2% wage tax inadvertently not deducted from some ASG paychecks Page 2

Heaven’s Touch for a “fofo” for relaxation, what a concept! Page 5

C M Y K E le toe mana’omia

se isi tulafono Manulele Tausala Elementary SPED students, teachers and parents were all treated to Carl’s Jr. luncheon menu #1 or #3 for the students and any meal on the menu for teacher and parents yesterday puipuia ai sui afternoon. The treat was from the management and staff of Carl’s Jr. Fast Foods in Laufou Shopping Center, tauva o le palota Nuuuli. Carl’s Jr. adopted Manulele Tausala Elementary as ‘their’ school — but they also donate gener- Le Lali ously to all other schools when they ask for help, according to Carl’s Jr.’s Marketing Manager Phil Love. [photo: Leua Aiono Frost]

ONLINE @ SAMOANEWS.COM

DAILY CIRCULATION 7,000 PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017 $1.00 FLAG DAY Police Commissioner FAUTASI FEVER 2017 says budget to feed Your Family of exclusively Fine Beverages distributed by 699-1854 inmates insufficient AND, THERE IS NO BUDGET TO EVEN BUY SUPPLIES, SUCH AS TOILET PAPER Manulele Tausala, Nu’uuli by Fili Sagapolutele Foifua and Criminal Justice Planning Agency Samoa News Correspondent (CJPA) director Leseiau Laumoli appeared focused on 1st Place only olice Commissioner Le’i Sonny yesterday before the House Public Safety Com- by T. Gasu only to defend their champion- Thompson told a House committee mittee after House Vice Speaker Fetu Fetui Jr., SN Sports Correspondent ship title from last year’s com- that the approved fiscal year 2017 received concerned reports regarding problems The Manulele Tausala I petition, but are focused on the budget to cover “inmate food” at the with food for the inmates. TerritorialP Correctional Facility is “not even suf- Le’i noted the FY 2017 provides for inmate C M and II fautasi captains & crews top seed of the ‘faiga mea i le Y K from the village of Nu’uuli, tai’ — to earn another chance ficient” to provide three daily meals a day, seven food, leaving no funding for other expenses, Ituau Malosi district are pre- at being the No.1 team in this days a week, for the entire year. such as supplies for TCF — for example, toilet pared to compete in the 2017 year’s fautasi fiva competition. Currently, the inmate population is 194 and paper. Flag Day Fautasi Regatta, not the approved FY 2017 budget is $110,000 — According to the police commissioner when (Continued on page 8) which is a drop from $136,000 in FY 2016. And he took over the post he received information the FY 2017 food budget is also to help with that the previous leadership had stopped pro- food items for the 14 youths currently housed at viding breakfast for inmates and he is not clear the Juvenile Detention Center. as to the reasons behind it, but he suspects it all Now “let’s say”, for example, it costs around has to do with the lack of funding. $30 a day to feed each inmate at TCF providing Among the 194 inmates — sixty-six of them three meals a day, Le’i said. The total cost just have a case pending in court, five of them have for one day to feed the current 194 inmates is immigration related matters, seven individuals $5,820 per day — so times that by the total are housed in a separate part of the TCF dealing amount of days in a year, 365 days (unless it’s a with substance abuse service, and the rest are leap year), that comes to around $2.12 million. inmates serving time. Therefore, he said the FY 2017 budget is “not Of the five individuals held in custody due to Captain of the Manulele Tausala I is once again Manutafea Saleauau even sufficient” to feed inmates, unless the meal immigration matters, Le’i suggested that maybe Tanielu Taufete’e, while captain of the Manulele Tausala II is Fanene is “only a piece of bread and a glass of water”; the Immigration Office should contribute their Vitale Sotoa in this year’s faigamea i le tai 2017 Flag Day Regatta. and he quickly reminded lawmakers that inmates share in feeding these inmates. GHC Reid & Company, Ltd. — Oloa o Leala — “Your Family of Fine are human beings, and their rights are protected Samoa News points out that over the years, Beverages and home of Vaimalu Purified Water” is the sponsor of this under the law and the government is responsible there were times when the TCF population was year’s Samoa News coverage of the 2017 Flag Day Fautasi Fiva; and — under the law — to provide them with food. up to 220 inmates. wishes all captains & crew a safe and peaceful race. [Photos: TG] Le’i, along with TCF Warden, Comdr. Foifua (Continued on page 2) Page 2 samoa news, Thursday, March 30, 2017

➧ Police Commissioner says… 2% wage tax inadvertently Continued from page 1 The committee was also informed care of in a decent manner. not deducted from some by Le’i that in the past, TCF had no He also said that he is not sure as cook, and it’s just recently that CJPA to why providing breakfast was previ- approved funding to hire a cook for ously halted but there should be break- ASG paychecks TCF, and a janitor for the Juvenile fast — even if it’s limited, for example, Detention Center, which has a cook, maybe to one egg, along with another by Fili Sagapolutele nation of the memo on the wage tax and but funding for their food supply food item. Samoa News Correspondent apologized to the affected employees. comes from the main TCF inmate food Le’i also told lawmakers of a pre- For American Samoa workers: No It’s unclear as to how many employees budget. vious practice, in which the food you didn’t get an increment raise, and no were affected, with the next ASG payday At this time, the Education Depart- supply was purchased to cover three the 2% wage tax has not been repealed, due next week Monday. ment is helping the Juvenile Detention months, but the problem is that “there and yes — you are paying it back, if it Samoa News heard from a few gov- Center with breakfast for the young- is no accountability where that food is wasn’t deducted. ernment employees and family members sters housed at the facility. going” and “there’s no procedures to With the roll out of a new ASG after the ASG payroll was released Mar. Le’i said he has been given TCF’s follow” to make sure the purchase is computer system, the 2% wage tax was 20 that the 2% wage tax was not taken inmate food item list, which includes based on the available budget. not deducted from payroll checks for out of their paycheck. They were asking things such as cases of mackerel Now, the food supply is ordered some American Samoa Government whether there is a new law, repealing this (pilikaki) and cases of turkey tails; and once a month, he said and suggested the employees, says Human Resources tax. looking at the list, that means food to committee give him a month to work director Eseneiaso Liu, who has also set Other affected employees had won- feed the inmates is “kaleve pilikaki with DPS officials as well as Fo’ifua a deadline for submission of employees’ dered if there was some sort of error on the (mackerel gravy), but there are many to address this issue, and when called time sheets to ensure they are paid come government’s part because many of their inmates who suffer from gout, there- back by the committee, he would then payday. coworkers had the wage tax deducted, fore it’s a sure thing that these partic- be able to provide an update. Liu made the revelation in two sepa- while others spoke of an ‘unannounced’ ular inmates will be in need of hospital He also revealed that DPS is rate memos — both dated Mar. 24 — as increment, perhaps? treatment. working on a supplemental appropria- well as a verbal explanation during the TIME CARDS There are also cases of chicken and tion request to the governor for DPS. governor’s cabinet meeting on Tuesday On the issue of time card deadline sub- bags of rice on the food list, but again However, he didn’t provide any other at the Agriculture Department confer- mission, Liu said that to enable DHR to the approved budget is insufficient, he details, but he did remind lawmakers ence room. better manage paychecks for employees said, and noted that he has received that the $110,000 is only for inmate Payroll Division has been under the going forward, the department is imple- word that family members of inmates food — there is no money to purchase jurisdiction of the Department of Human menting a “time card submission dead- visiting TCF also help by bringing supplies and other needs to adequately Resources for about two years, based on line of 3p.m. on the Monday prior to pay- food. (Family members of two inmates take care of the inmates. a directive at the time from Gov. Lolo check Monday.” told Samoa News recently that on the Of the total money budgeted for Matalasi Moliga. “Complete and accurate time cards weekends, especially on Sundays, they inmate food, Le’i said that to date, WAGE TAX submitted by this drop dead date will take extra food for other inmates, as $39,000 has been expended. In an effort to improve the efficiency be processed for the following Mon- some of them rarely get visits from And in an effort to further improve and quality of service provided by DHR, day’s paychecks,” she emphasized in the friends or relatives.) service at TCF, Le’i said the govern- Liu informed directors in a memo that memo. “Incomplete or inaccurate time Le’i said he has informed the TCF ment has recently approved the post of her department has transitioned from cards will not be processed, but will be Warden and other DPS officials that a deputy warden, which will be filled the IFAS 7.7 (computer) management returned for corrections.” inmates have individual rights under by a veteran police officer, who has system to ONESolution, which consoli- She said the deadline for time card the law and among those rights is that been with DPS for sometime now. dates, streamlines and “automates many submission would take effect Apr. 10. they receive food and are to be taken of our processes.” And the only exception to the dead- And “we look forward to the service line will be when a holiday is observed enhancements this on a Monday and then the deadline will SUPERIOR COURT FOR THE STATE OF WASHINGTON conversion should be moved to 3p.m. on the Tuesday after IN THE COUNTY OF KING provide,” she said, the Monday holiday. adding that DHR Liu said processing ASG’s payroll IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION NO. 17-5-00201-2 KNT appreciates every- has been a complicated undertaking for OF one’s patience, “as DHR’s relatively few payroll staff mem- SUMMONS AND NOTICE BY we work through this bers given the many ASG agencies “and J’LYRICSZ MULIUMU a/k/a PUBLICATION OF PETITION/ HEARING transition.” the more than 4,000 employees” the pay- J’LYRICSZ VERALLIAH SIMEONA MULIUMU, RE RELINQUISHMENT OF CHILD/ She then revealed roll staff has to manage. a person under the age of eighteen. TERMINATION OF PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP that following the She apologized for the previous delays roll out of the most and inaccuracies in paychecks, but said TO: FRANK, JOHN DOE (UNKNOWN) AND TO ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY recent phase of DHR has identified procedural gaps and You are hereby summoned to appear within thirty days after the date of first publication of this summons, to-wit, within thirty days after the 17th the new system, it inefficiencies internally and has designed day of March, 2017, and defend the above-entitled action in the above-entitled court, and answer the petition of the Petitioners and serve a copy of “was noted that the solutions for such. your answer upon the undersigned attorneys for Petitioners at the office below stated; if you fail to do so, judgment may be rendered against you according to the request of the petition which has been filed with the Clerk of said Court. 2% wage tax” was “Externally, however, a continuing YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a petition has been filed in this court praying that the parent-child relationship between the parents of the not been deducted challenge in our payroll process has been above-named child and the above-named child be terminated. The object of the action is to seek an order relinquishing the child to the Petitioners from some ASG the incomplete, inaccurate and late time for adoption and to terminate the parent-child relationship. The child was conceived in November 2011 in American Samoa and born in Washington on July 19, 2012. The child’s birth mother is Anita Meki. employees. cards that are submitted by departments,” The Petitioners are also seeking temporary placement of the child with them. The court hearing on this matter shall be on the 17th day of April, “To remedy she explained. “Having to manage these 2017 at 1:30 pm in the King County Superior Court, address: Regional Justice Center, Ex Parte Department, 401 Fourth Avenue North, Room 1J, this anomaly, a 2% time card submission issues, within an Kent, Washington 98032. YOUR FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THIS HEARING MAY RESULT IN A DEFAULT ORDER PERMANENTLY TERMINATING ALL OF YOUR wage tax adjust- already compressed time window, exac- RIGHTS TO THE ABOVE-NAMED CHILD. ment will be noted erbates our efforts and contributes to the NOTICE: State and federal law provide protections to defendants who are on active duty in the military service, and to their dependents. on the next paycheck delays and inaccuracies mentioned.” Dependents of a service member are the service member’s spouse, the service member’s minor child, or an individual for whom the service member provided more than one-half of the individual’s support for one hundred eighty days immediately preceding an application for relief. stubs of those spe- The workload further increases during One protection provided is the protection against the entry of a default judgment in certain circumstances. This notice only pertains to a cific employees,” the summer for the youth employment defendant who is a dependent of a member of the national guard or a military reserve component under a call to active service for a period of more than thirty consecutive days. Other defendants in military service also have protections against default judgments not covered by this notice. If she explained. Fur- program. you are the dependent of a member of the national guard or a military reserve component under a call to active service for a period of more than thermore, the adjust- “We firmly believe that the solutions thirty consecutive days, you should notify the petitioner or the petitioner’s attorney in writing of your status as such within twenty days of the receipt ment will enable we’ve designed internally, coupled with of this notice. If you fail to do so, then a court or an administrative tribunal may presume that you are not a dependent of an active duty member of the national guard or reserves, and proceed with the entry of an order of default and/or a default judgment without further proof of your status. Your those employees to this time card submission deadline, will response to the petitioner or petitioner’s attorneys about your status does not constitute an appearance for jurisdictional purposes in any pending be brought current mitigate paycheck delays and inaccura- litigation nor a waiver of your rights. in terms of their 2% cies previously experienced,” she added. You are further notified that any non-consenting parent or alleged father has a right to be represented by an attorney, and an attorney will be appointed for an indigent parent who requests an attorney. wage tax obligation Almost every ASG period, Samoa You are further notified that your failure to file a claim of paternity under Chapter 26.26 RCW within thirty days of the first publication of this notice for 2017. News gets complaints from employees or to respond to the petition within thirty days of the first publication of this notice is grounds to terminate your parent-child relationship with respect For employees who didn’t get a paycheck. And without to the child. You are further notified that if you are the alleged father of an Indian child, and you acknowledge paternity of the child, or if your paternity of whose paychecks the paycheck, the employees start specu- the child is established prior to the termination of the parent-child relationship, your parental rights may not be terminated unless you: (i) give valid had been properly lating about the cause of the problem. consent to termination, or (ii) your parent-child relationship is terminated involuntarily pursuant to 26.33 or 13.34 RCW. deducted with the When some ASG employees didn’t get One method of filing your response and serving a copy on the Petitioner is to send them your written response by certified mail with return receipt requested. wage tax, they will their paychecks last week Monday, there WITNESS the Honorable KEN SCHUBERT, Judge/Court Commissioner of said Superior Court and the seal of said Court hereunto affixed this not see the adjust- were calls of complaints to Samoa News. 14th day of March, 2017. ment, she said, and It’s understood that those who didn’t get BARBARA MINER FILE RESPONSE WITH: Clerk of Court asked directors to paid last Monday, did get their check King County Superior Court Clerk King County Superior Court inform respective on a supplemental payroll run last week 516 Third Avenue Seattle, WA 98104 employees of this Wednesday. In some cases, however, By T. BROWN potential upcoming Samoa News understands grant funding SERVE A COPY OF YOUR RESPONSE ON: Deputy Clerk adjustment. for some programs are on hold, and ASG Petitioners’ Attorney: Albert G. Lirhus Lirhus & Keckemet LLP During the cab- is unwilling to ‘front’ the money pending 1200 5th Avenue, Suite 1550 inet meeting, Liu resolution of the grant issue. Seattle, WA 98101 gave a verbal expla- samoa news, Thursday, March 30, 2017 Page 3

