Lolo seeks Fono approval... 2 DOC: Law to pro- tect businesses from foreigners... 6 Texan aviator and pilot Brian Lloyd (middle) on the tarmac at the Pago Pago International Airport, with people who serviced his plane last Saturday night, upon arrival for a stopover in American Samoa, around 9 p.m. Lloyd is on an around- Semi-Annual Triathlon the-world solo flight to commemorate American female aviator, Amelia Earhart’s famous flight 80-years ago. The four people pictured with Lloyd are: (L-R) Jason Pritchard of Pritchard’s Airport Service — a local airport ground handling company — an event a success... airport police officer, and the PAS crew. See story below. [photo: FS]

B1 ONLINE @ SAMOANEWS.COM Tulafono e fa’asala ai C M tagata e solia lotoa o Y K aoga i le po DAILY CIRCULATION 7,000 B10 PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA MONDAY, JULY 24, 2017 $1.00 Texas pilot flying solo around the world stops over in Pago Despite field condition, ACKNOWLEDGING A PIONEER OF FLIGHT — AMELIA EARHART COMMEMORATED Summer Baseball League by Fili Sagapolutele The Associated Press Samoa News Correspondent reported last week that the dis- American Samoa was the appearance of Earhart and her concludes on high note stopover point, for rest and navigator Fred Noonan on July refueling, for Texas pilot Brian 2, 1937, in the Western Pacific MAY RESULT IN CLOSURE OF BASEBALL FIELD FOR ASHSAA GAMES Lloyd who is flying solo on his Ocean has been the subject of single engine plane around the continuing searches, research, by Samoa News Staff world, to commemorate Amer- and debate. ASSA president Louis Sola’ita told Samoa The summer baseball clinics hosted by the ican female aviator Amelia Ear- A longstanding theory is News last week that an estimated 300 kids American Samoa Softball Association (ASSA) hart’s famous flight 80-years that the famed pilot ran out of between 4 and 18 years old participated in the in collaboration with the Department of Parks ago. gas and crashed into deep ocean two-month program that included clinics and and Recreation (DPR) ended a week ago Sat- “My plan is to take with waters northwest of Howland tournaments for both softball and baseball. urday, with no injuries, despite complaints from me some flowers or flower leis Island, a tiny speck in the South Earlier this month, Samoa News received several parents about the “horrible conditions” at to drop over Howland Island, Pacific that she and Noonan emails from concerned parents who called the the baseball field. which is where Amelia Earhart missed, according to the AP. baseball field “filthy” with one of them saying, “It (In previous years, the summer baseball pro- disappeared,” Lloyd said during American Samoa is not is a disgrace that we are actually letting our chil- gram was run by the American Samoa Baseball an interview with Samoa News known to have been a stopover dren play in an area that is really just dangerous.” Association but this year, according to Victor at Pago Pago International Air- or planned stop for Earhart. Photographs of shattered glass, boarded up Langkilde, the program was led by the AS Soft- port last Saturday, not long The 62-year-old Lloyd windows, rusty railings, and a ripped off fence ball Association instead, per the Department of after landing around 8:45p.m. explained that the stopover in accompanied the email, with one parent also Parks and Rec, which oversees both the summer on a flight from Hamilton, New American Samoa — instead complaining about the stench. “There is some- program and the baseball field). Zealand. of other Pacific Islands — was thing dead somewhere because the smell is (Continued on page 7) (Continued on page 9)

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South Pacific Watersports (SPW) is currently hosting a summer F.I.T. camp for kids between 10 and 17 years old. The program aims to teach kids how to lead healthy lifestyles through exercise and good eating habits.F.I.T. stands for “Functional, Interactive, Training.” According to program organizers, youngsters will do more than just burn calories. During the 3-week program, participants will learn how to work as a team, build self-confidence, eat healthy, care for our coast, be the best version of themselves, and learn about the history of Samoan people, as well as the territory’s future. Kids will visit unique places around the island and experience the culture through discussions on topics like the tatau (traditional Samoan tattoo) and siapo (tapa). They will also be exposed to activities most of them are not familiar with, like hiking, swimming, biking and also riding a canoe. This is the second year that SPW is hosting the F.I.T. summer camp and the membership has grown. Last year, only 20 kids came out, but the number has increased to 35 this year. Other organizations like the National Park Service and the Department of Commerce are supporting this year’s camp activities. South Pacific Watersports and its vision of trying to help and keep the people of American Samoa healthy and fit has grown since it was established in 2013 under the leadership of owners, Michael and Paula McDonald. SPW has gained popularity amongst locals looking for ways to stay healthy and live long, as well as fighting against diseases like diabetes and obesity. [photo: Mark Espiritu] Page 2 samoa news, Monday, July 24, 2017 Lolo seeks Fono approval of Alternative Minimum Business Tax BLAMES ‘CREATIVE ACCOUNTING’ AND ‘LOOPHOLES’ FOR NON-PAYMENT OF TAXES by Fili Sagapolutele the AMBT for the initial taxable Samoa News Correspondent year and the following taxable Establishing a new one- year only. percent Alternative Minimum The AMBT does not apply Business Tax (AMBT) will to a non-profit corporation. ensure that businesses pay their However, businesses that share of taxes and not avoid them undergo reorganization will be through creative accounting subject to the AMBT regardless and loopholes, said Gov. Lolo of the year of inception. Matalasi Moliga, who asked the During the ASG Revenue Fono for approval of the pro- Task Force presentation to the posed AMBT bill, “requiring Fono early this month, the gov- businesses to pay a minimum ernment said it estimates to col- tax.” lect about $2.3 million annually In his cover letter, which from the AMBT and the figure includes language of the bill, is based on historical data over Lolo claims that many busi- a 3-year period. nesses in American Samoa have Over the 3-year period, on successfully avoided paying average, only 13% of corporate Some of the territory’s children currently taking part in the summer reading program being held their fair share of taxes despite tax filers paid over 1% income at the Feleti Barstow Public Library in Utulei. posting substantial revenues tax of gross revenue, leaving [photo: Sabrina Sinapati] year after year. 87% paying less than 1% on “Sometimes, this is done the adjusted gross income, said through creative accounting,” Task Force chairman, Attorney said Lolo, adding that the bill is General Talauega Eleasalo V. meant to even the playing field Ale, who added that this means so that all businesses are paying there are many businesses, a lot a fair amount of taxes. of them have been operating Additionally, the estab- in American Samoa for many lishment of this tax is in the years, but when they file taxes, interest of the people of Amer- they end up paying less than 1% ican Samoa “as they pay their or nothing at all in taxes. share of taxes and are not With the Fono now in a four- avoiding them through creative week recess, the bill will be accounting or loopholes.” taken up in committees when “This will ensure that busi- lawmakers reconvene Aug. nesses who are making money 21st. In the Senate the bill is pay a minimum amount,” he assigned to the Senate Budget said. In the bill’s preamble, and Appropriations Com- the Lolo Administration claims mittee, chaired by Sen. Mag- that an “alarming number” of alei Lolovi’i. During last Fri- local businesses have success- day’s Senate session, Magalei, fully avoided paying their fair through the Senate President’s share of corporate taxes despite Office, announced that he is posting substantial annual gross seeking a financial report from revenues annually. the ASG Office of Financial “This practice robs the Institution (OFI) on the amount people of American Samoa and of money that has been sent the American Samoa Govern- outside of the territory, through ment of much needed revenues money transfer services such a to provide the services and Western Union. infrastructure that allow these Magalei is seeking to have businesses to operate safely and the report available to the profitably in the territory,” it committee when the Fono says. According to the bill, the reconvenes. OFI, established 1% minimum tax applies to the by law more than a year ago, business’ gross revenues for the regulates all financial institu- tax year, commencing with tax tions in the territory, including year 2018. but not limited to commercial Additionally, the taxpayer banks, holding companies, shall pay the AMBT if an credit unions, trust companies amount equal to 1% of the gross and retirement funds, consumer revenue exceeds the regular tax money lenders, money brokers, for the taxable year. mortgage loan originators, col- “Regular tax” — means the lection agencies, money transfer tax imposed on the taxpayer by services, debt settlement ser- the Samoan Income Tax Act for vice providers and any ASG- the taxable year reduced by the owned financial and depository credits allowable thereunder, institution. according to the bill’s language. OFI is overseen by Commis- It also states that businesses sioner, Robert Ho Chee, who that start up during a given tax- was confirmed last year by the able year will be exempt from Fono.

