PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2018 $1.00

Vasa accepts plea agreement in DHSS food stamp fraud case Page 2 Former customs agent sentenced in airport marijuana bust Page 3

C M Fa’atofala’iga aiaia fefa’ataua’iga Y K ma le ulaula tapa’a Just prior to the landing nal approach, the veteran crew of Hawaiian Airlines inaugural Airbus 330- Le Lali 200 to American Samoa decided to celebrate their historic journey with a group photo acknowledging ONLINE @ SAMOANEWS.COM Miss Paci c, Matauaina Gwendolyn To’omalatai. See Cool Stu below for great story about HA Captain Kevin Hardin and local Alton Halani Fa’asala, and for more photos of  ight — see inside. DAILY CIRCULATION 7,000 [Photo by Barry Markowitz, 2/5/18, 8:50pm] Cool Stuff: Unbelievable Sexual assault trial involving Equator Boy 13-year-old schoolboy gets underway By Barry Markowitz by Ausage Fausia edly drove his car toward the nesses including the victim, his The great joy of Hawaiian Airlines inaugural Airbus 330- Samoa News Reporter victim’s school, but instead of teacher and the police offi cer 200 fl ight to American Samoa was magnifi ed a million times The jury trial of a busi- stopping in front of the school who investigated the case. over for veteran pilot, Captain Kevin Hardin at the Governor’s nessman who is charged with to drop off the victim, the Morris told the jury that the Lounge reception — where he met Alton Halani Fa’asala and attempted sexually assault of defendant allegedly continued Santa Clause hat the victim his parents. Who? And so? And the magical story goes…. a 13-year-old school boy over his vehicle toward the road to was wearing that morning was On February 15, 1989, ten days shy of an exact 29 years, two years ago began yesterday Vaitogi, and further to the dead- found by police on the top of Alton Halani Fa’asala was born directly over the Equator on a in the High Court. end road up to Mt. Logotala. Mt. Logotala, the scene where South Pacifi c Island’s Airways fl ight, Captain Hardin piloted. The government charged The government claims that the alleged crime took place. Alton’s birth certifi cate was scribbled on the offi cial fl ight Salene Singh with 4 criminal the victim started to be con- plan. Yup you proudly show off your LBJ or Moto’otua Hospital courts; attempted sodomy, cerned when the vehicle did not DEFENSE REMARKS birth certifi cate and our boy Alton one ups you with his fl ight attempted sexual assault, stop at his school. Uiagalelei told the jurors that plan birth certifi cate. You can’t make this kind of story up… its attempted sexual abuse in the At that time, the defendant this trial would be diffi cult for way, way too cool. Alton is truly our fi rst Cool Stuff, a Coolio fi rst degree, and kidnapping. allegedly told the victim that all of them, because it involves Equator Boy at birth. He is our personal “International Man of A six-member jury — four they are going to the beach fi rst. a minor child and sexual accu- Mystery”. So… Alton, where were you born? When you achieve females and two males — was The defendant’s vehicle headed sations against his client. great things in life where do they build the monument? Do you selected on Monday. to the top of Mt. Logotala, and He asked the jurors to not represent American Samoa, Samoa or the whole Pacifi c in your During opening statements, when the vehicle reached a make up their minds after just next Olympic Games? prosecutor Robert Morris secure area on the top of the hearing the government’s wit- Captain Hardin, Alton, parents Nick and Leatumauga Fa’asala explained to the jurors what the road, the defendant stopped his nesses, but to wait until both enjoyed a beautiful reunion that seemed to seal the wonderful re- government is saying — that the vehicle, and allegedly pulled sides present their evidence. energized relationship between the American Samoa Govern- “facts of the case are simple,” down his pants, exposed his “We have a job to do in this ment, and Hawaiian Airlines. The momentum of this relation- while defense attorney, Mar- private parts to the victim and case. My job is to represent my ship mainly appears to favor you, the traveling public. cellus T. Uiagalelei informed started touching the victim in a client, counsel Morris’s job is Check the pages of Samoa News because… drum roll the jurors that they must not get sexual manner. The defendant to make sure he prosecutes my please… we will publish Alton’s offi cial fl ight plan birth certifi - to a conclusion in the case until also told the victim to touch his client for all these accusations, cate in the next few days. they have heard evidence from private parts. and your job is to make sure my Alton, you are truly a blessing to us all. both sides of the case. According to the govern- client receives a fair trial in this Morris’ co-counsel is ment, the victim told the defen- case,” the defense said. Woodrow Pengelly, who is dant that he can’t do what he “So that’s why I ask you assisting him throughout the wants him to do. The victim was to keep an open mind because C M proceedings. then able to get out of the defen- this always comes down to Y K dant’s vehicle and walked down who you’re going to believe. PROSECUTOR’S from the mountain and fi nally At the end of this trial, the gov- OPENING REMARKS. got down to the main road. ernment’s theory of the case The government claims The defendant followed the makes no sense,” Uiagalelei that on the morning of Sept. victim and when he got to the concluded. 18, 2015, the victim who was victim, convinced him to get After attorneys from both a 13-year-old boy at the time in the car so that he could drop sides presented their opening of the alleged incident was him at his school. The victim remarks, the court then recessed standing on the road in Vai- agreed and got inside the defen- to await the arrival of the victim. togi, waiting for a bus to go to dant’s vehicle and the defendant After a 20-minute recess, the school. The victim was wearing dropped him at school. court was reconvened and the a Christmas uniform, including Inside the classroom, the government called the victim as a Santa Clause hat. government stated that the vic- their fi rst witness to testify. That While waiting for a bus to tim’s teacher saw the victim testimony will be reported on in go to school, a green pick-up crying that morning, while he Wednesday’s edition. driven by the defendant stopped was telling other students what The trial resumes at 9 a.m. in front of the victim and the had happened. That is when today. defendant offered the victim the teacher asked the victim to The case is being heard by Hawaiian Airlines Captain, Kevin Hardin, was happily sur- a ride to school — the victim explain what had happened and Acting Associate Justice Elvis prised to meet Alton Halani Fa’asala, born ironically almost agreed and got inside the defen- police were called for assis- P. Patea, assisted by Associate exactly 29 years ago, on a long ago  ight Hardin  ew to American dant’s vehicle. tance. In this case, the govern- Judges Mamea Sala Jr and Samoa. [Photo by Barry Markowitz, 2/5/18] The defendant then alleg- ment plans to call three wit- Paepae I. Faiai. Page 2 samoa news, Wednesday, February 7, 2018 Hawaii man wants Vasa accepts plea agreement people to know he in DHSS food stamp fraud case didn’t send missile alert by Ausage Fausia A few family members of of guilt. Samoa News Reporter the defendant were also present The court then scheduled District Court Judge Fiti in court during yesterday Vasa’s sentencing for April 28, Sunia has dismissed one count proceedings. 2018 at 8:30 a.m. of criminal fraud against one of When Vasa’s case was On the new matter to which the defendants — Jane Vasa — called, Pengelly informed the she pled guilty, the court did not from the Department of Human court that the government is not set up a bond and the govern- and Social Services (DHSS) prepared to put up any evidence ment said it was not opposed food stamp program, after the for the probable cause hearing. to an O.R. (own recognizance) government was unable to pro- Sunia acknowledged the gov- release for Vasa. vide sufficient evidence to the ernment’s move and ordered Sunia then ordered that the court during her preliminary that the felony charge against defendant be released on her examination (PX) yesterday the defendant be dismissed. own recognizance. morning. Sunia also acknowledged She was cautioned that she A plea agreement that was that the court had received a is not to leave or attempt to filed under seal has been pre- “new filing” from the govern- leave the territory, and she must sented to the court, where ment under seal, which includes appear in court whenever her Vasa agreed to plead guilty the new charge of misdemeanor case is called. The other two to stealing, a class A misde- stealing and also a plea agree- defendants in this case, Toeava meanor, punishable for a term ment between the government and Liren Zhang a.k.a Kevin are of imprisonment of up to 1 year, and the defendant. scheduled to appear in court this In this July 21, 2017 le photo, Jerey Wong, the Hawaii or a fine of up to $1,000 or both. In the agreement, which week for their PX hearings. Emergency Management Agency’s operations ocer, shows com- Vasa, who is out on a surety was read out in open court by Toeava is facing 19 crim- puter screens monitoring hazards at the agency’s headquarters in bond of $10,000 appeared in Sunia, it stated that the defen- inal counts and is scheduled to Honolulu. e photo originally accompanied an Associated Press the District Court yesterday dant agreed to plead guilty appear in court this morning at story in July about Hawaii preparing for a missile threat from morning for her PX hearing. to the crime of misdemeanor 10:30 a.m. for his PX. North Korea. Some online news organizations used the AP photo She was accompanied by her stealing. When asked about her Kevin, who is facing 17 in their coverage of the Jan. 13, 2018 false missile alert in Hawaii, attorney, Assistant Public plea, Vasa, who sat next to her criminal courts, is scheduled to leading some people to believe Wong was the person who sent the Defender Ryan Anderson, while attorney replied to the court, “I appear in court on Friday, Feb. false alert. e AP did not use the image in coverage of the false Assistant Attorney General plead guilty.” 9, 2018 for his PX. alert. Wong says he has received threats and harassment because Woodrow Pengelly represented The court also noted that the Sunia has set bail at $450,000 of the use of the image online. (AP Photo/Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, File) the government on behalf of defendant’s plea of guilty was each for Toeava and Kevin, and prosecutor Robert Morris, who voluntary after she was advised both defendants are currently in HONOLULU (AP) — When an erroneous alert was sent out was in High Court handling a by her attorney. The court also custody at the Territorial Cor- last month telling people in Hawaii that there was an incoming jury trial that started yesterday was satisfied that there was a rectional Facility (TCF), unable ballistic missile, Jeffrey Wong was an island away from the state’s morning. factual basis to support her plea to post bond. emergency management agency office where he works as an oper- ations officer. Wong helped gather hundreds of panicked guests at his hotel on the island of Kauai to seek shelter in a restaurant until he con- firmed the alert was a mistake. Then an Associated Press photograph circulated picturing Wong months earlier at the agency’s Honolulu operations center on Oahu island — and people mistakenly thought Wong was the “button-pusher” who sent out the alert, wrongly accusing him in online comments of causing widespread panic and confusion. Wong told The Associated Press last week he quickly learned how cruel the internet can be: “A lot of anger, a lot of ignorance came out as a result of that.” He added: “It’s very hurtful to be wrongly accused, wrongly marked as an individual that’s responsible for actions that (Continued on page 7) NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY FILE NO.: 17-CVD-5920

) MANAOMIA TAUANUU and ) SEELA TAUANNUU, ) NOTICE OF Plainti s, ) SERVICE OF VS. ) ) Speaking during yesterday’s day one of the two-day Tobacco Control Enforcement Workshop is GRACE TANIELA and ) PROCESS BY Kolisi Viki of Samoa, who is based at the Apia oce of the World Health Organization that over- NELI CHRISTIAN TAUEETIA, ) PUBLICATION Defendants. ) sees issues pertaining to tobacco and diabetes covering Samoa, American Samoa, Palau, Niue and ) Tokelau. TO: NELI CHRISTIAN TAUEETIA Front row, shows Health director Motusa Tuileama Nua (second from right), along with other TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has dignitaries at yesterday’s session, held at Tradewinds Hotel. been led in the above-entitled action. e nature of the relief being [photo: Leua Aiono Frost] sought is child custody of the minor child, TAFAILAGIIMOANA TANIELU, born July 21, 2016. You are required to make defense to this pleading no later than “Lady Doritos”? It’s not March 30, 2018, and, upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. Your defense must be led with the Clerk of Court of Cumberland County, P O Box 363, Fayetteville, NC, 28302, and a copy served upon the undersigned. happening, PepsiCo says is 23rd day of January, 2018. NEW YORK (AP) — Don’t The phrase “lady Doritos” Nooyi said in an interview on COOPER, DAVIS & COOPER expect to see “lady Doritos” trended on social media after the Freakonomics podcast. /s/ Robert L. Cooper on store shelves. The company PepsiCo’s longtime CEO Indra “They don’t like to crunch too By: ______behind the cheesy chips said Nooyi said on a podcast that loudly in public. And they don’t Robert L. Cooper Tuesday that it’s not developing unlike men, women don’t like lick their fingers generously and Attorney for Plaintis P O Drawer 1598 a line of Doritos designed spe- to lick their fingers after eating they don’t like to pour the little Fayetteville, NC 28302-1598 cifically for women, despite a bag of Doritos. broken pieces and the flavor (910) 483-3843 widespread online speculation “Women would love to into their mouth.” that it was. do the same, but they don’t,” Published: 2/7, 2/14, 2/21 (Continued on page 