Jeralee Galea'i of Aua Wins

Plea agreement reached in Eteuati of Amouli burglary & stealing case Page 3

Clapper: US government ‘under assault’ by Trump after Comey firing Page 7

Scientist working for U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commis- sion, crowned Miss USA Page 10

C M 2Samoas Battle: American Y K Samoa takes it all - Simply out fights Samoa In Sports

Fa’afetaia e le Komesina

o Leoleo foa’i tupe mai ni The only female to compete in this year’s 2017 World FireKnife Competition, Jeralee Galea’i of Aua, isi kamupani le atunu’u won first place in her division of 12- 17 years old, competing against 8 males. She is seen here with her Le Lali father, David Galea’i who has won the competition 3 times. Congratulations Jeralee! See story below. [Courtesy photo] ONLINE @ SAMOANEWS.COM DAILY CIRCULATION 7,000

PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA MONDAY MAY, 15 2017 $1.00 Jeralee Galea’i of Aua wins Intermediate World 2017 FireKnife Competition ONLY GIRL TO COMPETE IN THIS YEAR’S 25TH ANNUAL WORLD’S FIREKNIFE COMPETITION

by Leiloa Ese Malala Samoa News Staff Writer his past weekend in Hawai’i the 25th annual World’s FireKnife Competition was held before a sellout crowd, C M Yesterday morning churches across the territory joyfully celebrated Mothers Day — a loving at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC). Y K person, who gives love unconditionally, all day, everyday. In the village of Fagasa, mothers of the T Pati Levusa who was the World FireKnife Champion for 4 Assembly of God church got together and posed beautifully for this photo for Samoa News. [photo: EM] years told Samoa News, “This is the biggest event in Hawa’ii mainly for the Samoans. This is a Samoan tradition that every Samoan looked forward to this past weekend.” This year’s competition had 9 juniors (6-11 years old), 8 intermediate (12-17 years old) and 20 seniors (18 and up) competing. The preliminaries started on Thursday night and ended with the big finale Saturday night. The junior division winner was Matagi Lilo of Ewa Beach Oahu, the intermediate winner was 16 year-old Jeralee Galea’i of Aua, and the seniors division World 2017 FireKnife Champion is Falaniko Penesa of Apia, Samoa. Jeralee Galea’i, who was the only female competing in the competition this year, told Samoa News that she is the second girl to win in the history of the World FireKnife competition for the Intermediate Division. Jeralee whose father, David Galea’i, was a 3-year champion at the World FireKnife Competition made sure that she trained everyday for the competition. “This was nerve-wrecking especially knowing I’m the only girl so I felt out of place but then I worked at it to ignore it,” she For Mother’s Day Sunday service yesterday, mothers of the Methodist Church at Fagaima per- said. forming one of their skits. [courtesy photo] Jeralee’s father, who was so proud of his daughter, told Samoa Page 2 samoa news, Monday May 15, 2017

➧ Jeralee Galea’i wins … Continued from page 1 News, “This was the first time is a must-see!” for her to win and she worked BACKGROUND hard this year for it. She did According to one of the so well, all the competitors World FireKnife organizers, did really good but I think she over the years young Samoans shocked everyone because she developed the twirling motions got a standing ovation.” into its own art form and also Winner of the senior divi- stylized the knife, adding sion, Falaniko Penesa told such touches as using two and Samoa News, “It’s a God-given even three knives simultane- talent that has been passed to ously with chrome blades and me. I’m thankful that Hawai’i reshaping the hook. is able to continue this tradition The FireKnife tradition — for our Samoan ancestors and as a ’dance’ — is traced back that many kids want to learn to 1946 when a young Samoan it to continue it because its so man entertaining in San Fran- important that we keep our cul- cisco became the “father” of ture growing.” modern Samoan FireKnife PCC performers paraded dancing, when he added the 2017 World Fireknife flaming pads to each end of the Champion around the Pacific nifo oti or knife. Theater stage following his “Freddie” Letuli, who even- victory on Saturday night, and tually returned to American along with the title, he won a Samoa and held the High $7,500 cash prize – up from the Talking Chief title of Olo for usual amount in honor of the about 40 years, before being event’s 25th anniversary. He bestowed the Paramount title of also received a large ceremo- Letuli until his death in 2003, nial knife. said of his idea to add flaming As with every other year, pads that he was inspired by the “We Are Samoa” cultural both a Hindu fire eater and a arts festival was held in con- baton twirler, thereby dramati- junction with the PCC’s 25th cally increasing the level of annual World Fireknife Cham- courage and skill required to pionship, which started with a perform the already difficult patriotic flair, followed by a tra- dance. ditional Samoan fashion show To add fire to the knives, by the BYU-Hawaii students many dancers today use a plain working in the PCC’s Samoan cotton towel that is wired to the Village, and a lauga or oratory blade and thoroughly soaked exhibition and ended with train white gasoline or naphtha ditional faaSamoa games and (some dancers also use lighter performances. fluid). Lisa of Mapusaga, who is a Polynesian Cultural Cen- student at BYU-H told Samoa ter’s retired Director of Cul- News, “The tickets sold out but tural Islands, Pulefano Galea’i, I was able to get in to the final who’s said to originate the Falaniko Penesa of Apia, Samoa is the 2017 World FireKnife Champion, as the Polynesian Cul- night. This event is huge and I PCC’s annual World Fire tural Center performers paraded him around the theater at the end of the show last Saturday night see why because of the people’s Knife Dance Competition in in Laie, Hawai’i. [courtesy photo] love for the Samoan culture. If 1993, apprenticed with Letuli you missed this year’s events during his formative years. then make sure you plan not to (Source: PCC media release) miss next year’s one because it One-year data shows “no adverse impacts on catch

“Working with the Community” TEL: 633-4266 OR 699-1267 • FAX: 633-2964 OR 699-1263 rates” since LVPA reduced NATIONAL PACIFIC INSURANCE LTD PART OF DOCUMENTS FILED WITH HNL FED COURT Invites written tenders for 1 only damaged 2017 HYUNDAI by Fili Sagapolutele currently available to them,” said Tosatto in his Samoa News Correspondent declaration. TUCSON LIC# 031B on “as is, where is” basis. Viewing For one-year since the reduction of the large He points out that the U.S. Exclusive Economic appointments can be scheduled with Accords Collision & vessel prohibited area (LVPA) there have been “no Zone (EEZ) around American Samoa is bounded adverse impacts on catch rates” for other Amer- on all sides by the EEZs of other island nations - Towing Inc Shop in Tafuna on 699-1633. ican Samoan fishery participants, while providing including Cook Islands, Tokelau, Samoa, Tonga, benefits to the locally based US longliner fleet, and Niue - that are generally off-limits to American All Tenders sealed in envelope and addressed to: according to a declaration by Michael D. Tosatto, a Samoa fishermen. Tender - 68223988 US National Marine Fisheries Service official. In places, the shared EEZ boundaries with Tosatto, who heads the NMFS Pacific Islands Pacific Island nations are less than 200 nautical Agnes Polu Regional Office, submitted the written declaration, miles (nm) from American Samoa’s shores, further Country Manager which was part of the set of some 99-pages of docu- limiting the area available to American Samoan ments filed with the Honolulu federal court, which longliners for fishing, he said. National Pacific Insurance Ltd has been asked by federal defendants to reconsider The 2016 LVPA Rule, which became effec- P O Box 1386 its decision in March this year, that declares invalid tive in early February 2016, allows longline ves- Utulei, Centennial Building the LVPA 2016 Rule, that reduced the LVPA from sels greater than 50 feet that are permitted under 50 to 20 miles. the federal American Samoa Limited Entry-Permit Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799 Among the federal defendants are the NMFS, program to fish in certain areas of the LVPA. Tosatto, and the US Commerce Department. Tosatto said that data available to NMFS fol- Highest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted. Reduction of the LVPA followed a request in lowing one year of operations under the Rule “pro- 2014 from the US longline fleet based in American vided benefits to American Samoan longliners Tender closes at 4pm on Friday, May 26th, 2017 Samoa, as this fishery industry was faced with while producing no adverse impacts on catch rates deteriorating economic conditions that were threat- for other American Samoan fishery participants”, For any further details please contact Maria. ening the fishery’s survival. “Area restrictions are including pelagic troll vessels (including alias), that Phone: 633-4266 of particular concern to American Samoa long- primarily target yellowfin, skipjack, and wahoo. line vessels because of the limited fishing grounds (Continued on page 4) samoa news, Monday May 15, 2017 Page 3

