ASDHS director says his office has Action packed basketball proof of illegal drug activities clinics for youngsters from the Central District are held three Page 5 times a week at the ASCC gymnasium, hosted by the Tu’uaia se Tina i aisa e lata 2 American Samoa Basketball pauna mamafa na maua Falemeli Association (ASBA) in col- laboration with the Dept. of Le Lali Parks and Recreation. Crawford picks Timberwolves [photo: Mark Espiritu] over Cavs, Warriors Sports

ONLINE @ SAMOANEWS.COM

C M Y K DAILY CIRCULATION 7,000 PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2017 $1.00 Alleged sexual relations Mapu crystal between LHS teacher and male meth case bound student lands in the Fono NO POLICE REPORT FILED — YET over to High Court by Fili Sagapolutele investigation against a teacher from a public high Translated by Samoa News staff tribute, a felony punishable by Samoa News Correspondent school regarding a sexual relationship with two A woman accused of not more than 10 years impris- Allegations surrounding a sexual relationship male students, who are both minors — under 18 receiving nearly two pounds of onment, or a fine of not more between a public high school teacher and a stu- years old. crystal meth, which authorities than $10,000 or both. dent, who is alleged to have tested positive for Samoa News received information during the estimate to have a street value Mapu appeared yesterday a sexually transmitted disease (STD), was the early part of May about the alleged relationship of about $90,000, through the afternoon for her preliminary focus of a Senate Education Committee hearing between the teacher and the students, and police US Post Office, allegedly told examination (PX), before on Tuesday. received a report about the allegations. police that she purchased the District Court Judge ProTem Committee vice chairman Sen. Paepae Iosefa The students were tested at LBJ hospital and illegal drugs from an off island Gwen Tauili’ili-Langkilde. Faiai voiced his concern last week on the allega- at least one student tested positive for an STD. person, to be sold in the ter- Arguing for the government tions as reported by Samoa News in May 2017 One senior police officer, who spoke to Samoa ritory, as a fast way to make was assistant attorney general about the alleged relationship between a teacher News on condition of anonymity, said police are money. Kristy Dunn and Mapu was and male students and thereafter, Committee trying to obtain a report from the hospital physi- (The term “crystal meth” represented by assistant public chairman Sen. Fai’ivae Iuli A. Godinet called the cian who conducted the test on the two students, is short for crystal meth- defender Kate Hannaher. hearing on Tuesday, where it was revealed the as the report is crucial in continuing the investi- amphetamine that is identi- Based on court information teacher has left the territory. gation against the teacher. fied as one form of the drug the case against the defendant SAMOA NEWS STORY The officer alleges that police are having methamphetamine.) was the result of an incident on A story in the Samoan language, published trouble obtaining the physician’s report, and Mele Moimoi Mapu is July 7th when Customs offi- in the Lali section of Samoa News on May 18, added that police are looking into local law, charged with one count of cers suspected that illegal drugs 2017 quotes senior law enforcement officials which requires “mandatory reporting” of such unlawful possession of meth- were inside a package that saying that police officers were conducting an matters to authorities, to ensure that minors are amphetamine with intent to dis- Mapu had received through the (Continued on page 3) (Continued on page 2)

C M Y K

Students from ASCC at Portland State University, where they attended a BUILD EXITO orientation. BUILD EXITO is a program funded by the National Institute of Health to encourage students to enter the biomedical, science and engineering professions. (l-r) Alice Tausaga, Vinesa Faaogea, Francine Iopu, Olivia Atisano’e, Luavaa- siitia April Esara and Mr. Derek Helsham of the ASCC Health & Human Services Department. See story for full details. [Courtesy Photo] Page 2 samoa news, Thursday, July 20, 2017 ➧ Mapu crystal… Continued from page 1 Fagatogo Post Office. Customs states that Mapu allegedly told officers at the Post Office had police that she bought the meth been alerted by a canine about as a way to make fast money the possible presence of drugs for herself. Mapu and the Face- in the package. At yesterday’s book person had continued PX hearing, the government communicating with each called one witness, Police Det. other through emails including John Seumanutafa who lead the exchanging “sex photos” of investigation into this case. Seu- each other. She claims that her manutafa testified that some- husband didn’t know about any time around July 7, the defen- of her actions. Seumanutafa tes- dant went to pick up a package, tified that he asked to review which was suspected to have the defendant’s Facebook page drugs inside it, at the Post as part of the investigation as OfficeSeumanutafa said that well as to obtain confirmation when Customs officers asked that Mapu had in fact commu- the defendant as to what was nicated with the alleged seller inside the package, the defen- on Facebook. It was this time, dant allegedly responded “it’s said Seumanutafa, that the meth”. Seumanutafa said that defendant recanted her story, during his interview, he asked saying that her previous state- the defendant what’s inside ment was a lie. Dunn shared the package and the defendant with the court Seumanutafa’s allegedly gave the same answer background — he has investi- — “it’s meth”.The govern- gated more than 100 drug cases ment claimed in court that the for the seven years he’s been crystal meth weighed nearly with DPS. The defense ques- 2 pounds or about 10 ounces. tioned the qualifications of the Asked by Dunn for an estimate Customs officers as well as the street value, Seumanutafa said canine unit involved in this case. its about $90,000 based on the In the end, Tauili’ili-Langkilde current market. According to ruled that the court is satisfied court information, Mapu alleg- with evidence presented by the edly told police that she pur- government that a crime was chased the meth for $800 from probably committed. The case a person she met on Facebook. was then bound over to the High Additionally, Mapu does not Court where the defendant, who know this person or ever met is out on bail, will be arraigned the individual and she also does tomorrow morning (Friday). not know where in the world (Original Samoan story printed the person lives, according to in today’s Lali section of Samoa court information, which also News.)

Two of the tents already set up at Lions Park that will serve as sleeping quarters for the partici- pants of this year’s LDS Nuuuli II Ward summer camp. [photo: Mark Espiritu] ASG operations funding increase included in FY 2018 bill by US House US HOUSE COMMITTEE STAVES OFF DECREASE, INSTEAD INCLUDES INCREASE

Washington, DC — Wednesday, July 19, 2017 — LBJ Medical Center, the local judiciary, Amer- The House Appropriations Subcommittee ican Samoa Community College, and other on Interior, Environment and Related Agen- Department of Education operations. cies, chaired by Rep. Ken Calvert of California In 1974 the funding level was approximately has approved the FY 2018 bill, which includes $17 million, where it remained until 1986 when it a recommendation for American Samoa Govern- was increased to $22.75 million annually. ment Operations to be raised to $23,002,222, an The increase comes despite the proposed increase of $250,000 above the fiscal year 2017 $1.4 million cut to the account requested by enacted level. the Trump Administration. Had the proposed The next steps are passage of the bill through cut gone into effect, the FY 2018 funding level both chambers of Congress and then the Presi- would have been approximately $21.3 million… dent’s signature, which Congresswoman Aumua which would have certainly been difficult for the Amata expects to happen with no issues. ASG to absorb. Amata praised the work of Chairman Calvert, “Getting any increase in funding for our beau- his subcommittee and committee staff for their tiful home is always a win for our people, but I efforts to not only stave off the proposed Trump am determined to continue working to see that Administration cuts to ASG funding, but actu- funding for this account is increased even more ally increased the funding for the first time since in the future. In fact, I would like to see the CPI 1986. formula applied to the account, which would “Since my very first day in office, we have allow for future increases to be based on inflation worked to get the funding levels for this account and other economic factors,” Amata said. increased. From letters to leadership, to hear- “I want to thank Chairman Calvert for working ings, to one on one meetings, we have worked with us closely on this issue, and really listening extremely hard to get this increase and I could to the needs of the island and the funding short- not be happier to see it come to fruition,” stated falls we are facing. He is a true friend to Amer- Amata. ican Samoa, and I am grateful for his leadership,” Since 1974, Congress has included funding in concluded the Congresswoman. the Interior Appropriations bill for certain Amer- (Source: Congresswoman Aumua ican Samoa Government operations, including Amata Office, Washington, D.C.) samoa news, Thursday, July 20, 2017 Page 3 ➧Alleged sexual relations… Continued from page 1 protected from being victims of the teacher, who three times law. sexual assault. denied the allegations. He said he spoke last week At the time, Samoa News The LHS principal said with the Police Commissioner, mentioned that the educator had the teacher maintains that the who indicated that he was not only been identified by police as allegations by the student are given a report about this case. a “Fa’afafine teacher”. not true, and added that this “This is a very serious In a follow up story about information was relayed to the matter and we don’t know who two weeks later, Samoa News ASDOE main office. Matai is right,” Paepae said and rec- reported that police were asking also told the committee that she ommended