7) samoa news, Wednesday, February 7, 2018 Page 3 Former customs agent sen- Employment Opportunity LOOKING FOR CREATIVE tenced in airport marijuana bust WALL PAINTING ARTIST. by Ausage Fausia Before the court announced on what he meant by that. Samoa News Reporter its sentence, the defense Sources told Samoa News Please send resume to P.O Box 3838 The 22-year-old customs attorney, William R. Olson that the defendant did explain to agent that was convicted of of the RDA Law Firm called the Probation offi cer who inter- importing a controlled sub- two witnesses to the stand; the viewed him everything about stance, to wit; marijuana into the defendant’s grandmother and the speaker and the drugs that territory in March of last year his church Minister. were hidden inside, together was ordered to serve an impris- According to the grand- with the “names” of the person Employment Opportunity onment term of 20 months at the mother’s testimony, her “son” or persons who own the drugs. Territorial Correctional Facility is an obedient boy who loved Siaumau was sentenced to a GRANDVILLE REFRIGERATION AIR CONDITION & and pay a fi ne of $5,000. to attend church activities and term of imprisonment of 5 years ELECTRICAL SERVICES During Titifalaula Siau- youth functions. He does not and a fi ne of $5,000. The prison is seeking a REFRIGERATION TECHNICIAN mau’s sentencing yesterday, drink beer nor smoke cigarettes, sentence was suspended, and with at least 3-5 years experience. Please email resume to Chief Justice Michael Kruse but she suspects that perhaps the defendant was placed on [email protected]. took the time to explain in detail this changed in her son’s life probation for 5 years pending about the defendant’s case when he started to hang out with serving 20 months detention while members of his family his new friends. with no release except for a including his father and his In a follow up with her state- genuine medical emergency or grandmother and church mem- ment about her son’s friends, at the request of the court. bers were listening. Kruse asked the witness to tell After serving 6 months of According to the Chief the court who are her son’s detention, the court will enter- Justice, Titifalaula Siaumau friends she was referring to. tain a motion for work release was initially charged with the The witness stated she does not provided that the defendant can offense of importing of a con- know their names. be gainfully employed. trolled substance into the terri- In conclusion, she asked the Kruse told the defendant and tory, a class D felony, punish- court to release her son so that his attorney that gainful employ- FOR LEASE able by an imprisonment term they can be together as a family. ment does not include family 2,400 SF Warehouse space (new) of up to 5 years and or a fi ne of The defendant’s church farming nor employment with up to $5,000. Minister also testifi ed to the any businesses associated with He was also charged sepa- court that Siaumau is a hard- his family. He can be employed 6,900 SF Warehouse space rately of conspiracy to distribute working young man, who by the government but not by a controlled substance — mari- loved to offer his time to help Customs or Homeland Security. 21’ High ceilings with juana in the territory, a class B with a lot of church activities He was also ordered to pay a felony, punishable by impris- including youth functions. He’s fi ne of $5,000, attend and com- 10’ wide awnings in the front onment of not less than 5 years a young man whom he never plete substance abuse coun- and not more than 15 years. sees smoking or drinking. seling, and he must also agree Under a plea agreement, the In his own words, the defen- to random testing. Lastly, Kruse May be leased separately or together government agreed to dismiss dant apologized to the court stated that Siaumau had initially the more serious class B felony for his actions and begged for posted a cash bond of $10,000 Secure gated lot, large parking area charge, conspiracy to distribute another chance so that he could and failed to show up at an a controlled substance, and go back home and be with his earlier hearing. After that, the Conveniently located across the defendant agreed to pled family, his wife and kids, and court issued a bench warrant, guilty to a class D felony, the also to attend his church spiri- which resulted in his arrest, and from Procurement importing of controlled sub- tual activities. it was at that same time his prior stance into the territory. Siaumau said that he had attorney moved to withdraw. Kruse then stated that on learned a lot from his mistake According to Kruse, the For information call 252-1735 or 258-4471 Mar. 27, 2017, a package — while he was detained in prison court is mandated to forfeit actually a speaker box — arrived for 119 days. bond, however the court will at the Pago Pago International He assured the court that if entertain any motion within 10 Airport aboard Hawaiian Air- he is given another chance, he days, and if nothing is fi led, the lines and was addressed to a will do his best to stay away $10,000 cash bond will be for- Felix Penerosa, an employee of from trouble and focus on his feited to the government. CSL Cargo Services. He further job to take care of his grand- explained how the drugs were mother and family. found and what the CSL sub- Prosecutor Christy Dunn sequently told customs offi cers echoed the defense attorney’s that the package belonged to the request, to sentence the defen- defendant, who asked him for dant to a probated sentences, his help for mailing a speaker and allow him to go back home An important message for from some of his family mem- and seek employment to take bers from off-island. care of his family. Olson stated While in custody, the CSL that Siaumau is a productive TMO WINDOWS PLUS Customers: agent told police that he never member of society who does agreed to being used as an not have a criminal history. addressee of the package. Kruse told both attorneys The government claimed that that if they look at the pre-sen- Kindly make your way to our office this month approximately 5 lbs of mari- tence report, there’s a lot more juana was found inside the evidence in there that bothers (February) to take care of your outstanding speaker. the court. He did not elaborate past due invoices. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Samoa News welcomes and encourages If you do not come in to settle your past due Letters to the Editor. Please send them to our email [email protected] accounts within 30 days, I, Frank Gaisoa, will Box 909, Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799. Contact us by Telephone at (684) 633-5599 put your names and amounts owing on the Contact us by Fax at (684) 633-4864 or by Email at [email protected] local newspaper and air it on the local radio Normal business hours are Mon. thru Fri. 8am to 5pm. stations, especially the person still owing us Permission to reproduce editorial and/or advertisements, in whole or in part, is required. Please address such requests to the from 2014. Publisher at the address provided above. Page 4 samoa news, Wednesday, February 7, 2018 They spoke out pre- Senators follow the money — ASH- #MeToo and cheer it, with Cable and StarKist civil penalty by Fili Sagapolutele Responding to more questions from the com- note of caution Samoa News Correspondent mittee, Tonumaipe’a said, “More than $2 million herself in 2003 as the survivor The more than $1 million that the American is in the reserve account” which can only be used of one of the nation’s most Samoa Government received as dividends plus if requested by the governor, in the event of a notorious sex crimes, the 1989 corporate tax payments in connection with the “cash crisis” when there is just no cash available rape of a jogger in New York’s American Samoa Hawaii Cable (ASH-Cable) for ASG operations. Central Park. But “I don’t want LLC have been deposited in an ASG “reserve However, he said that if such cases arise, this people to feel pressure that ‘Oh, account” at the Territorial Bank of American account must be reimbursed and that signatures now I have to go on TV.’” Samoa (TBAS). on this account are himself and the governor. Long after Meili was raped This according to ASG Treasurer Uelinitone Local law states that any new revenue and beaten into a coma in an Tonumaipe’a, who along with Attorney General received by the government after a fiscal year has attack that became a symbol of Talauega Eleasalo Ale, were witnesses at yester- already started, is subject to Fono appropriation urban breakdown, her family day’s Senate Budget and Appropriations Com- and approval before it is spent. And this is made was wary of her going public. mittee hearing, which was continued from last clear in all provisions of any fiscal year budget But the investment banker- Friday. law. turned-nonprofit-executive What the committee is looking for is specific Talauega informed senators that this new wanted people to know her as details of how much money was actually received money will be submitted by the administra- more than a “rape survivor,” a by the government from ASH-Cable, where tion when the next budget review comes up “brain injury survivor” or the ASG is a minority shareholder and Florida-based and stressed that this money is subject to Fono In this Feb. 3, 2018 photo, “Central Park jogger.” eLandia Technologies owns the majority shares. approval before it is spent. Schenectady City Council- Ultimately, “I felt proud to The committee also wanted to know the total tax Also raised during the hearing is the where- woman Leesa Perazzo poses say, ‘Hey, I’m going to say that payment by eLandia. abouts of the $2.6 million of American Samoa’s at her home in Schenectady, I’m those labels ... and I’m also Committee chairman Sen. Magalei Logovi’i share of StarKist’s $6.5 million civil penalty for N.Y. She lived for decades with a person who loves and can be said senators want information and a firm expla- violation of federal environmental regulations in the personal impact of being loved,’” says Meili, 57, who nation in order for them to respond to questions waters of the territory. raped at 16, and two years wrote a book about her recovery from their constituents, who are seeking answers The ASG witness said the government has not ago a newspaper published her and became a motivational as to where or how the money has been spent. received this money. (See Samoa News edition account. She thought telling the speaker. She encourages sexual Talauega provided for the committee, a two- Jan. 4, 2018 for details.) story could help other victims assault victims to let someone page resolution — the Unanimous Consent OTHER ISSUES but worried that people might know, whether privately or Agreement — approved by the members of Sen. Fonoti Tafa’ifa Aufata had inquired think she was lying to get atten- publicly. ASH-Cable that outlines the non-cash and cash about off-island bank accounts for the govern- tion, though her attacker had In the name of #MeToo, distribution of the undersea fiber cable compa- ment and Tonumaipe’a explained that there are been prosecuted. Disclosing her countless people have spoken ny’s dividends, that was effective Nov. 14 of last two — and both at Utah-based Zions Bank. T own rape “was terrifying and up about being sexually year. he first one is the payroll account for direct amazingly empowering, all at assaulted or harassed. Some are Total cash dividends total $1.65 million, deposit and the second one is the $3 million the same time,” Perazzo says, actresses or pop stars; others are with eLandia getting $1.10 million and ASG for the State Small Business Credit Initiative but she’s glad she did it.” private citizens. All have gone $550,000. (SSBCI) program, which are federal funds and AP Photo/Hans Pennink) public despite the risk of being According to the agreement, eLandia will according to fed regulations, can only be depos- NEW YORK (AP) — The vilified or threatened online transfer a total of $1,024,749 to ASG to pay its ited and held by a US financial institution. newspaper was about to come or being branded troubled or liabilities for tax years 2015 and 2016 while the The US Treasury Department’s SSBCI out with Leesa Perazzo’s attention-hungry. remaining $72,251 — of the $1.10 million — program is administered by ASG Commerce account of being raped at 16. After a quarter-century, stays with eLandia. Department. The local program is called Amer- She was relieved. And petrified. Lauren Leach-Steffens remem- Talauega informed senators that ASG’s divi- ican Samoa Venture Fund. She had never told her story bers a former boyfriend asking dends as well as eLandia’s money to pay corpo- For clarification purposes, Samoa News notes so publicly but thought it could her whether she was making too rate taxes was received last December. that Tonumaipe’a was only speaking about the help other victims. Yet Perazzo, much of it when she first pub- Asked by the committee as to where this more ASG bank accounts under the Treasurer’s pur- a Schenectady city council- licly discussed being raped by than $1.5 million is at this point, Tonumaipe’a view and it doesn’t include bank accounts for woman, worried that people schoolmates at 13. She says she said he was directed by Gov. Lolo Mata- ASG semi-autonomous agencies, such as the might think she was lying to get felt as if the disclosure cast her lasi Moliga to deposit this money in the ASG ASG Employees Retirement Fund, which is gov- attention or that the crime would as “the person with the problem” “reserve account” held at TBAS. erned by its board of trustees. become inseparably attached to in other people’s eyes. her public identity. Later, as a behavior science Going public about the rape professor at Northwest Missouri Girl Scouts lobby to relabel “was terrifying and amazingly State University, she would tell empowering, all at the same students who confided in her: time,” the 52-year-old Per- “I’m open about this, but I don’t azzo says. The repercussions know that you should be open bridge named for segregationist about it.” she feared didn’t come to pass. ATLANTA (AP) — Hun- expressed doubts that his col- lawmakers to strip Talmadge’s Now, “I would say they’re Instead, other women confided dreds of Girl Scouts from leagues in the Republican- name