**Good News ** Good News** Tala Fiafia THE BOOK SAMOAN LEGENDS OF LOVE AND COURTSHIP AMONG KINGS AND CHIEFS is available at

Before the students, teachers and parents of the SPED Program of Manulele Tausala SAMOA MARKETING Elementary left Carl’s Jr. yesterday, Marketing Manager Phil Love distributed balloons By Famous Author to each of the SPED students as a tofa gift, a token of the restaurant’s commitment to the school, from the management and staff of Carl’s Jr. [photo: Leua Aiono Frost] FOFO IIGA I. F. SUNIA Let your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, Friends, and Families all around the world know their culture and history. AG gives details of It makes a great gift to your family and friends.

FA’AILOA LOA I LAU FANAU, MA FANAU A LAU FANAU MA A LATOU FANAU, UO, MA ‘behind the scenes’ look AIGA I ATUNU’U MAMAO, MA LE LALOLAGI ATOA, LAU AGANU’U, MA LOU TALA FAASOLOPITO. to overturn LVPA decision Lelei tele mo se mealofa i ou aiga, uo ma e masani. by Fili Sagapolutele Palepoi Sialega Mauga, and Samoa News Correspondent local leaders, to take the case During Tuesday’s cabinet to federal court, and he thanked meeting, Attorney General his team at the Attorney Gen- Talauega Eleasalo Ale provided eral’s Office, Mino Sunia and The Samoan Gospel Homecoming some details of what occurred Alema Leota, who were tasked behind the scenes at the with finding cases to “prove our Attorney General’s Office that point” in court. Singers Ministry later led to American Samoa He said his job was to come successfully arguing in federal up with the “theory” to make presents court to overturn a federal deci- American Samoa’s case in fed- sion on the Large Vessel Pro- eral court, as “there’s no case tected Area (LVPA) in territo- law that directly puts the Deeds rial waters. against the federal government.” And with the decision, While there were past cases handed down on Mar. 20, Gov. from “private parties, Talauega Lolo Matalasi Moliga says it said the lawsuit was the first 2nd Annual Easter Concert shows that there is “value” in time that American Samoa Featuring the American Samoa’s two Government used the Deeds “to The Paaga Family, Ana Hargett, Toe To’oto’o, The Ponoausuia Family, Deeds of Cession with the stand up to the federal govern- United States. ment and say ‘we have rights Dorothy & John Marsh, Mose & Eseta Katina, Patolo & Mae Mageo, The Harvest Time Singers, U.S District Court Judge and these are our rights’.” Praising Voices, Souvenier Bohanak, Leslie Kobayashi sided with “One of the difficulties in The Homecoming Singers, and The Strings of Psalms the territory’s argument that the pursing this case is that there is Guest Artists U.S National Marine Fisheries no case law like that. There are ASCC Christian Club Service (NMFS) failed to take a lot of case laws about [Amer- Upu Moni into account the two Deeds of ican] Indians- Native Ameri- Cession — the 1900 Deed of cans,” he said, but the federal Palm Sunday, April 9, 2017 Cession for Tutuila and Aunu’u government and the National Governor Rex Lee Auditorium island and the 1904 Deeds of Oceanic and Atmospheric Utulei, American Samoa Cession for Manu’a — with the Administration (NOAA) 4:00 p.m. United States. “would keep reminding us, Admission: FREE Speaking at the cabinet we are not Indians. But we are For More Information Contact: meeting, Talauega noted there native people, we have original Vickie Haleck 258-8298 or Poe Mageo 770-9119 was strong encouragement from rights.” both Lolo, Lt. Gov. Lemanu (Continued on page 4) Page 4 samoa news, Thursday, March 30, 2017