Mothers of all ages were honored yesterday as the territory joined the rest of the world in cel- ebrating Mother’s Day. Ula made of candy and flowers adorned the women during church services yesterday and a big spread of mom’s favorite foods was presented to her as family and friends gathered to eat to’ana’i with that special person known as “Mom”. [photo: BC] Plea agreement reached in Eteuati of Amouli burglary & stealing case Translated by Samoa News staff For his guilty plea to second government recommended that A 20-year old man, who was degree burglary for the first for this issue the defendant be charged in two separate cases case, Eteuati admitted that he place on probation. involving burglary and stealing, broke into the rental home As previously reported by will be sentenced next month on Sept. 18, 2016 and stole a Samoa News, the defendant after the defendant reached a laptop, a bag containing educa- was able to get away from Terri- plea agreement with the gov- tion documents, a Philippines torial Correctional Facility offi- ernment and it was accepted by passport, cords for cell phones cers while at the District Court the court. and another bag with $500. building, and took the stairs to In the first case, Melvin Eteuati admitted the he used the second floor where he hid Kuresa Eteuati was charged the $500 but the other property in the bathroom. As police car- with one count each of second- was hidden in a place near his ried out a search, Eteuati was degree burglary and stealing. home, and later returned it to able to leave the District Court He faced identical charges in police when he was questioned. building, and made his way to the second case as well as one For the guilty plea to the bus stop across the street misdemeanor count of property stealing for the second case, at the Fagatogo Market place damage in the third degree. Eteuati admitted that sometime and took a bus to his family Eteuati of Amouli village on Sept. 16, 2016, he broke in Amouli, where he was later appeared last Friday morning in into the store and stole a bag found by police. High Court for a change of plea containing money, two checks, When questioned by author- hearing, where a plea agree- and food stamp vouchers. Court ities, Eteuati said he escaped ment was publicly read. information states the defen- from custody because he was Under a plea agreement with dant stole $1,080 in cash that hungry and went to his family. the government, Eteuati pled was in the bag. The plea hearing for Eteuati guilty to the burglary count According to the defendant — who remains in custody and from the first case and stealing he and his friends used the cash will be sentenced June 30th this in the second case, while the as well as the food vouchers. year — was presided by Chief rest of the charges from both Among the many provisions Justice Michael Kruse, who cases were dismissed. of the plea agreement is that the was assisted on the bench by According to court infor- government will not file a felony Chief Associate Judge Mamea mation and plea agreement, charge against the defendant for Sala Jr., and Associate Judge the charges from the two cases allegedly escaping while under Muasau T. Tofili. stem from when the defendant police custody while the defen- (Original Samoan story pub- broke into a rental home and a dant’s case was pending in Dis- lished in today’s Lali section of store in September 2016. trict Court last year. Instead the Samoa News.) Page 4 samoa news, Monday May 15, 2017

Senior official of Matson shipping company, Tuilaepa Vic Angow (left) shakes hands and presents a $5,000 check to Police Commissioner Le’i Sonny Thompon, (right) while a Matson official Moeipologa John Pereira (middle) looks on. A similar donation — $5K — was given by McDonald’s American Samoa last week. Both are for preparations for Police Week, which opened yesterday afternoon with a church service at the CCCAS Fagaalu church. Matson’s donation took place during a brief meeting last Friday morning at the Depart- ment of Public Safety main office in Fagatogo. At that time, Le’i not only thanked Matson for their donation, but also acknowledged and thanked McDonald’s American Samoa’s for theirs. Le’i went on to express grati- tute to the private sector for their support of DPS and Police Week, which includes various activities throughout this week as well as a Police Prom set for this Friday evening at Gov. H. Rex Lee Audi- torium. (See Samoan language story in today’s Lali section.) [photo: AF] ➧ One-year data shows… Continued from page 2 For example, in 2016, 13.7% other fishing sector in American of total longline effort for 2016 Samoa, including fishing from was deployed in the LVPA alias,” he said adding that the exemption areas around Swains 2016 data further support the con- Island and Tutuila, according to clusion that the LVPA exemption Tosatto, who also provided addi- area has provided needed oppor- tional data. tunities for the federal longline Within the LVPA exemp- fishery in American Samoa “to tion area around Swains Island, operate profitably by increasing American Samoan longliners catch rates and managing costs.” experienced an increase in catch However, the longline fish- rates and fishing efficiency for ery’s recovery to profitable the target albacore stock, Tosatto operations remains uncertain, explained. And although long- with a total estimated 2016 alba- line catch rates of albacore in the core harvest of only 1,558 metric exemption area around Tutuila tons, he said and emphasized that were less, catch rates of yellowfin catch data after one year of oper- tuna were higher than in all other ation under the 2016 LVPA Rule areas. show that longline fishery did not Importantly, said Tosatto is cause localized depletion or catch that, in 2016 CPUE (or Catch competition to the detriment of per Unit of Effort) for Amer- other American Samoa fisheries, ican Samoa pelagic troll ves- including fishing conducted from sels improved even as longline alias. catches of pelagic stocks in the In its motion for reconsid- exemption areas around Swains eration, federal defendants asked and Tutuila increased. that instead of vacating the 2016 Additionally, catch rates per LVPA rule, remand it back to trolling hour of primary target NMFS to address customary stocks of yellowfin, skipjack, and fishing in accordance with the wahoo all increased over 2015. Deeds of Cession, which the Moreover, consistent with his- court ruled that NMFS failed torical catch data, of the fifteen to take into consideration in the pelagic troll vessels (including 2016 LVPA rule. alias) reporting catch in 2016, In his declaration, Tosatto none targeted or landed any alba- explained that under the fed- core, the longliners’ target catch. eral Magnuson-Stevenson Act “These data are consistent rulemaking process, NMFS will with NMFS’ earlier conclusions need at least two Western Pacific that ‘there is little evidence that Regional Fishery Management longline vessels directly com- Council meetings and one public pete with non-longline troll ves- comment period of up to 60 days sels based on data from Amer- to address customary fishing and ican Samoa and studies’,” he NMFS’ obligations under the emphasized. Deeds. Additional public scoping He also says that since the may also be required. approval of the 2016 LVPA Rule, “Accordingly, NMFS expects NMFS has not received any com- that it can complete a new rule- plaints or reports from pelagic making to correct its error within trollers, bottomfish fishermen, fifteen months of the court’s alias, or recreational fishermen of ruling on defendant’s motion for gear conflict or catch competition reconsideration,” Tosatto said. with longliners. (See Samoa News edition May “NMFS has no other data 11 for details of federal defen- to suggest that the 2016 LVPA dants’ motion.) Rule has adversely affected any samoa news, Monday May 15, 2017 Page 5 ASG exploring “viable trade and commerce” between AS and Kingdom of Tonga by Fili Sagapolutele Samoa News Correspondent Exploring “viable trade and commerce” between Amer- ican Samoa and the Kingdom of Tonga was the focus of a recent visit by ASG officials to Nuku’alofa, with recommendations to be provided to Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga, says Commerce Department director Keniseli Lafaele, who led the territory’s delegation. “Governor’s delegation was well received and fare-welled by the government of Tonga,” Lafaele told Samoa News over the weekend. “Tonga is pre- paring a trade mission to the territory and will take place soon.” Traveling with Lafaele was the Governor’s Tonga Liaison Officer, Mafi Sione Lousiale Lotolua Kava, who liaisons between the ASG and the local Tongan community. It was in 2005 that the late King of Tonga, Taufa’ahau Tupou IV This undated photo provided by ASG Commerce Department, shows DOC director Keniseli Lafaele (far right), next to him is Paul bestowed the High Chief title of Young, ASPA’s Managing Director and the Governor’s Tongan Liaison Officer, Sione Lousiale Lotolua Kava (far left) and officials of the “Mafi To ‘i Amerika Samoa”, Tonga Forestry and Milling Company in Tonga. In the background (on the right side) are electricity poles manufactured by the Tonga to Kava. Forestry and Milling Company. [photo: provided by DOC] Lafaele says ASG’s leased land in Tonga’s cap- Samoa News, it was during acre land situated in Popua, produce. a delegation to Nuku’alofa to ital Nuku’alofa was also one the Lutali Administration in Nuku’alofa. In exchange, Tonga Over the years, past adminis- look at possible ways to best of issues discussed durning 1986 that a land exchange deal was given a parcel of ASG land trations have tried to find ways use the land about three years the trip, besides trade and was struck between Amer- in Tafuna that has been utilized to utilize the land in Tonga and ago. commerce. ican Samoa and Tonga, with as a market to sell their goods, the Lolo Administration has Responding to Samoa As previously reported by American Samoa given a three- including Tongan agricultural done the same, even sending (Continued on page 8) AmericAn Samoa School Lunch ProgrAm WEEK #38 - MAY 15TH – 19TH, 2017 ENJOY A HEALTHY, DELICIOUS BREAKFAST SERVED UP WITH A SMILE!... BREAKFAST IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY. BREAKFAST MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Grain +Wheat Italian +Wheat Biscuit Fried Rice w/ +Wheat Muffin Whole Grain Waffles Bread Diced Ham Scrambled Eggs Meat Turkey Sausage Link Sausage Canadian Bacon Patty Orange Grapes Fruit /Veggie Apple Papaya Ripe Banana 1% Low Fat Milk Milk 1% Low Fat Milk 1% Low Fat Milk 1% Low Fat Milk 1% Low Fat Milk Peanut Butter