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One of the 20 people, so far, who has agreed to get inked and take part in an ongoing study that could possibly prove a link between tattoos and a robust immune system. Pictured is an arm sleeve by Off Da Rock owner Joseph Ioane. See story for full details. [photo: courtesy] Tattoo research progressing steadily SLOTS STILL OPEN UP TO THIS FRIDAY by Blue Chen-Fruean tested. country “so this is something Samoa News Correspondent Her counterpart, Dr. Chris- that we take very seriously,” So far, 20 people have topher D. Lynn, had to rush Dr. Howells said during an ini- decided to get tattooed — a first off island last Friday due to a tial interview. for some of them — as part of family emergency, leaving Dr. The initial study looked at an ongoing research that aims to Howells to wrap up the final over two dozen test subjects show the link between ink work week on her own. who had to provide saliva sam- and a robust immune system. “We just need about ten ples before and after getting tat- “It’s been going well,” said more people to come in and get tooed. Dr. Howells explained Dr. Michaela Howells, an tattooed as part of the study,” that after being tattooed, the Assistant Professor of Anthro- she said. According to her, those immune system of the test sub- pology at the University of who have already been inked as jects - based on the analysis North Carolina, Wilmington, part of the research include an of their saliva samples — was who, along with Dr. Christo- equal amount of Samoans and stronger and more ‘robust’ pher D. Lynn, Associate Pro- Caucasians, an equal amount compared to before they were fessor and Director of Evolu- of males and females, with the tattooed. tionary Studies at the Univer- oldest client being in his mid- Those who agree to be part of sity of Alabama’s College of 50s and the youngest being 18 the local study have to answer a Arts and Sciences (Department years old. few questions about their tattoo of Anthropology) are in the “It’s just been really positive experience, and a spit sample territory spearheading a study and we look forward to hope- is collected from them before that could prove the common fully returning later this year,” and after they get tattooed, to Samoan belief that tattooing a said Dr. Howells, who indicated measure changes in stress and certain area of the body helps that connections will be made immune hormones. alleviate things like gout and with Samoan students studying The study has been approved arthritis. abroad, who are interested in by the LBJ Institutional Review The study kicked off earlier being part of the study, whether Board. According to Dr. Lynn, this month and ends this Friday. as a researcher or a test subject “With only a few exceptions, More local artists have — or both. “This whole project the only biological studies of joined the cause, making it that has been a collaborative work tattooing that have been con- much more exciting, said Dr. with the great team of local art- ducted has focused on nega- Howells. ists who deserve a lot of props tive things like dermatological Joseph Ioane of Off Da for this,” she added. issues associated with tattooing Rock Tattoos, Duffy Hudson The goal of the study is to or associations between tat- of Tatau Manaia, and master find out if tattoos help prime tooing and drug/alcohol use or tufuga Wilson Fitiao have come a person’s immune system teen pregnancy. There are so together to help out with the against the threat of infectious many things we don’t know study, offering discounted rates disease. about the biological impacts and for those wanting to get tattooed A small study conducted ear- possible benefits of tattooing.” as part of the project. lier by Dr. Lynn did prove that Being part of the study is “I couldn’t be happier with the immune system for those strictly voluntary. the way things are going right who get tattooed is stronger than More information on the now,” Dr. Howells told Samoa those without any ink work. study, and how to become a part News yesterday afternoon, The goal now is to conduct the of it, can be obtained by calling adding that data collecting is same study in American Samoa. Dr. Michaela Howells directly ongoing until this Friday, when The results of Dr. Lynn’s ini- at 733-9592 she departs the territory with tial study was shared by over (See original story in the July the saliva samples that will be 300 news networks across the 10th edition of Samoa News). Page 4 samoa news, Monday, July 24, 2017 Letter to the Editor

Kia Ora / Talofa, Pacific Island From New Zealand: We recently attended the Tuato’o reunion in American Samoa, and sadly I did not get the chance to express my thoughts about the event whilst there and hope to do it this way. News in Brief Our daughter Sofia had been to AS before and her mum Jose- phine Tuato’o was raised by Alofau, this was however, my first Compiled by Samoa News staff Witnessed by government leaders from the time visiting AS. POLICE & MARITIME OFFICERS COM- Prime Minister his Cabinet, Parliament, Mem- As a palagi leaving home for this event I was intrigued about PLETE U.S. COAST GUARD BOARDING bers of the Judiciary Branch, the Diplomatic what I was to experience, looking forward to seeing the places and OFFICER COURSE Corp, prominent members of the public families people Josephine had told me stories about for a number of years. (Apia, Samoa The United States Embassy) and relatives, Tuimalealiifano has sworn that he Instead of leaving home I found that I had come home in many — A graduation ceremony was held on Friday, will serve the nation with humbleness and love. ways. I don’t mean that as a cliché of a palagi experiencing 5 min- July 21, at the Police Headquarters for 17 Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, His Highness’ utes of a culture and saying he is now Samoan. Police and Maritime Officers to recognize their predecessor was also present to welcome his suc- I mean it from the sense of what makes a home, a place where completion of the United States Coast Guard’s cessor to the prestigious Office he held over the caring, sharing, respect, aroha and laughter are the norm, having Boarding Officer Course. The course consisted last 10 years. Chief Justice Patu Falefatu Sapolu found all of these very quickly and in particular the laughter — of two weeks of intensive training on how to was tasked with the swearing in duties. Bucketsful of Laughter! properly board and conduct searches on vessels [Source: M.P.M.C. Press Secretary] A great deal of work had obviously gone into the organisa- out at sea. The training covered a wide range of WEATHER REPORTS ON MOBILE tion of the numerous events that took place and I can say without topics pertaining to ship boardings from human PHONES reservation those behind the scenes did an amazing job, we thor- rights to personal defense. The type of knowl- The Samoa Metrological Office is increasing oughly enjoyed every aspect and event we attended. edge acquired from these trainings is essential its output capability to better inform the country I feel privileged to have been a small part of what makes this for law enforcement personnel to properly con- of changing weather conditions 24-7. family what it is. This family is a credit to the culture, community duct inspections of any type, from routine fishing This time, the Weather Office is taking advan- and clans — the Tuato’o Clan. boat inspections to vessels suspected of criminal tage of mobile phones. Part of the programme had us booked into Sadie’s and our stay activity, and is a perfect complement to the Chief Weather Officer Mulipola Ausitalia there was wonderful, along with the food, service and snorkeling! United States Government’s Ship-rider program Titimaea said, “Look forward to receiving the A boyhood dream of swimming with a turtle was fulfilled along where Samoan officers patrol the country’s own latest weather update on your mobile phones. with many others that week. EEZ with the assistance of U.S. Coast Guard “The two main service providers will text Finally I would like to express my gratitude to Ryan and Malix, or Navy ships. This program is one of several the reports regularly using the same technology Maria and Sima and families, your generosity knows no bounds. Mobile Training Team (MTT) training opportu- which they have been utilizing to advertise their There are many people I should mention and to those I haven’t nities that have been provided by the U.S. Coast promotions via text messages from time to time. I apologize, but to Lisa and Jay I was hugely impressed with Guard to Samoa. The 4-member USCG training “We are slowly transiting to the new mobile your enthusiasm and sense of humour. I understood little of the team is deployed from the USCG Training app to reach more people effectively and language but could not help but laugh along with everyone else Center in Yorktown, Virginia and is part of the efficiently. when the ‘punch line’ arrived! Jay possesses what NZ Maori call USCG International Division, Mobile Training “Based on the daily inquiries on weather ‘mana’, a rare quality. Branch there. Police Commissioner Fuiavailili reports, we are confident that we have found the Will we return? Without a doubt, until then faafetai ma faa- Egon Keil delivered remarks for this event. right solution through the mobile app. manuia Atua [Source: M.P.M.C. Press Secretary] “It has the capacity to issue early warnings for Graham Bulman SAMOA’S NEW HEAD OF STATE a possible tsunami and earthquake. Dunedin SWORN INTO OFFICE “It’s still on trial but available on Samsung New Zealand Samoa’s 4th Head of State since it became phones as a start.” (RECEIVED THROUGH WEBSITE) Independent le afioga Tui Aana Tuimalealiifano This new service is free of charge. Vaaletoa Sualauvi II was sworn into office last [Source: M.P.M.C. Press Secretary] Friday, July 21, 2017.