The American Samoa Community College’s (ASCC) Finance Division Team with the Agriculture, Community and Natural Resources (ACNR) Director Aufa‘i Apulu Ropeti Areta after an ACNR training. The ACNR director was invited to present during the Finance Division’s annual internal training. This is an effort for the Finance Division to gain a better under- standing of the ACNR Division programs and to build collaboration within ASCC. [Photo: D. Helsham] Letter to the Editor Letter to the Editor Mati 29, 2017 Afioga Leslie E. Kobayashi [Editor’s Note: The following letters, in tice to the people of American Samoa is com- Fa’amasino o le Fale Fa’amasino Fa’aitumalo o le Iunaite Setete English & Samoan, were written by Mauga mendable, applauded, and acknowledged by the Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Tasi Asuega, Paramount Chief of Maoputasi people and leaders of American Samoa. Lau Afioga i le Fa’amasino Kobayashi, County, in his capacity as a descendant of one Thank you very much! I le fa’aaloalo tele lava ma le agaga maualalo, ou te tusi atu ai of the signatories (Mauga-Pago Pago) of the Furthermore, your interpretation of the two lenei tusi i lau Afioga ona o a’u o le Fa’asuaga o le Itumalo o le 1900 Deed of Cession for Tutuila and Aunu‘u, Deeds of Cession for Tutuila, Aunu‘u, and Maoputasi. I le ma lea ona o a’u o se tasi na tupuga mai i se tasi Samoa News has reprinted the letters in their Manu‘a reflected the wisdom and foresight of o Fa’asuaga (Mauga-Pago Pago) na sainia le Feagaiga na tu’u atu entirety, “as is”. Ra] our forefathers when they ceded our islands to ai Tutuila ma Aunu’u i le 1900 ia Amerika, o lea e fa’aalia ai lo’u the United States of America. Our ancestors agaga fa’afetai tele lava ma le fa’amalo i lau Afioga ona o le ama- March 29, 2017 ceded the islands with the understanding that naia ma le fa’aaloalogia o tu ma aganu’u fa’apea agaifanua tau The Honorable Leslie E. Kobayashi the United States government would protect le faigafaiva ma fa’atautaiga i aso ua tuana’i e fesoasoani e fai ai U.S. District Court Judge and preserve our land, ocean, rights, language, lau fa’ai’uga e le fa’aaogaina ai le tulafono na pasia i le 2016 a le Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 culture, and other sacred resources and proper- (NMFS) e fa’aitiitia ai Ogasami e Fagogota ai Va’a Tetele (LVPA) Dear Honorable Judge Kobayashi, ties that the people of American Samoa value i Amerika Samoa. With a great sense of respect and sincere dearly. Ina ua maua ma taunu’u mai tala o lau fa’atofalaiga fa’atupu ma humility, I write this letter to you as the Para- Your favorable ruling for American Samoa le tonu ua e faia mo tagata o Amerika Samoa, sa ou lagona le filemu mount Chief (PC) of the Maoputasi County. has truly embodied the wishes and aspirations ma le mafanafana i lo’u loto, ae sa ou lagona fo’i le auai o le Agaga Being a descendant of one of the signatories of our leaders and people. This landmark deci- Paia fa’apea agaga o Tama o le atunu’u na sainia le Feagaiga na (Mauga-Pago Pago) of the 1900 Deed of Ces- sion will continue to sustain, preserve, and pro- tu’u atu ai Tutuila ma Aunu’u i le 1900 ma le Feagaiga na tu’u atu sion for Tutuila and Aunu‘u, I am extremely tect the cultural fishing rights and practices for ai Manu’a i le 1904 i le Malo o le Iunaite Setete. O lau tofamamao thankful that you considered the historical and many generations to come. ma le amiotonu na e faia ai lenei fa’ai’uga tulaga ese ina ia fai ai cultural context of American Samoa’s fishing May the Good Lord continue to grant you the le amiotonu mo tagata o Amerika Samoa ua matua fa’ataua, vi’ia, customs to aid you in your ruling to invalidate wisdom, justice, foresight, and good health that fa’aaloalogia, aloaia, ma fa’afetaia e ta’ita’i ma tagata o Amerika the 2016 National Marine Fisheries Service will enable you to fulfill your duties and respon- Samoa. Fa’afetai tele lava! decision to reduce the Large Vessel Protected sibilities as a U.S. District Court judge. In fur- E le gata i lea, o lau fa’apupulaga ma le fa’auigaga o nei Area (LVPA) in American Samoa waters. therance, I pray that God the Father will bless Feagaiga e lua mo Tutuila, Aunu’u, ma Manu’a o lo fa’aalia ma Upon hearing the favorable and just deci- you and your family with the love and peace of atagia ai le poto ma le atamai fa’apea le tofamamao a o matou tuaa sion that you made for the people of American our Lord Jesus Christ, and that the fellowship ina ua latou tu’u atu o matou motu i le Iunaite Setete o Amerika. Samoa, a great feeling of peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit will guide and direct you and Na tu’u atu e o matou tuaa o matou motu ma le malamalamaaga e came into my heart as I felt the warm pres- your family for many years to come. puipuia ma fa’asao e le Malo o le Iunaite Setete ia laueleele, sami, ence of the Holy Spirit, and my forefathers who God bless the leaders and people of the aia tatau, gagana, aganu’u ma isi measina ma punaoa e matua taua signed the 1900 Deed of Cession for Tutuila and United States and God bless American Samoa! i tagata o Amerika Samoa. Aunu‘u and the 1904 Deed of Cession for the Respectfully yours, O lau fa’atofalaiga fa’atupu ma le taua e ala i lau fa’ai’uga mo Manu‘a islands. The wisdom that you exercised Mauga Tasi Asuega Amerika Samoa o lo o liutino ai mo’omo’oga, fa’amoemoega ma in this landmark court decision to bring jus- Paramount Chief of Maoputasi County sa’afiafiga a o matou ta’ita’i ma tagatanu’u. O lenei fa’ai’uga taua ma le aoga o le a fa’aauaua le fa’atumauina, fa’asaoina, fa’apea le puipuiga o aia tatau ma le fa’atinoga fa’aleaganu’u o faigafaiva, ➧ fagotaga, fa’apea fa’atautaiga mo le tele o tupulaga o le lumana’i. … ‘behind the scenes’ look to overturn Ou te tatalo i le Atua Silisili Ese ma le Pule Aoao ia foa’i pea Continued from page 3 le mau, poto, amiotonu, tofamamao, fa’apea le soifua laulelei i lau So the ASG legal team was was to take this case to court unclear as to the “value” of the Afioga aua le fa’atinoga o ou tiute ma faiva Fa’aFa’amasino. I le “looking outside of American and it was done so with a posi- Deeds, which were put forth ma le isi, ou te tatalo i le Atua le Tama ia fa’amanuia lau Afioga law” and they looked into the tive outcome. by our forefathers. However, ma le aiga i le alofa ma le filemu o lo tatou Ali’i o Iesu Keriso, ma Treaty of Waitangi — regarding He also said that this is the he said the federal court ruling ia mafutaina ma ta’ita’ia e le Agaga Paia lau Afioga ma le aiga mo Maori, the native people of New first time that a US court has makes clear there is “value” in le tele o tausaga i le lumana’i. Ia fa’amanuia fo’i le Atua i ta’ita’i Zealand — and deeds for the ruled that American Samoans this important historical set of ma tagata o le Iunaite Setete ma Amerika Samoa. people of Fiji, he said, adding have rights based on the two documents — the two Deeds. Ma le fa’aaloalo tele lava, that all of these issues were Deeds. And that means the fed- The governor again thanked Mauga Tasi Asuega combined in ASG’s case. eral government cannot make a Talauega and his team for Fa’asuaga o le Itumalo o le Maoputasi He again reiterated his sin- decision that violates US prom- the hard work. And he also cere appreciation to his team, ises to the people of American expressed appreciation to Sunia and Leota, “who worked Samoa, as outlined in the Deeds. American Samoa’s three mem- © OSINI FALEATASI INC. RESERVES ALL RIGHTS. tirelessly to look and find those And if NMFS appeals the bers who served on the Western dba Samoa News publishes Monday to Friday, except for cases that I knew was out there, court’s ruling, it will probably Pacific Regional Fishery Man- some local and federal holidays. but I didn’t remember where be to the San Francisco-based agement Council in the last four Send correspondences to: OF, dba Samoa News, Box 909, it was, and which country it 9th Circuit Court of Appeal, he years as they took on the heavy Pago Pago, Am. Samoa 96799. comes from.” said and pointed out that what’s burden of arguing for American Telephone at (684) 633-5599 • Fax at (684) 633-4864 Talauega revealed that important now is that there is a Samoa. Email advertisements to [email protected] ASG’s case was also shared “case law” that cites the impor- The three previous members Email the newsroom at [email protected] with attorneys who handle these tance of the Deeds. are Port Administration director Normal business hours are Mon. thru Fri. 8am to 5pm. types of matters, but he was told Lolo added that it’s 117 Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Tuia Permission to reproduce editorial and/or advertisements, in “Don’t do it’.” However, he years since American Samoa Poumele, then Department of whole or in part, is required. Please address such requests to the said he moved forward with the became a part of the United Marine and Wildlife Resources Publisher at the address provided above. case because it was a directive States family but the people director Dr. Ruth Matagi- Please visit samoanews.com for weekend updates. from the governor, whose wish of American Samoa remain (Continued on page 7) samoa news, Thursday, March 30, 2017 Page 5 Heaven’s Touch for a “fofo” for relaxation, what a concept! By Leiloa Ese Malala home. I felt welcomed here and Samoa News Staff Writer saw some struggles in the com- In American Samoa, using a munity where I can use my skill ‘fofo’ to cure common ailments to help them in some ways,” is a common practice, although Dalmacio said in an interview the word ‘fofo’ could directly with Samoa News. translate as a “massage” or Dalmacio, the only Chiro- “masseur” — it is also a word practor on island that Dr. Randy used to denote ‘making some- Dewees recommends to some thing better’. Which brings us of his patients for assistance full circle to a practice of relax- said, “Many people would think ation that’s gained momentum that massaging is only for pam- in Tutuila — getting a massage. pering and relaxation, but they Bok Dalmacio a massage therapist at Heaven’s Touch, located in the Tradewinds Hotel in Otto- Growing up on island, it is don’t know it is more than that.” ville encourages locals and visitors to see a masseuse on island to relieve the chronic pains, muscle not uncommon to hear someone The masseur says, “I’ve had spasm, and stress or even just for relaxation. [Photo: Ese Malala] talking about going to a fofo to people who would come to cure a sty eye, stomach ache, see me just to relax and once “Massaging can help boost we were in American Samoa down; massage does lift you up pinched nerve, a boil, sprain, I touch their body they start to your metabolism, blood circula- — me and my family usually and make you feel good, unless neck ache… and so on. Rarely feel pains. The main pains that tion and many others. The body get our massages off-island — its something I can feel or see did one hear of going to a fofo people get when they come to is very easy; you just need to so when we were in American that I cannot fix then I will refer to relax, just to be well. see me are chronic pains from know what to put in your body. Samoa we needed to get our you to a nurse or doctor. However, flash forward, stress, stroke, muscle spasm and If you want to be healthy then massages too, as the weather “This is something that is these days, while there are still other chronic pains.” eat healthy,” he said. was hot for the kids and if very important on our island,” practitioners on island trained “Massaging really does help Dalmacio’s customers have you’re active sometimes your says Dalmacio. through cultural apprentice- with the body and not many included some well-known body starts to get tight and this He sees about 30 clients a ships to be a fofo, there is a people know that. It really Polynesian artists and athletes, is where massaging comes in. week and overall most of them growing local massage industry has opened my blood circula- who have visited American “Bok was definitely the come in with pains and leave comprising licensed practitio- tion. They think pills will help Samoa, as well as his usual person who fixed us well while feeling relaxed and restored to ners with off-island training — cure, but if you don’t like pills loco-motu ones. we were on island,” Polamalu health Dalmacio says. “I hardly they went to school for it. then you should get a massage There’s Richard Parker, said. get a break from massaging Who you decide to give you because it helps too,” a Tongan who told Samoa News, when Dalmacio claims that mas- because it is my passion. I love a massage then, is definitely an man who had problems seeing contacted for comment, “Bok sage benefits everything. to help people especially the opportunity choice, confident with his left eye for a couple of is so tiny but his hands did “If you are a gym freak, people of American Samoa.” that the masseur you choose years claims. heal me. He really knows what workaholic or someone who is Heaven’s Touch is located will do you right — will make Dalmacio noted that in terms he’s doing especially if you are always on the go and busy, I can on the bottom floor at the you feel better. of massages, this is why it’s stressing with work, massaging read by your body posture that Tradewinds Hotel. It is open “The medical community called ‘alternative medicine’ does ease that off.” you have pains and you do need from Monday to Sunday 10am- is more accepting of massage — “because we have our own Then there’s Troy Polamalu, a massage, any masseuse can. 8pm. For more information call therapy than ever before,” says way of helping them, which is a a former NFL player, who told “It does relieve stress also 699-1000 ext. 112. Dr. Stewart of LBJ Hospital, natural process. Samoa News via email, “When for example if you are feeling when asked about the benefits of a fofo. (Samoa News should point out that massage therapy is often done in addition to seeing a doctor for health issues, such as stress, obesity and diabetes, which are well-known non communicable diseases, found in American Samoa that the health community acknowl- edges as one of the major killers of our people.) On island, one practitioner of massage therapy can be found at Heaven’s Touch, located in the Tradewinds Hotel in Ottoville and his name is Bok Dalmacio — he’s a certified and licensed - Mas sage Practitioner, who visited American Samoa in 2007, fell in love with the island — and it’s home now. Being a Certified Cosme- tologist and Licensed Massage Practitioner, he told Samoa News that he knew he could make a difference in the com- munity. It’s why he moved here and practices massage therapy. “Samoa has become my second home. I really enjoyed my stay here when I was vis- iting; it really gave me a per- spective that this can be my Page 6 samoa news, Thursday, March 30, 2017 ASCC Marine Science Program, ASCC ACNR, and Hawai‘i Sea Grant train students By Kelley Anderson Tagarino ASCC ACNR & Hawai‘i Sea Grant Have you ever wondered how reef and fishery health are measured? Students in the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) Marine Sci- ence Program learned many of the standard methods used by scientists to measure marine health over spring break. As part of the MSC 280, Marine Science Special Proj- ects course, four ASCC stu- dents spent their spring break attending the Quantitative Underwater Ecological Sur- veying Techniques (QUEST) field course, held from March 13-18, in Nu’uuli tai, with sur- veys conducted at Avao. The students were joined by two ASCC faculty, Meagan Curtis and Kelley Anderson Tagarino, and University of Hawai‘i at Manoa Marine Option Program coordinator, Jeffrey Kuwabara. Many local During the QUEST session offered over the spring break, ASCC students Saelia Holmgren (foreground) and Claudia Thompson agency staff, representing the work together to measure the amount of relief in the reef, a metric known as rugosity. [Courtesy Photo] Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR), dents in QUEST gain new environment. instructor Curtis. ASCC ACNR groups to collect data used for the National Marine Sanctuary skills in monitoring the health “I am proud of each of & Hawai‘i Sea Grant exten- answering a research question of American Samoa (NMSAS), of our coral reefs and reef fish. the participants, they all sig- sion agent Anderson Tagarino each group comes up with. Data the Coral Reef Advisory Group By the end of the week, par- nificantly improved their in- explained, “This is the seventh is then analyzed and presented (CRAG), and the National Park ticipants reported an improve- water survey skills as well year we have held QUEST and by each group at the end of the of American Samoa (NPSA) ment in their surveying skills as their data collection and we continue to receive high week. donated their time to help stu- and knowledge of the marine management abilities,” stated reviews from local agency staff The intense workload of this and student participants. By field course led the students training students in field tech- to push themselves to learn Automotive Industry – Premium Brands niques used by local agencies, the many new techniques in a they are prepared to assist in short period of time. Instead of ASCO MOTORS Territorial marine monitoring staying up late partying over needs, such as the current coral spring break, students stayed bleaching and alamea (Crown up late analyzing data – and Re-advertised FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION MANAGER of Thorns Starfish) outbreaks.” enjoyed it! Partners from the TTSPH trading as Asco Motors in American Samoa is seeking an experienced automotive business leader for This year, two past QUEST ASCC ACNR, ASCC Marine an exciting opportunity in American Samoa. TTSPH supports seven directly owned affiliated Toyota Distributors students participated as team Science Program, Rose Atoll within the South Pacific, namely Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Samoa, American Samoa leaders, acting as mentors and National Wildlife Refuge, and Tonga. guiding the first-year QUEST NPSA, CRAG, NMSAS, and Asco Motors American Samoa is looking to recruit a commercially astute and professional Finance & students through the week of the University of Hawai‘i Administration Manager to join our superior customer service culture. You are the type of manager who leads by intensive studies. Marine Option Program assisted example and in turn provides a positive and productive working environment for the Finance & Administration When Claudia Thompson, in teaching the methods and in team. The position reports directly to the CEO. a team leader, was asked how conducting in-water surveys. The successful candidate will: she thought QUEST went, Many local agencies • Manage the company’s fully integrated accounting system she responded, “As a mentor, donated time, materials, and • Report monthly and annually on the company’s financial performance I learned all the skills in even services to make QUEST pos- • Meet all statutory requirements and ensuring compliance to established company policies more detail since I was helping sible. These include the Office • Coordinate the preparation of the Strategic Plan, budgets and forecasts to teach these methods and of the Governor, ASCC ACNR, • Cash flow management for the business concepts.” UH Manoa Marine Option • Manage internal control procedures in line with company policy to protect financial assets and secure Filifaatali (“Tali”) Samoa, Program, and the Nu’uuli Vil- all systems, records, documents, cash and general office records a new QUEST student, said, lage. The QUEST instructors • Manage HR functions including Annual Performance targets, recruitment, training and communications “QUEST was hard, but I actu- extend their appreciation to the to staff ally miss it! I learned so much, NOAA National Marine Fish- • Oversee Payroll and Personnel administration procedures and thanks to QUEST, I have eries Pacific Island Regional new skills I can put to use trying Office, which funds the Amer- Preferred applicants will have: to protect our island’s reefs and ican Samoa QUEST. On behalf • Tertiary qualification in Finance and Accounting fisheries.” of the Hawai‘i Sea Grant Col- • Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior role and similar position The American Samoa lege Program and the American • Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite of applications and computerised accounting and business QUEST is modeled after the Samoa Community College systems highly successful course of the and ACNR, the instructors sin- • Demonstrated management, leadership and planning capabilities same name offered by the Uni- cerely thank these sponsors for • Excellent written and verbal communication skills versity of Hawai‘i at Hilo. making QUEST possible. THE COMPANY The American Samoa The QUEST course will Asco Motors is the automotive market leader in the region. Asco Motors are the dealer/distributor of franchises QUEST has students using continue to be offered every that includes Toyota, Yamaha and Hino and is a quality-focused international organization that works to high snorkels and masks rather year over ASCC’s Spring standards of customer satisfaction. than SCUBA gear as is done Break, which is usually the THE PACKAGE at the University of Hawai‘i. second week of March. Those A competitive salary package will be offered, which includes an annual performance bonus. Though the gear is different, the interested in participating as methods and science learned students or sponsors can con- APPLY TODAY are the same. Students spend tact Kelley Anderson Tagarino Qualified applicants should submit their application with resume by 31st March 2017 to: the week studying methods at 699-3353 (office) or 258- for counting fish, algae, corals, 2967 (cell) or at KelleyAT@ ASCO MOTORS (c/-TTSPH) and other invertebrates. After Hawaii.edu on email, or via PO Box 129, Pago Pago 96799 studying each method, they post mail at P.O. Box 2609 for email: [email protected] take to the water, working in more information. samoa news, Thursday, March 30, 2017 Page 7