LUNCH MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Grain Brown & White Rice Brown & White Rice +Baked Wheat Bun Brown &White Rice +Bake Wheat Bun Meat Teriyaki Meatballs Loco Moco Turkey Ham Teriyaki Meatballs Cheese Hamburger Sandwich Grapes Orange Fruit /Veggie Grapes Ripe Banana Papaya Banana Steamed Mixed Milk Steamed Mixed Cucumber Salad Steamed Green Vegetables Extra Vegetables Beans (can) Condiments 1% Low Fat Milk 1% Low Fat Milk 1% Low Fat Milk 1% Low Fat Milk 1% Low Fat Milk Mayo Mayo Page 6 samoa news, Monday May 15, 2017

by Samoa News Staff Media Coordinator for the RECENT RAINFALL Office of National Marine Sanc- RESULTS IN ONE OF tuaries, “NOAA’s Office of THE BIGGEST LAND- National Marine Sanctuaries has SLIDES TO DATE just launched a virtual dive gal- The recent heavy rainfall and lery http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/ windy weather conditions have Kokoland, Fagaima, Mapusaga, The Vailoa Church becomes the white, “brighter than the sun,” vr/ accessible on any computer not only flooded the roads and and Mesepa have had to 18th Assembly of God Church making an appearance to three or mobile device, complete with caused the overflowing of rivers evacuate their homes due to location in the territory. children: Lucia (10), Francisco immersive 360-degree views of and streams, it has also contrib- flooding, with some having to Samoa News understands (8), and Jacinta (6) and telling five national marine sanctuaries: uted to one of the biggest land- move in with relatives until the that construction commenced them that she was the “Angel of American Samoa, Florida Keys, slides in recent years. rain subsides. with only $10,000 which was a Peace” and they needed “not to Flower Garden Banks, Gray’s The landslide occurred in the Assessment teams from donation from an individual in be afraid.” Reef, and Thunder Bay.” far west village of Malota late the Department of Homeland Alabama. Roman Catholic belief says Click here http://sanctuaries. last week, cutting off access to Security/Territorial Emergency It only took four months when the eldest of the trio asked noaa.gov/news/may17/virtual- residents in the area. Management Coordinating for the job to be fully com- the woman where she came dives.html to learn more. It took hours to clear off even Office (TEMCO) have visited pleted with a price tag of about from, she answered: “from APPLICATIONS FOR one lane of the main highway some of the affected families, $130,000 heaven.” SANCTUARY ADVISORY because of the amount of debris while the folks at the Emer- Those who spoke to Samoa The woman instructed the COUNCIL DUE MAY 31ST involved, including large boul- gency Operations Center con- News expressed their gratitude children to pray the Rosary Applications for those inter- ders and trees, not to mention tinue to listen out for reports and to Tuiasina Dr. Salamo Lau- every day and during the final ested in being part of the Sanc- thick mud. calls for assistance. moli for his efforts in getting apparition, she revealed herself tuary Advisory Council are due Samoa News spoke to some The Tafuna Weather Station the work underway and seeing as the “Lady of the Rosary.” on May 31st. Applicants being workers from the Department of recorded more than nine inches it through to the end. The apparition took place recruited include those who Public Works (DPW) who indi- of rain during a 12-hour period The special guest during the during World War I. want to fill the ocean recreation/ cated that the landslide was one last week, with more expected opening ceremony was 94-year- “She wore a white mantle ocean-centered ecotourism and of the worst ones they’d seen in to come. old Faoa Hunkin, Pastor Joe’s edged with gold and held a Swains Island seats. recent years. The good news is, The public is urged to stay mother. rosary in her hand and asked Apulu Veronika Molio’o there were no cars on the road tuned to the latest weather fore- CATHOLIC CHURCH CEL- them to pray and devote them- Mata’utia Mortenson, the Out- when the landslide occurred. cast and stay indoors. EBRATES 100TH ANNI- selves to the Holy Trinity, and reach, Communications Coordi- In addition to Malota, ASSEMBLY OF GOD VERSARY OF FATIMA to say the Rosary every day, to nator & Community Liaison for employees from DPW also OPENS NEWEST CHURCH APPARITION bring peace to the world and an the National Marine Sanctuary responded to a landslide IN VAILOA This past Saturday, hundreds end to the war,” says 206tours. of American Samoa, reminds all between Failolo and Agugulu Members of the Assembly of faithful Catholics in the terri- com interested applicants that “these last week. of God Church in Vailoa cel- tory gathered at the Fatu-o-Aiga “Our Lady revealed that the seats are on a voluntary basis, All over the territory, homes ebrated the opening of their new Cathedral in Tafuna to celebrate children would suffer, espe- meaning, there is no monetary — especially those located near church a week ago yesterday. a special mass, commemorating cially from the unbelief of compensation.” streams — have been flooded as The ceremony was presided the 100th anniversary of the their friends and families, and An announcement from the rain continues to pour. over by Rev. Elder Joe Hunkin, Fatima apparition in Portugal. that the two younger children, NMSAS says, “The council Some families in cer- Jr. who leads the Light House According to teachings of the Francisco and Jacinta would be ensures public participation in tain western district villages Outreach Center Assembly of Catholic Church, the apparition taken to Heaven very soon but sanctuary management and pro- including Leone, Amanave, God Church in the Aloha State. featured a woman dressed in all Lucia would live longer in order vides advice to the sanctuary to spread her message and devo- superintendent.” tion to the Immaculate Heart. In “The members of our the last apparition she revealed advisory council represent her name in response to Lucia’s extremely important sectors American Samoa Government question: ‘I am the Lady of the of our community,” said Gene Rosary’.” Brighouse, sanctuary superin- OFFICE OF PROCUREMENT “That same day, 70,000 tendent. “Their input, experi- people had turned out to wit- ence and expertise assist the ness the apparition following sanctuary in making informed a promise by Our Lady that and timely decisions on how to would show the people that it best manage our cultural and INVITATION FOR BIDS was true. They all saw the sun ocean resources.” make three circles, and zig-zag Candidates are selected IFB-2406-17 across the sky.” based on their expertise and Millions of faithful Catholics experience in relation to the seat Issuance Date: May 11, 2017 Closing Date: May 24, 2017 worldwide joined in the celebra- for which they are applying, No later than 10:00am (local time) tion over the weekend, which community and professional also celebrated the canonization affiliations, and views regarding 1. INVITATION of Franciso and Jacinta, two the protection and management Sealed bids are being solicited to provide Printers for the Department Education. of the three children who wit- of marine resources. Applicants nessed the apparition. Locally, who are chosen as members 2. RECEIPT & OPENING OF BIDS the different parishes from the should expect to serve a three- Sealed bids will be received by the Chief Procurement Officer, American Samoa Diocese of Samoa Pago Pago year term. Government, Tafuna, American Samoa 96799, until 10:00a.m. (local time), Wednesday, came together for a special mass “The sanctuary advisory that ended around noon this past council was established to May 24, 2017 at which time and place the sealed bids will be publicly opened and read. Saturday. ensure continuous public par- 3. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS NOAA’S OFFICE OF ticipation in the management NATIONAL MARINE of the sanctuary. The council’s Bid documents, including Specifications, may be examined at the Office of Procurement SANCTUARIES 17 voting members and eight or obtained there from free of charge during normal hours of operation. LAUNCHES VIRTUAL DIVE non-voting members serve on 4. CONDITIONS GALLERY a volunteer basis and represent Can’t get over to your a variety of local user groups, The American Samoa Government reserves the right to: National Marine Sanctuaries? the general public, and territo- • not accept the lowest or any bid. Thanks to the wonders of 360- rial and federal governmental degree photography and virtual jurisdictions.” • reject all bids and reissue and amended IFB. reality, these underwater trea- Contact Joseph Paulin, 684- • request additional information from any bidder submitting a bid. sures now are as close as the tip 633-6500 ext. 226 for an appli- • waive any informalities in bidding as may be in the best interest of the American of your fingers. cation kit or download it from Samoa Government. According to a media release