from the bridge. Their going to get less blowback,” at their own experiences and across Georgia gathered inside controlled legislature would be formal request came about a least offline, says Leach-Stef- thanked her for speaking out. the state Capitol on Tuesday, eager to rename the bridge and month after deadly violence fens, 54. After #MeToo erupted “It changed me, and I’m offering cookies and smiles as risk angering their conserva- erupted in Charlottesville, Vir- from the sexual assault and grateful for that,” she says. they sought to convince law- tive base in an election year. ginia, where white suprema- harassment allegations against Now, little more than a year makers to get their founder’s But that was before he knew the cists rallying in support of Con- Hollywood producer Harvey later, she and other sexual- name affixed to a Savannah bridge had never been officially federate statues clashed with Weinstein, the sentencing of assault victims who came for- bridge that currently honors a named. counter-protesters. sports doctor Larry Nassar for ward before the #MeToo move- white segregationist. Stephens said his proposal On Tuesday afternoon, the molesting gymnasts and other ment emboldened multitudes The bridge may bear former has more than 50 legislative Girl Scouts held a news confer- young athletes became another of women are heartened by its Gov. Eugene Talmadge’s name, supporters and will likely get ence inside the Capitol as law- powerful forum for speaking message of speaking out and but Rep. Ron Stephens said he more, once others learn about makers and lobbyists swooped out.Some 200-plus women strength in numbers. recently learned the state leg- the technicality. up rapidly disappearing Thin and girls, including former It can be healing and liber- islature never officially named “We don’t want to rename Mints and Samoas. Olympic team gymnasts, told of ating to come forward, say vic- the bridge for Talmadge. The anything,” Stephens said. “Once Naming the bridge after Low being abused by Nassar. Some tims — or survivors, as many Department of Transportation it’s done, it’s for a reason. But I would be especially fitting, as requested anonymity. But many prefer to be called. To Perazzo, never gave it an official name, have it in writing from legisla- scouts frequently hold “bridging did not, despite the possible disclosing the rape meant “I’m nor did lawmakers. Legisla- tive counsel, the people who ceremonies” by walking across consequences of going public. not going to feel stigmatized by tion to do so passed the House write our bills, that it never offi- bridges when they graduate to “Every time someone it anymore or feel like I care if in 1991, but never passed the cially was named.” their next rank, said Sue Else, Googles them, for the rest of you’re judging me.” Senate, he said. The Department of Trans- the CEO of Girl Scouts of His- their lives, they will see the At the same time, she and Buoyed by this technicality, portation did not immediately toric Georgia. sickening things we’re talking others know how difficult and Stephens, a Savannah Repub- respond to a request for com- “Juliette was a true bridge- about here today,” said one risky it can feel to go public, and lican, introduced a bill to name ment on Stephens’ argument. builder,” Else said. “It’s just a victim, former gymnast Marion they caution that not everyone the bridge after Juliette Gordon Backed by their national natural fit that the 40,000 Girl Siebert. “When they apply for a should feel compelled to do so. Low, who founded the Girl organization, the Georgia Scouts who visit Savannah job, when they go on a first date, “I’ve seen these women gain Scouts in the coastal city more scouts’ campaign began after every year should be welcomed they won’t be able to be the strength by making the choice than a century ago. Savannah’s city council in Sep- by this iconic bridge.” ones to fully make the choice to share their story,” says Trisha Last month, Stephens had tember unanimously asked state Meili, who publicly identified (Continued on page 7) (Continued on page 7) samoa news, Wednesday, February 7, 2018 Page 5 On Trump’s desk: Dems’ clas- Pacifi c Island sifi ed memo on Russia News in Brief probeDems’ classifi ed memo compiled by Samoa News staff “Our Government has also SAMOA MAN GETS LIFE WASHINGTON (AP) — ment is intended to counter the THREE SAMOA MEN IN built a hospital to help with JAIL SENTENCE FOR President Donald Trump met GOP memo, which criticized CUSTODY ON MURDER the average Samoan’s medical MURDER with a top Justice Department methods the FBI used to obtain CHARGES needs, and refurbished schools Faranisisi Mikaele, a offi cial Tuesday to review a a surveillance warrant on a one- Samoa police have charged to make sure your children are 29-year-old from Malie, has classifi ed Democratic memo on time Trump campaign asso- three men with murder fol- given every opportunity for been sentenced to life imprison- the Russia investigation, less ciate. The president has until lowing the death of a 43-year- the best education. U.S.A.I.D, ment after being found guilty than a week after he brushed the end of the week to decide old man at a village east of the our development agency, has of murder. The defendant aside objections from the same whether to make it public. Faleolo International Airport worked with you on climate appeared before the Court on agency over releasing a Repub- On Tuesday, White House last weekend. TV1 Samoa change adaptation and disaster charges of unlawful act namely lican account. press secretary Sarah Huckabee reported police as saying the risk reduction.” assault, which caused the death The dueling memos — Sanders said Trump met with victim was drinking alcohol “Our Peace Corps pres- of Toetu Tone, a 28-year-old and Trump’s silence so far on Deputy Attorney General Rod with the three accused men at ence here is a daily reminder male of Sinamoga. The prose- whether he will release the Rosenstein to discuss differ- Sapulu village when a fi ght of our commitment to you and cution’s alternative charge fi led Democratic version — have set ences between the two memos, broke out which is alleged to our pledge to continue to work was manslaughter. up a standoff between Trump and “we are undergoing the have led to his death. together in every corner of your This follows an Assessors and congressional Democrats exact same process that we did A police investigation islands to help where we can.” Trial held last week before and deepened partisan fi ghts on with the previous memo, in resulted in the arrest of the The U.S, being Samoa’s Supreme Court Justice, Leiatau- the House intelligence panel. which it will go through a full three men who were in custody second largest trading partner alesa Darryl Clarke. The memos have become the and thorough legal and national awaiting court appearances on and close neighbour, allows Prosecuting the case was recent focus of the committee’s security review.” 26 February. Their names were both countries to enjoy exten- Lucy Maria Sio, while Tufuga probe into Russian meddling in The House panel voted not released. sive cross-cultural ties, robust Fagaloa represented the defen- the 2016 election, taking atten- unanimously Monday to release (Source: RNZI) trade with one another, and dant in this matter. The incident tion away from investigations the Democratic memo, sending ENVOY HIGHLIGHTS also confront similar economic, occurred back in January 2016, into whether Trump’s campaign it to the White House. SAMOA’S SPECIAL RELA- environmental, and sustainable where Toetu was found dead was involved. Separate Russia investi- TIONSHIP WITH THE US fi shing challenges and concerns. not far from his family home. The Democratic docu- gations are underway by the The United States, for more “The United States-Samoa (Source: Samoa Observer) (Continued on page 9) than a century, has enjoyed bilateral relationship is con- Human Resource Department, Tafuna close bilateral relations with sistently strong and mutually PO Box PPB, Pago Pago the Government and people of benefi cial. We look for ways American Samoa 96799 Samoa. The point was high- to partner with Samoa on eco- Phone No: (684) 248-1234, Option #5 Email: [email protected] lighted by the U.S. Ambassador nomic development, raise Website: www.aspower.com to Samoa and New Zealand, Samoa’s maritime domain Scott Brown, in Samoa last awareness capability, address PUBLIC JOB POSTING week. He was speaking during climate change and manage Posting Date a reception at Vailima to com- its effects, as well as increase Position Title PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST January 30, 2018 memorate the U.S.-funded people to people ties,” Mr. Department Procurement Deadline February 12, 2018, 4:00 pm school renovations at Safata Brown said. Mr. Brown shared Division Support Services Pay Rate $14.06/hr - $15.38/h4 District and other projects. In the importance of people in any attendance was the Head of bilateral relationship and why Position Type Career Service (12 months probation) Job Grade/Status H/5/B-H/7/B, Non-Exempt State, His Highness Tuimale- the U.S. values the Samoan Reports To Procurement Supervisor aliifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, people. Our commitment Deputy Prime Minister, Fiame to the Pacifi c region is just as Major Duties & Responsibilities e Procurement Specialist is responsible for managing, administering, and maintaining contracts for ASPA. Naomi Mataafa, Cabinet Minis- strong as it ever was, and this is position is responsible for assuring compliance with ASPA Contract Policy, draing initial agreements as ters, Members of the diplomatic will not change. I look forward needed, reviewing and processing contracts from dra to nal agreement, and maintaining a centralized contract corps, and invited guests. to working with all of you,” he database. e Procurement Specialist is also responsible for resolving any existing contract conicts, serving as a Mr. Brown said Samoa and said. (Source: Samoa Observer) liaison between internal and external parties during contract development and negotiation stages, performing legal the U.S. had enjoyed long-term research, and reviewing and making recommendations on outside contracts proposed to be entered into by ASPA. SAMOA PM SAYS LETTER is position is also responsible for: economic benefi ts. TO LUAGALAU PLOTTERS • Managing vendor relationships and overseeing order placement (including raw materials). “You may have noticed A FAKE • Tracking overall spending and improving bidding processes. many American compa- Samoan Prime Minister, • Performing price negotiations, purchase order creations, order tracking and management, and price dispute nies and products are already Tuila’epa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, resolutions. • Finding quality goods or services at an acceptable price that meets ASPA’s needs. present in Samoa. U.S. com- is concerned that a war of words • Soliciting bids to procure a variety of required goods and services. panies employing Samoans between himself and social • Assisting with contract termination procedures. include McDonald’s, Ford media bloggers may turn ugly. • Performing basic analyses for firm fixed-price or similar contracts. Motors, Sheraton, Coconuts A letter supposedly written • Participating as a team member on an acquisition management review team or on an equivalent assignment. • Conducting basic procurement procedures and techniques; performing commonly used contract methods and Beach Resort, Western Union, to two former Samoan cabinet types related to pre-award, post-award and/or price/cost analysis functions to perform well-defined and National Pacifi c Insurance, ministers convicted of the precedent contract actions. Matson Shipping, First Solar, murder of their colleague, Lua- • Analyzing business practices and market conditions to evaluate bid responsiveness, contractor responsibility, and Netvo,” he said. galau Levaula Kamu, and alleg- and contractor performance. • Presenting factual information; composing memoranda, minutes, and reports; drafting contract provisions and “And South Pacifi c Distrib- edly signed by Tuilaepa, has supporting documents. utors just commenced selling been labelled a fake in a media • Soliciting sources of supply and analyzing prices, discount rates, delivery dates, transportation charges, previous its beverage products in Samoa release by the prime minister. performance, commitments and indications of nancial responsibility, and recommending the most this week and another Amer- He said it was a threat to advantageous oer. ican company, Dr. Bronner’s • Assigning work in terms of objectives, priorities and deadlines and providing additional assistance with new or public security because when unusual assignments. is going to start using Samoan “one’s reputation is slandered • Planning and carrying out recurring work using established procedures, conferring with the supervisor or coconut oil to produce its soap and defamed without just cause higher-level specialists as necessary on technical problems. products this year.” or proof, it will also impact the • Reviewing purchase orders, contracts, change orders, addendums etc. for accuracy and for compliance with the “Samoan fi shing vessels can pride and integrity of families ASPA procurement rules. • Renewing, preparing, authorizing, and/or recommending contract extensions, approving and verifying invoices offl oad their catch directly at the and relatives which may pro- and contract pay applications to be paid. StarKist Cannery in American voke anything to happen”. • Analyzing and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of market trends, pricing availability, capacity, technology Samoa. This has been a fan- Tuila’epa was quoted as and supplier capability relative to products and parts. tastic win-win situation for the saying that he had “been told Minimum Requirements fi shing industry in both of our that the 20-year-old letter was Bachelor’s degree preferred and/or paralegal certification by diploma from accredited institution. countries.” penned by a prisoner and it was Education Mr. Brown explained: “The proven at the time to be a fake.” Experience Three to five years experience in contract draft, review and/or administration is preferred. Additional