that when ASDOE for the public’s help in getting doesn’t know the name of the conducts teacher orientation more information on the case as student allegedly involved. for the upcoming school year they were still unable to get a Based on the information he 2017-2018, the issue of rela- report of the tests conducted by has received, Paepae said the tionships between teachers and a physician at LBJ. student went to the hospital to students should be included in In both Lali stories, Samoa get tested and the results came discussions. News didn’t identify the teacher, back positive for a STD, and the The Alataua County senator the students, the student who name of the teacher surfaced said these types of relationships tested positive for a STD, and from there. between teachers and students the high school by name. The senator didn’t identify are not new as there was a recent An off island physician the teacher by name, nor was case at another high school, who had previously worked in there any mention during the probably last year, between a American Samoa told Samoa hearing that the teacher alleg- teacher and a female student. News last month that federal edly involved is a “Fa’afafine Paepae reminded the law is clear when it comes to teacher”. ASDOE officials that parents the protection of individuals’ While there are always “two place their trust in teachers and rights, particularly those who sides of the story,” Paepae said principals to ensure the safety of undergo any type of hospital he is saddened by these types their children while at school. test, as “results are confidential” of incidents where a student is He said the committee will con- and only the patient can autho- affected and a teacher, who is tinue to seek more information rize the release of information. suppose to look after the wel- on this serious matter. COMMITTEE HEARING fare of a child during school He then asked if the teacher At Tuesday’s committee time, is involved. had resigned and Jennings hearing, both Fai’ivae and He then asked if the teacher responded that he has no infor- Paepae identified the school as was tested for STDs, and Matai mation as all teachers are over- Leone High School and that the responded that she was told seen by Vaitautolu. alleged incident involved one by the ASDOE office for the Jennings said he agrees with student and one teacher, whose teacher to be tested. (It was not the many concerns voiced by identities were not revealed and clear if ASDOE demanded or Paepae, adding that teacher ori- remain unknown. suggested the teacher be tested, entation includes these types of Both senators noted that and if he complied.) issues. the hearing was a result of a Matai said the main office He also said he will raise the newspaper report, with Paepae thereafter handled all informa- issue with Matagi-Tofiga and saying that he had looked into tion pertaining to this matter, Vaitautolu upon their return to this case. with ASDOE deputy director the territory. Testifying during the com- Vaitautolu telling her that The committee plans to hold mittee hearing were Education any inquiries on the matter be another hearing, with Matagi- Department deputy director referred to her. Tofiga and Vaitautolu, when Philo Jennings and Leone High Both Matai and Jennings they return home. School principal Mataua Aasa told the committee that they Vaitautolu is leading the Matai. don’t have any other informa- ASDOE delegation to the Tattoo artist Daniel Ah Fook, originally from Vailoa but cur- Jennings was up front with tion on the matter. Pacific Education Conference rently residing in California, posing for Samoa News during the the committee, sharing what he Paepae said ASDOE should this week in Palau, while the Northwest Tatau Festival held in Washington earlier this month. knows, so far. have contacted police right Education director is attending Ah Fook was one of many Samoan tattoo artists who showcased He said it was early May away about the case, as the a meeting off island. their work during the three-day event. this year, that he was informed teacher also has rights under the [photo: Blue Chen-Fruean] about the matter — during a meeting with Education director Dr. Ruth Matagi-Tofiga and ASDOE deputy director Fa’aui Vaitautolu, who oversees all teachers. Matagi-Tofiga and Vaitau- tolu, are currently off island and therefore were unable to attend the hearing. Jennings said that he was informed at the meeting that Matagi-Tofiga was contacted by a representative of a local group dealing with domestic violence about the matter and this was how ASDOE learned about it. Thereafter, he said cer- tain ASG offices, which have authority to conduct investiga- tions — including the Depart- ment of Public Safety — were contacted. At this point, Jen- nings said, he doesn’t know the identity of the student, who is a minor — under 18 years old — and as of Tuesday’s hearing, ASDOE had not received a police report regarding any investigation into the allega- tions or any other information. Matai informed senators that after she was contacted by the ASDOE main office about the case, she met three times with Page 4 samoa news, Thursday, July 20, 2017 Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Ta’isi Efi, Final Speech as Head of State of Samoa, Tuaefu, 19 July 2017 Afai ou te le manatua oe, ia pipii a’e lo’u laulau- and to share especially with our young. uso i aso vale. faiva i lo’u gutu – If I forget you o Jerusalem let my In this role we have had opportunity to not only We thank the many public servants who gave so tongue stick to the roof of my mouth. learn from some of the best minds of our nation, but much to us over the years. Samoa: Today, Filifilia and I stand before you, to also from some of the youngest. The poignant inno- We recognize the love and support of our lotoifale greet you on this new morning in our lives. It is also a cence and wonder of children can literally take your staff: the CEO of the Ministry of Prime Minister and new morning in the history of Samoa. We salute you breath away. The many children we met over the last Cabinet, Agafili Shem Leo, and his staff; the former for the great honor that you have done us throughout ten years taught us time and again that God speaks to Police Special Response Unit (now Tactical Opera- the last ten years. We pay tribute to the many people and through everyone, no matter how old. As the bib- tions Section); the Commissioner of Corrections who have helped make our journey as Head of State a lical text says: Your sons and daughters shall prophesy Services, Susuga Taito Edward Winterstein; ADCs privilege; one we can never repay nor will ever forget. (Joel 2: 28). The role, duty and responsibility of the Papalii Talamesi Fitisemanu, Soloi Iosefo Tuimaunei We wish to open by giving special thanks to the Head of State is not that different to the role, duty and and Fasavalu Ernest Betham; we thank Luamanuvae Prime Minister, Cabinet and Parliament for the privi- responsibility of a parent, a guardian, or a caregiver. Pu’eata Patu and the pou at Vailele; also Leituala Ben lege of serving Samoa and her government as Head of Theirs is to warn and to advise against potential harms Matalavea, our private medical doctor; and finally State. We have received countless blessings from this and dangers; to support and celebrate well-earned to our Head of State office staff: to Ulugia Mareko opportunity; an opportunity we will treasure for the achievements; and to build strong foundations from the Tulouna (our Private Secretary) and to all of our beau- rest of our lives. best of the past for the present and the future. tiful staff, thank you to you and your families for your If you will indulge us this one last time, we would Our Constitution, like the Constitutions of many faithful service. like to share this final message with you. The theme other great nations, is a gift to us from God and from We acknowledge the support of the former Attorney of our message is: “Afai ou te le manatua oe, ia pipii our forebears. Their sweat, blood and tears are written General Tuatagaloa Aumua Ming Leunga Wai, and his ae lo’u laulaufaiva i lo’u gutu: If I forget you o Jeru- within each word, each clause, preamble and article. successor Lemalu Hermann Retzlaff. salem, let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth”. We must tread ever so carefully when we embark on To the staff of our Samoa High Commissions and This theme comes from Psalms 137, verses 5 and 6. changing even one word of it. Our political system Consul General offices in New Zealand, Australia, Samoa, you, your customs, traditions, values and veri- has changed considerably since the birth of our Con- Belgium, Japan, and USA, we thank you sincerely for ties, are our Jerusalem. It is in God that we entrust our stitution. So too have our cultural institutions. In fact, all you did for us. love and our prayers for you; that you may live beyond most of these changes have occurred over the last 26 If we have failed to mention anyone, please forgive us, through our children, and their children; that they years. A significant driver of these changes is neolib- us. Please know that we are forever grateful and that may love you and protect you as we do, as our parents eral economic reform. While change is inevitable, and God has not forgotten your love and kindness. did, as their parents did. it is indeed true that no society will remain exactly the May God bless you all and your children. Before leaving Samoa on my way to Rome, I sought same for all time. It is not true that any kind of change Samoa, if we have caused wrong or offended permission to have audience with Pope Benedict. He is beyond our control. God has given us the will and the anyone at any-time, please forgive us. In the wisdom had retired from office by that time. Despite this, I intelligence to be able to discern when change is good of our forebears: ‘E leai se faiva e asa ma le maumau’ wanted to meet him because the gesture of his retire- and when it is not. God has given us the tools to help us (Even with the greatest of desire there can never be ment taught me a lesson about humility in leadership. know what to hold onto and what to let go; when and no fishing free of error). For whatever lapses you may When we arrived in Rome we received response where. But that is not an exercise we can do