© OSINI FALEATASI INC. RESERVES ALL RIGHTS. dba Samoa News publishes Monday to Friday, except for some local and federal holidays. Send correspondences to: OF, dba Samoa News, Box 909, Pago Pago, Am. Samoa 96799. Telephone at (684) 633-5599 • Fax at (684) 633-4864 Email advertisements to [email protected] Email the newsroom at [email protected] DR. ORETA MAPU CRICHTON Normal business hours are Mon. thru Fri. 8am to 4pm. Permission to reproduce editorial and/or advertisements, in whole or in part, is required. Please Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Chief Procurement Officer address such requests to the Publisher at the address provided above. Please visit samoanews.com for weekend updates. samoa news, Monday May 15, 2017 Page 7

FILE - In this Monday, May 8, 2017, file photo, former National Intelligence Director James Clapper testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, before the Senate Judiciary subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism hearing: “Russian Interference in the 2016 United States Election.” Clapper on Sunday, May 14, described a U.S. government “under assault” after President Donald Trump’s controversial decision to fire FBI director James Comey, as lawmakers urged the president to select a new FBI director free of any political stigma. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File) CLAPPER: US govt ‘under assault’ by Trump after Comey firing WASHINGTON (AP) — is the CEO of the country. He the evidence yet.” American democracy is “under can hire and fire whoever he Sen. Mike Lee, a Repub- assault” on separate fronts from wants,” she said. lican from Utah, continued to President Donald Trump and Lawmakers from both parties argue that the president should Russia, the former U.S. intel- reprimanded Trump’s actions, consider Merrick Garland — ligence chief warned Sunday, which included shifting expla- the federal judge nominated to expressing dismay over the nations from the White House the Supreme Court last year by abrupt firing of FBI director for Comey’s dismissal and an President Barack Obama. Lee James Comey amid a probe into ominous tweet by Trump that said he was “absolutely serious Moscow’s meddling in U.S. warned Comey against leaks about it.” elections and possible ties with to the press because he may A former top aide to Sen. the Trump campaign. have “tapes” of their conversa- Mitch McConnell, Josh As Trump works to fast- tions. The lawmakers called for Holmes, said McConnell is track Comey’s successor, law- a new FBI director without any interested in the suggestion. “I makers from both parties urged political background and said think the Senate majority leader him to steer clear of any poli- Trump would need to hand over thinks that’s a fantastic idea,” ticians for the job and say he to Congress any taped conver- Holmes said. Garland never must “clean up the mess that he sations with Comey, if they got a hearing due to Republican mostly created.” exist. obstruction, and the high court “I think, in many ways, our Republican Sen. Lindsey vacancy was filled last month institutions are under assault, Graham, a member of the Judi- by Neil Gorsuch. both externally — and that’s ciary Committee, said selecting Senate Minority Leader the big news here, is the Rus- an FBI agent to lead the agency Chuck Schumer of New York sian interference in our election would allow the nation to said the new FBI director system,” said James Clapper, “reset.” He dismissed as less should be someone “not of par- the former director of national desirable at least two of the tisan background” with “great intelligence. “I think as well our 14 candidates under consider- experience” and “courage.” institutions are under assault ation by Trump, former Rep. Declining comment on a Gar- internally.” Mike Rogers of Michigan and land nomination, Schumer left When he was asked, “Inter- Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, open the possibility that Demo- nally, from the president?” explaining that “these are not crats might withdraw support Clapper said, “Exactly.” normal circumstances.” for a new FBI director unless Clapper spoke following Rogers, an ex-FBI agent and the Justice Department names Trump’s sudden firing of former chairman of the House a special prosecutor. Under Comey last week, which drew Intelligence Committee, has Senate rules, Republicans could sharp criticism because it came drawn the backing of the FBI still confirm an FBI director amid the FBI’s investigation Agents Association. Cornyn with 51 votes. Republicans into Russia’s interference in is the No. 2 Republican in the hold 52 seats in the chamber to the 2016 presidential elec- Senate. Democrats’ 48. tion. Clapper said America’s “It’s now time to pick some- Calling Trump’s remarks founding fathers had created body who comes from within about possible taped conversa- three co-equal branches of gov- the ranks, or has such a reputa- tions “outrageous,” Sen. Mark ernment with checks and bal- tion that has no political back- Warner of Virginia, the top ances, but with Trump as presi- ground at all that can go into Democrat on the Senate Intel- dent, that was now “eroding.” the job on Day 1,” said Graham, ligence Committee, said his The White House had no R-S.C. panel or another committee immediate comment. No White “The president has a chance would “absolutely” subpoena House aide appeared on the to clean up the mess he mostly the tapes. Sunday news shows, leaving created,” he said, adding, “I “We have got to make sure Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambas- have no evidence that the presi- that these tapes, if they exist, sador to the United Nations, to dent colluded with the Russians defend Trump. “The president at all ... but we don’t know all (Continued on page 10) Page 8 samoa news, Monday May 15, 2017

➧“viable trade and commerce… Continued from page 5 News inquiries, Lafaele says such as Tonga. the governor’s delegation visit “We’re aiming to use the to Tonga “was exploratory in MV Manuatele to deliver goods nature” and “based on the visit, and get raw materials from recommendations regarding nearby countries, like Tonga, use of land will be submitted to Samoa, Tokelau,” Lafaele said Governor for his consideration during a presentation in Feb- and decision making.” ruary this year to the Chamber “The focus of recommen- of Commerce, adding that ASG dation is fostering viable trade is looking to improve trade with and commerce between the these and other neighboring Kingdom of Tonga and the Ter- countries. The Lolo Adminis- ritory,” said Lafaele. tration has also looked at other While specific targets for countries, such as Tonga, to trade and commerce between bring their boats and vessels for Tonga and American Samoa repair at the government owned are part of on going discus- shipyard in Satala. sions, an ASG Treasury Depart- Asked if the there was any ment report last December to push during the Nuku’alofa the Lolo and Lt. Gov. Lemanu visit to have Tonga vessels C M Palepoi Peleti Mauga shows repaired at the shipyard, Lafaele Y K that imports from Tonga in responded, “Yes, I put it out fiscal year 2013 reached just there that our shipyard is under- over $1.81 million. going significant repairs and However, the numbers renovations, and is available declined thereafter — with to service Tonga government $770,459 with FY 2014 and privately owned boats.” and $560,174 in FY 2015 Lafaele is also the chairman of but increased slightly up to the American Samoa Shipyard $976,589 in FY 2016. Services Authority. The Treasury Department While in Tonga, the gov- report does not provided spe- ernor’s delegation, met with cific commodities that were the officials of the Ministry imported into the territory, but of Foreign Affairs and Trade; one of the biggest imports is the Ministry of Land and Natural Tongan watermelon. Resources; public enterprises; When the multi million electricity commission; Tonga dollar MV Manu’atele arrived Forestry and Milling Company; Jan. 4, 2017, the Lolo Admin- tourism authority; and “a couple istration lauded the vessel to be of key members of the business used for ocean transportation community and investors,” said to other neighboring countries, Lafaele.

C M Y K samoa news, Monday May 15, 2017 Page 9 American Samoa governor keeps his word, says Samoa Victim Support Group

C M Y K

(Center) Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga, SVSG president Siliniu Lina Chan, and SVSG patron, First Lady Cynthia Malala Moliga, during a visit to the shelter in June 2016. [Courtesy photo] Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga and First Lady Cynthia Malala Moliga donated 100 cartons of wahoo for the children at the Campus of Hope, in Samoa. The presentation was made at the Samoa Victim Support Group’s main office in Apia to the SVSG President Siliniu Lina Chan. Mrs. Moliga is a SVSG patron. [Courtesy photo]

(BASED ON A PRESS RELEASE) — Friday, May 12, 2017 — In keeping his word to continue providing assistance for the children at the Campus of Hope, the American Samoa Governor and the Patron of the SVSG (American Samoa) Lolo Matalasi Moliga and his good lady Mrs. Cynthia Malala- Moliga made a generous donation for the children, during their visit to Samoa this week. 100 x cartons of wahoo were presented to the SVSG Presi- dent at the main office in Apia, to assist with the children’s daily caring. Last year during the Inde- pendence celebration, the Gov- ernor and the first lady accom- panied the Leone village to the C M celebration and took time out Y K to visit the Campus for the first time. They were deeply touched by the children’s sincerity and acknowledged the support from the community and from the families in ensuring their safety and wellbeing. SVSG President Siliniu Lina Chang thanked Governor Lolo and Cynthia for the huge donation to assist with the food supplies for the children at the Campus of Hope. “Thank you Governor and your good lady, the supplies came at the right time and as we go through these severe weather conditions, we are comfortable knowing that the children have supplies,” she said. Page 10 samoa news, Monday May 15, 2017 PRINTER FOR RENT! WIRELESS / COPY / PRINTER / FAX / SCANNER FOR FAST, UNLIMITED PRINTING, GREAT FOR COMMERCIAL USE