Amata appeals to Commerce ➧ AG gives details… Continued from page 4 Tofiga, who is the current Education director, and Pacific Secretary Ross to lift fishing ban Energy senior official Taulapapa William Sword. Lolo said arguing this case in court was not to win, but to get a much better understanding on the “value” of the Deeds and if there was a ruling of “no value” then Amer- ican Samoa would then look for another way to better con- nect with the federal government. Lolo then told Talauega to put on his boxing gloves to prepare for the next fight, if there is one — referring to the case being appealed. Michael Tosatto, regional administrator of the NOAA Fisheries Service’s Pacific Islands Regional Office, told Samoa News last week that NOAA Fisheries is currently reviewing the court’s decision and is evaluating its next steps. The Council during its three-day meeting last week in Honolulu approved two separate recommendations. One directs its staff to work with NMFS and NOAA gen- eral counsel on reviewing the judge’s decision and two, “to evaluate next steps, which could include requesting the court to stay the decision pending reconsideration of appeal over the court’s decision and further notes the urgency to provide regulatory relief for the American Samoa longline fleet, because it continues to face dire eco- nomic conditions.” DMWR director Va’amua Henry Sesepasara, the gov- ernor’s current representative on the Council, opposed the recommendations with a “no” vote. (See Samoa News edi- tions Mar. 23 and Mar. 27 on the Council’s discussion of Amata with Secretary Ross after their discussion. [Courtesy photo] the LVPA.) Washington, D.C. — Wednesday, Mar. 30, 2017 lack of consultation with the local American Samoan Reduction of the LVPA from 50 to 12 miles followed — Congresswoman Aumua Amata appealed to U.S. community and the fishing industry at large, has cre- a recommendation two years ago by the Council, which Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross the ated detrimental effects on our economy. sought to amend the LVPA, first established in 2002, importance of removing the prohibition of American “We discussed creating a waiver for US flagged to help the US longline fleet based in American Samoa, fisherman to fish in the waters of the National Marine boats that would allow them to fish for tuna; but keep which was facing several challenges. Monuments. other environmental rules in place. (See Samoa News editorial section in Thursday’s issue “My conversation with Secretary Ross was “These monuments take up 25% of our Exclusive for letters, in English & Samoan, written by Mauga Tasi about the need for American fishermen to be able to Economic Zone waters in the Pacific. Our canneries Asuega, Paramount Chief of Maoputasi County, in his fish in waters that have been designated as Marine need fish and out people need their jobs back, and capacity as a descendant of one of the signatories (Mauga- Monuments. While I think we can all agree about the the current rules governing the Marine Monuments Pago Pago) of the 1900 Deed of Cession for Tutuila and importance of the National Marine Monuments, how are preventing either from happening,” Amata said. Aunu‘u, thanking the US District Court Judge Kobayashi they protect our pristine waters and coral reefs; the for her decision.) Origin EnergySPECIALS! SPECIALS! SPECIALS! SPEND YOUR TAX REFUNDS WISELY At ORIGIN ENERGY the LPGAS Experts Outdoor Cooking, Family Faalavelave, Large Gatherings or Indoor Cooking! Lpg-2burner gas cooker Lpg-single hi pressure wok w/-reg&hose set auto and manual ignition Single Cast Iron incl reg&hose set 2Burner Gas Cooker incl reg&hose set Talk to us for the right gas advice Our specialist gas technicians provide safe, reliable installation WAS:$77.05 • NOW:$70.00 WAS:111.10 • NOW:$94.50 WAS:$28.00 • NOW:$26.00 WAS:$43.00 • NOW:$40.85