individu- have seen during our tenure, we humbly apologise and that the Vatican Curia had reservations about our ally. Nor is it something that we can do without prayer seek for your forgiveness. request. The Archbishop felt that if an audience was and spiritual guidance. We end with warm congratulations and best wishes granted this would create a precedent and they would Holding onto our spiritual and cultural inheritance to our successors, His Highness Tuimalealiifano and be bombarded with requests. It was decided therefore is a sacred duty enshrined in our Constitution. The Her Highness, Masiofo Leinafo. May God give you that Pope Benedict’s secretary would greet and share transparency principle in our Parliamentary demo- both the wisdom and the strength to carry this sacred with us, and in turn be able to relay our conversation cratic processes can protect against corruption, but duty and privilege on behalf of Samoa. back to Pope Benedict. When we met with the secre- only if we fully appreciate the practical costs to indi- May God bless the people of Samoa, especially all tary, I asked him to relay two things to Pope Benedict: vidual members or interest groups if they were to go those who selflessly shared with us their gifts of ser- First, that whenever I travel I carry with me at all times against majority rule. vice and time. Both have enrichened our lives and our his encyclical “God is love”. Second, that the message Samoa, as a supporter of democracy and human work, and have allowed us to give our very best for of the manner of his retirement was his greatest legacy. rights, you must ensure that we support our parlia- Samoa. For all this we are so deeply grateful. The secretary Archbishop smiled and said: ‘You will mentarians to have the full protection of not only the There is a Samoan saying, e le se timu na to, o le ua make his day’. Pope Benedict spent the last part of his wisdoms of democracy but also the wisdoms of our e afua mai Manu’a: it is not rain which falls but tears life praying for the Church and for all of humanity. He faasamoa. Before ending we wish to say a word of of love from Manu’a. The story is part of our Samoan also used the opportunity to continue to contribute to thanks to some special people, whose love and support indigenous heritage, it speaks with the fullness of love. biblical and theological scholarship. We find inspira- was invaluable during our tenure. It is a story that carries the divinity of love, for rain not tion in his example. God gave us ten of the most pro- To Tutuila ad Manu’a: We thank Governor Lolo only fertilizes the earth that feeds us and keeps the air ductive years of our lives. He gave us the opportunity and Cyndy Moliga; we thank Lieutenant Governor that we breathe clean, but it also soothes and renews. to contribute to the development of our Samoan indig- Lemanu Mauga and the dearly remembered Poha, their Samoa, remember us in your prayers as we will enous reference, and in the course of this exposed us to governments, and the people of American Samoa. We always remember you in ours. For if, as the Psalmist some of the most stimulating conversations we’ve ever thank you for your love and support. Notwithstanding says, we should ever forget you, may our tongues stick had. We have been truly blessed. In this new morning the political separation, we are one people. Our rela- to the roofs of our mouths. we hope to continue this work and these conversations, tionship underlines the saying: o uo i aso uma a o le Soifua.

Su’a Suluape Angela tapping away on one of her clients during the Northwest Tatau Festival held earlier this month in Tacoma, WA. Angela is the owner of Big City Tattoo Shop in San Diego, CA and the go-to for “traditional Western Samoan hand tap style” ink work. Angela - who is not Samoan - is the first woman in the 5,000-year- old tatau tradition to ever be bestowed the “Suluape” title. [photo: Blue Chen-Fruean] samoa news, Thursday, July 20, 2017 Page 5 ASDHS director says his office has proof of illegal drug activities in AS ALLEGES THAT THOSE INVOLVED ARE GOV’T EMPLOYEES, EVEN TEACHERS AND PULENU’U Translated by Samoa News staff toms Division employees sus- Local Department of Home- pected of bringing in illegal land Security (ASDHS) director drugs and ASDHS staff know Samana Semo Veavea didn’t who they are. mince words when he told a Samana said the governor House committee hearing on has made clear his wish and Tuesday about the wide spread goal of ridding the territory of problem of illegal drugs in drugs and ASDHS is doing its American Samoa that has been job. uncovered since the special Responding to a committee division of ASDHS began its question, Samana said that investigation. based on their investigations, He alleges that one of the rea- identified methods of illegal sons why the territory is facing drugs importation include air- a serious illegal drug problem is lines from Samoa and Hawaiian because the people involved in Airlines, even ‘alia fishing importing and selling drugs are boats. those employed in government House Vice Speaker, Fetu offices and private businesses. Fetui Jr, who is a former police Samana, a military retiree, officer, asked if there is any told the House Homeland Secu- evidence or proof to his state- rity Committee that there are so ments made to the committee, many ways that illegal drugs and Samana said his office have made their way into the has proof, which could not be territory, not only through the provided to the committee, airlines, and cargo/passenger to protect his staff, who are vessels, but also ‘alia fishing out in the field conducting the boats. investigations. He said that the many ave- Rep. Vui Florence Saulo nues through which drugs are asked if the containers that are being brought into the territory, brought into the territory have is the reason there is a wide to go through the scanner equip- spread of illegal drugs in the ment at Port. Samana responded community, affecting school that there are cases in which children. illegal drugs have been found For example, he alleges, in containers, since the scanners at Fagaitua High School, the have been used. students aren’t the only ones However, he said that his involved in the sale of drugs, staff has also observed that not there are also some teachers. all containers entering Amer- Samana further alleges that ican Samoa are being scanned in the villages, pulenu’u — or by Customs. village mayors — He alleges that containers are also involved, based on with drugs are not being put ASDHS’s ongoing investiga- through the scanner machine. tion, which has also revealed To help combat the importa- that villages and schools are tion on illegal drugs, Samana fully aware of teacher and said ASDHS has submitted a pulenu’u involvement in selling funding request to its federal drugs. grantor for the purchase of a The problem is that people patrol boat, to assist in their are afraid and scared to talk to work at sea. ASDHS, he said, adding that (Original Samoan story pub- if nothing is done to tackle the lished in the Lali section of problem, it will continue to get yesterday’s Samoa News) worse. BACKGROUND Samana told lawmakers that Since late last year, Gov. any location in the territory that Lolo Matalasi Moliga has called is suspected of being a site for on all ASG entities involved drug dealings, they are cer- in law enforcement, including tain to find illegal firearms and ASDHS and the Dept. of Public weapons there, used for the pro- Safety, to work together to tection of the drug operation. combat the drug problem in the He said he is concerned with territory. the safety of ASDHS investi- The governor reiterated gators, who are not armed and the call during the 25th Police are therefore unable to protect Academy graduation in May, themselves during the course of where Samana also spoke about their investigations. the wide-spread drug problem Since ASDHS started inves- in the territory. tigating illegal drug activities in At that time, Samana the territory, some government revealed that his younger employees have questioned brother had died as a result of their authority and right to con- illegal drugs. duct such work. According to the ASDHS For example, Samana said director, the people to be tar- when his investigators would geted in fighting the drug inquire about things to Cus- problem are the manufacturers toms Division personnel, they and sellers. would in turn question ASDHS (See Samoa News June Miss American Samoa Antonina Lilomaiava performing the traditional Samoan siva as students investigators. 12 edition for details). He said there are some Cus- from Federal Way High School look on, as part of the taualuga segment of the Northwest Tatau Fes- tival, held in Tacoma, WA June 30-July 2 [photo: Blue Chen-Fruean] Page 6 samoa news, Thursday, July 20, 2017 ASCC students attend BUILD EXITO orienta- tion in Portland