FREE INK We sell good quality HP Officejet Pro 8610 printing paper. $70 Monthly Payment Premium Printing Paper Ream $3.95 Case $38.95 Double A Printing Paper Miss New Jersey USA Chhavi Verg, left, and Miss Minnesota USA Meridith Gould wear ear- Ream $4.75 phones during the question portion of the Miss USA contest Sunday, May 14, 2017, in Las Vegas. Case $43.95 The runner-up was Chhavi Verg, a student at Rutgers University studying marketing and Spanish. The second runner-up was Gould, who is studying apparel retail merchandising at the University of Minnesota. (AP Photo/John Locher) O&O INC. WHOLESALE in Nu’uuli Please contact: Jiin (258-4563) or Tafa Leaupepe Office: (684) 699-4484 • Fax: (684) 699-2307 Email: [email protected] Govt. scientist from DC wins Miss USA title LAS VEGAS (AP) — tunity to ... get to experience five finalists were asked ques- Kara McCullough, a scientist worldwide culture, as well as tions that touched on the pros working for the U.S. Nuclear just having the opportunity to and cons of social media, wom- Regulatory Commission, has be impacted by so many chil- en’s rights and issues affecting been crowned Miss USA. dren, hopefully in the math and teenagers. McCullough was McCullough, who represented sciences.” asked whether she thinks that Sight n Sound the District of Columbia in the McCullough bested 50 other affordable health care for all decades-old pageant, was born contestants and will represent U.S. citizens is a right or a privi- in Naples, Italy, and raised in the U.S. at the Miss Universe lege. She said it is a privilege. DEAR ALL SIGHT N SOUND CUSTOMERS: Virginia Beach, Virginia. She contest. This was the second “As a government employee, PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY CUSTOMERS THAT HAVE said she wants to inspire chil- year in a row that the represen- I’m granted health care and BROUGHT IN ITEMS TO BE REPAIRED OR SERVICED dren to pursue careers in the tative of the nation’s capital won I see firsthand that for one to WILL BE DISCARDED OF AFTER 31st OF MAY fields of science, technology, the Miss USA title. Last year, have health care, you need to engineering and mathematics. District of Columbia resident have jobs.” McCullough said WE HUMBLY ASK THAT ALL ITEMS BE PICKED UP “I love science,” McCullough Deshauna Barber became the she will be discussing with her BEFORE THEN AND PROOF OF OWNERSHIP OR said after the Sunday event. “I first-ever military member to supervisor whether she will take RECEIPT IS NEEDED look at this as a great oppor- win Miss USA. This year’s top (Continued on page 16) FOR ANY QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US @ 633-2490 OUR NEW BUSINESS HOURS ARE: M-TUES: 9 -1PM WED-FRI: 9-4PM SAT: 9-1PM SUNDAY: CLOSED Soifua, DOUG JESSOP Sight N Sound

RUGBY UNION AGM NOTICE

THE ASRU WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING In this May 11, 2017, photo, Miss New Jersey USA Chhavi Verg, right, competes during a prelimi- (AGM) AND ELECTIONS ON JUNE 15, 2017, AS REQUIRED BY nary competition for Miss USA in Las Vegas. Verg emigrated from India with her parents. Five of the contestants vying for the Miss USA title this year were born in other countries and now U.S. citizens. THE CONSTITUTION. DETAILS AS FOLLOWS: (AP Photo/John Locher) DATE: THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017 ➧ TIME: 12:30PM to 2:00PM CLAPPER: US govt ‘under assault’.... Continued from page 7 PLACE: FAMOUS SEAFOOD RESTAURANT don’t mysteriously disappear,” a 10-year term but can be attorney general. DIRECTIONS: BEHIND TRIPLE “S” SERVICE STATION AT Warner said, adding that he replaced by the president. —U.S. District Judge Henry THE FAGAIMA ‘ROUNDABOUT’ hopes to have Comey testify So far 14 people have E. Hudson, a Bush appointee in a public hearing before his emerged as candidates. Eight who struck down the center- DETAILS: A DETAILED NOTICE WILL BE PUBLISHED committee. met at the Justice Department piece of the Obama administra- ON OR BEFORE MAY 15, 2017 OR YOU CAN Less than a week after on Saturday with Attorney tion’s health care law in 2010. OBTAIN A COPY FROM THE FOLLOWING Trump fired Comey, the admin- General Jeff Sessions and his —Frances Townsend, a PERSONS: istration has interviewed at deputy, Rod Rosenstein: former Bush homeland security least eight candidates to be FBI —Alice Fisher, a high- and counterterrorism adviser. director, and Trump has said a ranking Justice Department —Rogers. The FBI Agents EXECUTIVE SECRETARY: decision could come before he official in the George W. Bush Association says it believes his Falefata Moli Lemana leaves Friday on his first over- administration. diverse background makes him Telephone: (684) 733-2750 seas trip as president. —Adam Lee, special agent the best choice. Email: [email protected] Trump abruptly fired Comey in charge of the FBI’s office in Clapper and Schumer made on Tuesday and later said Richmond, Virginia. their comments on CNN’s Comey was a “showboat” and — Andrew McCabe, the “State of the Union”; Graham CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD: “grandstander” who was not acting FBI director. spoke on NBC’s “Meet the Togiola Tulafono doing a good job. Trump said in —Michael J. Garcia, a Press”; Haley and Warner Telephone: (684) 733-4614 an interview with NBC that the former prosecutor and associate appeared on ABC’s “This Email: [email protected] Russia investigation factored judge on New York’s highest Week” and Warner also spoke into his decision to fire Comey. court. on “Fox News Sunday” along The FBI director serves —Cornyn, a former Texas with Lee and Holmes. samoa news, Monday May 15, 2017 Page 11 School sex complaints to federal agency rise _ and languish HOUSTON (AP) — Hector dent, about 200 government and Itza Ayala sat in a confer- employees, lobbyists and advo- ence room at Houston’s pres- cates gathered at the Education tigious high school for the Department to reflect on the performing arts, clutching a civil rights legacy of the Obama document they hoped would administration. The mood was a force administrators to inves- mixture of pride, nostalgia and tigate their 15-year-old daugh- apprehension. This Wednesday, May 10, 2017 photo shows The High School for the Performing and Visual ter’s claim of a classroom sex Marian Wright Edelman, Arts in Houston. When school administrators didn’t investigate Itza Ayala’s 15-year-old daughter’s founder of the Children’s assault. alleged sexual assault by another student at the school, she says, her family turned to the U.S. Edu- It had been four months Defense Fund, praised the cation Department’s Office for Civil Rights. The office has struggled to keep up with an increase in since the girl reported being department’s Office for Civil complaints against school districts. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) attacked by another student. Rights — responsible for School district police had been enforcing a half-dozen civil created a task force on student helping fund a lawsuit aimed 2013, according to an AP anal- notified, but administrators said rights education laws — as sex assault and launched a web- at dismantling the department’s ysis of OCR records. Between they could do nothing else to among the most effective in site with prevention strategies sex assault guidance. During her 2014 and late 2016, complaints protect her from the boy, who federal government. But she and legal advice. OCR issued January confirmation hearing, increased roughly fourfold. was still in school. Frustrated, warned of “some real bad days a new round of guidance, reit- the billionaire Republican was Anyone can file a complaint Itza, a teacher in the district, ahead.” erating that all public and pri- asked whether she would sup- with OCR — victims, families scoured the internet for help. Many worry the Trump vate elementary and secondary port continued enforcement. or school personnel. The sharp A Google search led her to administration and, especially, schools, school districts, col- “It would be premature increase in complaints taxed an the website of the U.S. Educa- its education secretary will not leges and universities receiving for me to do that today,” she already stretched operation and tion Department’s Office for support the department’s focus federal funds must comply with responded. delayed justice for some of the Civil Rights. on combatting sex assault in Title IX. Education Department very students the administration “As I read more and more,” schools . Schools under investigation spokesman Jim Bradshaw said sought to help. she said, “I thought, ‘This is “It is very likely that Title were publicly identified, and OCR officials were not yet Nearly half of the 275 sexual exactly what happened, this is IX sexual assault requirements reform agreements were posted ready to comment on the agen- violence complaints filed from exactly what they’re not doing. will be cut back very seriously online. cy’s future direction. October 2008 to mid-November Somebody can help me!’” and probably even eliminated,” The backlash was fierce, INCREASING 2016 — 132 — were unre- Three years earlier, the said John Banzhaf, a law pro- especially in universities. Oppo- COMPLAINTS solved, AP found. OCR doesn’t office had issued detailed guid- fessor at George Washington nents charged that the educa- Unlike the furor in Congress specify in its data if attackers are ance on what schools must do University. tion department was trampling and on college campuses, the fellow students, but the Gov- upon receiving reports of stu- Best known for ensuring the due process rights of the 2011 guidance received far less ernment Accountability Office dent sexual violence in K-12 gender equity in federally accused and subverting Con- attention in the offices of -ele in 2014 cited OCR officials as schools. An elaboration on funded sports programs, Title gress by making new law. OCR mentary and secondary schools. saying they received “many years of legal and regulatory IX became the government’s said it was simply explaining Some schools, the AP found, more” complaints of student precedents, the guidance speci- tool for cracking down on sex how to apply existing law to weren’t even aware of it. rather than adult attackers — a fied that a police investigation assaults in schools. In 2009, school sexual violence cases. But still, the department’s trend AP also found in records did not absolve a school from OCR began tracking sexual vio- “We hadn’t exactly expected public awareness campaign OCR agreed to release under a conducting its own review of lence as a distinct category of the flood of complaints, or the bore fruit, with the number of public information request. whether a student’s right to an the sexual harassment it already blowback,” Ali said. sexual violence complaints Of the 143 complaints that Education Secretary Betsy against those schools nearly education free of sex discrimi- was monitoring. (Continued on page 12) nation had been violated. “We felt a sense of urgency DeVos’ private foundation is doubling between 2012 and That 2011 guidance trig- because of the sheer tragedy gered a conservative backlash of the complaints we were but also a rise in the number learning about,” said former of sexual violence complaints OCR head Russlynn Ali, noting reaching OCR, as the office is a gang rape outside a high commonly known. It did not, school homecoming dance in however, lead to widespread California in October 2009. reforms. In consultation with the Jus- Short-staffed, underfunded tice Department, Ali and her and under fire, the office became staff attorneys spent 18 months a victim of its own success as talking to counselors at school it struggled to investigate the districts and universities and increase in complaints and hold researching the breadth of their FAGAITUA HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION school districts accountable. An authority to find ways to pre- Associated Press analysis of vent and respond to school sex OCR records found that only assaults. FUNDRAISER RADIO-THON about one in 10 sexual violence The result was the 2011 complaints against elementary guidance , which specified and secondary schools led to that elementary and secondary Saturday, May 27, 2017 improvements. And nearly half schools, colleges and univer- 7:00 am - 4:00 pm of all such cases remain unre- sities must conduct their own solved — the Ayalas’ among investigations of student sexual them. violence and take “immediate Collection & Drop Off Centers: “The critique is that we’ve action” to prevent it or address FHS Campus, Tutuila Store (Leloaloa), gone too fast. The reality is its effects. that we’ve gone too slow,” said The guidance said school Fagatogo Pavilion, Laufou, Cost-U-Less, Catherine Lhamon, the former administrators should train staff KS Mart, Shoe Tree head of OCR. “I am painfully in Title IX and use a preponder- aware of the kids we didn’t get ance of evidence as the burden to reach.” of proof in investigations rather For more information: UNEXPECTED than the beyond-reasonable- Tuimavave T. Laupola @ 731-5098 or BLOWBACK doubt standard applied in crim- One month after Donald inal cases. Aoelua Solomona @ 258-9999 Trump was elected presi- In 2014, the White House Page 12 samoa news, Monday May 15, 2017 ** FOR SALE ** GENERAC 10KW AUTOMATIC STANDBY GENERATOR