Parents of Children with Special Needs Network (PCSNN) are hosting a special summer camp which kicked off last week. Sandy Scanlan who is directing the two-week camp, has a plethora of exciting activities planned for the kids — and their parents. Samoa News caught up with the group last Friday at the Suigaula ole Atuvasa Beach Park in Utulei. According to Scanlan, she normally gets only 3-4 participants for the program but last Friday, she got a total of eight. The goal of the program is to bring together children with special needs, along with their parents or caretakers, to participate in the program so both the child and the adult can experience different ways to have fun and seek out new things to try out. Last Friday was the fifth day of camp and the kids got a treat, with local swimming coach Zero I’aulualo offering them the chance to get wet and learn the basics of swimming. Pictured are American Samoa’s special group of swimmers and summer campers, along with their parents, family members, and friends. [photo: Sabrina Sinapati]

© OSINI FALEATASI INC. RESERVES ALL RIGHTS. dba Samoa News is published Monday through Friday, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR except for some local and federal holidays. Samoa News welcomes and encourages Please send correspondences to: OF, dba Samoa News, Box Letters to the Editor. Please send them to our email 909, Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799. [email protected] Telephone at (684) 633-5599 • Fax at (684) 633-4864 Box 909, Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799. Email advertisements to [email protected] Contact us by Telephone at (684) 633-5599 Email the newsroom at [email protected] Contact us by Fax at (684) 633-4864 Normal business hours are Mon. thru Fri. 8am to 4pm. or by Email at [email protected] Permission to reproduce editorial and/or advertisements, in Normal business hours are Mon. thru Fri. 8am to 4pm. whole or in part, is required. Please address such requests to Permission to reproduce editorial and/or advertisements, in whole or in part, is the Publisher at the address provided above. required. Please address such requests to the Publisher at the address provided above. Please visit samoanews.com for weekend updates. samoa news, Monday, July 24, 2017 Page 5 Page 6 samoa news, Monday, July 24, 2017 DOC: Am Samoa can establish a law to protect certain industries from foreigners HIGHLIGHTS CONCERN OVER ASIAN TAKEOVER OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERY by Fili Sagapolutele for example, that Samoa has such a law, branches in New Zealand and American financial institutions like ANZ Amerika Samoa News Correspondent which protects certain types of busi- Samoa. Additionally, the Samoa govern- Samoa Bank, Development Bank of With the Fono being the lawmaking nesses specifically for Samoa citizens ment and economy is more focused on American Samoa, the Territorial Bank of body of the territorial government, Com- — such as buses and taxi operations — increasing exports of Samoan products, American Samoa — once they get their merce Department director Keniseli where foreign investors cannot have a and the Samoa government does not routing number so they can do business Lafaele told a Senate Committee that hand in them. appear to restrict investment abroad. loans — and the US Agriculture Depart- it’s up to the Legislature if they want to He said perhaps American Samoa can “Wages and salaries are compara- ment’s Rural Development agency, establish a law that would protect certain look at a similar type of law, especially tively low. Private sector minimum which has a local office. industries, specifically for local -Amer in areas of agriculture and fisheries. wage is roughly US $0.92 cents an He said DOC is working with all these ican Samoans — only. According to the US State Depart- hour,” it says. Besides Samoa, the US entities and partners on ways to provide Lafaele made the comment in ment’s 2017 Samoa Investment Climate State Department, also released invest- financial support for local farmers and response to a question from Sen. Mag- Report, released late last month, foreign ment reports on other world countries. fishermen to further develop local busi- alei Logovi’i during a Senate Commu- investors are permitted 100% owner- (www.state.gov) nesses. Additionally, they are working nications/Fisheries/Marine and Wildlife ship in all different sectors of industry During the Senate hearing, Lafaele with the Chamber of Commerce and Committee hearing late last week on the in Samoa. However, certain businesses said he has observed the spread “like Small Business Development Center at roadside selling of fresh fish. are reserved for Samoa citizens only cancer” of Asians taking over operations ASCC to help farmers and fishermen With more Asians getting into agri- including: bus and taxi transport services of stores from local Samoans. This has develop their operations just like a busi- culture, especially vegetable farming, for the general public; rental vehicles; started to spread to agriculture and now ness, so their hard work is “profitable”. and heading into the local fishery, Mag- retailing; saw milling; and traditional it appears that fishery is next. Magalei, a long time farmer, said he alei inquired if a law can be created to elei garment designing and printing. Lafaele explained that DOC, along had supplied bananas for seven years to protect certain industries — for local Regarding “outward investment”, the with the ASCC Land Grant, and Agricul- the hospital but after it was put out for American Samoans only. report said, there is minimal outward ture have started working on a funding re-bid again, a foreigner won the bid, Lafaele responded that this was a investment from Samoa beyond several program, which involves bringing undercutting him on the price cost, but “very important question”, and noted stationery and apparel stores having together smaller farmers in villages and the foreigner had no banana planation. He said he is not sure where the foreigner came up with the banana cost. The senator reminded Lafaele that when federal funding is involved in any project, there are regulations that American Samoa must follow. BACKGROUND It should be noted that there used to be a local law that said local businesses must be at least 51% US national owned in American Samoa. It was chal- lenged, and the court found that you cannot discriminate against American citizens, and the law was deemed unconstitutional when applied. Samoa News should then point out that any such statute, protecting certain industries from ‘foreign’ ownership, would probably by challenged in court as ‘unconstitutional’. Officer in Ken- tucky wounds suspect who refused to show hands BARBOURSVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky State Police say a police officer shot and wounded a man who refused to show a hand that he had behind his back as he walked toward officers. In a news release, Trooper Shane Jacobs identi- fied the suspect as 29-year-old Brandon Moses of Bledsoe, Kentucky. The statement says Moses was in serious condi- tion Sunday at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Jacobs says police in Barbo- ursville, 100 miles (160 kilo- meters) southeast of Lexington, on Saturday had pursued Moses’ vehicle, which eventu- ally pulled into a store parking lot. After leaving the vehicle. samoa news, Monday, July 24, 2017 Page 7 ➧ Texas pilot flying… Continued from page 1 based on “pretty much logis- safest means of travel there is,” tics”, adding that it’s a long dis- he said. tance to Howland Island, where “So someone has to go back he will do a flyover to drop the and say, ‘Remember these flowers and then on to Hawai’i, people, remember the people with a stopover at Lihue on the who made this possible?’ We island of Kauai. forget that this wasn’t always “There’s fuel here [Pago this easy to do,” he said. “And Pago], there’s services here, so what I’m doing is to bring and it ended up being just the that back a little bit and say, location for my trip,” he said, ‘Look, it wasn’t easy to do and adding that he was looking at a I’m doing it to help you under- possible stop in Fiji, but Amer- stand’ aviation.” ican Samoa is a “much better “I literally took tens of thou- place for me” as a stopover. sands of people along with me Lloyd’s plan was to depart on Facebook so that I can write Pago Pago around 3a.m. or about it. I post pictures, I post 4a.m. today (Monday) on the videos, to share the idea and longest leg of his solo flight share the information, so they on board his plane “Spirit” — can in someway experience it as some 19 hours from American well and understand how hard Samoa to Hawai’i, with a fly- this was. What [Amelia Earhart] over of Howland Island during did was very very difficult,” he daylight. pointed out. According to the History “And she did it in a time Brian Lloyd, next to his single engine plane “Spirit” around 9p.m. Saturday at Pago Pago Inter- Channel, it was on June 1, 1937 when women didn’t do things national Airport. He spent the weekend in American Samoa before heading to Hawai’i and then on that Earhart, accompanied by like this. Unfortunately she to the US mainland for the final leg of his around the world solo flight to commemorate American Noonan, took off from Oakland, didn’t