experience including legal research with a focus on corporate and contract work is a United States also makes indi- The prime minister says this plus. rect gestures of friendship is the fi rst time he has seen the Knowledge, • Must be proficient in Windows and MS Office Programs, including Word, Excel and Access. to Samoa through the World letter and it is a forgery. Skills & Abilities • Must be detail oriented, organized, have an ability to work independently and to multi-task Bank, Asian Development In 2000 Leafa Vitale and Toi • Must possess knowledge of organizational documents and have ability to perform legal research. Bank, Global Climate Fund, Aukuso were jailed for plotting • Must be personable, responsive, able to interact with attorneys and work with various other and I.M.F. This assistance people in the Netowork including Senior Leaders, Department Directors and Administrators, as the murder of cabinet colleague well as third parties. includes large grants and low Luagalau the previous year. interest loans for infrastructure Toi died while serving his Qualified applicants: Please submit a completed ASPA Employment Application with a copy of your resume to ASPA (address listed above) by the deadline. Please attach copies of credentials and transcripts. Candidates selected for hire must pass examinations projects that promote economic sentence. (Source: RNZI) (when applicable), pre-employment clearances & test negative on employment drug test. ASPA reserves the right to development. waive education and experience requirements as necessary. An Equal Opportunity Employer * A Drug Free Workplace Page 6 samoa news, Wednesday, February 7, 2018 Amtrak engineer Why Trump has little infl uence ordered to stand trial on rising or falling stocks in Philadelphia crash September. Lewis said evidence at the hearing — including testimony from an injured passenger and gruesome details of tattered cars and strewn limbs — should have been suffi cient to warrant a trial. “The victims are going to have their day in court, which is all they have ever sought,” said Thomas Kline, the lawyer for the family of a victim that kept FILE- In this Nov. 9, 2016, le photo an image of President-elect Donald Trump appears the case alive by fi ling a private on a television screen on the  oor of the New York Stock Exchange. President Trump has criminal complaint after city maintained an uncharacteristic silence since the stock market took a nose dive, notable for In this Dec. 20, 2017, le prosecutors declined to bring a businessman president who regularly points to the rising market as evidence of the success photo, Brandon Bostian, the charges. of his presidency and economic policies. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) Amtrak engineer involved in Eight people were killed and about 200 were hurt when WASHINGTON (AP) — into a market that Trump long news. The January U.S. jobs a 2015 derailment in Phila- For months, President Donald treated as a sure-fi re triumph. report showed that Americans’ delphia that killed eight people the Washington-to-New York train rounded a curve at more Trump boasted about having The same investors who average hourly wages, which and injured more than 200, steered the U.S. stock markets cheered Trump’s tax cuts and have lagged for years, had shot departs a er a hearing at than twice the 50 mph (80 kph) speed limit and hurdled off the to record high after record high. stayed calm amid the threat of up 2.9 percent over the pre- the Criminal Justice Center What a difference a few days a nuclear attack from North vious 12 months — the fastest in Philadelphia. During a tracks. National Transportation can make. Korea are now dreading the risk such increase in more than eight Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018, hearing, The market free-fall, explo- of higher infl ation and the pros- years. And Trump’s $1.5 tril- prosecutors were set to argue Safety Board investigators con- cluded Bostian lost his bearings sive volatility and now partial pect of rising interest rates engi- lion in tax cuts promise a further that charges should be rein- recovery of stock prices have neered by the Federal Reserve dose of economic stimulus. stated against Bostian, a er while distracted by radio chatter about an incident with a nearby served as a stark reminder that and other central banks. But the prospect of faster involuntary manslaughter Trump, like his predecessors, Beginning immediately after wage growth carries poten- charges were thrown out Sept. train. They found no evidence Bostian was impaired or using isn’t commander in chief of the his 2016 election all the way tial downsides, too. Infl ation 12, 2017, by a judge who deter- U.S. economy — or the fi nan- through last week’s State of could end up being higher than mined the evidence pointed to a cellphone. Bostian, 34, remains free cial markets. The markets pivot the Union address, the presi- expected, which could lead the an accident. on forces that owe at least as dent repeatedly claimed credit Fed and other global central (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File) on bail but must give up his passport and call court offi cials much to computerized trading for a surging stock market and banks to raise the short-term PHILADELPHIA (AP) weekly. He opted not to attend programs, overseas investors increases in Americans’ retire- rates they control faster than — Amtrak engineer Brandon his Feb. 21 arraignment. and global central banks as they ment saving accounts. On investors had been expecting. Bostian sat stunned Tuesday Bostian’s lawyers declined do to a president’s policies and Twitter, he declared that stocks There is also the risk that the as a judge reinstated twice- to comment on the ruling. force of personality. would rise even higher once his Fed could overshoot, as it some- rejected criminal charges and They’ve argued before that The Dow Jones industrial $1.5 trillion tax cut was “totally times has throughout its history, ordered him to stand trial for his speeding was a momentary average went on a wild ride understood and appreciated.” and raise rates so much or so a deadly 2015 train wreck in lapse from an otherwise safety- Tuesday — ricocheting between Investors and the trillions of fast as to cause an economic Philadelphia. conscious engineer. losses and gains — to close up dollars they control, it turns out, downturn. Judge Kathryn S. Lewis Bostian has been on unpaid more than 560 points, or 2 per- have minds of their own. The markets, in short, have ruled that another judge erred in leave from Amtrak since the cent. The gains weren’t enough, “This is a healthy reminder had to adjust to the risks of dismissing the reckless endan- crash. He is suing the govern- though, to offset the dizzying that there are risks in the higher infl ation, more govern- germent and involuntary man- ment-owned railroad, alleging drops from the prior two days market,” said Mark Doms, a ment debt and the potential for slaughter charges at a hearing in of frantic trading. senior economist at Nomura central banks around the world (Continued on page 10) Anxiety has settled deep Securities. “If you invest in the to simultaneously reduce their stock market, there are ups and economic support by raising downs. We just hadn’t had too rates — perhaps aggressively. In many downs recently.” an era of computerized trading It’s not just stock prices that that moves in microseconds, have been tumbling. Bond prices these adjustments can cause the have been falling and interest markets to violently whipsaw as rates have been rising on U.S. they did Monday afternoon and Treasurys. The result is higher Tuesday morning. loan costs, which make it more For now, the Trump adminis- expensive for the government to tration is choosing to emphasize borrow and more burdensome the possibility of faster wage for Americans who need to take gains. But it’s not apologizing on debt to buy homes or cars or for placing so much emphasis to pay for college. on the stock market’s perfor- In the 1990s, James Car- mance. At a House hearing ville, an aide to President Bill Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Clinton, declared that the bond Steven Mnuchin was asked market, not just elected offi - whether the administration cials, had power to shape White would take any responsibility House budget policies. The for the recent market drops. bond market, in setting federal “I think we will still claim borrowing rates, determined credit for the fact that it is up 30 just how much the government percent since the election,” he could afford to borrow. said. “I used to think if there was Yet while Trump has reincarnation, I wanted to come bragged in public about record back as the president or the pope stock prices, in an interview last or a .400 baseball hitter,” Car- year with The Associated Press, ville said. “But now I want to he acknowledged the trade-offs come back as the bond market. that result from linking his pres- You can intimidate everybody.” idency so closely to the fi nan- What the Trump adminis- cial markets. tration may fi nd frustrating is “You live by the sword, you that markets have plunged off die by the sword, to a certain of relatively positive economic extent,” he said. samoa news, Wednesday, February 7, 2018 Page 7 ➧ Lady… ➧ Girl Scout… Continued from page 2 Continued from page 4

is Sept. 26, 2014, le photo shows Nacho Cheese avored Doritos in Philadelphia. Don’t expect to see “lady Doritos” on store shelves. e company that makes the cheesy chips said Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018, that it’s not developing a line of Doritos Girl Scouts Veronica Ward, 11, right, and Audra Duncan, 12, look at a signed banner on dis- designed speci cally for women, despite widespread online spec- play at the Georgia Capitol during a rally to convince legislators to strip the name of segregationist ulation that it was. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File) former Gov. Eugene Talmadge from a Savannah bridge in Atlanta, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018. ey hope Nooyi, who has run the But PepsiCo said the inter- the bridge will be renamed in honor of Girl Scout’s founder Juliette Gordon Low. soda and snack company for pretation of her comments (AP Photo/David Goldman) more than a decade, later said to mean that female-friendly Rep. Teri Anulewicz, who served three terms between to the legislature.” the company is “getting ready Doritos were in the works were D-Smyrna, is a troop leader 1933 and 1942. The old bridge A similar effort to remove to launch” snacks that are “inaccurate.” and mother of a Girl Scout. She was replaced by a new bridge in Talmadge’s name in 2013 failed “designed and packaged dif- “We already have Doritos said she is giving Stephens’ bill 1991 and the name carried over, after the former governor’s ferently” for women. “Women for women — they’re called her full support because of the Stephens said. descendants lobbied hard at the love to carry a snack in their Doritos,” the company said in a impact the organization had on Talmadge railed against the state Capitol to oppose it. purse,” Nooyi said. statement Tuesday. her when she was growing up. New Deal for offering blacks For Zora Felix, a 13-year-old “Being a scout taught me hope of economic parity with Girl Scout from Douglasville, that it was good to lead, it was whites. He defended whites- the issue is obvious. The fact good to put yourself out front,” only primary elections in that the bridge honors a seg- ➧ Hawaii… Anulewicz said. “And a lot of Georgia. And he once pro- regationist is “shocking,” and Continued from page 2 times for girls, they’re not nec- claimed a black man’s place should be changed, said Felix, essarily given that implicit OK was “at the back door with his who is black. affected, in a negative way, a yellow sticky note in the back- that it’s good to put themselves hat in his hand.” “2017-18 has been the year lot of people within the state of ground that appeared to have a in leadership roles.” A spokesman for House for girls and empowerment,” Hawaii and possibly around the password on it, which people Since 1956, the span Speaker David Ralston said Felix said. “What better way to world.” circulating the photo after the crossing the Savannah River it is too early in the process to honor this than by naming the Wong said he wanted to set false alert pointed out as a at the Georgia-South Carolina comment on Stephens’ bill. A bridge after the founder of the the record straight so the public reason to criticize the emer- line has borne the name of Tal- spokeswoman for Gov. Nathan Girl Scouts? knows he didn’t send out the gency management agency — madge, a populist Democrat Deal said the issue is “best left alert. The employee who did prompting even more online has been fired. That man, who rage. spoke to reporters separately on Fearing for his safety, Wong the condition that his name not took screen-shots and print-outs be revealed, said he was dev- to Honolulu police and filed a American Samoa Government astated for causing panic but police report four days after the believed at it was a real attack Jan. 13 false alert. Authorities OFFICE OF PROCUREMENT at the time. are conducting a first-degree Wong, who oversees day-to- terroristic threatening and day operations at the agency, harassment investigation, said said he neither hired the other police spokeswoman Michelle man nor did the man report Yu. INVITATION FOR BIDS directly to him. He said the While Wong has been over- former employee’s supervisor whelmed by the criticism he IFB-010-2018 does report to him. has endured, guests at the hotel The AP took the photo in where he was attending a civil Issuance Date: February 2, 2018 Closing Date: February 13, 2018 July 2017 to accompany a story air patrol conference praised his No later than 2:00p.m. (local time) about Hawaii preparing for a efforts to keep them safe. North Korean missile threat. “We appreciate your actions 1. INVITATION The news agency did not resend greatly and are grateful that Sealed bids are invited from qualified firms to provide “Utulei, Su’igaula and Faga’alu Park it after the false missile alert, you happened to be there and but people found it online and showed yourself to be strong, Shoreline Protection” for the Office of Parks and Recreation. recirculated it on social media. calm and positive,” Marc Tiar, Some of their comments who was vacationing with his 2. RECEIPT & OPENING OF BIDS called for Wong to be shot and family, wrote in an email to Sealed bids will be received by the Chief Procurement Officer, American Samoa Government, water-boarded and there were Wong after returning home to Tafuna, American Samoa 96799, until 2:00 p.m. (local time), Friday, February 13, 2018 at also racially derogatory com- Nevada. “We are safe at home ments with some people ques- in Reno now, but my family which time and place the sealed bids will be publicly opened and read. tioning his loyalty to Hawaii and I will never forget that day and the U.S., he said. or the man who made sure we 3. MANDATORY PRE-BID MEETING The photo also included a would be as safe as possible.” A MANDATORY Pre-Bid Meeting for all contractors will be held on February 9, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Department of Procurement-Conference Room. Bids will not be accepted from ➧ bidders who are not present at the pre-bid meeting. They… 4. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS Continued from page 4 Electronic copies of contract documents, including Plans and Scope of Work can be examined on when to talk about what first about whom they want to or obtained from the Office of Procurement during regular business hours free of charge. happened.” tell and how, what they hope Artist, writer and activist will come from it and whether 5. The American Samoa Government reserves the right not to accept the lowest or any bid. Charlotte Farhan has found they can handle reliving the 6. The American Samoa Government reserves the right to waive any informality in bidding as may support and common cause in ordeal and fielding questions. be in the best interest of American Samoa Government. sharing her story in 2016 of “Know that you don’t have being raped at a party when she to share your story to be a sur- was 15. But she has also faced vivor,” says Farhan, 34, of online vitriol. Portsmouth, England. “You DR. ORETA MAPU CRICHTON She suggests others think have survived. That is enough.” Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Chief Procurement Officer Page 8 samoa news, Wednesday, February 7, 2018

C M Y K

Miss Paci c, Matauaina Gwendolyn To’omalatai surprised Hawaiian Airlines inaugural Airbus 330-200 passengers with a gi package from the airlines.  e airbus service o ers 40 additional seats and as well as three di erent levels of service: First Class, [Photo by Barry Markowitz, 2/5/18, 6:50pm] Rare dinosaur discovery in Egypt could signal more fi nds

MANSOURA, Egypt (AP) — A skeleton has been unearthed in Egypt’s Western Desert, where ancient sands have long helped preserve remains, but unlike most fi nds this one isn’t a mummy — it’s a dinosaur. Researchers from Mansoura University in the country’s Nile Delta discovered the new spe- cies of long-necked herbivore, which is around the size of a city bus, and it could be just the tip of the sand dune for other desert dinosaur discoveries. “As in any ecosystem, if we went to the jungle we’ll fi nd a lion and a giraffe. So we found the giraffe, where’s the lion?” said Hesham Sallam, leader of the excavation team and head of the university’s Center for C M Vertebrate Paleontology. Y K Sallam, along with four Egyptian and fi ve American researchers, authored an article in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution published Jan. 29 announcing the discovery. Experts say the fi nd is a land- mark one that could shed light on a particularly obscure period of history for the African con- tinent, roughly the 30 million years before dinosaurs went extinct, between 70 million and 80 million years ago. Named “Mansourasaurus Shahinae” after the team’s university and for one of the paleontology department’s founders, the fi nd is the only dinosaur from that period to (Continued on page 12) samoa news, Wednesday, February 7, 2018 Page 9

C M Y K

A look at some of the passengers, from the cruise ship Crystal Cruises, which was in port on Monday, as they board tour buses for local island tours.  e Crystal Serenity was on her maiden voyage to American Samoa following a stop in Honolulu and then heading on to Samoa.  e next ship for this month is the Aracadia arriving on Feb. 13 from Honolulu in the morning and departing for Tonga late a ernoon. Meanwhile, the American Samoa Visitors Bureau says an additional cruise ship has been con rmed to visit American Samoa in early May, bringing the total to 16 ships for 2018.  e Sea Princess will visit May 8, arriving from Suva, Fiji in the morning and departing early evening for Honolulu. [photo: Leua Aiono Frost] ➧ On Trump… Continued from page 5 Senate intelligence committee and special counsel Robert Mueller, whose team is sched- uled to interview former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon next week. The Mueller interview was confi rmed by two people familiar with it. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not autho- rized to speak publicly about details of the interview. Bannon is expected to face ques- tions about key events during his time in the White House including Trump’s fi rings of former national security adviser Michael Flynn and former FBI Director James Comey.Also Tuesday, the House intelli- gence committee gave Bannon another week to negotiate the terms of a closed-door inter- view as the White House has put limits on what he can tell Congress. Bannon was under subpoena to appear Tuesday as part of the panel’s Russia probe, but Republicans pushed the deadline to next week as talks about the terms of his interview C M continued. California Rep. Y K Adam Schiff, the top Demo- crat on the intelligence panel, said Bannon’s lawyer has told the committee that the White House will only permit him to answer 14 “yes” or “no” ques- tions. He said Bannon is barred by the White House from talking about matters during the presidential transition, his time at the White House and com- munications with Trump since he left in August. Schiff said the panel is in rare bipartisan agreement that the terms offered are unacceptable. “Should Bannon maintain his refusal to return and testify fully to all questions, the com- mittee should begin contempt proceedings to compel his tes- timony,” Schiff said. Page 10 samoa news, Wednesday, February 7, 2018 ➧ Amtrak… Continued from page 6 Trump aide: Some immigrants he was left disoriented or uncon- December. scious when something struck Pennsylvania’s attorney gen- his train before it derailed. eral picked up the criminal case ‘too lazy’ to sign up for DACA NTSB investigators against Bostian last May, as a have said nothing struck the statute of limitations loomed. locomotive. City prosecutors said their deci- Amtrak has taken responsi- sion not to prosecute Bostian bility for the crash and agreed to left them unable to take up the pay $265 million to settle civil criminal complaint from the claims filed by victims and their family of crash victim Rachel families. Jacobs. The railroad also has Jacobs, the head of a Phil- installed positive-train control adelphia-based technology technology that can automati- startup, was returning home cally slow or stop a speeding to her husband and 2-year-old train on its track from Boston to son in New York when she was Washington. killed. She was 39. The technology wasn’t in “We see no extenuating cir- place when Bostian’s train cumstances,” Kline said. “Mr. crashed and is still missing on Bostian had one job and one third-party tracks Amtrak uses job only on that day, which was in other parts of the country. to get the train from Point A to It wasn’t in place on tracks Point B and to carry those pas- where deadly crashes occurred sengers safely. He did not do in South Carolina on Sunday that. He has no excuse for the and in Washington State in speeding on the tracks that day.” Deadly earthquake strikes Taiwan; shelters opened TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — with his son and grandson. “It In this Jan. 30, 2018 photo, White House Chief of Sta John Kelly applauds President Donald A magnitude-6.4 earthquake was really scary.” Trump at his rst State of the Union address, at the Capitol in Washington. Kelly has told a small struck Tuesday near the coast of Other buildings shifted on group of reporters, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018 at the Capitol that “Dreamers” would not be a priority Taiwan, killing two people and their foundations and rescuers for deportation, even if their Obama-era protections expire and a deadlocked Congress hasn’t com- injuring more than 200 others, used ladders, ropes and cranes officials said. to get residents to safety. pleted a deal to protect them. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) The ground floor of the Mar- Taiwanese media reported WASHINGTON (AP) — registered under the program, gave lawmakers until March shal Hotel in Hualien county that a separate hotel known as Some immigrants may have nicknamed DACA, which 5 to pass legislation shielding caved in, causing the death of the Beautiful Life Hotel was been “too afraid” or “too lazy” shields immigrants who came to the Dreamers. A federal judge one employee. Another person tilting. The agency also posted to sign up for the Obama-era the U.S. as children and stayed has indefinitely blocked Trump died in a residential building, photos showing a road fractured program that offers protection here illegally. from terminating the program’s the national fire and rescue ser- in several parts. from deportation, White House “There are 690,000 official protections, blunting the dead- vice reported. Bridges and some highways chief of staff John Kelly said DACA registrants and the pres- line’s immediate impact. Chen Minghui, a mainte- were closed pending inspec- Tuesday as he defended Presi- ident sent over what amounts Many lawmakers are uneasy nance worker who was res- tions after buckling due to the dent Donald Trump’s proposal to be two and a half times that about what might happen to cued after being trapped in the force of the quake. on the divisive issue. number, to 1.8 million,” Kelly the Dreamers after March 5, hotel’s basement, said the force With aftershocks con- Kelly discounted the pos- said. “The difference between and Democrats — and Trump of the earthquake was unusual. tinuing, shell-shocked residents sibility that Trump would (690,000) and 1.8 million were himself — are using that uncer- “At first it wasn’t that big were being directed to shelters, announce a temporary exten- the people that some would tainty as leverage to help force ... we get this sort of thing all including a newly built baseball sion of the Deferred Action for say were too afraid to sign up, a deal. the time and its really nothing. stadium, where beds and hot Childhood Arrivals program others would say were too lazy Kelly rejected the idea of But then it got really terrifying,” food were provided. beyond March 5, when its pro- to get off their asses, but they asking lawmakers to extend the Chen said after he was reunited tections could expire. He said didn’t sign up.” deadline, saying, “What makes the administration would not Immigration experts cite them act is pressure.” ask Congress to set a later date various reasons why people eli- In exchange for making citi- to give bargainers more time gible for DACA’s protections zenship a possibility, Trump to reach a bipartisan deal, but do not apply. These include lack wants $25 billion for border said the government would not of knowledge about the pro- security, including money start deporting “Dreamers” who gram, a worry that participating to build parts of his coveted don’t have criminal records. will expose them to deportation wall along the U.S.-Mexico “They are not a priority for and an inability to afford regis- boundary. He also wants to curb deportation,” he told reporters. tration fees. legal immigration, restricting Ph. 252-2964 Kelly spoke as lawmakers “I’m sorry for that character- the relatives that legal immi- have deadlocked in an effort to ization. It doesn’t surprise me grants could sponsor for citizen- Location:Room 209, Tedi of Samoa - Fagatogo reach an immigration compro- from Gen. Kelly,” No. 2 Senate ship and ending a lottery that mise. Barring an unlikely last- Democratic leader Richard distributes visas to people from O ce Hrs. 9am to 2pm minute agreement, the Senate Durbin of Illinois, his party’s diverse places like Africa. is expected to begin debating chief immigration negotiator, “I can’t imagine men and (684) 633-0179 the issue next week, and it is said of the White House staff women of good will who Family Owned & Operated since 1998. We are American unclear what if any plan will chief’s remarks. begged this president to solve survive. Durbin also scoffed at Kel- the problem of DACA” would Samoa’s only full time Pest Control Company. We provide “We just don’t know where ly’s assertion that “Dreamers” oppose Trump’s proposal, Kelly a very aordable and friendly service. 60 votes are for any particular would not be deported after the said. He added, “Right now, the proposal,” said Senate Majority March 5 deadline arrives. champion of all people who are Do you have ROACH, ANT, FLEAS, TICKS, TERMITE, Leader Mitch McConnell, “It’s cold comfort to DACA DACA is Donald Trump.” RATS, AND OTHER PEST PROBLEMS? R-Ky., citing the votes needed people that if Congress does Democrats strongly oppose for passage. Republicans have a nothing, they’re still safe in the limiting legal immigration, and • Call for a FREE PEST EVALUATION OR NO slim majority and any measure loving arms of the Department conservatives are against giving will need around a dozen Dem- of Homeland Security,” said citizenship to DACA recipients, OBLIGATION INSPECTION ocratic votes to succeed. Durbin. and Trump’s bill has gotten • We do GROUND TERMITE TREATMENT & Kelly said Trump’s recent With leaders working on a little traction in Congress. offer to provide a path to citi- separate track toward a budget Durbin, his party’s chief vote CONSTRUCTION PRE_TREATMENTS zenship for up to 1.8 million pact, Trump threw a knuckle counter, said Trump’s proposal immigrants went “beyond what ball into the mix, saying he’d would not get 60 Senate votes, • We provide services for Houses, Boats, Cars, anyone could have imagined.” “love to see a shutdown” if saying, “I don’t think it will get O ces, Warehouses, Storage, Restaurants, Furniture A bipartisan offer by six sena- Democrats didn’t meet his any votes on the Democratic pieces, stores and cafeteria and health clinics. tors that Trump rejected would immigration demands. side.” have made citizenship possible Trump said last September for the 690,000 “Dreamers” that he was ending DACA but samoa news, Wednesday, February 7, 2018 Page 11 SpaceX’s big new rocket blasts