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A look at some of the mothers of the Methodist Church at Fagaima as they sing and perform at AUTO NATION yesterday’s Sunday Mother’s Day Service. [courtesy photo] NU’UULI: (684) 699-7168 FAGATOGO: (684) 633-2239 FAX: (684) 699-7175 ➧ School sex complaints to federal agency… Continued from page 11 Car Radio were resolved, AP found, most sexual abuse victims, had been memorized Stallworth’s class $39.99 were closed or dismissed with ecstatic to enroll in Houston’s schedule and charted alternate no investigation. High School for the Performing routes to avoid bumping into In OCR terms, a “resolved” and Visual Arts, which counts him. But in February 2015, she investigation is one with any Beyonce among its alums. In did. 200 Piece kind of outcome, including 2013, she joined the visual arts The “brief but powerful Tool Set Microfiber complaints tossed for missing program. encounter” triggered a seizure, $49.99 Sponges filing deadlines or insufficient A few weeks before her the family’s lawsuit said. And $4.99 detail. sophomore year, she was on later that day, as her father drove Only 31 of the sexual vio- campus helping with student her home, the girl jumped from lence complaints filed with orientation. So was Sharif Stall- the car, fracturing her skull and Auto OCR resulted in an agreement worth, an incoming junior she shoulder, the family said. Whell Brush by a school district to make had exchanged texts with over She finally was allowed to Automotive improvements like overhauling the summer. transfer to another school and $9.99 Fuse Kit & Tester BUSINESS HOURS response protocols or paying “The texts began pretty graduated last summer. Her par- Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm • Sat 8am-1pm CLOSED SUNDAY $10.00 for victims’ therapy. And no innocently but the last few ents declined AP’s request to district faced the most extreme texts included some mature interview her, saying it would American sanctions possible: a federal remarks on the part of both stu- be too stressful, but did allow Samoa funding loss or Justice Depart- dents,” school counselor Travis contact by email. Environmental ment referral. Springfield said in a statement “People who have gone Protection Agency In the final few years of the obtained by AP. The final through the same thing should Obama administration, OCR text from Sharif was sexually remember that even though we Lagolagoina le fa’amamaina o matafaga ASEPA prodded fewer school districts graphic. get hurt we can always come to make improvements and took “Wow. LOL,” the girl back,” the girl wrote. But rather Aso o le Fa’asalalauga: May 10, 2017 longer to do so, the AP found. responded. The next day she than a career in the arts, her goal Fa’afeso’ota’i: AS-EPA Polokalama a le Vai – 633-2304 Only two improvement agree- wrote, “I don’t think this is now is to live “a simple life.” ments with school districts were going to work. I don’t want a Stallworth, now 19, was Fa’asilasilaga mai le Ofisa o le Puipuiga o le Si’osi’omaga logged in the fiscal year ending person in my life right now.” indicted on a felony sexual mo le mamalu o le atunu’u: sa faia su’esu’ega o gataifale September 2016 — down from On the morning of the Aug. assault charge and is awaiting ia May 09, 2017, ma fa’amaonia ai le i ai o siama 10 in 2013. 15, 2014, orientation, Stall- trial. He graduated in 2015 and (Enterococci) i gataifale o alalafaga nei: Lhamon, who stepped down worth asked the girl to help him enrolled in college. His lawyer in January as OCR’s top offi- find an amplifier for a school did not respond to repeated cial, noted that because of the performance. Inside an empty requests for an interview. Afono Stream Mouth Nuuuli Pala Lagoon increased volume of complaints music room, according to a School officials also did Vatia Stream Mouth Nuuuli Pala Spring and lengthy investigations police probable cause affidavit, not respond to requests for Aua-Pouesi Stream Mouth Fatumafuti Beach required of sexual violence he pushed her to the floor, pulled comment, and it is not clear if Aua Stream Mouth Fagaalu Beach inquiries, “the time lag between down her pants and, despite the school took any action or Laulii Stream Mouth Gataivai Beach opening an investigation and her protests, raped her with his changed any policies. An assis- Alega Stream Mouth Utulei-DDW Beach closing it can take longer than finger. The assault lasted four tant principal said in an ini- Fagaitua Stream Mouth Utulei Beach we would like.” to five minutes and was -inter tial incident report that school Sailele Stream Mouth Fagasa-Fagalea Stream Mouth The office, which handles rupted by a staffer and student district police told her not to Masausi Stream Mouth Aoa Stream Mouth tens of thousands of civil rights entering the room, according to notify Texas Child Protective Masefau Stream Mouth Utumea-East Beach complaints, also noted that police and school records. Services and that the school Asili Stream Mouth Alao Stream Mouth congressional funding had not In the school counselor’s would “follow up” after police Leone Pala kept pace with its caseload. In office, the girl gave a statement finished investigating. a report late last year, OCR said and shared the text exchanges. OCR would not comment on E fautuaina le mamalu o le atunu’u o lo’o fa’aaogaina ia ogasami mo ta’elega it had 563 full-time employees At Texas Children’s Hospital, its investigation of the school’s 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 compared to 630 in 2006. Its she was diagnosed with “sexual handling of the incident, which numera ua fa’atapula’aina i le tulafono i ia vaega o ogasami. O nei siama e afua 2017 budget is $107 million, abuse of child or adolescent, began in March 2015, except to mai otaota po’o suavai lafoa’i o tagata ma meaola. Afai ae o’o atu le faitau aofa’i only slightly up from $91 mil- initial encounter,” according say it was ongoing. o siama mai numera ua fa’atapula’aina, o lona uiga, e i ai le avanoa e ono afaina lion in 2007, though OCR said to medical records the family The family wants damages ai lou soifua maloloina ini fa’ama’i e pei o le manava-tatā, o fofoga fa’apea fo’i its caseload increased 188 per- shared with AP. and accountability. ma manu’a o le tino pe a sao i ai le siama. Mo lou saogalemu: ‘aua le inuina le cent during that time period. In the weeks that followed, Hector Ayala, an Army Iraq suasami, ia fa’alanu lelei, ma fa’amālū pe a mae’a ta’elega. O le fautuaga mai le LOSING FAITH she began to have seizures and War veteran and offshore oil rig Ofisa o le AS-EPA, fa’afeso’ota’i muamua se foma’i, a’o le’i fa’aaogaina ia ogasami, Tired of waiting or losing was diagnosed with epilepsy. technician, says he has had to auā le puipuiga o lou soifua maloloina. faith in both schools and the She regularly missed school, turn down jobs that would have Fa’amolemole, fa’autagia mai nei fautuaga. O le a toe maua atu se isi ripoti, pe government, students who and her grades suffered. taken him far from home. Itza 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 file sexual assault complaints The school rejected the quit her teaching job. They’ve lalo o le va’ava’aiga a le AS-EPA matafaga mo tafaoga e 44 i le motu o Tutuila, e 5 sometimes turn to the courts, as family’s requests for special spent untold hours in therapy. 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 the Ayalas did last year. accommodations or escorts “It’s frustrating to see that ta’itasi. Mo ni fesili pe fia malamalama atili, fa’amolemole, vala’au mai i le telefoni The couple’s daughter, during class changes, saying it the adults who were supposed (684) 633-2304. whom the AP is not identi- could do nothing pending the to protect her and help us out fying because it does not name police investigation. So the girl didn’t do anything,” Itza said. samoa news, Monday May 15, 2017 Page 13 Sad Mother’s