By James Kneubuhl, ASCC Press and evaluate approaches to Officer encourage them. Five American Samoa Com- After the summer orienta- munity College (ASCC) stu- tion and during their gateway dents returned recently from course, each selected student Portland State University will be mentored by a third-year (PSU), where they attended a BUILD EXITO peer mentor six-day orientation for BUILD from PSU. It is the program’s EXITO, a program designed goal that each student selected to support undergraduate stu- for BUILD EXITO from a dents interested in pursuing partner institution, including research careers in the bio- ASCC, will continue their medical, behavioral and social interest in research and eventu- sciences and engineering ally transfer to PSU to pursue funded by the National Insti- a biomedical research career. tute of Health (NIH). Students If they do, the financial assis- accepted to BUILD EXITO tance and training that will be receive scholarships, stipends, provided to them along the mentoring, summer seminars, way may include a paid ($1200 paid job experience engaging stipend) one-month summer in hands-on research, and dedi- research intensive at PSU; in- cated academic and financial state tuition at PSU discounted aid advising, with these incen- up to 60%; continued mentor- tives increasing the longer they ship; a paid part-time research remain in the program. project; access to research grant Alice Tausaga, Vinesa funding, and other benefits. Faaogea, Olivia Atisano’e, ASCC began its partnership Mid session recess announced Francine Iopu, and Luavaasiitia with BUILD EXITO in 2014, SENATOR FROM MANU’A AGAIN PUSHING FOR RETURN April Esera, the third BUILD and recently ASCC Cohort 2 OF 2 SENATORIAL SEATS TO MANU’A EXITO cohort from ASCC, students Yean Ji Jung, Motu- traveled to Portland, Oregon tama Sipelii, and Tausaafia by Fili Sagapolutele the issue at length. ties — Fitiuta, Faleasao, Ta’u, with all expenses paid to attend Uiagalelei have transferred Samoa News Correspondent Gaoteote said he is not sure Olosega, and Ofu. a Scholar Summer Orientation, to PSU as BUILD EXITO The Fono is taking a four- who else could be called as a A Senate committee hearing accompanied by Mr. Derek scholars. Current ASCC stu- week mid session recess at the witness to provide testimony was held in the second week Helsham of the College’s Health dent Alice Tausaga of Faga- close of business tomorrow, that has not already been pre- of April where senators heard & Human Services Department. togo, a Cohort 3 member who Friday, while lawmakers await sented to the Senate. testimonies from ASG wit- Either in the coming fall 2017 took part in the recent orienta- the final fiscal year 2018 budget, However, he said it’s up to nesses including Attorney Gen- semester or in spring 2018, tion at PSU, described BUILD which is a priority measure for Nuanuaolefeagaiga if he still eral Talauega Eleasalo Ale, the five will take an introduc- EXITO as “a great opportu- the Legislature. wants to move forward with who explained the process of tion to biomedical research nity.” “I got to learn about dif- The budget has to pass the another hearing and bring in amending the Constitution, and class referred to as a “gateway ferent types of research, not Fono and be signed by the gov- witnesses — again. that voters will have the final course,” designed to intro- only in the biomedical field but ernor before midnight Sept. 30, He said senators have say on amendments. duce beginning students to the also the social studies field,” she 2017 — as the new fiscal year already given their “blessings” He noted that this particular values, skills, and attitude that said. “It helped open my eyes to starts the next day. on the measure and the next issue has been discussed and a researcher should possess or my own interests in my field Both the Senate and House action rests with the House. debated in past years and he develop. The NIH BUILD ini- of learning. Now I know more approved this week each other’s The identical measure was believes it should be presented tiative, funded through a $23.7 about research and the impact concurrent resolution calling for approved by the Senate during to the voters for a final decision. million research and training of putting your work into some the mid session recess, which the previous Fono session but Also called by the committee grant from the NIH, is part of type of action.” Tausaga plans starts at the close of tomorrow’s the House wasn’t able to act on to the hearing was Tapa’au Dr. a broad national strategy to to focus on the Social Behav- session and reconvenes on Aug. it because of time constraints Daniel Mageo Aga, execu- develop new approaches that ioral field, which deals with 21st. with the closing of the 34th tive director of the Office of engage researchers, including conditions such as obsessive- Fono leaders informed law- Legislature. Political Status, Constitution those from backgrounds under- compulsive disorder, eating makers this week that recon- Nuanuaolefeagaiga said and Federal Relations so that represented in biomedical disorder, post-traumatic stress, vening on Aug. 21st still gives yesterday there are some new senators could learn more about sciences, and prepare them bipolarity, and related mental the Legislature enough session senators in the 35th Legislature why the 1967 Constitution was to thrive in the NIH-funded health issues. “I believe that the days to tackle the FY 2018 who are not fully aware of the changed, reducing Manu’a’s workforce. Through the NIH BUILD EXITO program will budget bill. issue and this is the reason for senatorial seats. funding, Portland State Uni- help me as I further my studies There is no official confirma- holding a committee hearing. (See Samoa News April 18 versity (PSU) established the and research more on sustain- tion yet as to when the FY 2018 Perhaps after today’s hearing, edition for details) Enhancing Cross-disciplinary able treatments for people with budget bill will be submitted the measure will be reported to Talauega and Tapa’au are Infrastructure Training at mental health challenges,” she to the Fono, but lawmakers are the Senate floor for a vote, he again expected to be witnesses Oregon (BUILD EXITO) pro- said. For more information hopeful that it is received by the said. at today’s committee hearing. gram. PSU and Oregon Health on BUILD EXITO at ASCC, time they return from the mid Because the measure seeks Galeai had argued in the past & Science University serve contact Health and Human Ser- session recess. to amend the Constitution, it that “we are not asking for two as centers of innovation for vices Program Chairman Mr. SENATE HEARING must be approved by two-thirds additional senatorial seats, we creating biomedical research Derek Helsham by emailing During yesterday’s Senate of both the Senate and House are requesting the return of the career pathways for under- HYPERLINK session, Sen. Nuanuaolefe- before it is sent to the governor original seats that Manu’a held graduates, and, together, are “mailto:d.helsham@ agaiga Saoluaga Nua announced for inclusion in the next general for many years, representing one of ten national consortiums amsamoa.edu” d.helsham@ that a Senate measure to return election, which is November each Manu’a county.” working to develop, implement, amsamoa.edu. two senatorial seats to Manu’a, 2018, for electors to vote on. will be the subject of today’s Nuanuaolefeagaiga, along Senate Rules Committee with two other Manu’a sena- © OSINI FALEATASI INC. RESERVES ALL RIGHTS. hearing. tors, Misaalefua J. Hudson and Senate President Gaoteote Galeai M. Tu’ufuli, introduced dba Samoa News publishes Monday to Friday, except for some local and federal holidays. Tofau Palaie noted that this in early April this year, a Senate Send correspondences to: OF, dba Samoa News, Box 909, Pago Pago, Am. Samoa 96799. is not a new measure for the Joint Resolution, seeking to Telephone at (684) 633-5599 • Fax at (684) 633-4864 Senate as it was introduced in return two senatorial seats to the Email advertisements to [email protected] the previous 34th Legislature Manu’a islands that were taken Email the newsroom at [email protected] and was the subject of hearings, away 57 years ago. Normal business hours are Mon. thru Fri. 8am to 5pm. where witnesses — including Prior to this, there were Permission to reproduce editorial and/or advertisements, in whole or in part, is required. Please address traditional leaders — had testi- five seats in the Senate - repre such requests to the Publisher at the address provided above. fied and senators had debated senting Manu’a’s five coun- Please visit samoanews.com for weekend updates. samoa news, Thursday, July 20, 2017 Page 7 Page 8 samoa news, Thursday, July 20, 2017 Pacific Island News in Brief compiled by Samoa News staff But Tuilaepa said the com- for their Head of State. share a common interest in the Tonga and Tuvalu since 2015 PM SAYS “STUPID” COM- ments reflect “how stupid he is.” [Source: Samoa Observer] areas of international peace, and was appointed Ambassador MENTS MADE ABOUT “The decision on the Head FIRST TIME AMBAS- security and as well as climate Extraordinary and Plenipoten- SELECTING HEAD OF of State’s position is the deci- SADOR OF POLAND TO change which is of a particular tiary of Poland to New Zealand STATE sion by Parliament,” Tuilaepa SAMOA ACCEPTED concern to Samoa as a small in 2014. He headed the Press Samoa Observer is reporting fired back. “This goes to show His Highness, Head of State island state. and Media European Commis- that Prime Minister Tuilaepa that he does not read the law nor Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi “In this connection we are sion Representation in Warsaw Sa’ilele Malielegaoi’s says understand the application of on Monday (Samoa Time) pleased to see Poland hosting from 2008 to 2014 and was the sacredness is about doing what’s the law.” accepted the Letter of Credence COP24 in 2018,” he said. Press Counselor for Poland in right and following the law, in a Members of Parliament are for the new Ambassador-desig- His Excellency Gniatkowski the European Union in Brussels C M response to claims that Samoa respective representatives of the nate of Poland to Samoa, a first in his address said it is a privilege from 2004 - 2008. He began his Y K has lost the sacredness over the constituencies, he pointed out. ever for Poland — His Excel- to be the first ever Ambassador working career in media with selection of the country’s Head According to Tuilaepa, lency Zbigniew Gniatkowski. of his country to Samoa. “I am the Polish Television Lublin in of State. Olo’s lack of understanding The credential ceremony was fully confident that this great- 1994.[Source: M.P.M.C. Press “The most sacred thing to do reflects poorly on his judgment. held at the Head of State’s resi- ness is reflected in many aspects Secretary] is to follow the law.... our laws,” He pointed out that H.R.P.P. dence at Tuaefu. of your Nation’s character, SAMOA GOVERNMENT Tuilaepa said. are Members of Parliament, In his welcoming address, love for freedom and democ- GEARS UP FOR 2-SAMOA This followed comments so therefore the decision was a His Highness touched on the racy, strong religious beliefs TALKS from Member of Parliament, Parliamentary decision. closer friendship and coop- cherished by Samoan people as Samoa will host the 2017 Olo Fiti Va’ai, who said the “Why did they run for office, eration between Samoa and well as durable culture and heri- Inter-island Samoa talks in Apia election of the Head of State, when they are unable to make Poland. “Samoa is thankful tage, sports achievements and with American Samoa in early should be put to a public hard decisions? Because his for the assistance from Poland unbroken commitments related October. vote, according to the Samoa comments clearly indicate that through its contribution in the to the country’s stable develop- Originally the talk was Observer. he is unable to make a decision. European Development Fund ment and the world’s future. planned for early next month Last week, Olo told the “Another important aspect for the Pacific region.” “I believe there is scope but American Samoa has com- Samoa Observer the matter is that the decision is in accor- The Head of State said, to further strengthen the ties municated to Prime Minister should not be the jurisdiction dance with the Constitution. “Through this assistance Samoa between our countries and our Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele of the Human Rights Protection What other sacredness is talking has benefitted through the societies will benefit from our Malielegaoi requesting to post- Party alone. about. The most sacred thing is implementation of various proj- mutual relations.” pone the meeting to October to He believes the matter should to do is to follow the law, our ects in the different sectors of Gniatkowski has held the allow the territorial government be decided by Parliament, not laws.” According to Olo, the development for the economy. post of Foreign Minister’s Spe- to finalize issues from their end an individual party. nation should be allowed to vote “Samoa and Poland further cial Envoy to Kiribati, Samoa, (Continued on page 10)