off, puts sports car in space (Courtesy Photos)

 is image from video provided by SpaceX shows the company’s spacesuit in Elon Musk’s red Tesla sports car which was launched into space during the rst test  ight of the Falcon Heavy rocket on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018 (SpaceX via AP) CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. Twitter. “Apparently, there is a speed bumps before settling (AP) — SpaceX’s big new car in orbit around Earth.” into its intended orbit around rocket blasted off Tuesday on Minutes later, he provided the sun, an oval circle stretching its fi rst test fl ight, carrying a red a livestream of “Starman” from the orbit of Earth on one sports car aiming for an endless tooling around the blue home end to the orbit of Mars on the road trip past Mars. planet, looking something other. It has to endure a cosmic The Falcon Heavy rose from like a NASCAR racer out for bombardment during sev- the same launch pad used by a Sunday drive, with its right eral hours of cruising through NASA nearly 50 years ago to hand on the wheel and the left the highly charged Van Allen send men to the moon. With arm resting on the car’s door. radiation belts encircling Earth. liftoff, the Heavy became the On the eve of the fl ight, Finally, a thruster has to fi re to most powerful rocket in use Musk told reporters the com- put the car on the right orbital today, doubling the liftoff punch pany had done all it could to course. of its closest competitor. maximize success and he was If it weathers all this, the The three boosters and at peace with whatever hap- Roadster will reach the vicinity 27 engines roared to life at pens: success, “one big boom” of Mars in six months, Musk Kennedy Space Center, as or some other calamity. Musk said. The car could be traveling thousands watched from sur- has plenty of experience with between Earth and Mars’ neigh- rounding beaches, bridges and rocket accidents, from his orig- borhoods for a billion years, roads, jamming the highways inal Falcon 1 test fl ights to his according to the high-tech in scenes unmatched since follow-up Falcon 9s, one of billionaire. NASA’s last space shuttle fl ight. which exploded on a nearby pad Musk acknowledged the At SpaceX Mission Control in during a 2016 ignition test. Roadster could come “quite Southern California, employees The Falcon Heavy is a com- close” to Mars during its epic screamed, whistled and raised bination of three Falcon 9s, the cruise, with only a remote pumped fi sts into the air as the rocket that the company uses chance of crashing into the red launch commentators called off to ship supplies to the Interna- planet. each milestone. tional Space Station and lift sat- Also on board in a protected Two of the boosters— ellites. SpaceX is reusing fi rst- storage unit is Isaac Asimov’s both recycled from previous stage boosters to save on launch science fi ction series, “Foun- launches — returned minutes costs. Most other rocket makers dation.” A plaque contains the later for simultaneous, side- discard their spent boosters in names of the more than 6,000 by-side touchdowns on land at the ocean. SpaceX employees. Cape Canaveral. Sonic booms The Heavy is intended for The Heavy already is rattling rumbled across the region with massive satellites, like those the launch market. Its sticker the vertical landings. There was used by the U.S. military and price is $90 million, less than no immediate word on whether major-league communication one-tenth the estimated cost of the third booster, brand new, companies. Even before the NASA’s Space Launch System made it onto an ocean platform successful test fl ight, customers megarocket in development for 300 miles offshore. were signed up. moon and Mars expeditions. SpaceX chief executive Elon “It was awesome like a sci- SpaceX has decided against Musk owns the rocketing Tesla ence fi ction movie coming to fl ying passengers on the Heavy, Roadster, which is shooting for reality,” said former NASA Musk told reporters Monday, a solar orbit that will reach all deputy administrator Dava and instead will accelerate the way to Mars. As head of Newman, Massachusetts Insti- development of an even bigger the electric carmaker Tesla, he tute of Technology’s Apollo rocket to accommodate deep- combined his passions to add professor of astronautics. “They space crews. His ultimate goal a dramatic fl air to the Heavy’s nailed it. Good for them.” is to establish a city on Mars. long-awaited inaugural fl ight. Given the high stakes and “If people think we’re in a Ballast for a rocket debut is usu- high drama, Tuesday’s launch race with the Chinese, this is ally concrete or steel slabs, or attracted huge crowds not our secret weapon: the entre- experiments. seen since NASA’s fi nal space preneurship of people like Elon Cameras mounted on the shuttle fl ight seven years ago. and others like Jeff Bezos,” car fed stunning video of the While the shuttles had more said Stanford University’s G. convertible fl oating high above liftoff muscle than the Heavy, Scott Hubbard, NASA’s fi rst the ocean with its driver, a the all-time leaders in both size Mars czar. Amazon’s Bezos space-suited dummy, named and might were NASA’s Saturn heads Blue Origin, which is “Starman” after the Davie V rockets, which fi rst fl ew developing a big, reusable Bowie song. A sign on the astronauts to the moon in 1968. orbital-class rocket and already dashboard read: “Don’t panic!” Not counting Apollo moon is making suborbital fl ights in Bowie’s “Life on Mars?” played buggies, the Roadster is the fi rst Texas. in the background at one point. automobile to speed right off Before launch, Bezos offered “View from SpaceX Launch the planet. “best of luck” to Musk. Control,” Musk wrote via The car faces considerable Page 12 samoa news, Wednesday, February 7, 2018 Pence won’t rule out NKorea ➧ Continued… Continued from page 8 meeting, will ‘see what happens’ and nuclear ambitions, according to White House offi cials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to preview the trip publicly. “We’ll be telling the truth about North Korea at every stop,” Pence told reporters after touring missile defense facilities Monday that monitor and could respond to a launch by the North. “We’ll be ensuring that whatever cooperation that’s existing between North and South Korea today on Olympic teams does not cloud the reality of a regime that must continue to be iso- U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and his wife lated by the world community.” Karen walk upon their arrival at Yokota Air In South Korea, Pence will visit a memorial Base on the outskirts of Tokyo, Tuesday, Feb. to the 46 South Korean sailors killed in a 2010 6, 2018. Vice President Pence’s six-day swing torpedo attack attributed to the North, and hold have been discovered in Africa, blance to another dinosaur through Asia will include a stop at the Winter meetings with President Moon Jae-in. and it may even be an undiscov- discovery in Egypt, that of the Olympics in South Korea. “Missile defense is essential to our national ered genus. Paralititan Stromeri, excavated (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi, Pool) defense,” Pence said before a briefi ng with U.S. In the article the authors say by an American team from the the team’s fi ndings “counter University of Pennsylvania, TOKYO (AP) — U.S. Vice President Mike Northern Command at Joint Base Elmendorf- hypotheses that dinosaur faunas whose fi ndings were published Pence said he has not ruled out the possibility Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. He touted the of the African mainland were in 2001. Both were long-necked of meeting with North Korean offi cials at the coming deployment of an additional 20 ground- completely isolated” during the herbivores grazers, but the upcoming Olympics in South Korea. based interceptors that would respond to an late Mesozoic period. Those Paralititan Stromeri was much “Let me say President Trump has said he enemy launch.Leading the U.S. delegation to the theories were that Africa’s larger. It was among the largest always believes in talking, but I haven’t requested Olympic Opening Ceremonies, Pence will bring dinosaurs during that time known dinosaurs, weighing in any meeting,” Pence said before departing to the games Fred Warmbier, the father of Otto existed as if on an island and at 75 tons and over 30 meters Monday on a six-day Asia trip. “But we’ll see Warmbier, the U.S. student who died in 2017 developed independently from (33 yards) long. what happens.” shortly after he was released from North Korean their northern cousins. The Mansourasaurus’ Pence arrived Tuesday in Japan, where he will detention. But Mansourasaurus’ fossil- smaller size is more typical of meet with Prime Minster Shinzo Abe and U.S. “He & his wife remind the world of the ized skeletal remains suggest an the Mesozoic era, when dino- service members. The vice president’s trip will atrocities happening in N Korea,” Pence tweeted anatomy not very different from saurs’ time was running out, be highlighted by his stop at the Pyeongchang Monday.The trip comes after President Donald those discovered in Europe geologically speaking, Sallam Games. He said no plans have been made for him Trump hosted a group of North Korean defectors from the same period, an indi- said. With a long neck and to meet with any members of the North Korean in the Oval Offi ce on Friday, including Ji Seong- cation that a land connection tail, its torso would have been delegation. Yet both he and Secretary of State ho, whom the president referenced in his State of between Africa and its northern similar to that of an African ele- Rex Tillerson have conspicuously kept the door the Union address last week. The White House neighbor may have existed. phant and measuring tip-to-tale open to such an interaction, while simultane- cast the meeting as part of the Trump administra- The news was welcomed by over 10 meters (11 yards) and ously avoiding any suggestion that the U.S. was tion’s “maximum pressure” campaign to counter other paleontologists, who now weighing several tons. pushing or seeking to initiate one. That delicate the North Korean nuclear program. The plan cen- see the desert to the west of the The Western Desert would balance has led to some verbal gymnastics as ters around rallying the international community Nile as fertile ground for new have more closely resembled a U.S. offi cials try to explain what is and isn’t in to further isolate North Korea both diplomatically information about the Earth’s coastal jungle during the dino- the offi ng. and economically.White House offi cials said former residents. saur’s lifetime, with half of “We’ve been clear in not saying there defi - Pence was expected to continue to bring attention Kristi Curry Rogers, an asso- what is the country today under nitely will not be a meeting,” Undersecretary to North Korea’s human rights abuses on the trip, ciate professor of geology and water. of State Steve Goldstein said as he traveled and offer of reminder of grim conditions in North biology at Macalester College Finding the dinosaur remains with Tillerson in Latin America. “The secretary Korea.On Sunday, the North Korean government who specializes in large long- in the vast desert was the always believes that if there’s an opportunity for shot back that its nuclear missile program would necked dinosaurs like the Man- product of back-breaking work. a negotiation, regardless of what the issue is, we “deter Trump and his lackeys from showing off sourasaurus, said Tuesday that The team scoured the area of should try to take that.” on the Korean peninsula.” the fi nd’s strong pronounced the fi nd more than 750 kilome- North Korea is sending its nominal head of “If Trump does not get rid of his anachronistic chin and other unique ana- ters (466 miles) southwest of state, Kim Jong Nam — the highest-level visitor and dogmatic way of thinking, it will only bring tomical quirks will help piece the capital for fi ve years before to the South from the North in recent memory. about the consequence of further endangering together the evolutionary his- they found the partial skeleton Pence said his message, if he met any offi cials security and future of the United States,” the gov- tory of dinosaurs in Africa once of the Mansourasaurus in 2013. from the North, would be the same as it has been ernment said in comments carried by the North’s more fossils have been found to Sallam said he and a group in public. “And that is that North Korea must offi cial Korean Central News Agency. compare it with. of doctoral and master’s degree once and for all abandon its nuclear weapons Trump and other senior offi cials have repeat- “This highlights how much students were heading to give program and ballistic missile ambitions,” he said. edly said that time is running out before North there is left out there to dis- a lecture at a local university Pence said he aims to ensure North Korea Korea gains the capability to strike the U.S. cover,” she wrote by email. when they stumbled on a desert doesn’t “hijack” the games as it participates on mainland with a nuclear-tipped intercontinental “And I’m excited that people road with the appropriate geo- a joint team with the South, in the view of the ballistic missile. The isolated country has proven like Dr. Sallam and colleagues logical outcroppings that they White House. He’ll hold symbolic events of his it can launch missiles of suffi cient range, but has are on the ground searching for hadn’t noticed before. The next own to highlight the North’s human rights abuses yet to develop a vehicle that can withstand the hazards of atmospheric re-entry. fossils.” morning, the team returned to While Egypt has a long his- survey