survive, she disappeared female aviator, Amelia Earhart’s famous flight 80-years ago. California, on an eastbound and no one really knows what [photo: FS] flight around the world. It was happened to her. But it’s pretty her second attempt to become safe to say that she and [navi- technology over the years, such the first pilot ever to circumnav- gator] Fred Noonan did not sur- as electronics and navigation igate the globe. vive. But that doesn’t make her compared to 1937. She flew a twin-engine attempt any less,” he said. “But the airplane itself — the Lockheed 10E Electra, which “I can certainly say, after differences are not that great,” flew to Miami, Florida, then having flown this much of the he said and noted that his plane down to South America, across trip, my respect for her and Fred is the same size, weight, and the Atlantic to Africa, then east Noonan has increased a thou- horsepower as Charles Lind- to India and Southeast Asia. The sand fold, because I now have bergh’s “Spirit of St. Louis” flight plan was to return back to walked 20,000 miles in her plane that flew 90 years ago Oakland. (www.history.com) shoes. She was a solo pilot, I’m from New York to Paris in For Lloyd, he flew from his a solo pilot,” he said. “I have 1927. home state of Texas to Miami, electronics to do the things that When asked if that is why his where he officially launched on Fred Noonan was doing for her, plane is named “Spirit”, Lloyd June 1st, the two-month solo but I still have a pretty good responded, “Yes, that’s part of flight — following Earhart’s idea of what it was like for her it. I thought maybe calling it, historic route to circumnavigate to make her trip and I under- Spirit of Aviation, but I thought A peek inside the cockpit of Texan aviator Brian Lloyd’s single the world at the equator — starts stand - at least a little bit better.” that might be a little bit too pre- engine plane “Spirit” at Pago Pago International Airport last Sat- in Miami, skirts South America, Lloyd also shared that tentious. So I just used ‘Spirit’ to urday night. Lloyd’s stop-over in Pago Pago over the weekend was crosses the Atlantic, then there’s “not a huge difference sort of get the spirit of aviation.” for rest and refueling. On the body of the plane (top area) are sig- Africa, and onward around the in either capacity or perfor- With a full day on the ground natures of some of the people at airports around the world who world, according to his website, mance” of his single engine yesterday, Lloyd looked for- helped Lloyd when the plane was on the ground at those airports. Project Amelia Earhart 2018 plane, than the plane flown by ward to visiting the island. (See Local airport ground and personnel crew were also to add their (www.projectameliaearhart. Earhart. He did acknowledge yesterday’s Samoa News online signatures on the plane’s wings or body. [photo: FS] org), that also provides a link to that there have been changes in edition for other information.) his flight plan with updates on Facebook. From Hawai’i, he heads to Oakland, California before returning to Texas. When asked why it was important for him to mark the 80th anniversary of Earhart’s global flight, Lloyd first pointed out that “I grew up in aviation” — his father, uncle and his sons are all pilots. “It’s just something that runs in my family. My father and I in 1985 flew our air- plane from Washington D.C. to Paris [France] for the Paris Air Show,” he said during an interview on a breezy Saturday night, at the airport. “We always talked about flying around the world. So part of it is just, ‘it’s what we do’,” he explained. “The other part is, ‘we could do this’.” “Without the pioneers who came before — people like Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Wyle Post and all of these pilots — back in the 1920s, 1930s, and 40s — paved the way for us to have aviation where we can get in an airplane and go anywhere in the world, anytime we want to, and it’s the Page 8 samoa news, Monday, July 24, 2017

Compiled by Samoa News Staff Heart recipients; for natural and cultural resource protection in Amer- AMATA AND HVAC MARK-UP LANDMARK Provide GI Bill eligibility to Reservists and ican Samoa. G.I. BILL Guardsmen who are currently being put on active duty “We are pleased to support Governor Lolo Mata- Washington, D.C. — Friday, July 21, 2017 — Con- and convalescent medical leave orders that do not cur- lasi Moliga and the Department of Marine and Wild- gresswoman Aumua Amata, and the House Committee rently accrue GI Bill eligibility; life Resources team in their efforts to preserve natural on Veterans’ Affairs passed a series of bills out of Provide an extra academic year’s worth of Post 9/11 ecosystems vital to American Samoa’s environment mark-up yesterday including H.R. 3218, The Harry W. benefits for over 3,300 veterans (per year) to help them and the people’s livelihood,” said Pula. “American Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017. finish a STEM degree; Samoa’s natural resources are highly vulnerable to H.R. 3218 will make several improvements for veteran Create a pilot program that would pay for veterans the impacts of land-based pollution, illegal near-shore and service member education covered under the G.I. to take certain high technology courses (coding boot fishing and changes in climate for which this funding Bill. camps, IT certifications etc.) and would also provide is greatly needed.” “I am very proud of this fact, and repeat it every living stipends to veterans; The American Samoa Department of Marine and C M chance I get…that my home district of American Samoa Make it easier and cheaper for veterans to use their Wildlife Resources will use the funds to: Y K has the highest rate of recruitment in the nation,” stated GI bill to take national tests or tests that lead to a license 1) Coordinate efforts in the Faga’alu, Vatia, and Amata. “One of the main influences that draws our or credential; Nu’uuli Watersheds, each prioritized by either the U.S. young people to the recruiting station in Pago Pago is Restore eligibility for service members whose Coral Reef Task Force or the territory. Overfishing, the G.I. Bill incentive. For many years now, the young school closes in the middle of a semester (ex. ITT Tech climate change, land-based pollution, and popula- people of American Samoa have utilized the G.I. Bill and Corinthian); and tion pressure have been identified as the four primary to gain access to a higher education upon completion Authorize funding for IT improvements to ensure threats to natural resources in these areas. of their service to the nation. Many have gone on to that GI Bill claims are processed quickly and accurately. 2) Continue development of rain gardens and do great things with those degrees, and I am excited to “I want to thank Committee Chairman Phil Roe other best practices to manage storm water runoff in see this historic program expanded and improved,” she and Ranking Member Tim Walz for their work on the territory by collaborating heavily with federal, ter- continued. H.R. 3218, and I also want to applaud all the members ritorial, and academics as well as village councils. Major Provisions of the Bill would: whose provisions have been included in this landmark 3) Provide GIS mapping training and certification Remove time restrictions to use the GI Bill for future legislation. This legislation is the result of a lot of hard to better inform management of priorities across water- eligible recipients. This would allow them able to use work on both sides of the aisle, and I am proud to be sheds, raingardens, and marine-protected areas, as well their GI bill benefits for their entire life as opposed to a cosponsor of this bipartisan bill,” concluded Amata. as other managed and unmanaged areas on the island. the current 15-year timeline. Eligible recipients would (Source: Congresswoman Aumua Amata Office, 4) Set up integrated radar systems to monitor and be service members, veterans and surviving spouses Washington DC) deter poaching in the Tutuila Marine Protected Areas. and children; DOI PROVIDES GRANT FOR RESOURCE All funding for cultural and natural resources pro- Provide significant increases in GI Bill funding PROTECTION IN AM SAMOA tection and management was provided for under what for Reservists and Guardsmen, dependents, surviving (BASED ON A PRESS RELEASE) — WASH- was formerly called the Coral Reef Initiative and is spouses, and surviving dependents; INGTON, D.C. — Interior Acting Assistant Secretary available under CFDA# 15.875 at https://www.grants. Provide 100% GI Bill eligibility to Post 9/11 Purple for Insular Areas Nikolao Pula made available $94,906 gov/. (Continued on page 10)