Day for family (Courtesy Photos) of slain Ohio nurse’s aide

This undated image released by Allison Burnett shows her mother Cindy Krantz, a 48-year-old nurse’s aide who was fatally shot, Friday, May 12, 2017, at an Ohio nursing home where she worked. Nurse Marlina Medrano, 46, and Kirkersville Police Chief Steven Eric DiSario, 36, were also killed in the Friday attack. Suspect Thomas Hartless, 43, was found dead inside the nursing home in Kirkersville. (Allison Burnett via AP)

KIRKERSVILLE, Ohio “She took care of me and (AP) — The family of a loved me,” said her youngest 48-year-old mom of five chil- son, Christopher, 10. dren is in mourning this Moth- She was going to be a grand- er’s Day weekend, after her mother for the second time. slaying at the Ohio nursing Daughter Allison Burnett, 19, home where she was a nurse’s is pregnant. aide. “Hopefully, it’s a girl,” Bur- The Columbus Dispatch nett said. “And it will look like reports that Cindy Krantz is her.” being remembered as a kind DiSario headed the Kirk- person who loved her kids. She, ersville Police Department nurse Marlina Medrano, 46, for only about three weeks, and Kirkersville Police Chief Licking County Sheriff Randy Steven Eric DiSario, 36, were Thorp said. He was the father killed in the Friday attack. of six children, with a seventh Suspect Thomas Hartless, on the way, the sheriff said. 43, was found dead inside the Hartless was released from nursing home in Kirkersville, a jail in April after his latest village of some 500 residents, domestic violence case in about 25 miles (39 kilometers) March. State prison records east of Columbus. show he served eight months in Authorities said Sunday 2010 for the 2009 abduction of they didn’t immediately have another woman. any new information to release. Medrano had said earlier They have said they are looking this month she was afraid to be into the relationship between alone with him. Court records Hartless and Medrano, who had show Medrano had reported obtained civil protection orders injuries including a concussion against him in connection with and cuts requiring stitches. domestic violence cases. Authorities say the gunman In the nearby city of Patas- had taken two passers-by as kala, Krantz’s family said she hostages in a wooded area liked to help others. behind the Pine Kirk Care “One of the things that I Center. DiSario, responding to fell in love with was she had a a report of a man with a gun, really big heart,” husband Chris said in his last radio commu- Krantz said. He said she would nication that he had the man give neighborhood children ice in sight. The hostages escaped cream and round them up to unharmed, as did all 23 resi- take them to Sunday school. dents of the nursing home. Page 14 samoa news, Monday May 15, 2017