it, covering an area of tory of archaeology, paleon- several kilometers. It wasn’t tology has not enjoyed the same long after they started that one popularity — or had the same of the students called him on the success. phone, saying he should come In 1911, German paleontolo- see the number of bones she’d gist Ernst Stromer led an expe- found. dition to the oasis of Bahriya Sallam said he knew from in the Western Desert. There, the fi rst small piece of fossil $120 $80 he discovered four species of he was shown that it was a big Daily Rate 2013 Toyota Sienna Daily Rate 2016 Toyota Corolla dinosaurs, including a predatory deal. Automatic (White Mini Van) Automatic (White Car) type known as the Spinosaurus, “When I fi rst saw it I told all from the Cretaceous period. them, ‘If this comes out as I But all of his fi ndings were later expect, your names will go ‘’WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING ORDERS FOR ANY CAR PARTS’’ lost in Allied bombing of the down in history,’” he recalled. WITH AFFORDABLE PRICE Munich Museum during World There is some hope the War II. discovery could bring more SPECIAL for weekly rate Sallam said researchers don’t funding for the paleontology $130 know how Mansourasaurus fi eld in Egypt and fi nancing for 1 day FREE for every 7 days rental! Daily Rate 2013 FORD F150 Automatic (Green Truck) lived and died, except for the current studies, Sallam said. fact that it was a plant eater. But he said he’s most proud Contact Information: Jiin Jang There’s no indication whether it of making science real for O&O INC. CAR RENTA L (258-4563) or Tafa Leaupepe lived alone or in a herd. people who otherwise aren’t PO Box 3897, Pago Pago, AS 96799 Office: 699-4484 • Fax: 699-2307 The bones bear a resem- exposed to it as much. Located in Nu’uuli (O&O Inc. Wholesale) Email: [email protected] samoa news, Wednesday, February 7, 2018 Page 13 Amid controversy, Tarantino expresses regret over Thurman NEW YORK (AP) — Thurman spoke out again Director Quentin Tarantino has Monday on Instagram, responded to Uma Thurman’s reposting the crash video and allegation that he put her life acknowledging that Taran- in danger with a dangerous car tino “was deeply regretful and stunt on “Kill Bill,” calling the remains remorseful about this incident “the biggest regret of sorry event, and gave me the my life.” footage years later so I could But just as he was making expose it and let it see the light amends for that incident — of day ... I am proud of him for and trying to explain it — the doing the right thing and for director was being excoriated his courage.” She said she held on social media Tuesday for the fi lm’s producers and “the remarks he made in a 2003 inter- notorious Harvey Weinstein” view with Howard Stern that responsible for covering up and resurfaced online, seemingly refusing to give her the video defending Roman Polanski for for years. “They lied, destroyed having sex with a 13-year-old evidence, and continue to lie girl, saying the victim “wanted about the permanent harm they to have it” and was “down to caused and then chose to sup- FILE - In this Sept. 29, 2003 le photo, director of the lm “Kill Bill: Volume 1,” Quentin Taran- party” with Polanski. press,” the actress wrote. tino, le , and actress Uma  urman arrive at the premiere of the lm in Los Angeles. Tarantino has The incident involving It wasn’t just the car incident expressed sorrow for the car crash that injured Uma  urman during shooting of “Kill Bill,” calling Thurman became public on Sat- that called Tarantino’s behavior it the biggest regret of his life. He said he had test-driven the route himself and believed it to be safe, urday, in a New York Times into question; Thurman also and persuaded  urman she could drive it. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File) column in which the actress, said the director himself both while also making sexual mis- spit on her and choked her Human Resource Department, Tafuna PO Box PPB, Pago Pago conduct allegations against during scenes where it was American Samoa 96799 Harvey Weinstein, recounted called for in the script. Taran- Phone No: (684) 248-1234, Option #5 Tarantino’s persuading her to tino explained to Deadline that Email: [email protected] drive a car on the Mexico set he spit on Thurman himself Website: www.aspower.com that she had been warned might because he felt he could do be faulty. accomplish it more effi ciently PUBLIC JOB POSTING Thurman told columnist than actor Michael Madsen, Position Title HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC Posting Date February 2, 2018 Maureen Dowd that she’d and that it was Thurman’s idea Department Equipment Deadline February 15, 2018, 4:00 p.m. expressed fear beforehand, and that he choke her. “I can act all Division Support Services Pay Rate $8.89/hr - $9.25/hr asked that a stunt driver do it strangle-ey, but if you want my instead. An irritated Tarantino face to get red and the tears to Position Type Career Service (12 months probation) Job Grade/Status D/6/A – D/7/A, Non-Exempt convinced her to do it, she said, come to my eye, then you kind Reports To Heavy Equipment Supervisor and she crashed into a tree, suf- of need to choke me,” Taran- fering what she said was per- tino explained. The director was Major Duties & Responsibilities manent neck damage, a concus- also getting severely criticized A Heavy Equipment Mechanic performs skilled tasks in the mechanical repair and maintenance of heavy trucks, earth sion and damage to her knees. on Twitter on Tuesday as audio moving, and related construction equipment, gasoline and diesel powered tractors, garbage trucks, dump trucks, and Video that Thurman provided surfaced of his remarks con- dozers. A Heavy Equipment Mechanic is primarily responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of heavy equipment. e the Times — provided to her cerning Polanski, 84, who has incumbent will be required to repair any heavy equipment that might break down, x/adjust hydraulic pumps and safety by Tarantino himself — shows been a fugitive since fl eeing to valves, inspect repairs, and adjust diesel power units, hydraulic systems, injection valves and systems, and mold boards. her struggling to control the car France in 1978 while awaiting He/she must also inspect, adjust, and repair gasoline/diesel machinery, vehicles, or equipment as well as any hydraulic/ before crashing, and then being sentencing for unlawful sex cable operated attachments. is position will repair and maintain trenching machines and set proper grade. is position is also required to perform incidental welding operations on equipment; install, replace, or adjust lters, belts, or similar lifted out of the vehicle. with a minor in 1975. objects to maintain equipment; and make skillful, controlled manipulations of small objects to repair equipment. He/ In an interview with Dead- “She wanted to have it and she must also communicate any unsafe conditions or accidents/injuries in a timely manner to the supervisor in order to line published Monday, Taran- dated the guy,” Tarantino says facilitate prompt correction or reporting, must demonstrate continuous eort to improve operations, decrease turnaround tino disputed some of the details in the audio interview. When times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service. in the Times account but said he Stern and his co-host, Robin had indeed persuaded Thurman Quivers, protest, Tarantino Minimum Requirements to drive the car, although not as replies, “Look, she was down Education High school diploma or equivalent. angrily as described. He said he with this.” Experience Must have ve (5) years of experience in heavy equipment maintenance and repair. Welding knowledge had driven the road himself and Some were noting on or experience is a plus. Must also be able to successfully operate or use heavy equipment. it had seemed totally straight, Tuesday that Polanski will Knowledge, • Must be knowledgeable in heavy equipment maintenance and repair, hydraulics, the construction but that a decision was made for fi gure as a signifi cant character Skills & Abilities and operation of internal combustion and diesel engines. Thurman to drive it in the other in Tarantino’s upcoming fi lm • Must have knowledge of the tools and equipment used in the diagnosis, overhaul, repair and direction, and somehow there about the Manson murders, adjustment of heavy equipment. was a turn that he didn’t expect. slated to coincide with the 50th • Must have knowledge of auto electronics and on-board computers and how to access them for “I didn’t force her into the anniversary of the murders next diagnosing problems. car,” he told Deadline. “She got year. Sharon Tate, who was • Must be able to remain in a standing position for extended periods of time. into it because she trusted me. killed, was married to Polanski. • Must be capable of lifting arms above shoulder level to install and remove transmission components And she believed me.” He said Polanski pleaded guilty to as well as bend or stoop repeatedly over time to check air pressure on tires. seeing the crash was “just hor- having unlawful sex with the • Must be capable of manipulating tools in areas of limited spaces. rible ... It was heartbreaking.” girl, Samantha Geimer, when • Must be able to move heavy objects, fifty pounds or more, across long distances. He called it “the biggest regret she was 13. She has said he • Must be able to work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others. of my life.” drugged, raped and sodom- • Must be knowledgeable of the hazards of the job and is trained in safety precautions of the trade. A representative for Taran- ized her. The Associated Press • Must have skills in the care and use of hand and power tools employed in all phases of heavy tino has not responded to two does not typically name victims equipment mechanical maintenance and repair work. requests for comment from the of sex abuse, but Geimer went • Must have skills to use automotive servicing equipment such as A/C recycler, hydraulic jack, or emission analyzer. Associated Press. public years ago. • Must be able to diagnose defects in heavy duty equipment. • Must be able to understand and carry out oral and written instructions in the English or Samoan language. • Must have ability to complete forms to record or report information in standard format as specified FAIRNESS by the form and observe or monitor objects to determine compliance with prescribed operating or We make an issue of it every day. safety standards. • Must be able to read, understand and apply information from charts, graphs, and manuals. If you want to comment about our fairness, call Samoa News at 633-5599 Quali ed applicants: Please submit a completed ASPA Employment Application with a copy of your resume to ASPA Human Resources (address listed above) by the deadline. Please attach copies of credentials and transcripts. Candidates selected for hire must pass examination (when applicable), pre-employment clearances & test negative on pre-employment drug test. ASPA reserves the right to waive education and experience requirements as necessary. An Equal Opportunity Employer * A Drug Free Workplace Page 14 samoa news, Wednesday, February 7, 2018 British judge upholds arrest warrant for Julian Assange Distinct style of Korean pop warrant should be withdrawn,” Arbuthnot told lawyers, jour- to echo in Olympic spotlight nalists and Assange supporters gathered at London’s Westmin- ster Magistrates’ Court. However, she allowed Assange’s lawyer to make a new set of arguments chal- lenging whether it is in the public interest to continue the case against Assange, and said she would rule on them next week. A decision in Assange’s favor would end Britain’s case against him. In this Feb. 5, 2016 le Assange, 46, has been holed photo, WikiLeaks founder up in Ecuador’s embassy in Julian Assange speaks from London since he took refuge the balcony of the Ecuadorean there in June 2012 to avoid Embassy in London. A British extradition to Sweden, where judge on Tuesday Feb. 6, 2018 prosecutors were investigating upheld a U.K. arrest warrant allegations of sexual assault for the WikiLeaks founder and rape made by two women Julian Assange, leaving his in 2010. legal position unchanged a er Swedish prosecutors more than ve years inside dropped the case last year, the Ecuadorean Embassy.  e saying there was no prospect judge says the warrant stands, of bringing Assange to Sweden rejecting a call from Assange’s in the foreseeable future. But lawyers for the warrant to Assange was still subject to the British warrant for breaching be revoked because he is no In this Dec. 1, 2017 le photo, members of South Korean music band Dynamic Duo pose for his bail conditions in 2012. longer wanted for questioning photos on the red carpet of the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) in Hong Kong.  e clothes, the The judge said that if in Sweden. hair, the con dence , the look of Korean pop-music, or K-pop, can either feel like high fashion or just Assange wanted the warrant (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, plain quirky. But that’s what draws in fans to South Korea’s most famous export. It will be hard to File) lifted he should surrender to bypass this cultural phenomenon during the upcoming 2018 Olympic Winter Games. authorities and come to court. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File) LONDON (AP) — A British She said he would be able to judge on Tuesday upheld a U.K. argue his case and “put an argu- to recreate the complicated Bubblegum pop has lately arrest warrant for WikiLeaks ment for reasonable cause” for SEATTLE (AP) — The routines with seriousness and taken an edgier turn. Nods to founder Julian Assange, leaving breaching his bail conditions. clothes, the hair, the confi dence accuracy. the mainstream American taste him still a wanted man in the After the ruling keeping — the look of Korean pop And in the U.S., American have produced Korean hits country where he has spent the warrant in place, the judge music can feel like high fashion youth have driven demand for swept up in rap, hip hop, R&B more than fi ve years inside the agreed to let Assange’s lawyer, or just plain quirky. formal programs catering to and reggae infl uences, as well Ecuadorean Embassy. Mark Summers, argue in his But that’s what draws fans their obsession. Clark Sorensen, as those that are more explicit Judge Emma Arbuthnot client’s absence that the warrant to South Korea’s most famous Korea history professor and the and sexual. But that move rejected a call from Assange’s should be lifted because it was musical export. director of the University of hasn’t been without criticism as lawyers for the warrant to no longer in the public interest As much as the music and Washington’s Center for Korea observers have called it out as be revoked because he is no to arrest Assange. lyrics themselves, the per- Studies in Seattle, said he devel- cultural appropriation that can longer wanted for questioning Summers said Assange had fectly symmetrical stars and the oped offi cial course material be downright racist. in Sweden over alleged sex several serious health prob- meticulous choreography defi ne about three years ago because Here’s a sample at some crimes. It was issued in 2012 for lems including depression, K-pop for a country obsessed his students showed up to his kinds of K-pop: jumping bail. and argued that the fi ve and a with image and beauty. Modern Korean Society class Bubblegum Pop And if you’ve managed to asking: Where’s the K-pop? “Gee” by Girl’s Genera- “I am not persuaded the (Continued on page 15) elude the beats and fl ash of its “I just started doing it,” the tion is a reassuring taste of music and videos until now, longtime anthropologist said. mainstream K-pop hit music, rest assured it will be hard to “They’re interested in Korea featuring simple but abundant bypass this cultural phenom- because they’re interested in dance moves performed by enon during the Winter Games. K-pop.” more than a half dozen females Among the most viewed The K-pop industry began in matching casual and colorful YouTube videos of all time in the 1990s as the country was outfi ts while they dance in a with more than 3 billion hits is growing as a democracy and its store, a nod to South Korea’s TEL: 633-4266 OR 699-1267 • FAX: 633-2964 OR 699-1263 Psy’s 2012 earworm “Gangnam profi le rising on the world stage. other beloved pastime: mall Style.” But that is hardly repre- It was thought to be used to har- shopping. sentative of the genre. It’s actu- ness its rich history of highly- K-Hip Hop Employment Opportunity ally a parody of K-pop drawing trained musicians and artists “AEAO” by Dynamic Duo on its own absurdities, which with the emergence of its home- sounds right at home as a hip- We have a vacancy for an experienced LEADING HAND experts say was fully embraced grown high tech expertise, said hop classic with melodic raps Only those who can demonstrate all of the below will be considered: locally when it became a global Keith Howard, a music history and hooks, moody lighting, touchstone of Korean culture. expert and National Humanities breakdancing and turntable ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES Though the multibillion- Center fellow. But what began scratching. - Lead and motivate the workforce dollar industry hasn’t yet as a movement to develop cul- More Explicit - Ensure safe work conditions at all times become truly mainstream in the tural entertainment for its own “Hello Bitches” by CL is - Deliver tasks to meet project targets U.S. and other Western coun- people gave way to a mas- a more sexualized, explicit - Assess and allocate work priorities tries, there’s fanatical interest sive, rabid fan base beyond its form in this edgier evolution of REQUIREMENTS among millions of people old borders. K-pop, taking black leather and - Competence in operating heavy machinery and young across Asia and in The past decade saw another twerking to a new level for the - Trade qualifications relevant to construction industry pockets of the rest of the world. wave of K-pop that is far more genre. The South Korean people commercial, as talent agen- Parody - 10 years of experience in Civil Construction and government are proud of cies develop rigorous training “Gangnam Style” by Psy is - Ability to delegate and manage tasks their infectious brand of music programs that capitalize on a parody by a pudgy Korean - Proven ability in training staff and music videos, which fea- both the genre’s appeal as an entertainer with a signature - Competence in understanding and promoting health and safety ture Korean lyrics dashed with export and as a vessel for mass- horse-gallop dance move. - Current immigration and work clearance catchy English phrases, vibrant market advertising and product But he registers as an “anti- - Social Security Card fashion and elaborate dance marketing. Korean” archetype among the If you are interested in applying, please deliver your CV (Resume) to McConnell moves. Its fans are famous for “It was very well placed very image-conscious, plastic Dowell office by 4:00pm Monday 12 February, 2018. their devotion to their favorite to move very, very quickly to surgery-embracing native bands, which has created a spin- assimilating and appropriating population. off hobby involving a sizable Western music,” Howard said. McConnell Dowell is an Equal opportunity employer. number of Koreans gathering What started as innocent samoa news, Wednesday, February 7, 2018 Page 15 Maldives high court annuls order freeing jailed politicians MALE, Maldives (AP) — the politicians released, saying Three Maldives Supreme Court the order “blatantly disrupts justices on Tuesday annulled the systems of checks and their own order to free a group balances.”The emergency of imprisoned opposition poli- decree gives offi cials sweeping ticians after two of the court’s powers to make arrests, search justices were arrested amid a and seize property and restrict political crisis in the Indian freedom of assembly. Ocean archipelago nation. “This state of emergency is The new ruling came as Pres- the only way I can determine ident Yameen Abdul Gayoom how deep this plot, this coup, moved to assert his power over goes,” Yameen said. the court, declaring a state of Meanwhile, Yameen’s main emergency and ordering secu- political rival called on India to rity forces to raid the court send an envoy — backed by its compound where the justices military — to free the impris- were arrested.Political turmoil oned justices and opposition has swept the Maldives since leaders.Exiled former President the surprise court ruling last Mohammed Nasheed, who was week ordering the release of the among the opposition politi- opposition leaders, including cians ordered freed and who is many of Yameen’s main polit- now in neighboring Sri Lanka, ical rivalsThe annulment of said in a statement that Yameen Maldives policemen clear the area of supreme court a er the government declared a 15-day state that order was announced in “has illegally declared martial of emergency in Male, Maldives, early Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018.  e Maldives government declared a court statement issued late law and overrun the state. We a 15-day state of emergency Monday as the political crisis deepened in the Indian Ocean nation Tuesday night after Yameen must remove him from power,” amid an increasingly bitter stando between the president and the Supreme Court. Hours a er the issued a state of emergency calling for the Indian envoy and emergency was declared, soldiers forced their way into the Supreme Court building, where the judges for the country that restricted military to be sent. “We are were believed to be taking shelter, said Ahmed Maloof, an opposition member of Parliament. citizens’ rights and was inter- asking for a physical presence.” (AP Photo/Mohamed Sharuhaan) nationally condemned. He also He also called on the U.S. to labeled the original court ruling stop Maldives government offi - a coup and a plot.“This is not a cials from making transactions Human Resource Department, Tafuna PO Box PPB, Pago Pago state of war, epidemic or natural through U.S. banks. American Samoa 96799 disaster. This is something more There was no immediate Phone No: (684) 248-1234, Option #5 dangerous,” Yameen said on response from India or the Email: [email protected] Website: www.aspower.com national television. “This is an United States, though both have obstruction of the very ability of called on Yameen to obey the the state to function.” original Supreme Court order. PUBLIC JOB POSTING Yameen has rolled back a The spokesman for U.N. Position Title AUTO MECHANIC I Posting Date February 2, 2018 series of democratic reforms Secretary-General Antonio Department Auto Shop Deadline February 15, 2018, 4:00 p.m. during his fi ve years in offi ce Guterres said he was seriously Division Facilities, Security & Maintenance Pay Rate $7.28 – $7.58/hr and said that the court over- concerned about the declaration stepped its authority in ordering of a state of emergency. Position Type Career Service (12 month probation) Job Grade/Status D/1/A-D/2/A, Non-Exempt Reports To Auto Shop Supervisor Major Duties & Responsibilities ➧ Perform skilled maintenance and repair work on all vehicles, light and heavy equipment eets; disassemble and as- British… semble engines and hydraulic units; perform minor or major overhaul and repair work re: mechanical components, Continued from page 14 electrical system, brakes, fuel system, clutch, cooling system, air conditioning, dierential, transmission, etc; provide half years he has spent inside U.S. offi cials haven’t con- call-out/emergency repair services as required; assist in ensuring adequate inventory of high-usage parts and sup- the embassy were more than fi rmed whether a request for plies; assist in ensuring maintenance and repair work is cost eective and ecient; perform other tasks as assigned. adequate punishment for his Assange’s extradition has been Minimum Requirements actions. made.Tuesday’s ruling pro- He also cited a U.N. report in longs a stalemate that has kept Education HS Diploma with Certication in Automotive Mechanics – trade & technology required; AS degree in Automotive Technology with Certication preferred support of Assange. Assange as Ecuador’s houseg- Arbuthnot said she would uest for 5 ½ years. Last month, Experience Five years (5) work experience in automotive eld. Experience and skills in safely operating a heavy duty lathe machine would be an added advantage. Computer skills in ProDemand Automotive Repair rule on those arguments Feb. Ecuador said it had granted the online program is also a plus. 13. Australian-born hacker citizen- Had the judge ruled in ship in a bid to break the logjam. Knowledge, Must be knowledgeable of: Assange’s favor on Tuesday, he Ecuador also asked Britain Skills & Abilities • vehicle painting procedures and protocols • hydraulics and in using diagnostic scanning tools for troubleshooting and identifying vehicle would have been free to leave to grant him diplomatic status. electronic problems the embassy without being Britain refused, saying “the way • tools and equipment used in the diagnosis, overhaul, repair and adjustment of vehicle, light and arrested on the British warrant. to resolve this issue is for Julian heavy equipment However, Assange suspects Assange to leave the embassy to • auto-electronics, on-board computers, and how to access them for diagnosing problems hazards there is a secret U.S. grand face justice.” and safety precautions involved with the work jury indictment against him If the British case against Must have skills: for WikiLeaks’ publication Assange is dropped, it might • in automotive body repair and repainting work of leaked classifi ed American make it easier for Assange to • in diagnosis of vehicle, light and heavy problems documents, and that American obtain diplomatic status, which • to lubricate and service equipment as per maintenance schedule authorities will seek his extra- could ease his way for pos- • to fabricate parts and panel where safe and acceptable options are available dition. He fears he will imme- sible travel to Ecuador without • to perform welding work where required diately be taken into custody if risking arrest and extradition • in the use of automotive mechanical and electronic tools (air/power) and equipment he leaves the embassy, sparking proceedings. Must have ability to: • work rotating shifts, weekends and holidays when required what would likely be a long British prosecutors had • read and understand technical manuals, reports and instructions including schematic drawings legal battle against extradition opposed the removal of the war- and diagrams to the U.S. rant, saying Assange shouldn’t • establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work Assange lawyer Jennifer be immune from the law simply • read and follow manuals and standardized procedures in service and maintenance of vehicles/ Robinson said after the court because he has managed to equipment session that he is willing to face evade justice for a long time. • be a team player and willing to offer assistance on critical matters and issues pertaining to the Auto Shop British justice if he receives a Extradition lawyer Rebecca • ensure safe working practices at all times guarantee that he will not be sent Niblock, of the law fi rm King- • assist in maintaining appropriate records to the U.S. to face prosecution. sley Napley, said before the • be proactive and responsible “The British authorities’ ruling that Assange’s legal • perform housekeeping duties in keeping workshop clean and tidy failure to provide assurance argument was a longshot. against that risk is the reason he “Failing to surrender to bail sought asylum in the embassy is like insulting the court’s in the fi rst place,” she said. authority” and unlikely to go Quali ed applicants: Please submit a completed ASPA Employment Application with a copy of your resume to ASPA Human Resources (address listed above) by the deadline. Please attach copies of credentials and transcripts. Candidates selected for hire must “This is and has always been down well with the court, she pass examination (when applicable), pre-employment clearances & test negative on pre-employment drug test. ASPA reserves the our overriding concern.” said. right to waive education and experience requirements as necessary. An Equal Opportunity Employer * A Drug Free Workplace Page 16 samoa news, Wednesday, February 7, 2018

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