C M Y K samoa news, Monday, July 24, 2017 Page 9 ➧ Despite field condition… Introducing Continued from page 1 unbearable when the air moves tered the windows which are the ORIGINAL Korean Saimin Bowl a certain way.” now covered up with boards. Furthermore, “the heavy The police were contacted and metal railings are so rusty that if a report was filed. a child leans on them, they will DPR DIRECTOR’S fall at any time.” COMMENTS SAMYANG When asked for comments, Vandalism is an ongoing Sola’ita said everything went problem at the baseball field. well, with no injuries to any Earlier this year the police were of the players — or spectators. notified when the field was van- $7.95 He said the field itself is ‘play- dalized. The glass windows .75¢ bowl able’ but added that he has that surround the area for com- case addressed the situation with mentators were all smashed, the 12x86 grams DPR. “Some of these parents lower office area was trashed, just don’t understand,” Sola’ita and part of the fencing was commented. “The playing area cut out. Despite the main gate is good enough to play on and being locked, the field con- before the start of each day, I tinues to be broken in to. DPR always go out there and inspect officials can do nothing about the field’s conditions.” the vandalism because it usu- C M Sola’ita said those parents ally happens at night and there Y K who are complaining should is no security guard monitoring have approached him face to the perimeter. DPR just doesn’t face and should have come have the money to hire and pay Perfect for work, out to help with the program, a security guard. With the cur- instead of taking their concerns rent freeze on over-time, staff play and any day! to the media. cannot be assigned to work as According to the ASSA security or be available when president, his main focus games are held at the field as during the summer program employees get off at 4p.m. and Now available on Island Distributed by Y.S.J. Limited was looking out for the safety most times the games don’t start at a store near you. Nuuuli (684)-699-4470 of the children. That is why he until 3 p.m. or later. When asked always made sure the bathroom who is responsible for the safety facilities, the dugout, and the of the kids at the field, DPR surrounding area were always Director Maeatanoa Pili Gao- clean. “We picked up trash teote said, “When the different and made sure the kids never associations ask for permission played when it was raining,” to use the field, they are made he reported, adding that van- aware of the conditions of the dalism is an issue at the big fields. (There are two baseball/ field and that’s why the little softball fields situated across kids don’t play there. He said from each other). Waivers are he approached DPR about the signed between Parks & Rec conditions of the baseball field and the different associations but it’s hard trying to find other stating that the associations are places where the kids can play. responsible for the safety of the Sola’ita explained that clinics kids and clean-up of the fields were held at Onesosopo Park when they are used for games.” and in the Tafuna area but these Maeatanoa explained that are not baseball fields. DPR has a crew that carries out “I did what I could, using maintenance rounds on all the my own personal tools to fix parks daily. (Ken Tupua is in whatever needed to be fixed,” charge of this). He said he put Sola’ita shared, adding that he in a request to have the Depart- also paid out of pocket to pro- ment of Public Safety include vide all the t-shirts and trophies the parks in their nightly rounds for this year’s participants. as they are a favorite hangout He said this year’s program place for teenagers. was a success, thanks to the par- When asked if the fields will ents who coached and helped be closed off if the conditions out, including Ken Gardner, are not improved before the Parks & Rec director Maeatanoa Pili Gaoteote and a staff member checking out the loose metal (a special umpire from Texas), ASHSAA sports season kicks railing at the baseball field that parents were complaining about being a hazard to kids who utilize local umpire Peter Misilagi, the in, the DPR director said that the field for sporting events, most recently, the summer baseball clinics. See story for full details. east side coaches, and also the based on the current conditions [photo: THA] volunteer group of Chris King, of the fields, it looks like they Nick King, Nat Savali, and will have to close them off until Mataese Mataese Jr. repairs can be made. The only One local resident said, “The alternative would be the One- C M field is certainly in need of a sosopo field, but even that field Y K major overhaul with mainte- has problems, he said, adding nance, meaning that programs that the schools could use their that take place must be more own fields as an option. vigilant with the facility and “We are highly concerned field conditions that may impact with the complaints by the par- the safety of the participants. ents of the conditions of the This is why it is very important fields,” Maeatanoa said. “We that the program organizers and are trying our best with the lim- its partners are responsible with ited resources available to us safety, cleaning, and security of but if the ongoing vandalism the participants and the facili- of government property is not ties.” Earlier this year, vandals stopped, we are fighting a losing broke into the field and shat- battle.”

The wooden seating area at the baseball field is in such a rotted state, thanks in part to vandalism that has also left the seats with burn marks, and broken/splintered wood pieces. [photo: THA] Broken glass at baseball field Photo: Courtesy Page 10 samoa news, Monday, July 24, 2017

SUMMER PROGRAMS AT FELETI BARSTOW PUBLIC LIBRARY

Every year, the Feleti Barstow Public Library hosts summer programs with themes that reflect what they will be teaching and/or collaborating on. This year’s theme is “Build a Better World” and it is based on literacy. In past years, the FBPL used to get a little over 100 participants due to limited space to carry out activities. This year however, and estimated 300 people are involved, half of them taking part PIGS FOR SALE through the Malaeimi Center. For this activity, BYU Alumnus Lusia Kuaea is in the territory to col- laborate with the public library on ways to help the students during the summer. All sizes. Size 2 and big ones The Feleti Barstow Public Library conducts four sessions — 25 students per session — held three times a week for two weeks. Reading and crafting is offered for youngsters up to 11 years old while for Fa’alavelave. 12-year-olds and teenagers are submerged into the world of technology. Library assistant Sulita Roe works with the kids during the different sessions, teaching them the Contact 252-5005 or 699-2652 importance of the theme and making them understand what it’s all about. Territorial Librarian Justin Maga said that once every year, he, along with other librarians from around the globe, attend a conference to work on themes for the children with the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP). The summer programs at the FBPL are free of charge, thanks to federal grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for libraries like Feleti Bar- stow. The Feleti Barstow Public Library welcomes groups of all ages to stop by and learn more about the many resources the library has to offer. [photo: Sabrina Sinapati]

➧ Community brief… Continued from page 8 All four U.S. territories of grant of $633,967 for cancer the U.S. Virgin Islands, Amer- prevention and control. ican Samoa, Guam, and the “This grant is vital for the Commonwealth of the Northern health of American Samoa. Mariana Islands as well as the Being able to detect cancer three freely associated states of early is vitally important in the Federated States of Micro- order to fight it,” stated Amata. nesia, the Republic of the Mar- “I would like to thank shall Islands, and the Republic Motusa Tuileama Nua for his of Palau are eligible to apply. leadership of the Department [Source: DOI-OIA media of Health, and for Fara Utu release] for their hard work in securing AUMUA ANNOUNCES these funds. I would also like DEPT OF HEALTH & to thank Secretary Price for his HUMAN SERVICES leadership of Health and Human GRANTS FOR CANCER services, and the staff of the Friday, July 21, 2017 HHS for recognizing the needs — Congresswoman Aumua of American Samoa with this Amata is pleased to announce funding,” concluded Amata. that the Department of Health [Source: Congresswoman and Human Services has Aumua Amata Office, awarded American Samoa a Washington D.C.) samoa news, Monday, July 24, 2017 Page 11 Brazilians funneled as “slaves” by US church, ex-members say SPINDALE, N.C. (AP) — the AP reported in February When Andre Oliveira answered that congregants were regu- the call to leave his Word of larly punched and choked in Faith Fellowship congregation an effort to “purify” sinners by in Brazil to move to the mother beating out devils. The church church in North Carolina at has rarely been sanctioned since the age of 18, his passport it was founded in 1979 by Jane and money were confiscated Whaley, a former math teacher, by church leaders — for safe- and her husband, Sam. Another keeping, he said he was told. previous AP report outlined Trapped in a foreign land, he how congregants were ordered said he was forced to work 15 by church leaders to lie to hours a day, usually for no pay, authorities investigating reports first cleaning warehouses for of abuse. The AP made repeated the evangelical church and later attempts to obtain comments for working at businesses owned this story from church leaders in by the sect’s senior ministers. both countries, but they did not Any violation of the rules risked respond. Under Jane Whaley’s the wrath of church leaders, he leadership, the church grew said, ranging from beatings to from a handful of followers to shaming from the pulpit. about 750 congregants in North An Associated Press investi- Carolina and nearly 2,000 mem- In this Wednesday, March 29, 2017 photo, Ana Albuquerque explains how she was spanked gation has found that Word of bers in its churches in Brazil during an interview in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Bent over a desk, Albuquerque says church founder Faith Fellowship used its two and Ghana and affiliations in Jane Whaley and another member repeatedly spanked her with a flat piece of wood while screaming church branches in Brazil to Sweden and Scotland. that she was “unclean” and possessed by the devil when she was 16. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo) siphon a steady flow of young laborers who came on tourist and student visas to its 35-acre compound in rural Spindale. The Brazilians often spoke little English when they arrived and many had their passports seized. “They kept us as slaves,” Oliveira told the AP. “How can you do that to people — claim you love them and then beat them in the name of God?” Under U.S. law, visitors on tourist visas are prohibited from performing work for which people normally would be com- pensated. Those on student visas are allowed some work, under circumstances that were not met at Word of Faith Fel- lowship, the AP found. In 2014, three former con- gregants told an assistant U.S. attorney that the Brazilians were being forced to work without pay, according to a recording of the meeting obtained by the AP. Jill Rose, now the U.S. attorney in Charlotte, promised she would “take a fresh look at it,” according to the recording. But the former members said she never responded when they repeatedly tried to contact her in the months after the meeting. Rose declined to comment to the AP, citing an ongoing inves- tigation. Oliveira, who fled the church last year, is one of 16 Brazilian former members who told the AP they were made to work while being subjected to physical or verbal assaults. Former congregant Jay Plummer, an American, super- vised remodeling projects for a church’s leader business and confirmed the Brazilians’ asser- tions that the U.S. workers who labored alongside them were paid while they were not. The revelations of forced labor are the latest in an ongoing AP investigation exposing decades of abuse at Word of Faith Fellowship. Based on exclusive interviews with 43 former members, documents and secretly made recordings, Page 12 samoa news, Monday, July 24, 2017 Comic-Con hits: ‘Black Panther,’ Batman, ‘Stranger Things’ SAN DIEGO (AP) — From take and then I snapped out of “Black Panther” to Batman, it.” STRANGER THINGS: “Stranger Things” to “Blade The popular Netflix show Runner 2049,” and “Ready took over the San Diego Con- Player One” to Rep. John vention Center’s largest exhibi- Lewis, Comic-Con had some- tion hall to debut a new trailer thing for almost every pop-cul- for its anticipated second ture appetite. season. The show, set in the As the annual fan conven- early 1980s, follows a group tion in San Diego wraps Sunday of kids trying to figure out how after four days of panels, pre- their friend mysteriously dis- sentations, screenings and auto- appeared. Along the way, they graph signings, here’s a look at meet an unusual girl named some of the highlights. Eleven, who has telepathic BLACK PANTHER: powers. The film won’t be out until Show creators the Duffer 2019, but “Black Panther” Bros. were joined by director swiped the most attention at Shawn Levy and star Millie Marvel’s presentation. Director Bobby Brown (Eleven) and Ryan Coogler and cast mem- the other young actors in the bers Chadwick Boseman, ensemble: Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Chadwick Boseman, from left, Lupita Nyong’o, and Michael B. Jordan attend the “Marvel” panel Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin on day 3 of Comic-Con International on Saturday, July 22, 2017, in San Diego. and Danai Gurira were on hand and Noah Schnapp. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP) to debut a clip from the film. “Stranger Things” also had Boseman, who introduced a presence in downtown San his Black Panther character in Diego with an installation that 2016’s “Captain America: Civil resembled the show’s set and War,” said the new film finds a virtual-reality experience that him returning to his home of brought guests into the home of Wakanda after his father dies. the missing boy and face to face Nyong’o described her character with the monster that haunts as a spy who goes undercover to him. report back to the fictional iso- BLADE RUNNER 2049: lated nation about what is going Harrison Ford joked that on in the rest of the world. Mar- he was out to reboot all of his vel’s presentation also included iconic roles. The actor was on early looks at the November hand to present footage from release “Thor: Ragnarok” and “Blade Runner 2049,” in which next year’s “Avengers: Infinity he reprises his role as Rick War.” And studio chief Kevin Deckard. Ford said he gained Feige announced that Michelle a deeper understanding of his Pfeiffer was cast in the “Ant- character in the sequel, which Man” sequel “Ant-Man and the hits theaters in October. Wasp,” also due in 2018. Ford appeared alongside BATMAN: costar Ryan Gosling as the There was a lot of Batman at film’s panel. Comic-Con, from Ben Affleck’s “Blade Runner 2049” also confirmation that he’ll continue hosted a massive installation to play the character to a star- away from the San Diego Con- filled tribute to the original vention Center where fans could “Batman” actor, Adam West. experience the Los Angeles Affleck refuted rumors that of the future through virtual he would no longer play the reality and replication of key character after ceding direction sets inhabited by actors wearing of “The Batman” to “War for actual costumes from the film. the Planet of the Apes” director READY PLAYER ONE: Matt Reeves. The actor also Steven Spielberg has spent appeared alongside some of more than two years adapting his “Justice League” costars, Ernest Cline’s novel “Ready including Gal Gadot (Wonder Player One” for the screen, Woman), Jason Momoa and the filmmaker said he was (Aquaman), Ezra Miller (The proud to debut a new trailer Flash) and Ray Fisher (Cyborg) inside Comic-Con’s biggest as they showed footage from exhibition hall. the film due in November. Actor Tye Sheridan stars West was celebrated by in the story about a dystopian his fans and collaborators at a future where humans take heartfelt tribute that featured refuge in a virtual-reality world. Kevin Smith, producer James For Cline, having Spielberg Tucker, actor Ralph Garman make a movie based on his and “Catwoman” actress Lee book is a full-circle moment. “I Meriwether. Smith said he learned how to be a storyteller learned morality from West’s because of this man,” the author portrayal of Batman in the said. original TV series, and Meri- REP. JOHN LEWIS: wether said she was so dazzled Civil rights icon U.S. Rep. by the actor during the making John Lewis led about 1,000 of “Batman: The Movie” that people on a march through the she nearly lost track of her per- crowded San Diego Convention formance — especially during Center following a discussion a ballroom scene where they of his trilogy of graphic novels danced together. about his participation in non- “All I could think of was, violent protests during the civil ‘I’m dancing with Adam West,’ rights movement in the 1950s “ she said. “I probably blew one and ‘60s. samoa news, Monday, July 24, 2017 Page 13

Pacsafe products are lightweight, covertly secure, and mine shown in Vancouver, Canada is even a roller duffle [Photo by Allan Hamilton 3/16] Cool Stuff: Pacsafe to the Rescue! by Barry Markowitz In addition to a women’s specific product line Not too long ago, you were comforted to know and small passport and RFID scan protection your airline allowed you two 70-pound check in wallets and small bags, Pacsafe has truly hit the bags and a meal. Of course both are long gone, mark for airlines carry on backpacks (with some but Pacsafe has come to the rescue to alleviate designed for camera gear). some of your check in bag drama. The Venturesafe EXP45 gives you the max The two important keys are that your check-in capacity allowed as an airline carry on, with the bag should weigh less these days so more of your security of: real stuff can be accommodated. • exomesh slashguards on all panels My Pacsafe roller duffle has saved my jour- • Puncture resistant Toughzip neys (and heaps of baggage fees) to New Zea- • Roobar locking system land, Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga, both Samoas, • 3mm stainless steel locking cable with Australia, Guam, Vancouver, Canada, Hong storage pouch Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, San Francisco, LA, • Interlocking zip pulls Chicago, SLC, Sacramento, Seattle and more. Loyal customers have asked Pacsafe to also No buckle or roller has broken, no strap or emphasize future production of weatherized side panel has ever worn thru. bags. For now we Old School Coolios just buy an Back in the 80’s if you flew on South Pacific aftermarket rain cover for the price of a six-pack. Island Airways to American Samoa you fre- Two true Cool Stuff adventure stories. quently had your packed sports shoes vanish Traveling to LAX