C M Y K samoa news, Thursday, July 20, 2017 Page 9 Anti-fascist leader arrested after California Capitol brawl SACRAMENTO, Calif. members of the Traditionalist (AP) — California authorities Worker Party. Prosecutors on announced Wednesday that Tuesday announced the arrests they arrested a prominent San of a party supporter and another Francisco Bay Area anti-fascist counter-protester. leader on charges stemming Felarca attended the Cap- from a state Capitol brawl last itol protest and gave televi- year between white nationalist sion interviews after the melee. groups and counter-protesters. Following those interviews, Yvonne C. Felarca, 47, Berkeley police last year investi- was arrested Tuesday in Los gated threats against Berkeley’s Angeles on charges of inciting Martin Luther King Jr. Middle and participating in a riot and School where Felarca was a assault likely to cause great teacher. School officials could C M bodily injury, the Sacramento not be reached Wednesday. Y K County District Attorney’s She also has been prominent Office said. at several clashes in Berkeley Yvette Felarca is the name involving the Occupy move- used by the leader and spokes- ment and more recently between woman for the group By Any supporters and opponents of Means Necessary, but public President Donald Trump and records show her given name is conservative leaders. Yvonne Capistrano Felarca. Prosecutors said there are By Any Means Neces- no more outstanding warrants sary has not returned repeated from last year’s clash, although telephone messages from The the California Highway Patrol Associated Press over two days. had sought charges against A second counter-protester, 101 participants after an eight- Michael Williams, 56, was month investigation. The dis- arrested Wednesday in Yolo trict attorney’s office said FILE - In this Nov. 19. 2014 file photo Yvette Felarca, an alumni of the University of California County on charges of assault many counter-protesters were Berkeley and member of the group By Any Means Necessary, claps and yells as a vote is taken to raise with a deadly weapon and par- masked, making it difficult to tuition during a meeting of the University of California Board of Regents in San Francisco. The Sac- ticipating in a riot. bring charges including against ramento County District Attorney’s office said Wednesday, July 19, 2017, that Felarca was arrested They are the last of four those involved in several stab- Tuesday on charges of assault and inciting and participating in a riot stemming from a brawl during arrests stemming from a June bings and an assault on a Sacra- a protest at the state Capitol last year. Yvette Felarca is the name used by a leader of the group By 2016 melee that erupted when mento television station’s news Any Means Necessary, but public records show her given name is Yvonne Capistrano Felarca. more than 300 counter-pro- crew. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File) testers confronted about 30

C M Y K Page 10 samoa news, Thursday, July 20, 2017

Area residents attend a memorial dedication, where five women were hanged as witches 325 years ago at Proctor’s Ledge during the Salem witch trials are being remembered in a ceremony at the site of their death Wednesday, July 19, 2017, in Salem, Mass. Sarah Good, Elizabeth Howe, Susannah Martin, Rebecca Nurse and Sarah Wildes were hanged as witches on July 19, 1692. It was the first of three mass executions at the site. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia) ➧ Pacific News… Continued from page 8 to be tabled in the upcoming in the various other facets of our as village councils. meeting. engagement. 3) Provide GIS mapping And as one of the three cen- “However we obviously training and certification to tral government agencies, the need to do more and we must better inform management of Ministry of Prime Minister and continue to collaborate and priorities across watersheds, Cabinet, (M.P.M.C.) is tasked cooperate in working towards raingardens, marine protected as the implementing agency to goals that would mutually ben- areas, managed and unmanaged organize the event. In the last efit our islands.” areas on the island. few months a series of meet- [Source: M.P.M.C. 4) Set up integrated radar ings with government stake- Press Secretary] systems to monitor and deter holders have since taken place INTERIOR FUNDS $1M poaching in the Tutuila Marine to prepare the agenda for the FOR NATURAL & CUL- Protected Areas. upcoming event with our neigh- TURAL RESOURCE Additional funds will go boring US territory. PROTECTION to CNMI, Guam and the U.S. Among the long outstanding Interior Acting Assistant Virgin Islands for various issues that is expected to be Secretary for Insular Areas projects. addressed in the two-day brain- Nikolao Pula has made available U.S. TERRITORIES storming session are Trade and $1,003,787 for natural and cul- In a U.S. Territories grant Economic Integration, Agricul- tural resource protection in the the National Coral Reef Man- ture, Immigration, Health, Edu- U.S. Insular Areas. The funds agement Fellowship Program cation, Transport, Telecommu- will support a wide variety of was granted $200,000 for 2017- nication, and Tourism. initiatives, which include water- 2018 to help place a Coral In terms of exports, the shed management, GIS skills Fellow in each of the four U.S. Agricultural Sector remains development, radar monitoring territories of American Samoa, optimistic that their American and marine protected areas sur- Guam, the USVI, and the Samoa counterparts will assist veillance, youth education in CNMI. The Coral Fellows pro- with a request from Apia to the conservation management, and gram was identified by the U.S. United States Department of environmental law-enforcement Coral Reef Task Force members Agriculture to certify the two training. These projects support (which include the governors of mobile abattoirs and the soon to sustainable use of natural and these U.S. territories) as one of be build permanent and Central cultural resources in the U.S. its highest priorities for funding. Abattoir that will open up the territories and freely associated The collaborative fellowship lucrative meat export markets to states. program, which is administered the United States via American “People in the islands depend by the National Coral Reef Samoa.Then there is the Tui- on the strength and viability of Institute of Nova Southeastern Samoa fiber optic cable that the their natural resources for suste- University in Florida seeks to Prime Minister is hoping for the nance, and physical and socio- build next generation leaders territorial government to come economic well-being,” said and capacity for effective local to the negotiating table and Pula. “Even small amounts of coral reef ecosystem manage- become a part of the Tui-Samoa funding can yield great impacts, ment. NOAA will provide an family, which now includes and this year’s recipients suc- additional $400,000 for travel, neighboring Pacific Island cessfully demonstrate the wide training, and development of countries. The target is for range of areas where assistance the fellows and provide for improved telecommunication is needed.” additional fellows to be placed connectivity at affordable rates The FY2017 natural and cul- in Hawaii, Florida and Puerto for residents of the 2-Samoas. tural resource projects include: Rico. Immigration issues which AMERICAN SAMOA Various Pacific Island include the current reciprocal The American Samoa regional grants were also made permit regime between the Department of Marine and the amount of $300,00+. two countries is another issue Wildlife Resources will use All funding for cultural and expected to be revisited during $94,906 to: natural resources protection the talks in bids to minimize 1) Coordinate efforts in the and management was provided the red tape in processing entry Faga’alu, Vatia, and Nu’uuli under what was formerly called permits. Watersheds, each prioritized by the Coral Reef Initiative and is And of course, the long either the U.S. Coral Reef Task available under CFDA# 15.875 awaited trade agreement that Force or the territory. Over- at https://www.grants.gov/. would be mutually beneficial to fishing, climate change, land- All four U.S. territories of the Samoa and American Samoa. based pollution, and population U.S. Virgin Islands, American As a lead up to the talks, Tui- pressure have been identified Samoa, Guam, and the Com- laepa reiterated that under these as the four primary threats to monwealth of the Northern circumstances, “it is imperative natural resources in these areas. Mariana Islands as well as the for the two Samoas to try as 2) Continue development three freely associated states of much as we can to cooperate in of rain gardens and other best the Federated States of Micro- every area available. practices to manage storm water nesia, the Republic of the Mar- “We are already doing this