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We are doing Ltd. — Oloa o Leala — “Your the usual Manulele Tausala Family of Fine Beverages and schedule of trainings because home of Vaimalu Purified it doesn’t matter how much Water” is sponsoring coverage you put into your preparations of the 2017 Flag Day Fautasi leading up to the race — the Regatta. main goal of it all is for our Samoa News spoke to the auva’a to have enough stamina, skipper of the Manulele Tausala strength, and fitness to go all I, Manutafea Saleauau Tanielu the way. O le lava o le manava Taufete’e, who captained the o le mea pito sili lea ona taua winning fautasi from Nu’uuli i tapenapenaga o le Manulele last year — he’s won four titles Tauasala i tausaga uma – it since taking the helm following doesn’t matter how smart or the passing of Ben Solaita, the experienced the captain is, but iconic captain and coach of the if the crews aren’t physically Manulele Tausala I, the reigning Flag Day Fautasi Champions being skippered by Manutafea Sale- Nuuuli fautasi legacy. fit, they can try as much as they auau Tanielu Taufete’e soaring through the harbor area during rowing practice early this week, as Captain of the Manulele can, but the main goal will be they’re preparing to defend their title in the upcoming 2017 Flag Day Fautasi Regatta. [photo: TG] Tausala II is Fanene Vitale unattainable.” Sotoa. Manutafea spoke for Manutafea told Samoa C M both auva’a and the village of News that the trainers who are Y K Nuuuli about their preparations dealing with putting their crew and aspirations for the 2017 to the test are all military mem- Flag Day Fautasi Regatta. bers of the US Armed Forces. 2017 He said that they’re focused He said, “O le tofa ia Tauese on “being number one – I Apelu So’oa’emalelagi is the believe that this is the aim and one leading the conditioning focus of all the other competing part of our training. Alongside fautasi crews in the race, and Tauese are other military mem- I know that no one is focused bers like Ufutele Louis Solaita, beyond that.” Sauni Tuitoelau, Ave’ese’ese Manutafea said,“From what Maugalei, as well as last, but FLAG DAY I see out there during rowing not the least, our Represen- practice with the other crews, tative le tofa ia Manumaua everyone is looking good and Wayne Wilson.” getting better, and I believe that He pointed out, “They are this year will be a competitive the ones that we’ve put our faith race with the high morale and and our belief in …to getting spirit that the other crews have the boys physically in shape for been showing.” the ‘faiga mea i le tai’. SPECIAL! When asked about their Manutafea did note, “The 3 for 2! preparations leading up to this only change to our crew this year’s race – the captain of the year is the absence of some of Buy any 2 ads, Color or Black & Manulele Tausala I said, “E our auva’a members who’ve White and get the 3rd one FREE muamua lava ona ou fa’atulou joined the Armed Forces and atu i le paia o le matou afioaga. have moved off-island to be Call us today. 633-5599 O le paia lava lea i le afifio o stationed. Not only the military, Maopu ma Tapaau, ae mai some of them as well have trav- Special Ends April 28th, 2017 se le Tausiva’atele fetalaiga eled off-island for collegiate i le Latouto’afa – Ia e le vaea opportunities and educational ai fo’i paia i feagaiga tofi o le purposes.” Atua, o lo’o fa’anonomanu aua He said, “But this village has se manuia o lenei afioaga.” a lot of youth who are continu- *Conditions apply He noted, “The preparations ously coming up. At the same of the Taumafaalofi and the time, we also have experienced aumaga are the usual prepara- rowers who were on the crew tions as always, there’s nothing throughout the past years, but new to the way that we prepare couldn’t row during the recent for the ‘faigamea i le tai’ every races due to family and work Manu’a Community Partnership year — Manulele Tausalas are obligations, and now they’re prepared to honor and be a part back to earn a spot on the Man- of the celebration of Manu’a ulele Tausala I and II fautasi’s.” and Tutuila’s flag raising -cer A LEGACY emony for this year.” Rumor has it that the Man- Manutafea added, “I want ulele Tausala I fautasi is the to thank our village of Nu’uuli ‘oldest’ fautasi competing in for giving me another oppor- this year’s flag day fautasi tunity to captain the Manulele race – and it was confirmed by C M April 3 - 28, 2017 Tausala… I am humbled and skipper Manutafea. He said, “It Y K grateful to our Taumafaalofi is true – this is the oldest fautasi and my village of Nu’uuli.” still competing within the faiga According to Manutafea, mea i le tai – it has history to it, their crew has been in prepa- as well as its problems, but it’s rations since mid February. the strength of my auva’a that “We started out slow with has kept this vessel alive and our training on the side of the running.” road – running and walking, at According to Manutafea, the the same time we were trying Manulele Tausala I was built to gather the aumaga and the in 1993 and made it’s debut youth from the village to form appearance in the faiga mea i le up our usual fautasi crews, and tai in 1994. He said, “The boat as always, everything fell into itself is over 20 years old – it Read 50+ books Pledge Now and place within its usual time span. sank twice throughout the past Help your school and be a Star Families! Help Ignite the As of now, we’ve been doing years of fautasi racing, but to or community Reader on your Love of Literacy our usual methods of training ‘God be the Glory’ that we’re Schools! — utilizing both our land and still able to use it, we have a lot while helping LBJ School Wall of within our Pediatric Ward!! Businesses! sea combination of workout for of pride in this vessel.” Fame!! children!! the aumaga.” Manutafea adds to Nuuuli’s He said, “I can assure you legacy of fautasi racing by not Contact Mene Tauaa @ (684) 731-6331 or 699-9790 or email [email protected] that we haven’t changed any- only having 5 years at the helm thing or added anything new to (Continued on page 9) samoa news, Thursday, March 30, 2017 Page 9