in the 80’s from Samoa, between Honolulu and Pago... and you would at the baggage claim on arrival, I felt my leather wait in line behind the Fagatago Malae at the “man purse” begin to fall, looked behind and saw SPIA Office for your reimbursement. a guy with a razor blade retreat thru the crowd. Pacsafe has an integral screen protective mesh He was a member of a gang of notorious Colum- in your bags to stop slash and grabs, and an excel- bian luggage and bag thieves that did significant lent setup for TSA locks. harm to we tourists visiting LA and Honolulu in My buddies all like Pacsafes tactical black those days. Wish I had a Pacsafe back then. color. My gentle peace/ love/ granola green And, while covering a major football game at offends no customs officers. Some officials think Aloha Stadium, a photographer from Houston, you are a scary dude with military looking black lost all of his images from a just completed luggage. So I leave that look to the real military two-day fashion shoot at the Turtle Bay Resort. vets. Without the locking capabilities of Pacsafe to Knife designer extraordinaire, Ken Onion, benches or rails, etc... the $50,000 bag of gear loves his Pacsafe small shoulder bag, and com- and images just walked. mented, “Guys in my line of work that do trade In air or on the ground, Pacsafe is a cure all for shows, might have $100,000 cash in our bags. I many modern day travel and walkabout dramas. used to worry a lot til I bought my Pacsafe...t here Prices average between $69-$350. are cables thru the straps and the buckles all have Find your Pacsafe at pacsafe.com locking mechanisms. Pacsafe is the bomb!” Page 14 samoa news, Monday, July 24, 2017 How smugglers use trucks with some- times deadly results CHICAGO (AP) — It could In the 2003 case, the pickup take months for investigators to site for the immigrants was near determine what preceded the Harlingen, Texas, about 20 deaths of at least nine people miles (32.19 kilometers) from in the Pago Plaza - across from ASPA office. found with dozens of ailing the U.S.-Mexican border. The individuals in a tractor-trailer plan was to drive the tractor- discovered outside a Walmart trailer through an immigration in San Antonio, Texas, in what checkpoint 50 miles (80.46 COME AND HAVE YOUR HAIR authorities are calling an immi- kilometers) away on Highway grant-smuggling attempt gone 77 near Sarita, Texas; once DONE BY PROFESSIONAL wrong. through the crossing, the immi- But previous cases of smug- grants were to be transferred HAIR STYLISTS: glers using similar trucks to to separate vans bound for move human cargo shed light Houston. on the dangerous method of WHY TRUCKS? Veronica & Mali human trafficking — and how it The objective of immi- can quickly turn fatal. grants who make it undetected Call for an appointment or stop by and see us!! Here’s a look at how smug- across the border typically “Veronica is also a trained barber” glers deploy and use large isn’t to remain in that border trucks to move people: area. Most hope to make it to HOW COMMON IS large U.S. cities, like Chicago Tuesday - Saturday 9am to 4pm HUMAN TRAFFICKING BY or New York, where they may 633-0774 Mondays (Appointments Only) TRUCK? have jobs or family waiting for Border officials have them. That’s where the trucks reported an uptick in the number come in. Smugglers know there of people-smuggling incidents are hundreds and thousands of using tractor-trailers. That immigrants desperate to get AMERICAN SAMOA included one on July 7, when away from the border as fast Border Patrol agents in Laredo, as possible. And they see the COMMUNITY COLLEGE Texas, found 72 people from money-making opportunity. Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala The more people they can move and El Salvador locked inside at one time, the more the profit. a trailer. Weeks before, they’d In the 2003 case, the smug- rescued 44 people from Mexico glers actively sought non-His- and Guatemala discovered after panic, American drivers who police stopped an 18-wheeler they believed would be less INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) near one of the city’s interna- likely to raise suspicions and tional bridges. more likely to make it through Whether this recent increase the Sarita checkpoint. Tyrone RE-BID is a trend and what might Williams, a licensed truck explain it is hard to know. A driver from New York, fit that IFB No. Re-Bid ASCC# 005-2017 Due Date and Time: July 24, 2017 recent report from European- description. Just before picking Date of Issuance: July 5, 2017 No Later than 2:00p.m. Local Time based global -risk group Verisk up his human cargo, Williams Maplecroft suggests that a had hauled milk products from The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) issues an Invitation for Bids (IFB) harder line on border security New York in his refrigerated from qualified firms to submit bids for the following: by the Trump administration truck. might be leading migrants to HOW DO THEY DIE? “FURNITURE, FURNISHINGS AND EQUIPMENT (FF&E) accept the risks of more dan- Dehydration, hyperthermia, FOR ASCC NEW MULTIPURPOSE CENTER BUILDING” gerous smuggling methods. suffocation, and mechanical By far the most notorious asphyxia have been among the SUBMISSION: and best documented case causes of death in truck cases. In An original and one (1) copy of the Invitation for Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope occurred in 2003, when 19 of the 2003 case, Williams’ trailer marked: “ASCC IFB#004-2017 Furniture, Furnishings & Equipment for new Multipurpose about 100 people being smug- was equipped with a refrig- gled in a truck trailer in south eration unit that enabled him to Building” Bids are to be sent or email to the following address and will be received no later Texas died of heat-related inju- haul milk earlier at 35 degrees than 2:00p.m. Local Time; Monday, July 24, 2017: ries; that included a 7-year-old Fahrenheit (1.67 Celsius) from ASCC Procurement Office boy. More than a dozen smug- New York to Texas. But when glers were convicted in that it came to his human cargo, Mapusaga Campus, case, including the American he didn’t turn it on. The immi- Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799 commercial driver at the wheel, grants remained silent as Wil- Attn: Jessie Su’esu’e, Procurement Officer Tyrone Mapletoft Williams, liams was waived through the Email: [email protected] and the purported head of the checkpoint, but they soon after smuggling ring, Karla Patricia began banging on the sides of Any bids received after the aforementioned date and time will not be accepted under any Chavez-Joya, a Honduran the trailer as it became increas- circumstances. Late submissions will not be opened and will be determined as being non- national. ingly hot and increasingly hard responsive. WHERE ARE THE IMMI- to breathe. Finally, fearing GRANTS FROM? detection, Williams unhooked DOCUMENTS: Transportation by truck is the trailer at a truck stop in Vic- The IFB complete package detailing requirements is available at the ASCC Procurement often one of the final steps in a toria, Texas, and drove off. An process that can begin months appellate court later described Office, Mapusaga Campus during normal working hours and may also be obtained by emailing before somewhere in Mexico the scene inside: “Bodies, both [email protected] or more than a thousand miles dead and living, were stacked in from the U.S.-Mexican border a pile in the trailer. Some of the RIGHT OF REJECTION: in Honduras or Guatemala. A aliens were standing behind the The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) reserves the right to reject any and/or all review of court documents in pile. The aliens were stripped bids and to waive any irregularities and/or informalities in the submitted bid proposals that are other cases indicates the tractor- down to their underwear and not in the best interest of the college or the public. trailers are often brought in were sweating.” only after Mexicans and Cen- CHARGES Approved for Issuance by; tral Americans arrive by train, Because the crime involves bus or car to the Mexican-U.S. the crossing of international and Dr. Rosevonne Makaiwi Pato border region — and then slip of state borders, it’s often fed- President, American Samoa Community College (ASCC) into the U.S. by foot or by raft eral authorities who prosecute across the Rio Grande. human traffickers. samoa news, Monday, July 24, 2017 Page 15 Victory for ‘Dunkirk’ and ‘Girls Trip’ at the box office LOS ANGELES (AP) — tainment and comedy has It’s victory for “Dunkirk” and been somewhat underserved, “Girls Trip” at the box office it is not because people aren’t this weekend. Both original and interested in laughing, it’s that well-reviewed films smashed they’re waiting for something expectations and enticed diverse funny to come along,” said audiences to the theaters, even Nick Carpou, Universal’s presi- though cumulatively summer dent of domestic distribution. remains down from last year. “One of the great things about Christopher Nolan’s World this comedy is that it’s really War II epic brought in an esti- funny.” mated $50.5 million to easily Not so successful was Luc top the charts, according to Besson’s nearly $180 million Warner Bros., while the rau- sci-fi epic “Valerian and the cous comedy “Girls Trip” broke City