Th e nine contestants of the 31st Miss Pacifi c Islands Pageant being held in Nadi, Fiji this week. Th ey are pic- tured here aft er attending a Sunday service at the Interna- tional Full Gospel Church in Nadi. Miss American Samoa, Matauaina Gwendolyn To’omalatai is seen second from right. Read story inside for details. [photo: MPIP]
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Christmas Countdown: 19 Days HOLIDAY EVENTS Jury trial continues today brought to you by for alleged drug dealer DEFENSE ATTORNEY BASHES THE CREDIBILITY OF THE DPS INVESTIGATING OFFICER by Ausage Fausia way he conducted his investigation. Fiaui also Samoa News Reporter provided a brief history of his client, Nicole. The jury trial of an alleged drug dealer, who PROSECUTOR’S OPENING REMARKS was charged last year with one count each of Pengelly, who referred to the fa’afafi ne defen- GET A BIG DEAL unlawful possession of methamphetamine and dant as a ‘he’ during court proceedings, told the unlawful distribution of methamphetamine — jury, that the case is all about drug possession and both felonies — began yesterday in the High drug dealing. He said the government intends to Court. call six witnesses who will provide testimony Falaniko Stowers, who is also identifi ed as during the trial. ON A BIG MEAL! a fafafi ne in court documents — aka Nicole, is The government claims that in Nov. 2016, the 19 MORE DAYS ’TIL CHRISTMAS still in custody, unable to post a $10,000 surety defendant knowingly possessed meth. The prose- — WOW —TIME IS RUSHING BY. bond. A six-member jury — four females and cutor said the evidence will prove that the reason Not to mention the crowded stores, heavy traffi c, and the last two males — was selected on Monday. Stowers was in possession of drugs was because minute shopping for Christmas Parties, church gatherings, and During opening statements, prosecutor he was engaged in the business of selling meth. secret Santa’s. Woodrow Pengelly explained to the jurors, what Pengelly assured the jury that the govern- You need to relax. And where better than at Krispy Crunchy the government is calling the “facts of the case”, ment’s fi rst witness, who is the defendant’s Chicken with its Christmas Specials happening right now. while Public Defender Douglas Fiaui provided neighbor, will testify that he saw vehicles and Check out the 12 dos of Christmas Specials and enjoy the $2 background of the investigating offi cer and the (Continued on page 7) Chicken Sandwich special. The $3 Special comes with a Chicken sandwich and drink. The $4 Special comes with 2 chicken sand- wiches and a drink. Conditions apply. Still hungry? No Problem. The $5 BIG meal deal guarantees a BIG DEAL on a BIG MEAL! The Big Meal consists of 3 cajun tenders, a choice of a side dish, dipping sauce, a honey butter biscuit and a drink! Yes. All that. Con- ditions apply. Still not sure what to buy for that special person on your list? Krispy Crunchy Chicken is also having a Christmas Sale on Spirit Prime phones! Yes you read right. Phones. The SPIRIT PRIME features a bold design with gold details. C M Stacked internal components allow a mere 7.3 mm thin construction Y K and a curved, ergonomic shape that fi ts your hand with natural ease. A Spirit Prime Phone with these amazing features - 4G LTE Quad Band, Dual Sim with a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 touchscreen, 5.5, LCD, 1280x720 pixels, Fingerprint Identifi cation, Octa Core CPU, LED Flash, 1MP-8MP camera, Global Unlocked. Buy 1 for $119.00 and get a $5 KKC gift Certifi cate. BUY 2 for $199 and get a $10 KKC gift Certifi cate. Offer is good while supplies last. Conditions apply and Gift Cer- tifi cates are redeemable only at Krispy Crunchy Chicken in Nu’uuli. Spirit Prime Phones. Quality at an affordable price. These amazing Christmas Specials are on-going now until December 24th at Krispy chicken in Nu’uuli. Krispy Crunchy Chicken Gift Cards are also available for that (Continued on page 8)
During the Matafao Elementary School, Grade 8, Samoan Day celebration, on Th ursday, Nov. 30, 2017 — students doing the ‘sasa’ — a traditional Samoan dance. [photo: Leua Aiono Frost] Page 2 samoa news, Wednesday, December 6, 2017 Tofaeono asking for reconsideration in court decision on CCCAS case by Ausage Fausia associated with his election as been inconsistent in regards Samoa News Reporter General Secretary and … to to saying it does not have the Rev. Amaama Tofaeono and suspend him operated as a de constitutional authority to rule, his wife Joan Aleluia Tofaeono, facto removal on his ordination and then interprets the structure through their attorney, Charles as a minister and consequently and authority in the CCCAS to V. Ala’ilima, are asking the disqualifying him as General make its rulings. Trial Division of the High Court Secretary.” As such, the court has now to reconsider its Oct. 2nd deci- Defendants’ believe there reduced the ongoing case sion — dismissing their tort were errors in the court’s simply to common law and con- claims against the individuals fi nding and legal conclusions stitutional libel claims. named in their suit, saying the on these issues. It has dismissed its authority court has mistakenly deter- According to the defen- to review on any issues relating mined that CCCAS and indi- dants, “The court determined to church structure and organi- vidual defendants “were one that the individual counter- zation in so far as it relates to and the same” — and that these defendant and the CCCAS were Amaama’s ordination as a min- individuals are not ‘personally’ one and the same and therefore ister of his continued employ- liable. there was no third-party actor ment as the elected General Tofaeono and his wife Joan who could interfere with an Secretary. were named as defendants in employee claim. PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION a complaint fi led by the Con- “While the court could prop- Attorney for the plaintiffs, gregational Christian Church erly dismiss the CCCAS from a Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde stated of American Samoa (CCCAS) tortious interference with con- in her opposition motion that in May of this year, when tract counter-claim, it would not reconsideration is appropriate if Tofaeono refused to vacate the be appropriate to dismiss the the trial court is presented with CCCAS housing he and his wife individual defendants from per- newly discovered evidence; occupied, after his ministerial sonal liability at least until there committed clear error or the duties, including his CCCAS is a clear fi nding supported on initial decision was manifestly General Secretary post, were the merits that they were in fact unjust, or, if there is an inter- suspended for a certain amount acting within the scope of their vening change in controlling of time. CCCAS authority. the law. (See Samoa News, Monday, “If the court is unable to In fact, she says, it is not alto- Dec. 04, 2017 issue for report make the distinction from the gether clear what the defendants on the court’s dismissal of the pleadings as presented, it would are asking the Court to recon- defendant’s tort claims) be more appropriate at this stage sider. Plaintiffs state the defen- MEMORANDUM of the proceedings for the court dants did not show any facts to According to the defendants’ to grant time to amend that support a plausible claim against motion, the court has already pleading to ensure clarity as to plaintiffs Mamoe, Aofi a, and issued its declaratory fi ndings the personal capacities in which Faalevao as agents of CCCAS. that Amaama Tofaeono was an the individual defendants are Furthermore, having failed to at-will employee of CCCAS being sued.” seek to amend their pleading and had been discharged from INTERLOCUTORY prior to this Court’s ruling, they his post as General Secretary APPEAL should not now be allowed to of CCCAS, elected to a four- The defendants’ appeal amend their pleading. year term by the CCCAS Gen- addresses both the jurisdictional SLANDER eral Assembly by virtue of his issue of whether this dispute It should be noted that on the subsequent suspension as a over the occupancy of the struc- issue of slander, the Court said minister, issued by the CCCAS ture was appropriately before Amaama’s assertions meet the Elders’ Committee. the court and on the merits of pleading standard for slander “These declaratory fi ndings whether the court’s declara- and that’s why the plaintiffs’ and conclusions arising from tory fi ndings and legal conclu- motion to dismiss the counter such fi ndings are the subject sions relevant to Amaama’s claim for slander is denied. matters of defendants’ appeal employment and division of Amaama claims that the of the summary eviction order authority under the CCCAS same slanderous statements of the Court.In dismissing the constitution were correct.The made by the plaintiffs — that he defendant’s contractual tortious defendants believe the court’s was unfaithful and/or abusive interference counter-claims order dismissing the two coun- to his family — also violate the against the plaintiffs the court terclaims relate to the context dignity of the individual clause appears to be re-enforcing the of constitutional deference of the Constitution. The Court declaratory fi nding and conclu- granted by courts of religious agreed and for that reason, they sions it reached earlier that the corporate authorities and con- denied the plaintiffs’ motion defendant, Amaama, has no tractual employment rights. It to dismiss the defendants’ contractual employment rights says in its rulings the court has counter-claim. Mexican acquitted of murder faces gun, immigration charges SAN FRANCISCO (AP) according to the indictment. Tuesday defended his offi ce’s — U.S. authorities on Tuesday A