➧ Manulele… C M Continued from page 8 Y K of Manulele Tausala I, but before that he was a “part of this sport for a very long time – I started rowing since 1984 all the way up to the year 2004, that was my last year to hold an oar and be a crew member within the sport … I rowed for 20 years, but back then, our Sa was named the Satani.” The Manulele Tausala II, Nu’uuli’s high-tech fautasi captained by Fanene Vitale So’oto – powering their way towards the finish line Reflecting on his cur- during rowing practice this past Tuesday evening inside Pago Pago Harbor. [photo: TG] rent role as a captain of one of Nuuuli’s Sa, Manutafea told Samoa News “when I was chosen to be captain throughout the past years up to the present time – the task is a hard task, it’s not easy. Some nights I can’t sleep PAINT BOGO because I’m always thinking of methods and ways to MONDAY, MARCH 27 THROUGH SATURDAY, APRIL 1 improve my auva’a’s strength and fitness.” He added, “I’m not sure about how the captains of the other boats feel about it, but to me — when I was chosen by our village, it has always BUY $50 of been a burden and one of the hardest tasks I have faced. “But it doesn’t matter how ACE PAINT Serving Samoa Since 1984 experienced I maybe or smart, God has always been guiding me and has been with me get a 5 gallon bucket through it all to help me over- come the trials and tribulations that may stand in my way.” & t-shirt for “It’s one of the hardest *while supplies last things to let your whole vil- lage down, so it’s always and FREE will forever be one of the biggest fears I have within me. But I believe that we’ve played our cards right from experience throughout the pre- vious years, like I said before, there’s nothing new in our C M preparations.” -Top Rated Y K In conclusion, Manutafea -Paint & Primer in One told Samoa News, “Before I -Ultra Stain Resistance close, I would like to send out -Super-Smooth Finish my most sincerest gratitude -Low VOC and thank you to my village of Nu’uuli – o lenei afioaga, o -Quick Drying lo’o nofotatalo ina ia manuia le taumafaiga a Taumafaalofi 1 week only ma le aumaga, e le gata i lea o tama fanau o lenei afioaga — where ever you may be around the world and are rooting and cheering for us, we feel your prayers and we will never forget you.” He said, “Our only prayers THE MOST TOP RATED THE MOST are that – ia manuia la otou tapua’iga, a’o lea o le a alo- ADVANCED PAINTS HELPFUL faiva le Taumafaalofi ma le TECHNOLOGY SERVICE aumaga ae maise le tatou nu’u aua se ‘ai mo lenei afio’aga ia manuia tele la otou tapua’iga, *excludes stains, varnishes & all coat 699-9770 M to F 8:00 - 5:00 Sat. 7:30 - 2:00 fa’afetai, fa’afetai tele lava.” Page 10 samoa news, Thursday, March 30, 2017 Stand up to Cancer co-founder Noreen Fraser dies at 63 LOS ANGELES (AP) — Fraser, told the Los Angeles Noreen Fraser, a TV producer Times. whose own cancer diagnosis “She didn’t know if she’d turned her into an activist see her children graduate from against the disease, has died. grade school, then high school, She was 63. then college,” he said, adding Fraser died Monday at her that she got to witness those Los Angeles home of metastatic events but not her daughter’s breast cancer, her family said. upcoming wedding. She joined forces with other Fraser established the prominent women, including Noreen Fraser Foundation in Katie Couric, to found Stand 2006 to fund women’s cancer Up to Cancer. The organization research. At her direction, the In this Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017 photo, orchestra conductor Zarifa Adiba, 18, performs during holds celebrity-filled telethons foundation’s assets were trans- a concert in Kabul. Afghanistan’s first all-female symphony is trying to change attitudes in a deeply and has raised a reported $300 ferred last year to the Jonsson conservative country where many see music as immoral, especially for women. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul) million-plus for research since Comprehensive Cancer Center 2008. at the University of California, Its aim is to get lifesaving Los Angeles, where a research treatment to patients more lab is named for her. quickly through collaborative Fraser, a native of Cleveland, research. produced TV shows including First Afghan women’s Another of its founders, “Entertainment Tonight” and producer Laura Ziskin, died of “Home Show.” breast cancer in 2011 at age 61. Besides her husband, she is Fraser’s personal crusade survived by children Madeline orchestra tries to began after she was diagnosed and Mack; her parents Jackie in 2001 with breast cancer, her and Fred Friend; and eight husband, TV producer Woody siblings. change attitudes KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) “They told him he is not Meena, asked Sarmast if there — Afghanistan’s first — and their brother anymore,” said could be a group where girls only — all-female symphony Khpolwak, now 20. “Even my could play together. Sarmast is trying to change attitudes in grand-mother disowned my leaped at the idea. a deeply conservative country father.” Since then, Meena has dis- where many see music as Khwolpak had learned appeared. Last year, the 7th immoral, especially for women. about the music institute at grader told the school she had The symphony’s two con- the orphanage in Kabul where to attend her sister’s wedding in ductors show how difficult that she spent most of her life. Her her family’s village in eastern can be, but also how satisfying father sent her to the orphanage Nangarhar province. She never success is. One of them, Negin because he was afraid for her returned, a sign of how tenuous Khpolwak, was supported by safety in their home province of people’s situation is in a country her father when she joined the Kunar in eastern Afghanistan, where war rages, communica- FILE - In this Nov. 17, 2012 file photo, Noreen Fraser arrives Afghanistan National Institute an area where Taliban militants tions are poor and poverty is at Variety Power of Comedy at Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles. of Music and then became part are active. rife. Sarmast said the school has The family of Noreen Fraser, a TV producer and co-founder of of its girls’ orchestra, called The institute is one of the not been in contact with her, but Stand Up to Cancer, says she has died at age 63. Fraser’s family Zohra. But the rest of her family only schools in Afghanistan he’s hopeful she’ll return to the said she died Monday< March 27, 2017, at her Los Angeles home was deeply against it. Her uncles where girls and boys share school and Zohra. of metastatic breast cancer. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File) cut off ties with her father. classrooms, and it draws its stu- The orchestra’s other con- dents from the ranks of orphan- ductor, 18-year-old Zarifa ages and street children, giving Adiba, faced resistance from her them a chance at a new life. family just as Khpolwak did. Khpolwak studied piano and When she joined the school drums before becoming the in 2014, she only told her mother orchestra’s conductor. and step-father, not her four More than 30 girls aged 12 brothers and her uncles, because to 20 play in Zohra, which is she knew they would disap- named after a goddess of music prove. Her mother and step- in Persian literature. In January, father tried to tell them about the the orchestra, which performs importance of music — without traditional Afghan and Western mentioning Adiba — but they Classical music, had its first weren’t convinced. international tour, appearing at “If my brothers and uncles the World Economic Forum in had known about me learning or Davos and four other cities in playing music, they 100 percent Switzerland and Germany. would have stopped me because in the Pago Plaza - across from ASPA office. “The formation of the they had a very negative view orchestra is aimed at sending toward music,” Adiba said. a positive message to the com- Her family’s opposition to munity, to send a positive mes- music was so intense she hesi- sage to the girls, to encourage tated to join the orchestra’s trip Roni is also a families and girls to join the to Davos. But she ended up music scene of the country,” going, and as one of the conduc- said Ahmad Naser Sarmast, the tors she was widely interviewed TRAINED BARBER institute’s founder and director. in the media there and appeared Sarmast has experienced on TV. When she returned, her for Men & Children firsthand the militants’ hatred of uncles were the first to congrat- music. In 2014, a Taliban sui- ulate her. Two of her brothers cide bomber blew himself up at are still not happy about her Haircuts. a concert Sarmast was attending. involvement with music but He was wounded and a German now she has the support of the Tuesday - Saturday 9am to 4pm man in the audience died. rest of the family, she has more Mondays (Appointments Only) The Zohra orchestra was cre- courage, and she said she is sure 633-0774 ated in 2014 when one of the her brothers will eventually institute’s students, a girl named come around. samoa news, Thursday, March 30, 2017 Page 11 A look at latest ruling on Trump administration travel ban HONOLULU (AP) — A of Trump’s order allow the federal judge in Hawaii who government to assess security temporarily blocked President risks, which don’t concern the Donald Trump’s revised travel plaintiffs in Hawaii’s lawsuit, ban hours before it was set to Readler said. take effect issued a longer- The revised order removes lasting order Wednesday. references to religion, he said. U.S. District Judge Der- CAN AN APPEALS COURT rick Watson held a hearing AFFECT THE HAWAII Wednesday on Hawaii’s request RULING? to extend his temporary hold. The president is asking Several hours later, he issued the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of a 24-page order blocking the Appeals to put the ruling by government from suspending the judge in Maryland on hold new visas for travelers from while it considers the case. six Muslim-majority countries The Richmond, Virginia- and halting the U.S. refugee based appeals court will hear program. arguments May 8. If the court Hawaii Attorney General sides with the federal govern- Douglas Chin argued that even ment, it would not have a direct though the revised ban has more effect on the Hawaii ruling, neutral language, the implied legal experts said. intent is still there. He likened it The Trump administration’s to a neon sign flashing “Muslim Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin speaks outside federal court in Honolulu, Wednesday, best bet for saving the travel Ban,” which the government March 29, 2017. A federal judge in Hawaii questioned government attorneys Wednesday who urged ban is to have the case go before hasn’t bothered to turn off. him to narrow his order blocking President Donald Trump’s travel ban because suspending the the U.S. Supreme Court, said Chad Readler, a Department nation’s refugee program has no effect on the state. U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson is hearing Richard Primus, a professor of of Justice attorney defending arguments on whether to extend his temporary order until Hawaii’s lawsuit works its way through constitutional law at the Univer- Trump’s executive order, told the courts. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones) sity of Michigan law school. the judge via telephone that has made about the travel ban. Libya and Yemen. nation’s refugee program would “What a ruling in 4th Cir- Hawaii hasn’t shown how it “The court will not crawl into a Other provisions of the have on Hawaii, Readler said cuit in favor of the administra- is harmed by various provi- corner, pull the shutters closed, order have little or no effect on only a small amount of refugees tion would do is create a split sions, including one that would and pretend it has not seen what Hawaii, including a suspension have been resettled in Hawaii. in authority between federal suspend the nation’s refugee it has,” Watson wrote. of the nation’s refugee program, But Watson questioned that courts in different parts of the program. Watson also refused to Department of Justice attorney reasoning by noting that the country,” he said. “Cases with Watson disagreed. narrow his ruling to only apply Chad Readler said Wednesday. government said there have splits in authority are cases the Here’s a look at Watson’s to the six-nation ban, as the gov- In an attempt to down- been 20 refugees resettled in U.S. Supreme Court exists to ruling and what comes next: ernment requested. The ruling play the effect suspending the Hawaii since 2010. Other parts resolve.” THE PREVIOUS RULING won’t be suspended if the gov- This month, Watson pre- ernment appeals, Watson said. vented the federal government “Enforcement of these pro- from suspending new visas for visions in all places, including people from six countries and the United States, at all United freezing the nation’s refugee States borders and ports of program. The ruling came just entry, and in the issuance of hours before the ban was to take visas is prohibited, pending fur- FUNDRAISER effect. Watson, nominated to ther orders from this court,” he the bench by former President wrote. for The Fagatogo CCJS Barack Obama in 2012, agreed WHAT’S NEXT FOR with Hawaii that the ban would HAWAII’S LAWSUIT? hurt the state’s tourism-depen- Watson’s ruling allows New Church Building Project dent economy and that it dis- Hawaii’s lawsuit challenging criminates based on nationality the ban to work its way through and religion. the courts. Saturday, April 08, 2017 @ ONLY $1 a line Trump called the ruling an “While we understand that Fagatogo CCJS Hall 75 Lines per card example of “unprecedented the President may appeal, we Fa’afetai tele i lau judicial overreach.” believe the court’s well-rea- Foa’i/Fesoasoani The next day, a judge in soned decision will be affirmed,” Maryland also blocked the the Hawaii attorney general’s BINGO GAME at 11:00am six-nation travel ban but said office said in a statement. it wasn’t clear that the suspen- Ismail Elshikh, the imam of sion of the refugee program was a Honolulu mosque who joined Ekalesia Fa’apotopotoga similarly motivated by religious the lawsuit as a plaintiff, argues bias. The federal government that he’s harmed by Trump’s a Iesu i Samoa - Fagatogo order because it prevents his @ ONLY $1 a line appealed the Maryland ruling 75 Lines per card Drawing Date: April 8, 2017 to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Syrian mother-in-law from After Bingo Game Appeals and sought to narrow visiting family in the U.S. It’s Fa’afetai tele i lau the Hawaii ruling. not clear how Watson’s ruling Foa’i/Fesoasoani @ CCJS Hall, Fagatogo THE LATEST RULING will affect the mother-in-law’s Like his temporary order, ability to obtain a visa. Watson notes that Hawaii has The Department of Jus- shown the state’s universi- tice didn’t immediately com- ties and tourism industry will ment after Watson issued his 10 PRIZE CHANCES suffer from the ban. A plaintiff decision. in Hawaii’s lawsuit, the imam DEFENDING TRUMP’S of a Honolulu mosque, will be EXECUTIVE ORDER 1st: $5,000.00 6th: $5,000.00 harmed if the ban is enforced, The Department of Jus- Watson said: “These injuries tice opposed Hawaii’s request 2nd: $5,000.00 7th: $5,000.00 have already occurred and will to extend Watson’s tempo- 3rd: $5,000.00 8th: $5,000.00 continue to occur if the Execu- rary order. But the department tive Order is implemented and said that if the judge agrees, 4th: $5,000.00 9th: $5,000.00 he should narrow the ruling to enforced; the injuries are neither 5th: 10th: contingent nor speculative.” cover only the part of Trump’s $5,000.00 $5,000.00 Government attorneys have executive order that suspends tried to convince the judge not new visas for people from Fundraiser/Project Inquiries: Contact #s: 733-6381 • 770-7335 • 633-5408 to consider comments Trump Somalia, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Page 12 samoa news, Thursday, March 30, 2017