runoff in the territory by collab- shall Islands, and the Republic successfully in the number of orating heavily with federal, ter- of Palau are eligible to apply. sectors, and with mixed success ritorial, and academics as well (Source: DOI media release) samoa news, Thursday, July 20, 2017 Page 11 Gas storage field that leaked methane gets reopening OK LOS ANGELES (AP) — year-and-a-half before the “ulti- California state officials on mate fate” of the field is deter- Wednesday cleared the way mined, Sullivan said at a news for resumption of natural gas conference. pumping into an underground California Energy Commis- storage facility where a blowout sion Chair Robert B. Weisen- spewed methane for nearly four miller said Gov. Jerry Brown months, sickening Los Angeles has asked him to plan for such residents and driving thousands a closure. of families from their homes. In a letter to the PUC, After 17 months of testing Weisenmiller said he’s ready to and inspections, state engi- work on phasing out the facility neering and safety enforce- within a decade. ment experts concluded the The blowout occurred in a Aliso Canyon facility “is safe well over 60 years old. It was to operate and can reopen at one of 115 wells at a vacant oil a greatly reduced capacity in field that was converted in the order to protect public safety 1970s to store gas a mile-and- and prevent an energy shortage a-half underground where crude in Southern California,” had been removed. according to a joint statement About a third of the wells from the Division of Oil, Gas have passed a rigorous battery and Geothermal Resources of tests prescribed by the state (DOGGR) and the California to inject or withdraw more gas Public Utilities Commission. in the mostly empty field. “I’m confident that the field The remaining wells have is safe and can be reopened been taken out of service and safely,” said Ken Harris, the must pass state-mandated tests state’s oil and gas supervisor within a year or be permanently and head of DOGGR. sealed. The vast field will be The company and energy restricted to about 28 percent regulators said the field was of its massive capacity, storing critical to provide home heating up to 23.6 billion cubic feet of and powering gas-fired elec- natural gas, officials said. tricity plants in the area during Operations could resume in a energy spikes, though predic- week or two, said Tim Sullivan, tions of more than a dozen the PUC’s executive director. blackouts last summer never Aliso Canyon, nestled in occurred. the mountains above the San Southern California Gas Co., Fernando Valley, is the biggest which operates the facility, had natural storage facility west of asked in November for permis- the Mississippi River. sion to resume pumping natural An October 2015 blowout gas into the field. of an underground storage well In a statement, the utility said led to the largest-known release new regulations mean that the of methane in the U.S. and gas will flow at reduced pres- widespread complaints of nose- sure through new steel tubing bleeds, nausea, headaches and and wells will be monitored other symptoms that persisted around the clock. even after the leak was capped The blowout had cost a year ago. SoCalGas more than $760 mil- The announcement was lion with most of that going met with scorn by some who to relocate 8,000 families and want to see the field shut down paying their expenses for sev- permanently. eral months. Scott Kuhn, principal deputy The company expects county counsel for Los Angeles to recoup most of that from County, said the county planned insurance. to seek a court injunction as Costs have also included early as Friday to block the a $4 million settlement with reopening, noting that the cause Los Angeles County prosecu- of the blowout is still under tors after the company pleaded investigation. no contest to a criminal charge “I think it’s absolutely ludi- for failing to quickly report the crous that they’re claiming blowout. this facility is safe,” said Alex- It also agreed to pay local air andra Nagy of Food and Water pollution regulators $8.5 mil- Watch, a group opposing the lion to settle a lawsuit, which FILE - In this Jan. 12, 2017, file photo, a tarp covers the SS-25 well where the 2015 gas leak field’s existence. includes $1 million for a study occurred at the Southern California Gas Company’s Aliso Canyon storage facility near the Porter “From my perspective this of health effects. Ranch neighborhood of Los Angeles. California state officials have approved resuming operations at facility will never be safe.” The company still faces the Los Angeles gas storage facility where a blowout spewed methane for nearly four months. Two The PUC is determining more than 200 lawsuits and state agencies said Wednesday, July 19 that the Southern California Gas Co., can resume storing whether the storage facility is could still be fined from several natural gas at the Aliso Canyon facility, which stopped operations in the wake of an October 2015 necessary or should be closed regulatory agencies. blowout. However, storage will be restricted to about 28 percent of the field’s capacity. but it could take another year or (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File) Page 12 samoa news, Thursday, July 20, 2017 Attorneys general: Keep protections for sex assault victims ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. student safety first,” Pennsyl- (AP) — Attorneys general from vania Attorney General Josh Pennsylvania, New Mexico and Shapiro said in a statement more than a dozen other states issued Wednesday. are urging U.S. Education Sec- A dozen schools in Shap- retary Betsy DeVos to keep in iro’s state are being investigated place protections for victims for improperly handling sexual of sexual assault on college assault allegations made by campuses. students. The attorneys, all Demo- In New Mexico, a 2016 crats, sent a letter Wednesday to investigation by the U.S. Justice DeVos voicing their concerns Department found that state’s about reports that suggest her flagship university had failed in office is preparing to roll back its handling of such cases. guidance from President Barack “Violence on America’s Obama’s era for stepped-up campuses must be taken seri- investigations of sexual assault ously,” said New Mexico at universities and colleges Attorney General Hector across the country. Balderas. DeVos said last week that the He noted that rolling back current system isn’t working. the guidance would amount to While allegations of sexual turning back the clock on the assault can’t be dismissed, she progress some states have made said, a system without due pro- when it comes to improving cess ultimately will serve no reporting and implementing one. The debate continues to programs aimed at curbing percolate following remarks sexual assaults. Missouri GOP coalesce around made by the Education Depart- As of last week, there were ment’s top civil rights official, 344 open sexual violence inves- Candice Jackson, who said the tigations at 242 postsecondary vast majority of sexual assault schools, according to a Title IX Hawley to challenge McCaskill claims resulted from both par- report provided by the Educa- ties having been drunk. Jackson tion Department. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. general. Vicky Hartzler on Monday said has repeatedly apologized for The attorneys general said (AP) — Big-name Missouri Politico, citing two Repub- the same. That leaves Treasurer her comments. in their letter that any effort to Republicans and donors have licans it did not name, reported Eric Schmitt as the only other In their letter, the attor- address the problem of sexual coalesced around Attorney that Hawley associates said he well-known Republican elected neys general say they see the assault on college campuses General Josh Hawley as their planned to run and National official looking at entering the effects sexual assault has on “must be deliberate and allow favored candidate to chal- Journal, also citing unnamed race. victims, the educational insti- for meaningful input from all lenge veteran Democratic U.S. sources, said he is expected to By coalescing around tutions themselves and the stakeholders, and it must focus Sen. Claire McCaskill in 2018, challenge McCaskill. Hawley, Republicans could communities. on the ultimate goal of ensuring which would set up a marquee Hawley’s spokesman, Scott avoid a repeat of 2012 when “We’re calling on Secretary that all students are protected contest between a wily incum- Paradise, said last week the McCaskill admitted she med- DeVos to listen to law enforce- from discrimination, including bent and an up-and-coming attorney general is “seriously dled in the GOP primary and ment and trust survivors of sexual harassment, assault, political novice in a state that considering” the race and Para- succeeding in getting the chal- sexual assault by keeping these stalking and domestic violence, has trended conservative. dise confirmed that Vice Presi- lenger she considered the protections in place and putting under Title IX.” McCaskill is among 10 dent Mike Pence called Hawley weakest, former U.S. Rep. Todd Senate Democrats running in earlier this month. Paradise Akin. states won by President Donald declined to comment further She ran an ad campaign in Trump, making the Missouri Wednesday. the Republican primary criti- race a prime opportunity to flip Danforth and prominent cizing Akin as ultra-conserva- a seat to Republicans. The GOP donor David Humphreys are tive and urging voters not to pick now has a narrow majority of 52 among several high-profile him, a move she’s described as Senate seats. Republicans who in April “reverse psychology.” Former Missouri Sen. released a public letter encour- Akin won the GOP nomi- John Danforth, who’s pushing aging Hawley. Big Missouri nation. That quickly backfired Hawley to run, said Wednesday donor Sam Fox sent a June letter when Akin told a TV inter- that he last spoke with him on that asked other GOP donors viewer that women’s bodies the phone a few weeks ago not to give to other candidates have ways of preventing preg- but there is a “very high like- while Hawley decided whether nancy in cases of “legitimate lihood that he will become a to run. While Missouri once was rape,” a comment that drew a candidate.” known as a reliable