of a Thousand Planets,” the R-rated comedy slump of which earned $17 million from 2017 with $30.4 million to take North American theaters over second place. the weekend for a fifth-place “Dunkirk” was far from an start. It came in behind “Spider- inevitable summer success. But Man: Homecoming,” in third stellar reviews, awards buzz in its third weekend with $22 This image released by Universal Pictures shows Regina Hall, from left, Jada Pinkett Smith, and hype around the film’s million and “War for the Planet Queen Latifah and Tiffany Haddish in a scene from the comedy “Girls Trip.” large-scale production helped of the Apes” in fourth place in (Michele K. Short/Universal Pictures via AP) drive people to the theater and its second weekend with $20.4 large-format screens. million. “We’re beyond thrilled with Besson’s film, starring Dane Purple Heart found on NY road this exceptional achievement DeHaan and Cara Delevingne for ‘Dunkirk,’ “ said Jeff Gold- and based on the French comic stein, who heads distribution for “Valerian and Laureline,” was Warner Bros. produced by EuropaCorp. returned to veteran’s family “The critical reception STX Entertainment distrib- NYACK, N.Y. (AP) — The American Legion post, and year by the Nazis after being worldwide has been consis- uted it in North America. family of a World War II vet- those who initially searched captured in Italy, according to tently effusive. The film’s financial expo- eran now has a big piece of his for the owner discovered there records. It really propelled this movie sure was limited, however. history back. were numerous men with that Schumer presented the that wasn’t an obvious win.” EuropaCorp says 90 percent Democratic Sen. Charles name who served in World medal to McNamara’s son and Audiences were 60 percent of the budget was already cov- Schumer on Sunday reunited War II. Schumer’s office began daughter and grandchildren at a male and 76 percent over the ered by foreign pre-sales, equity the family of Bernard McNa- looking into the situation ear- ceremony in Nyack, New York. age of 25 for the PG-13 rated financing and tax subsidies. mara with his Purple Heart lier this month and was able to His son said the medal may film, while IMAX audiences Dergarabedian said it’s more medal. It had been found along determine to whom the medal have been lost at some point represented 23 percent of the about the international returns a Rockland County road several belonged. when it was given to some chil- market share (or $11.7 million for “Valerian,” but it’s hard not years ago with the inscription of McNamara, a Bronx native, dren in the family to play with, of the total grosses from only to see Besson’s return to sci-fi “B.J. McNamara on December died in 1975. He was wounded and may have ended up where 402 screens). as a disappointment. 9, 1943.” during the war, and also held it was found because they had “It became a must-see Not adjusted for inflation, It was turned over to an as a prisoner of war for over a family in the area. event,” said Paul Dergarabe- “Valerian” earned basically dian, a senior media analyst for the same as “The Fifth Ele- comScore. ment,” which came out 20 Drawing quite a different years ago. For comparison, his audience was the buddy film “Lucy,” starring Scarlett comedy “Girls Trip,” starring Johansson, opened to $43.8 Regina Hall, Tiffany Had- million in 2014. dish, Jada Pinkett Smith and Overall, the year remains Queen Latifah as a group of around flat from last year, girlfriends who head to New and the summer season looks Orleans for a weekend of fun. unlikely to make up for its def- The Universal film drew in an icit through the end of July and audience that was 79 percent August. female and 50 percent under the Still, Dergarabedian thinks age of 30. Fifty-nine percent of there is a silver lining in the attendees were estimated to be quality of the films that have African-American. come out this summer. Notably, audiences gave the “Despite the weekend being film a stellar A+ CinemaScore, down close to 10 percent, the suggesting the film will have currency that was most valuable long-term playability. is the currency of goodwill,” “ ‘Girls Trip’ was a perfectly Dergarabedian said. counter-programmed box office “Nobody can say that Holly- surprise,” Dergarabedian said. wood threw the same old stuff “It broke the R-rated at the wall this weekend.” comedy curse that has afflicted Estimated ticket sales for this summer with ‘Baywatch,’ Friday through Sunday at ‘Snatched,’ ‘Rough Night’ and U.S. and Canadian theaters, ‘The House.’ “ according to comScore. A Purple Heart medal that had been found along a Rockland County road several years ago is For Universal, the formula Where available, the latest displayed Sunday, July 23, 2017, at a news conference in New York, where it was turned over to the is more simple: “Girls Trip,” international numbers for family of the World War II veteran who earned it. Democratic Sen. Charles Schumer on Sunday unlike the aforementioned Friday through Sunday are also reunited the family of Bernard McNamara with his Purple Heart medal after the senator’s office comedies, is resonating with included. helped to determine to whom the medal belonged. McNamara, a Bronx native, died in 1975. He was audiences. Final domestic figures will wounded during the war, and also held as a prisoner of war for over a year by the Nazis after being “When the taste for enter- be released Monday. captured in Italy, according to records. (AP Photo/Julie Walker) Page 16 samoa news, Monday, July 24, 2017 White House indicates Trump would sign new sanctions bill WASHINGTON (AP) — ticularly putting these sanctions The White House indicated in place.” Sunday President Donald “We support where the leg- Trump would sign a sweeping islation is now, and will con- Russia sanctions measure, tinue to work with the House which the House could take up and Senate to put those tough this week, that requires him to sanctions in place on Russia get Congress’ permission before until the situation in Ukraine is lifting or easing the economic fully resolved,” Sanders said on penalties against Moscow. ABC’s “This Week.” Lawmakers are scheduled to Congressional Republicans consider the sanctions package and Democrats announced as early as Tuesday, and the bill Saturday that they’d settled could be sent to Trump before lingering issues with the bill, Congress breaks for the August which also includes stiff eco- C M recess. nomic penalties against Iran Y K The legislation is aimed at and North Korea. The sanctions punishing Moscow for med- targeting Russia, however, have dling in the presidential election drawn the most attention due FILE- In this June 30, 2017, file photo, White House deputy press secretary Sarah Huckabee and its military aggression in to Trump’s persistent push for Sanders speaks during the daily press briefing at the White House in Washington. The White House Ukraine and Syria. warmer relations with President indicated Sunday, July 23, that President Donald Trump would sign a sweeping Russia sanctions Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Vladimir Putin and ongoing measure that requires him to get Congress’ permission before lifting or easing the economic penalties the newly appointed White investigations into Rus- against Moscow. Sanders, the newly appointed White House press secretary, said the administration House press secretary, said the sia’s interference in the 2016 is supportive of being tough on Russia and ‚Äúparticularly putting these sanctions in place.‚Äù administration is supportive of campaign. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File) being tough on Russia and “par- “North Korea, Iran and Russia have in different ways all threatened their neighbors and actively sought to under- mine American interests,” according to a joint statement by California Republicans Kevin McCarthy, the House majority leader, and Ed Royce of California, the Foreign Affairs Committee chairman. The bill the House will vote, they said, “will now exclusively focus on these nations and hold them accountable for their dan- gerous actions.” The White House had objected to a key section of the bill that would mandate a congressional review if Trump attempts to terminate the sanctions against Moscow. Top administration officials said the provisions infringed on the president’s executive authority and tied his hands as he explores avenues of coop- eration between the two former Cold War foes. But Sanders said the White House was able to work with the House and Senate to “make those changes that were necessary.” She didn’t specify what those changes were, however. The congressional review sec- tion wasn’t altered substantially and Democrats were satisfied C M with the results. Y K Lawmakers included the review because of wariness in both parties over Trump’s affinity for Putin. Rep. Eliot Engel of New York, the top ranking Democrat on the For- eign Affairs Committee, said Trump has been unwilling to respond seriously to Russia’s belligerence, “leaving Con- gress with the urgent respon- sibility to hold Vladimir Putin accountable.” McCarthy had pushed to add the North Korea sanctions to the package. The House had over- whelmingly passed legislation in May to hit Pyongyang with additional economic penalties, but the Senate had yet to take up the bill.