FILE- In this Feb. 16, 2017, file photo, a U.S. fighter aircraft F-16 performs during the Aero India 2017 at Yelahanka air base in Bangalore, India. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi, File) EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Samoa Sporex Inc (Samoa Sports Center) is seeking a SECURITY PERSONNEL. Please send resume to Trump administration PO Box 580, Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799. Contact (684) 699-5245 or visit our office in Tafuna across Island Pizza. drops human rights in AUTO NATION NU’UULI: (684) 699-7168 FAGATOGO: (684) 633-2239 FAX: (684) 699-7175 Bahrain F-16 deal WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump admin- political crackdown is not just morally acceptable Tool Set $35.00 istration has told Congress it plans to approve but also not dangerous, when in fact it’s what’s a multibillion-dollar sale of F-16 fighter jets to fueling the country’s instability,” Dooley said. Bahrain without the human rights conditions But Corker, a Republican from Tennessee, imposed by the State Department under President praised the move and said the caveats would have Axess Speaker Barack Obama. been “unprecedented and counterproductive” for If finalized, the approval would allow the Gulf security and human rights. island to purchase 19 of the jets from Maryland- “There are more effective ways to seek $49.99 based Lockheed Martin Corp., plus improve- changes in partner policies than publicly con- ments to other jets in Bahrain’s fleet. Though ditioning weapons transfers in this manner,” Water Hose Congress has opportunities to block the sale, it is Corker said in a statement. unlikely it will act to do so, given the Republican Among the steps the Obama administra- We are now also selling individual 25ft $9.99 majority’s strong support for the sale. tion had sought from Bahrain was the release of tools for only $4.99 such as 50ft $14.99 The decision is the latest signal that the Trump Nabeel Rajab, a famed human rights activist who • Measuring Tape administration is prioritizing support for Sunni- helped lead the 2011 protests. Rajab, whose trial • Long Nose Pliers Plus 75ft $19.99 • Combination Pliers More! led countries seen as critical to opposing Iran’s has been repeatedly delayed, awaits sentencing • Wood/Masonry Drille Set influence in the Mideast over human rights issues on a charge of spreading “false news” via Twitter that Obama had elevated. over his posts about the ongoing Saudi-led war Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet in Yemen, as well as allegations of torture by and an under-construction British naval base, is a authorities at a local prison. predominantly Shiite island off the coast of Saudi The State Department said as recently as this EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Arabia ruled by a Sunni monarchy. Government week that it was calling for Rajab’s release. The forces, with help from U.S. allies Saudi Arabia U.S. has said Bahrain lacks evidence against him. Breakers Point is looking for a and the United Arab Emirates, crushed the 2011 Since the beginning of a government crack- uprising by Shiites and others who sought more down nearly a year ago, activists have been HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST. political power. imprisoned or forced into exile. Bahrain’s main Under Obama, the U.S. withdrew approval Shiite opposition group has been dismantled. We would like applicants to email their resumes to before the fighter jet deal was finalized because Lawmakers recently approved military tribunals [email protected] it said Bahrain hadn’t taken steps it had promised for civilians while its feared domestic spy agency to improve human rights. regained some arrest powers. Independent news Senate Foreign Relations Committee gathering on the island also has grown more Chairman Bob Corker’s office said the com- difficult. BEAUTIFUL mittee was told Wednesday by the State Depart- Meanwhile, a series of attacks, including a ment that it plans to proceed with the sale. The January prison break, have targeted the island. HOUSE FOR RENT State Department declined to comment. Shiite militant groups have claimed some of the The notice triggers a 40-day “consultation” assaults. Bahrain has accused Iran’s Revolu- period in which committee staff can review a tionary Guard of training and arming some mili- draft of the Bahrain approval, ask questions tants, something the Shiite regional power has about the sale and raise any concerns. Then the dismissed as a “futile and baseless lie.” State Department will send a formal notification Bahrain’s government and Lockheed did not to Congress, setting off a final, 30-day review respond to requests for comment. In prepared period, during which Congress could pass a joint remarks before a hearing Wednesday of the U.S. resolution or take other steps to stop the sale. House’s Armed Services Committee, the head of Lockheed had lobbied strenuously for the the U.S. military’s Central Command acknowl- sale’s approval, even as rights groups and pro- edged the delay in the fighter jet sale to Bahrain democracy activists urged the administration not “continues to strain our relationship.” Beautiful 3 Bedroom House, to jettison human rights conditions. Brian Dooley “We continue to urge the government of Bah- 2 Baths, Washer-Dryer, Carport, AC, of the Washington-based group Human Rights rain to reverse steps it has taken over the past year Hot Water, Fully Fenced in Leone. First said decoupling the sale from such condi- to reduce the space for peaceful political expres- Must See! $900.00 a month. tions would “encourage further repression” and sion in its (Shiite) population and have encour- fuel instability during a tense period for Bahrain. aged the Bahrainis to implement needed political Call 770-4054 or 272-6900 or “The sale will send exactly the wrong signal to reforms in the country,” U.S. Gen. Joseph Votel email: [email protected] the dictatorship: that the White House thinks the said. samoa news, Thursday, March 30, 2017 Page 13

(Photos:Leua) Jason Momoa, a cast member in the upcoming films “Jus- tice League” and “Aquaman,” addresses the audience during the Warner Bros. Pictures presentation at CinemaCon 2017 at Caesars Palace on Wednesday, March 29, 2017, in Las Vegas. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) ‘Wonder Woman’ wows, Affleck makes appearance at CinemaCon LAS VEGAS (AP) — Momoa and Ezra Miller. Wonder Woman is here to But it was Wonder Wom- save the world, and, possibly an’s show, even though Gadot the future of Warner Bros. DC wasn’t in Las Vegas. The sepia- Comics universe. soaked extended clips high- New footage featuring lighted the World War I espio- actress Gal Gadot’s lasso- nage thrills as Diana/Wonder wielding superhero stole the Woman adjusts to life with show Wednesday night at Cin- mortals. emaCon, which also featured Co-star Chris Pine, who some peeks at “Aquaman” and plays an American soldier, said “Justice League.” It also marked the Patty Jenkins-directed film Ben Affleck’s first public had a “Casablanca” feel. appearance since acknowl- Even the new “Justice edging he’d recently completed League” footage spotlighted rehab for alcohol addiction. Gadot’s Wonder Woman as The “Batman” star didn’t she breaks into Affleck’s sup- say anything, but just stood posedly secured bat cave with alongside his “Justice League” ease and informs the caped cru- director Zack Snyder and sader that they would need to co-stars Henry Cavill, Jason assemble to defeat a threat. Leonardo DiCaprio, Q-Tip bro it up at intimate showcase