bellwether national backlash. Hawley, 37, is considered state in presidential elections, it Republicans still are an emerging GOP star who was broke from that tradition when smarting from that race as they just elected attorney general in Obama first ran for office. It’s look forward to 2018, said GOP 2016. He was among attorneys trended red in recent years, and strategist Harris. who helped prepare a Hobby the last Democratic president “They would like to avoid a Lobby case before the U.S. Missouri predicted was former divisive primary,” he said. Supreme Court over whether President Bill Clinton. Preparing for a bruising private companies can cite reli- Five of six statewide elected fight, McCaskill, 63, has posi- gious objections to opt out of officials in Jefferson City are tioned herself as a moderate contraceptive coverage under Republicans. The only Demo- and spent the July 4 congres- President Barack Obama’s crat is the state auditor, who sional break holding town health care law. He also worked was appointed by the former halls in rural mid-Missouri. as an associate professor at the Democratic governor. Despite her vulnerability, she’s University of Missouri School The Republican field appears a skilled candidate who’s suc- of Law and campaigned for lim- relatively clear for Hawley. ceeded even in tough cam- FILE - In this Jan. 29, 2015, file photo, New Mexico Attorney ited government and religious Republican U.S. Rep. Ann paigns. She’s shifted her posi- General Hector Balderas talks during a news conference in Albu- liberties. “He would be a perfect Wagner, once considered the tion on a bill known as “Kate’s querque, N.M. Attorneys general from Pennsylvania, New Mexico candidate,” said Republican favorite in party circles to take Law,” an immigration measure and more than a dozen other states are urging U.S. Education political strategist James Harris, on McCaskill, earlier in July that would impose harsher Secretary Betsy DeVos to keep protections in place for victims of who worked with Hawley when announced she would run for prison sentences on deportees sexual assault on college campuses. he entered the race for attorney re-election instead. U.S. Rep. who re-enter the United States. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan, File) samoa news, Thursday, July 20, 2017 Page 13 Trump’s embrace of Russia making top advisers wary WASHINGTON (AP) — to speak out against Russian President Donald Trump’s per- aggression in Europe, according sistent overtures toward Russia to the three foreign officials. are placing him increasingly at McMaster and other national odds with his national security security aides also advised the and foreign policy advisers, president against holding an who have long urged a more official bilateral meeting with cautious approach to dealing Putin. with the foreign adversary. In a highly unusual move, The uneasy dynamic McMaster did not attend the between the president and top bilateral meeting with Putin. aides has been exacerbated by Only Trump, Secretary of State the revelation this week of an Rex Tillerson and a translator extended dinner conversation made up the U.S. side. between Trump and Russian Meetings with such critical President Vladimir Putin at the national security implications recent summit in Germany. The typically include a broader previously undisclosed conver- team, including the national sation, which occurred a few security adviser and a regional hours after their official bilat- specialist from the National eral meeting, raised red flags Security Council — in this case, with advisers already concerned the head of the Russia direc- by the president’s tendency to torate, a position recently filled shun protocol and press ahead by Russia expert Fiona Hill. with outreach toward Russia, Foreign and U.S. officials according to two U.S. officials said the Russians recommended and three top foreign officials. that a note taker be present in The officials spoke only on the bare-bones official bilateral condition of anonymity to dis- meeting. But Trump, who has cuss private conversations. repeatedly expressed concern Deep divisions are increas- over leaks, refused, instead ingly apparent within the relying on Tillerson to docu- administration on the best way ment the meeting. The session to approach Moscow in the was scheduled for 30 minutes midst of U.S. investigations but stretched to more than two into Russian meddling in the hours. American presidential elec- The White House did not tion. Trump has repeatedly cast respond to questions about doubt on the conclusion of U.S. Trump’s refusal to have a note intelligence agencies that the taker for his meeting with Putin, Russian government sought to or about whether McMaster tip the election in his favor and communicated his concerns to has dismissed investigations the president. into the possibility of collu- The formalities and disci- sion between his campaign and pline of diplomacy have been a Moscow as a “witch hunt.” rough fit for Trump, whose rep- Meanwhile, he has pushed utation as a businessman was for cooperation between that of a freewheeling, impul- Moscow and Washington on sive dealmaker. various matters including the As for his dinnertime con- raging conflict in Syria. versation with Putin, unoffi- But some top aides, cial discussions between world including National Security leaders over dinner do not vio- Adviser Gen. H.R. McMaster, late protocol. have been warning that Putin But it is unusual and can be is not to be trusted. An intelli- risky for a president to speak gence officer-turned-politician, directly to Putin without a Putin is known for steering dis- U.S. translator present. He was cussions in his own favor. forced to rely on Russia’s inter- The three foreign officials preter for the discussion, which who have spoken with top reportedly went on for nearly an Trump advisers described a hour. disconnect, or “mixed signals,” “The Russian interpreter between Trump and his team probably interpreted very over Russia, highlighting a lack clearly, but the problem is of a clear policy. U.S. officials there’s no record of the discus- echoed that sentiment, with sion on the American side,” one saying diplomats and intel- said Steven Pifer, a former ligence officials were “dumb- U.S. ambassador to Ukraine. founded” by the president’s It would have been wise for approach, particularly given the Trump to have his interpreter evidence of Russia’s election take notes so there would be a meddling. record, he said. McMaster expressed his White House spokeswoman disapproval of Trump’s course Sarah Huckabee Sanders was to foreign officials during the dismissive of the controversy lead-up to his trip to Germany. surrounding the Trump-Putin The general specifically said dinner chat, blaming it on a he’d disagreed with Trump’s “Russia fever” gripping the decision to hold an Oval Office media. meeting in May with top Rus- She said other presidents, President Donald Trump holds up a Channellock locking plier during a “Made in America,” sian diplomats and with the including Barack Obama, had roundtable event in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 19, 2017. president’s general reluctance similar informal conversations. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Page 14 samoa news, Thursday, July 20, 2017

FILE - In this May 25, 2017, file photo, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly testifies on Cap- itol Hill in Washington. Kelly says states should not be wary of asking for the federal government’s help to strengthen election systems in light of Russian meddling in last year’s election. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) AP FACT CHECK: On a doubt voiced about 2016 election result

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thought the 2016 THE FACTS: Clinton received nearly 2.9 presidential election settled the hard-fought cam- million more votes than Trump, giving her the paign once and for all? Not everyone is there yet. largest popular vote margin of any losing U.S. An advisory committee that President Donald presidential candidate. Trump created to examine the integrity of U.S. Certified results in all 50 states and the Dis- voting systems held its first meeting Wednesday. trict of Columbia show Clinton winning nearly And its vice chairman, Kansas Secretary of State 65,844,610 votes, or 48 percent of the total, Kris Kobach, said afterward that “we may never to Trump’s 62,979,636 votes, or 46 percent, know” whether Trump’s rival, Democrat Hillary according to an analysis by The Associated Press. Clinton, won the popular vote through voter She is the fifth U.S. presidential candidate to win fraud. the popular vote but lose the Electoral College, Trump himself claimed shortly after taking and therefore the presidency. office in January that he would have won the With all states voting, Trump finished with popular vote if 3 million to 5 million immigrants 304 Electoral College votes, to 227 for Clinton. living the country illegally had not been allowed The Electoral College has 538 votes. to vote in the presidential election last Nov. 8. TRUMP, promising that a health-care rewrite There has been no evidence of widespread he is pressing Senate Republican lawmakers tampering or hacking that would change the elec- to pass will “provide better coverage for low tion outcome. Throughout the campaign, Trump income Americans.” pushed false claims about voter fraud, repeat- THE FACTS: That’s not how the nonpartisan edly claiming that the system had been “rigged” Congressional Budget Office sees it. Deep cuts against him. He tweeted in late November that he to Medicaid and changes that would shift med- would have won the popular vote “if you deduct ical costs to consumers with individual private the millions of people who voted illegally.” He policies are likely to result in fewer low-income also complained that the news media wasn’t cov- people having health coverage. ering “serious voter fraud” in California, New In most states, Medicaid coverage is either Hampshire and Virginia. free of charge or involves only nominal costs for Here are the statements from Kobach and how low-income people. they compare with the facts: The GOP “repeal and replace” bills would KOBACH, in an interview Wednesday with phase out a Medicaid expansion that’s mainly for MSNBC, on whether he