In this April 28, 2016 photo, staff members from a social network company attend visitors at their booth which enable people to connect global clients during the 2016 Global Mobile Internet Confer- ence (GMIC) in Beijing. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Trade groups appeal to Beijing to postpone cybersecurity law BEIJING (AP) — A coali- free-trade pledges and might The complaint coincided tion of 54 global business harm information security. with a trade forum in Beijing The only female who competed in the 2017 World FireKnife groups appealed to Chinese The appeal by groups from that began Sunday at which Competition last weekend Jeralee Galea’i. Galea’I 16-year-old authorities Monday to postpone the United States, Japan, Britain Chinese President Xi Jinping won 1st place in her Intermediate division (12-17 years old) enforcing a cybersecurity law and other countries adds to appealed to foreign leaders against 8 males. Congratulations Jeralee! [courtesy photo] they warned violates Beijing’s complaints Beijing is improp- from two dozen countries in erly limiting access to its mar- Asia, Africa and Europe to kets for technology products, resist political pressure to limit Po Box PPB, Pago Pago possibly to support its own trade. AMERICAN SAMOA American Samoa 96799 POWER AUTHORITY Phone No.: (684) 699-3057 fledgling suppliers. Xi’s government has pro- Fax No.: (684) 699-4129 In a letter to Chinese regu- moted itself as a champion of Materials Management Office [email protected] lators and the ruling Com- free trade in response to calls munist Party’s cybersecurity in the United States and Europe committee, the groups said the to limit imports. Despite that, REQUEST FOR QUOTES (RFQ) Cybersecurity Law due to take China’s trading partners com- effect June 1 might violate plain it is the most-closed major RFQ NO: ASPA17.035.WW Closing Date & Time: May 31, 2017 Beijing’s trade commitments economy and business groups Issuance Date: May 12, 2017 No later than 2:00 p.m. local time and make theft of informa- say Beijing is further reducing tion easier. It would limit use access to markets for tech- The American Samoa Power Authority issues a Request for Quotes (RFQ) to invite qualified firms of foreign security technology nology and other products in to submit quotes for the: and require data about Chinese which it is trying to develop its citizens to be stored within the own suppliers. “Supply & Delivery of an Automated Screening System and country. Communist leaders say Signers included the Busi- China needs the data controls Wash-Press for the Tafuna Waste Water Treatment Plant” ness Software Alliance, the U.S. to prevent terrorism and anti- Submission Chamber of Commerce and government activity. But offi- An original and one (1) PDF must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked: “RFQ #ASPA17.035. trade groups for insurers, tech- cials of Chinese industry groups WTR Supply & Delivery of an Automated Screening System and Wash-Press for the Tafuna nology suppliers and manufac- quoted in the state press have turers from Britain, Japan, Aus- said previous restrictions on use Waste Water Treatment Plant.” Submissions are to be sent to the following address and will be tralia, Mexico and South Korea. of foreign security technology received until 2:00 p.m. (local time), Wednesday, May 31, 2017: Many of them were among also were intended to shield the Materials Management Office 46 groups that made a similar country’s fledgling providers appeal in 2016 for changes in from competition. American Samoa Power Authority the cybersecurity law, which Trade groups have previ- Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799 weren’t made. ously said planned Chinese Attn: Ioana S. Uli, Procurement Manager “We are deeply concerned data storage rules do nothing that current and pending secu- to improve security and create Any quotation received after the aforementioned date and time will not be accepted under any rity-related rules will effec- market barriers for foreign circumstances. Late submissions will not be opened or considered and will be determined as being tively erect trade barriers,” providers. non- responsive. said the letter. “China’s current They say the requirement for Document course risks compromising its foreign e-commerce and other legitimate security objectives companies to store data about The he RFQ package outlining the quotation requirements is available at The Materials (and may even weaken security) Chinese customers within the Management Office at ASPA’s Tafuna Compound and may also be obtained from our while burdening industry and country would add to the cost Website: http://www.aspower.com. undermining the foundation of and difficulty of doing busi- Right of Rejection China’s relations with its com- ness by requiring them to set up mercial partners.” duplicate storage operations. The American Samoa Power Authority reserves the right to reject any and/or all quotations and The groups appealed to Bei- Restrictions on use of secu- to waive any irregularities and/or informalities in the submitted quotations that are not in the best jing to postpone enforcing the rity technology in an earlier interests of the American Samoa Power Authority or the public. law until it can be made con- Chinese anti-terrorism law and sistent with Chinese market- rules for banks prompted a sim- Approved for Issuance: Utu Abe Malae, Executive Director opening commitments and ilar outcry from business groups World Trade Organization that said they would prevent rules. most use of foreign products. samoa news, Monday May 15, 2017 Page 15 North Korea: New long-range missile can carry heavy nuke SEOUL, South Korea (AP) unlikely that North Korea has — North Korea on Monday re-entry technology, which boasted of a successful weekend would return a warhead safely ADDS DETAIL ABOUT MISSILE - In this April 15, 2017, file photo, an unidentified missile that launch of a new type of “medium back into the atmosphere. analysts believe could be the North Korean Hwasong-12 is paraded across Kim Il Sung Square in long-range” ballistic rocket that Japanese officials said Pyongyang. The country’s official Korean Central News Agency said the missile fired Sunday, May can carry a heavy nuclear war- Sunday that the missile flew 14, 2017, was a Hwasong-12 “capable of carrying a large-size heavy nuclear warhead.” The Hwa- head. Outsiders also saw a sig- for half an hour and reached an song-10 appeared in the military parade in Pyongyang on April 15, 2017, followed by this unidenti- nificant technological jump, unusually high altitude before fied missile. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E, File) with the test-fire apparently landing in the Sea of Japan. Mission for Uruguay, which of new sanctions against North efforts unacceptable, but it has flying higher and for a longer Several South Korean ana- holds the council presidency Korea, including on oil imports. swung between threats of mili- time period than any other such lysts, including Lee Illwoo, a this month. The Security Council tary action and offers to talk as previous missile. Seoul-based commentator on The U.S. ambassador to the has adopted six increasingly it formulates a policy. Amid condemnation in military issues, said the mis- U.N., Nikki Haley, said on ABC tougher sanctions resolutions While Trump has said he’d Seoul, Tokyo and Washington, sile flew higher and for a longer television that the United States against North Korea. be “honored” to talk with leader a jubilant North Korean leader period than any other the North has been working well with President Donald Trump’s Kim under favorable condi- Kim Jong Un promised more has ever test-fired. North Korea China, Pyongyang’s closest administration has called North tions, Haley seemed to rule out nuclear and missile tests and has also launched satellites into ally, and raised the possibility Korean ballistic and nuclear the possibility. warned that his country’s orbit on long-range rockets that weapons could strike the U.S. share some of the same tech- mainland and Pacific holdings. nology as missiles. North Korean propaganda North Korea is not thought must be considered with wari- to be able yet to make a nuclear AMERICAN SAMOA ness — Pyongyang has threat- warhead small enough to mount ened for decades to reduce Seoul on a long-range missile, though SMALL BUSINESS to a “sea of fire,” for instance some outside analysts think — but Monday’s claim, if con- it can arm shorter-range mis- DEVELOPMENT CENTER firmed, would mark another siles with warheads. Each new big advance toward the North’s nuclear and longer-range mis- goal of fielding a nuclear-tipped sile test is part of the North’s missile capable of reaching the attempt to build a nuclear- U.S. mainland. Some experts, tipped intercontinental ballistic including officials in Tokyo, missile. SBDC SEMINAR SCHEDULE estimate that Sunday’s launch Kim said North Korea would The American Samoa Small Business Development Center will be offering the following successfully tested a new type stage more nuclear and missile of missile, potentially the lon- tests in order to perfect nuclear seminars to all interested individuals and organizations: gest in Pyongyang’s arsenal. bombs needed to deal with U.S. The test is also an immediate “nuclear blackmail.” 1. Business Start Up Seminar May 16-19, 2017 5-7 pm $40 challenge to South Korea’s new State media paraphrased the president, Moon Jae-in, a liberal North’s leader as saying that 2. 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A Certificate of Completion will be North Korea’s official strike.” Korean Central News Agency The launch complicates the awarded to the participants on the last day of the seminar. called the missile a “new new South Korean president’s ground-to-ground medium plan to talk to the North, and Companies or individuals may register now with an SBDC representative by calling long-range strategic ballistic came as U.S., Japanese and 699-4830 or 699-4834. rocket,” and said the “Hwa- European navies gather for joint song-12” was “capable of car- war games in the Pacific. rying a large, heavy nuclear “The president expressed Location: SBDC, M1 Building warhead.” deep regret over the fact that Kim witnessed the test and this reckless provocation ... Instructor: Dr. Herbert Thweatt, DBA “hugged officials in the field of occurred just days after a new Contact: Catherine Balauro, Priti Smith or Tala Pua 699-4830 or 699-4834 rocket research, saying that they government was launched in worked hard to achieve a great South Korea,” senior presiden- thing,” according to KCNA. tial secretary Yoon Young-chan The rocket, “newly designed said. “The president said we are FREE COUNSELING in a Korean-style,” flew 787 leaving open the possibility of Our confidential business consulting services are free of charge to our clients kilometers (490 miles) and dialogue with North Korea, but whose gross revenue is less than $20 million. reached a maximum altitude of we should sternly deal with a 2,111 kilometers (1,310 miles), provocation to prevent North the North said, and “verified the Korea from miscalculating.” homing feature of the warhead Moon, South Korea’s first under the worst re-entry situa- liberal leader in nearly a decade, tion and accurate performance said as he took his oath of office Your Small Business Resource Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Ameri- of detonation system.” last week that he’d be willing can Samoa Business Development Center was created as a result of an American Samoa Community College South Korea’s Defense Min- to visit the North if the circum- (ASCC) and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) partnership. Neither SBA Funding nor that from ASCC is an endorsement of any products, opinion or services. SBA and ASCC programs are extended to the public on istry said more analysis was stances were right. a non-discriminatory basis. needed to verify the North’s The U.N. Security Council claim on the rocket’s techno- will hold closed consultations VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.as-sbdc.org logical features. Spokesman about the launch on Tuesday Moon Sang Gyun said it’s still afternoon, according to the U.N. Page 16 samoa news, Monday May 15, 2017

C M Y K

Miss District of Columbia USA and new Miss USA Kara McCullough, right, embraces first runner up Miss New Jersey USA Chhavi Verg during the Miss USA contest Sunday, May 14, 2017, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) ➧ Miss USA… Continued from page 10 a leave of absence from her job at the Nuclear Regulatory Commis- sion during her one-year reign. Miss New Jersey Chhavi Verg, who studies marketing and Spanish at Rutgers Univer- sity, was the runner-up at the event held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center on the Las Vegas Strip. Verg was one of five women who participated in the pageant who told The Asso- ciated Press they immigrated to the U.S. with their families at a young age. Verg and the women representing Florida, North Dakota, Hawaii and Con- necticut described the challenges and opportunities they faced as immigrants. Verg told The AP that she and her parents immigrated from India to the U.S. with only $500 in their pockets when she was 4 years old. Her first winter she did not have a winter coat and the family struggled to adjust. “I want to show Ameri- cans that the definition of what it means to be American is changing,” the 20-year-old said. “It’s not just one face. There are C M many different people who are Y K Americans, and I feel like Asian- Americans often times are left out of the conversation.” The contestants’ remarks con- trast with the controversy that surrounded the pageant in 2015, when then-part owner and now U.S. President Donald Trump offended Hispanics when he made anti-immigrant remarks in announcing his bid for the White House. Trump co-owned The Miss Universe Organization with NBCUniversal, but the network and the Spanish-language broadcaster Univision quickly cut ties with him, refusing to air the show. Trump sued both net- works, eventually settling and selling the pageant to talent management company WME/IMG.