FILE - In this Oct. 20, 2016, file photo, Leonardo DiCaprio attends the premiere of the National Geographic Channel’s “Before The Flood,” at the United Nations. (Photo by Brad Barket/Invision/AP, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — Long- watch when the band asked time friends Leonardo DiCaprio people to come closer, as and Q-Tip hung out at an inti- DiCaprio, in a fedora, sat back. mate showcase for an Austra- The audience included music lian band making its New York industry insiders, record label City debut late Wednesday. players and some press. The Oscar-winning actor Chase Atlantic performed and Grammy-winning rapper songs from its three-song project were in the small audience at released in January, “Part One,” Ludlow House as trio Chase as well as tracks from another Atlantic performed songs in a three-song album, “Part Two,” stripped, raw form. to be released Friday. DiCaprio bobbed his head The group’s genre-bending from his plush chair while sit- sounds echo The Weeknd and ting next to Sports Illustrated The 1975. Band members Swimsuit model Nina Agdal include brothers Clinton Cave and chatting with the leader of and Mitchel Cave, and Chris- A Tribe Called Quest. tian Anthony. Q-Tip went to the stage to Page 14 samoa news, Thursday, March 30, 2017 Mosul lays bare the challenge of asymmetric warfare BAGHDAD (AP) — As the civilians will be killed. populations as they retook terri- fight for the Iraqi city of Mosul To avoid that, strikes must tory. The massive displacement drags on, many might ask: Why be more surgical and more resulted in humanitarian crises. has it taken the combined mili- cautiously used, and the battle Thousands were left without taries of the United States and turns to street-by-street fighting shelter and little food or water Iraq backed by an international where the technological edge is in desert camps. coalition more than two years often neutralized. Minimizing So the government changed to dislodge a relatively small civilian deaths is more than just tactics. It asked civilians to stay force of militants lacking heavy a humanitarian concern: Heavy in their homes, a decision that weaponry? bloodshed can fuel public was controversial with com- Donald Trump raised the resentments that push some to manders faced with clearing question during his campaign, join militant groups. militants from dense residential promising to turn up the heat Another factor is whether the areas. against the Islamic State group extremists have support from In Mosul, an estimated 1 if he became president. Now the at least part of the population. million people were in the city growing controversy over the It’s even further complicated when Iraqi forces breached its high number of civilian casual- if they can claim to be fighting eastern edge. IS fighters fired ties believed caused by recent for national liberation — as, for from the rooftops of homes U.S. airstrikes has touched on example, with the Hamas group where civilians sheltered, tar- FILE -- In this Sunday, March 19, 2017 file photo, a federal a major part of the answer: The in its battles with Israel in Gaza. geting those who fled with police officer carries an injured boy through a destroyed train militants are mingled among In Iraq and Syria, the Islamic mortars and gunfire. In denser station during fighting between Iraqi security forces and Islamic tens of thousands of civilians State group clearly holds the neighborhoods, even preci- State militants, on the western side of Mosul, Iraq. The battle for in Mosul and are willing to take population hostage in many sion munitions inflicted heavy western Mosul, including the narrow alleyways of the old city, the population down with them. cases, but it also seeks to sway casualties. In western Mosul, looks to be the most devastating yet for Iraqi civilians trapped Inevitably, the more force some support by claiming to IS fighters forced civilians into between advancing troops and increasingly desperate Islamic brought to bear to crush the defend Sunnis against a mostly explosives-rigged homes, then State militants. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana, File) fighters, the greater the danger Shiite force from Baghdad. took up positions on the roofs, After a March 17 explo- Iraqi and coalition officials said. sion that residents say killed at A similar battle looms in the least 100 people in Mosul, the Islamic State group’s Syrian U.S. military acknowledged an stronghold of Raqqa. FAASALALAUGA airstrike was involved. But the There, the militants have top commander of U.S. forces taken even greater pains to trap in Iraq said investigations may the population. Land mines and O le Suafa “LEMAFA” reveal a more complicated checkpoints circle the city. And E muamua lava ona ou faatulou atu i le paia o Tutuila ma Manu’a, o le paia lava lea ia Sua ma le explanation, including the pos- all the men have been ordered to sibility that militants rigged the wear the jihadis’ garb of baggy Vaifanua, Fofo ma Aitulagi, Ituau ma Alataua, Saole ma le Launiu Saelua ma Afioga i Ma’opu. O building with explosives after pants and long shirts, making it paia foi i Afioga i Faatui ma le Auva’a o Tootoo o le Faleula, ma le mamalu o le Manu’atele. O paia forcing civilians inside. difficult to distinguish militants foi ia Tumua ma Pule i le malo tuto’atasi o Samoa, e faatulou atu. O paia foi o auauna a le Atua, i Army Lt. Gen. Stephen from civilians. Townsend said recent civilian Here are other cases where fatafaitaulaga e fia, o lo o latou galulue i le ao ma le po, aua le laugaina ma faia’ogaina o le upu o le ola, casualties in Mosul were “fairly advanced militaries have wres- aua se manuia mo Samoa ma le lalolagi atoa. Tulou, Tulou, Tulouna Lava. predictable” given the densely tled with the issue. populated urban neighborhoods THE UNITED STATES O lenei fa’asalalauga e faapitoa augafa i suli ma faletama uma o le suafa o sa LEMAFA i le afioaga the IS fighters are defending The U.S. has faced backlash i Aunu’u. Afio ai i laua Lupega, Susu le Sa’o, Susu le Ma’opu, Susu le Tamaaiga, mamalu oulua against Iraqi troops. over civilian deaths in nearly fetalaiga Fuiava ma Taufi, ma le fofoga o le Launatausala, Saole ma Saleaumua. Over the past 2½ years, Iraqi all its recent conflicts — Korea, forces backed by U.S. special Vietnam, and more recently O le a faia le talanoaga a le tatou aiga se’i o tatou soalaupule ai le mataupu o le sailia o se tasi e tausia forces and coalition airstrikes Iraq and Afghanistan. Public lo tatou aiga o Sa LEMAFA i Aunu’u lava, i le Aso To’ona’i, Aperila 1, 2017, i le itula e 9 i le have managed to push IS out fury in Iraq and Afghanistan taeao, i le maota o Saiaulama i Aunu’u. of most of the territory they over deaths in airstrikes and at overran in the summer of 2014 checkpoints and abuses by U.S. Ua faia lenei fa’aaliga ma le ava tele, ia talosia ia tatou faatasi i lea aso faamoemoeina. — retaking three major cities troops has been a major factor and numerous smaller com- shaping the evolution of U.S. O lou le auai o le a le taofia ai talanoaga o lenei mataupu taua ma faaiuga autasi a le tatou aiga. munities. The fight for Mosul, tactics since 9/11. The response Faia i le ava ma le fa’aaloalo e tatau ai, launched in mid-October, has has been to turn increasingly to been the longest battle yet. special operations forces and With each fight, the Islamic armed drones and to work with State group has adapted its use local fighters. Sainia: Seau ma Taisoua of civilians as human shields, In Iraq from 2005 to 2007, Ma e o lo’o nonofo i le aiga i Aunu’u creating increasingly deadly the more secretive elements of battlefields. U.S. special operations, led by In Tikrit and Sinjar, IS let Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the population flee early on, combined intelligence with allowing Iraqi and coalition night raids to capture or kill forces to liberally use airstrikes insurgents, including the leader and artillery to retake the areas of al-Qaida in Iraq, Abu Musab by the autumn of 2015. al-Zarqawi. This — and the IS then tightened its grip on enlisting of Sunni tribesmen to Advertise Now other cities and towns. It locked fight the insurgents — proved down Ramadi in western Anbar far more effective than conven- province with checkpoints to tional forces kicking in doors. prevent civilians from fleeing. Still, drone strikes that kill Only those with serious health civilians continue to raise an conditions were allowed out — outcry in Yemen, Pakistan and Let us help you get the word out on your products and services! and only if they left behind a elsewhere. relative, property or thousands And militants also evolve. Weekly & Monthly discounts available. of dollars to guarantee their Al-Qaida in Iraq was all but Call 633-5599 for more information. return. extinguished by 2009, but a After Iraqi forces punched kernel of militant leaders who *Conditions apply into Ramadi, fleeing IS fighters met in U.S.-run prisons trans- forced civilians to go with them formed it into the Islamic State to thwart airstrikes. Moving group by exploiting Iraq’s west along the Euphrates River, Sunni-Shiite divide, which Iraq’s military responded to worsened after U.S. forces left the use of human shields by in 2011. Special Ends April 28th, 2017 largely empting towns of their samoa news, Thursday, March 30, 2017 Page 15 Trump University lawsuits face final hurdle to settlement SAN DIEGO (AP) — Presi- Doe, objected to the settlement 10 days before a trial was set dent Donald Trump faces one because he wants more money, to begin, sparing Trump what last hurdle to ending nearly according to court filings by would have been a major dis- seven years of lawsuits over his attorneys for Trump and the traction. The trial would have now-defunct Trump University plaintiffs. been pinned on whether a jury when a judge decides Thursday Trump University dogged believed Trump misled cus- whether to approve a $25 mil- the Republican businessman tomers by calling the business lion settlement with former throughout the campaign as a university when it wasn’t an customers. rivals used Trump’s deposi- accredited school and by falsely When attorneys reached tions and extensive documents advertising that he hand-picked a deal 10 days after Trump’s filed in the lawsuits to portray instructors. election, U.S. District Judge him as dishonest and deceitful. Trump vowed never to settle Gonzalo Curiel said he hoped Trump brought more attention but said after the election that he it would be part of “a healing by repeatedly assailing Curiel, didn’t have time for a trial, even process that this country very insinuating that the Indiana- though he believed he would Sherri Simpson poses for a photo in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Presi- sorely needs.” A month later, he born judge’s Mexican heritage have prevailed. dent Donald Trump’s $25 million settlement of a class-action law- granted preliminary approval of exposed a bias. suit that alleged fraud at his now-defunct Trump University may the deal. The settlement was reached be put on hold because Simpson, former student in Florida, wants Last week, attorneys for a full refund plus interest and an apology. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz) former customers said their cli- ents will get at least 80 percent of their money back, based on the roughly 3,730 claims sub- mitted. Trump has paid $25 million into escrow to settle two federal class-action law- suits before Curiel and a civil lawsuit by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. He admitted no wrongdoing. The lawsuits allege that Trump University gave nation- wide seminars that were like infomercials, constantly pres- suring people to spend more and, in the end, failing to deliver on its promises. Two customers have objected to the settlement. Sherri Simpson, a Fort Lauder- dale, Florida, attorney, says she wasn’t given enough opportu- nity to opt out of the lawsuit and should have the right to sue the president. Simpson and a partner paid $35,000 in 2010 to enroll in Trump University’s “Gold Elite” program to be paired with a mentor who would teach them Trump’s secret real estate investment strategies. Simpson, who appeared in two anti- Trump campaign ads, said they got little for their money — the videos were 5 years old, the materials covered information that could be found free on the internet and her mentor didn’t return calls or emails. “I would like an admission that he was wrong, an admis- sion that, ‘Oops, maybe I didn’t handle it as well as I should have, I didn’t set it up as well as I should have, that I didn’t maintain it or oversee it as well as I should have,’” Simpson told The Associated Press on Wednesday. Attorneys for Trump and those suing him say the dead- line to opt out was in November 2015 and Simpson missed her chance. Thirteen people opted out before that date, none of whom have shown any desire to sue the president. Another customer, Harold Page 16 samoa news, Thursday, March 30, 2017

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