believed voter fraud adults, while also limiting future federal spending helped Clinton win the popular vote by 3 mil- on the program. lion to 5 million votes: “We will probably never vAccording to the budget office, projected know the answer to that question because even if federal spending would be reduced by $772 bil- you could prove that a certain number of votes lion from 2017-2026 in the Senate bill, and 15 were cast by ineligible voters, for example, you million fewer people would be covered by Med- wouldn’t know how they voted.” icaid by 2026. Asked again whether he believed Clinton won As for private insurance, the Senate bill the popular vote, Kobach said: “We may never envisions a shift to skimpier plans with higher know the answer to that question.” deductibles. “As a result, despite being eligible Kobach replied “absolutely” when asked for premium tax credits, few low-income people whether the votes for Trump were also in doubt. would purchase any plan,” the budget office said. samoa news, Thursday, July 20, 2017 Page 15 House panel moves ahead on budget with hopes for tax reform WASHINGTON (AP) — A Experts say that change would GOP-controlled House panel likely increase costs for benefi- on Wednesday worked into the ciaries and deny them the cov- night on a Republican fiscal erage guarantees of Medicare. plan that probably won’t deliver “The list of upside-down on its promises to balance the priorities and irresponsible budget, but would begin to clear policies in this document is a path for a GOP effort to over- lengthy,” said top panel Demo- haul the tax code this fall. crat John Yarmuth of Kentucky. The plan proposes deep “Democrats support invest- cuts to safety net programs like ments in education, health care, Medicaid and food stamps and national security, job training, reprises a controversial Medi- innovation and infrastructure. care plan strongly opposed by We support programs that help President Donald Trump — individuals with nowhere left to though Republicans plan to try turn, and a tax code that helps to deliver on a small fraction of families get ahead.” the cuts.Instead, to most Repub- Republicans easily rejected licans on Capitol Hill, the most Democratic attempts to pro- important element of the plan tect the Obama health law, is the procedural pathway it restore Medicaid, and increase would clear to allow Republi- spending for domestic programs cans to pass their top priority renewed by Congress each year. — an overhaul of the tax code The panel is stocked with — later this year without fear hard-core conservatives, some of a blockade by Senate Demo- of whom said the measure is too crats. Passing a budget through loose on spending. Rep. Glenn Congress is the only way to get Grothman, R-Wis., faulted it a GOP-only tax plan enacted for a $28 billion increase above this year. Republicans argue Trump’s budget for defense and that growing deficits and debt for rejecting most of Trump’s are part of the reason for slow proposed $54 billion cut to economic growth and that big domestic programs for next benefit plans like Medicare and year. Rep. Dave Brat, R-Va., Medicaid need changes now to opposed the plan on Wednesday keep them from going broke for and Rep. Mark Sanford, R-S.C., future generations. said he’ll vote for the plan to “Both parties in Washington deliver it for a floor vote but have failed to abide by a simple wouldn’t guarantee he’ll sup- principle that all American fam- port it there. ilies and small businesses do While exempting Social — that we must live within our Security, veterans and defense, means,” said Budget Chairman the plan proposes cuts across Diane Black, R-Tenn. “Bal- the rest of the budget to turn ancing the budget requires us this year’s projected $700 to make tough choices, but the billion-or-so deficit into a tiny consequences of inaction far $9 billion surplus by 2027. It outweigh any political risks we would do so by slashing $5.4 may face.”But like the GOP’s trillion over the coming decade, health care repeal and replace including almost $500 billion efforts and its moribund hopes from Medicare and $1.5 trillion to boost infrastructure, the GOP from Medicaid and the Obama- budget outline faces opposition era health law. from both wings of the party. The GOP plan also proposes Republican conservatives want a 10-year, $150 billion cut to more of its proposed cuts to food stamps, though the Agri- actually take effect in follow- culture Committee would be up legislation, while moderates directed to come up with no want to focus on tax reform more than $10 billion. instead of cuts to food stamps It also contains its share of or federal employee pensions. gimmicks, including $1.8 tril- GOP leaders generally fear lion in deficit cuts over the that adding spending cuts to tax coming decade from rosy pro- reform would only make the tax jections of economic growth code rewrite more difficult to averaging 2.6 percent over 10 pass.The nonbinding GOP plan years. Another $700 billion promises to cut more than $5 in savings would come from a trillion from the budget over the crackdown on “improper pay- coming decade, though Repub- ments” such as tax credits and licans only appear serious about Social Security and Medicare enacting a relatively modest benefits going to people who 10-year, $203 billion deficit cut don’t qualify for them. Many of over the same period through fil- its cuts are unspecified. ibuster-proof follow-up legisla- But in the immediate future tion. Conservatives are pressing the GOP measure is a budget for larger cuts, including strict buster. It would add almost work requirements for food $30 billion to Trump’s $668 FILE - In this July 4, 2017 file photo, a Sri Lankan municipal worker fumigates during Dengue stamps, for instance. billion request for national fever irradiation work in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Australia is contributing funds to help Sri Lanka But Democrats blasted the defense next year and rejects combat its worst outbreak of dengue fever, which has claimed 250 lives and infected nearly 100,000 sweeping cuts in the plan. It most of Trump’s proposed cuts people so far this year in the Indian Ocean island nation. revives a provocative proposal to domestic agencies — only Visiting Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Wednesday night, July 19, 2017, that Australia is to turn Medicare into a voucher- to promise deeper, nonbinding giving 475,000 Australian dollars (US $377,000) to the World Health Organization to implement like program for future retirees. cuts in the future. immediate dengue prevention, management and eradication programs in Sri Lanka. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena, File) Page 16 samoa news, Thursday, July 20, 2017 16-year-old from Min- nesota ID’d as victim of John Wayne Gacy CHICAGO (AP) — After elation about Haakenson is the running away from his Minne- latest turn in a yearslong effort sota home in 1976, 16-year-old to solve the remaining mystery Jimmy Haakenson called his surrounding Gacy’s case: Who mother, told her he was in Chi- were the eight victims authori- cago, then disappeared forever. ties hadn’t been able to identify? More than 40 years later, a James “Jimmy” Byron detective from Illinois arrived Haakenson’s body is only the at the family’s home to tell second person that authorities Haakenson’s relatives that have identified since Sheriff at some point after hanging Tom Dart in 2011 ordered the up the phone, the teenager remains of the eight victims crossed paths with serial killer exhumed and asked families of C M John Wayne Gacy. Haaken- young men who went missing Y K son’s body, it turns out, was in the 1970s to provide DNA among dozens found in a crawl samples. The first was -Wil space of Gacy’s Chicago-area liam Bundy, a 19-year-old con- home in 1978. But the remains struction worker from Chicago were only recently identified whose remains were identified thanks to DNA technology that weeks after the exhumations. wasn’t available then, the Cook Haakenson’s family in Min- Flames from a backfire burn as CalFire crews battle a wildfire near Mariposa, Calif., Tuesday, County Sheriff’s Department nesota plans to come to Chicago July 18, 2017. Record rain and snowfall in the mountains this winter was celebrated for bringing announced Wednesday. to mark his grave.“One of the California’s five-year drought to its knees, but it has turned into a challenge for firefighters battling Gacy was convicted of worst people in the world that flames feeding on dense vegetation, officials said. killing 33 young men and was walked the earth murdered my (AP Photo/Noah Berger) executed in 1994. But the rev- brother,” his sister, Lorie Sis- terman, who lives in North St. Paul, said Wednesday. “You hope for something different,” but she went on to add, “I’m so glad to know where my brother is.” Gacy is remembered as one of history’s most bizarre killers, largely because of his work as an amateur clown. The Chi- cago-area building contractor lured young men to his home by impersonating a police officer or promising them construc- tion work. There, he stabbed one and strangled the others. Most of the victims were buried under his home, but others were dumped in a river. Illinois investigators long referred to Haakenson as simply “Victim #24.” Haakenson came to Chicago hoping to strike out on his own in a city far bigger than the community of St. Paul where he lived, Dart said. According to Sisterman, the teenager had finally made good on his angry vows to his mother that he was going to run away. He was a boy, said Sisterman, who kept “trying to find himself.” After bodies were found in Gacy’s home, Haakenson’s C M mother was suspicious enough Y K that her son was among the vic- tims that she came to Chicago to talk to investigators. But she left without any answers because there was no way to identify the skeletal remains without dental records, Dart said. The mother died a couple of decades later. Dart said a nephew of Haak- enson became curious about the uncle he never knew and earlier this year went online to see if he could learn anything. That’s when he discovered Dart’s efforts to identify the remains of the eight young men. Dart said the nephew went to his father, Haakenson’s brother, and his aunt, Lorie Sisterman, and persuaded them to submit the samples for testing.