research trip to Iran. nuclear deal with world powers. in the Islamic Republic. “He is unbelievably com- It has been working with mitted to the life of the mind,” hard-liners, who have Wang’s family, the U.S. gov- Kotkin said. “You have to accused him of misdeeds, ernment, lawyers and others hand it to this guy, this kind of including money laundering to secure his release, it said, ambition.” and misappropriation of gov- adding that it hopes he will be The U.S. State Department ernment funds. released on appeal. has not provided details on the He appeared briefly in court “Xiyue Wang is a remark- case but called on Tehran to on Monday but had to be taken able, linguistically gifted grad- immediately release “all U.S. away by ambulance for an uate student,” Princeton Univer- citizens unjustly detained in undisclosed heath concern. He sity professor Stephen Kotkin, Iran.” The U.S. does not main- is known to suffer from lung who has served as Wang’s doc- tain formal diplomatic rela- problems dating from the Iran- toral adviser, told The Associ- tions with Tehran and warns its Iraq War during the 1980s. FILE - In this July 11, 2015, file photo, Kermit the Frog, left, ated Press. “He is innocent of citizens traveling there that they The Tasnim news agency and puppeteer Steve Whitmire attend “The Muppets” panel on all the charges.” risk arrest or being barred from reported later Monday that day 3 of Comic-Con International in San Diego. ABC News and An article posted on Mizan leaving. Fereidoun was released on $15 The Hollywood Reporter reported July 10, 2017, that Whitmire is Online, a website affiliated with “The Iranian regime con- million bail. no longer performing the character. Iran’s judiciary, said 37-year- tinues to detain U.S. citizens (Photo by Tonya Wise/Invision/AP, File) old Wang was born in Beijing and other foreigners on fabri- and is a dual national of the cated national-security related United States and China. changes,” it said. He has already filed an appeal Other Americans who remain to his sentence, according to the in Iranian custody include Ira- American Samoa Government website. nian-American art gallery man- Wang was arrested on ager Karan Vafadari, who was OFFICE OF PROCUREMENT Aug. 8, 2016 and is accused detained along with his Iranian of passing confidential infor- wife last year. They have yet to mation about Iran to the U.S. be convicted. State Department, Princeton’s Iranian-American busi- Sharmin and Bijan Mossavar- nessman Siamak Namazi and INVITATION FOR BIDS Rahmani Center for Iran and his 81-year-old father, Baquer Persian Gulf Studies, the Har- Namazi, are each serving IFB-081-2017 vard Kennedy School and the 10-year sentences for “cooper- Issuance Date: July 13, 2017 Closing Date: August 10, 2017 British Institute of Persian ating with the hostile American No later than 2:00 p.m. (local time) Studies, Mizan Online said. government.” It alleged he scanned some Another Iranian-American, 1. INVITATION 4,500 pages of digital docu- Robin Shahini, was released Sealed bids are invited from qualified firms to provide “Route 104 Hospital Road ments, paid thousands of dollars on bail last year after staging a Reconstruction” for the Department of Public Works. to access archives he needed weeks-long hunger strike while and sought access to confiden- serving an 18-year prison sen- 2. RECEIPT & OPENING OF BIDS tial areas of Tehran libraries. tence for “collaboration with Sealed bids will be received by the Chief Procurement Officer, American Samoa He was arrested while con- a hostile government.” He is Government, Tafuna, American Samoa 96799, until 2:00 p.m. (local time), Thursday, ducting research on the Qajar believed to still be in Iran. dynasty that once ruled Iran for Former FBI agent Robert August 10, 2017 at which time and place the sealed bids will be publicly opened and his doctorate in late 19th and Levinson, who vanished in Iran read. early 20th century Eurasian his- in 2007 while on an unauthor- 3. MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE tory, according to Princeton. ized CIA mission, remains He was expecting to con- unaccounted for. A MANDATORY Pre-Bid Meeting for all contractors will be held on July 27, 2017 at tinue his research in Russia and Also in an Iranian prison is 10:00 a.m. at the Department of Procurement- Conference Room. Bids will not be needed to get as much work Nizar Zakka, a U.S. permanent accepted from bidders who are not present at the pre-bid meeting. done in Iran as he could before resident from Lebanon who taking up a fellowship there, advocates for internet freedom 4. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS Kotkin said. and has done work for the U.S. Electronic copies of contract documents, including Plans and Scope of Work can be That included scanning large government. He was sentenced examined or obtained from the Office of Procurement during regular business hours free volumes of documents that he to 10 years behind bars last year of charge. could access later — something after being accused of espio- Kotkin described as “normal, nage-related charges. 5. The American Samoa Government reserves the right not to accept the lowest or any bid. standard scholarly practice.” Zakka has been on a hunger 6. The American Samoa Government reserves the right to waive any informality in bidding The documents he accessed strike for three weeks to protest were roughly 100 years old, the his confinement and his sup- as may be in the best interest of American Samoa Government. professor said. porters believe he was taken to “We saw nothing out of the the hospital Sunday for treat- ordinary on anything that he ment, said Jason Poblete, a undertook or did,” Kotkin said. Washington-based lawyer rep- “He’s a graduate student in resenting him. DR. ORETA MAPU CRICHTON good standing.” Poblete said authorities have Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Chief Procurement Officer Page 16 samoa news, Tuesday, July 18, 2017 2 more GOP senators oppose health bill, killing it for now WASHINGTON (AP) — Obama and the Democrats The latest GOP effort to repeal passed the Affordable Care Act. and replace “Obamacare” was Republicans won the White fatally wounded in the Senate House and full control of Con- Monday night when two more gress in large part on the basis Republican senators announced of their promises to repeal and their opposition to the legisla- replace “Obamacare,” but have tion strongly backed by Presi- struggled to overcome their dent Donald Trump. deep internal divisions and The announcements from deliver. Sens. Mike Lee of Utah and The Senate bill, like an ear- Jerry Moran of Kansas left the lier version that barely passed Republican Party’s long-prom- the House, eliminated mandates ised efforts to get rid of Presi- and taxes under Obamacare, and C M dent Barack Obama’s health unraveled an expansion of the Y K care legislation reeling. Next Medicaid health care program steps, if any, were not immedi- for the poor and disabled. But ately clear. for conservatives like Lee and Trump, who had predicted Paul it didn’t go far enough in success for the legislation just delivering on Republican Party hours earlier, responded with promises to undo Obama’s law, a tweet urging: “Republicans while moderates like Collins should just REPEAL failing viewed the bill as too extreme ObamaCare now & work on a in yanking insurance coverage new Healthcare Plan that will from millions. start from a clean slate. Dems McConnell’s latest version will join in!” But Republican aimed to satisfy both camps, by leaders rejected that clean- incorporating language by Sen. repeal approach months ago Ted Cruz of Texas allowing because it could not pass insurers to sell skimpy plans Congress. alongside more robust ones, Lee and Moran both said and by adding billions to treat they could not support Majority opioid addiction and to defray Leader Mitch McConnell’s consumer costs. legislation in its current form. His efforts did not achieve They joined GOP Sens. Susan the intended result. Collins of Maine and Rand Paul There was no immediate of Kentucky, both of whom reaction from McConnell’s announced their opposition office. But Democrats could right after McConnell released barely contain their glee. the bill last Thursday. “This second failure of McConnell is now at least Trumpcare is proof positive that two votes short in the closely the core of this bill is unwork- divided Senate and may have able,” said Senate Minority to go back to the drawing board Leader Chuck Schumer of New or even begin to negotiate with York. “Rather than repeating Democrats, a prospect he’s the same failed, partisan pro- threatened but resisted so far. cess yet again, Republicans Or he could abandon the health should start from scratch and care effort, which has proven work with Democrats on a bill more difficult than many that lowers premiums, provides Republicans envisioned after long term stability to the mar- campaigning on the issue for kets and improves our health years, and move on to tax legis- care system.” lation, a bigger Trump priority Prior to the stunning to begin with. announcements from Lee and McConnell’s bill “fails to Moran, the GOP bill stood repeal the Affordable Care Act on the knife’s edge, with zero or address healthcare’s rising votes to spare but not dead costs. For the same reasons I yet. It was apparent that no could not support the previous GOP senator wanted to be version of this bill, I cannot sup- the third to announce opposi- C M port this one,” said Moran. tion and become responsible Y K Lee said, “In addition to not for killing the bill, so the news repealing all of the Obamacare from Lee and Moran came taxes, it doesn’t go far enough simultaneously. in lowering premiums for It arrived as about a half- middle class families; nor does dozen senators were at the it create enough free space from White House meeting with the most costly Obamacare Trump and Vice President Mike regulations.” Pence about the next steps in It was the second straight the GOP effort to ensure pas- failure for McConnell, who had sage of the bill.There are at to cancel a vote on an earlier least a half-dozen or so others version of the bill last month who are undecided, so it’s quite when defeat became inevitable. likely that more “no” votes will Trump had kept his dis- be announced in the hours and tance from the Senate process, days ahead. but Monday night’s develop- In a Senate divided 52-48 ment was a major blow for him, between Republicans and too, as the president failed to Democrats, McConnell could rally support for what has been lose only two senators and still the GOP’s trademark issue prevail on a procedural vote to for seven years — ever since open debate on the bill.