San Francisco jury last handling of the case. He said charged a Mexican man with week convicted him of a state he still believed Garcia Zarate new immigration and gun vio- charge of felon in possession of should have been convicted of lations less than a week after a fi rearm after acquitting him of Steinle’s murder. a San Francisco jury acquitted murder and assault for the July Legal experts have said him of murder for the shooting 1, 2015 shooting. prosecutors overreached by death of Kate Steinle, a case The state conviction carries asking for a fi rst-degree murder that helped fuel a fi erce national a maximum sentence of three conviction because the fatal debate on immigration. years in jail. He has been in jail shot ricocheted off the ground, A federal grand jury in San since the day of the shooting. supporting Garcia Zarate’s Francisco indicted Jose Ines His public defender Matt Gon- defense that the shooting was Garcia Zarate Tuesday on one zalez said Garcia Zarate will ask an accident. Jurors could also count each of felon in posses- a judge to toss out the state con- have convicted Garcia Zarate of sion of a fi rearm and of “being viction. Garcia Zarate is to be second-degree murder or invol- an alien illegally and unlawfully sentenced in state court Dec. 14. untary manslaughter but chose in the United States” in posses- San Francisco District not to. sion of a gun and ammunition, Attorney George Gascon on (Continued on page 7) samoa news, Wednesday, December 6, 2017 Page 3 Australian lawmaker says uncer- tainty won’t stop gay marriage CANBERRA, Australia appropriate measures in place” (AP) — Australia’s Parliament to protect opponents’ rights, would legalize gay marriage this Dutton told reporters. week despite some lawmakers’ “This debate for me has concerns about whether Austra- never been about homophobia, lian cake makers should have to it’s never been about denying cater for same-sex weddings, a the love in a same-sex relation- leading opponent of marriage ship, never been about discrimi- equality said on Wednesday. nating on any basis. The ques- The U.S. Supreme Court tion though is we need to get the heard arguments Tuesday over balances right in terms of the whether a baker who refused to protections of those people who provide a wedding cake for a gay have fundamental beliefs based couple was exercising artistic on religion or otherwise,” he freedom and was exempt from added.Dutton declined to com- Colorado anti-discrimination ment on the U.S. baker’s case, laws.Drafting such measures saying legal rights and protec- into the Australian bill would tions there were different. delay it, but several gay mar- “I don’t support discrimina- riage opponents have told Par- tion; I don’t want to see a situ- liament this week they would ation also though where people not stand in the way of marriage don’t have the ability to express equality because the Australian their own views,” Dutton said. public clearly supported it in a The current bill allows recent postal ballot. churches and religious orga- Government minister Peter nizations to boycott gay wed- Dutton, a leader among hard- dings without violating Austra- right lawmakers in the conser- lian anti-discrimination laws. vative government, said his Several amendments being fellow leading gay-marriage proposed would expand those opponents in Parliament agree exemptions, but Dutton and they should not stop the bill other lawmakers expect all from becoming law while amendments would be rejected. arguing over protecting views The government has of gay-marriage opponents. appointed a panel to examine “The same-sex marriage how to safeguard religious free- bill will pass this week, there’s doms once gay marriage was a no doubt in my mind about reality in Australia. Dutton said Marriage equality advocates, from left , Same James, Tanna Winter and Peter Kensey celebrate that, but we do need to have none of his allies intended to at a bar in Canberra, Australia Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017, aft er Australians supported gay mar- a sensible, mature discussion delay gay marriage until those riage in a postal survey. Th e Australian Bureau of Statistics says 62 percent of registered voters who around where we can get those safeguards were decided. responded in the unprecedented survey favored reform, ensuring that ensures Parliament will con- sider legalizing same-sex weddings this year. (AP Photo/Rod McGuirk) Page 4 samoa news, Wednesday, December 6, 2017 American Samoa is on EU’s blacklist of “non-coopera- tive” tax jurisdictions by Fili Sagapolutele contacted to obtain information Samoa News Correspondent on this matter. American Samoa is among Samoa News reached out the 17 countries and territo- yesterday morning to the Gov- ries now listed on the Euro- ernor’s Office and a senior pean Union’s “blacklist” of official with the ASG Treasury “non-cooperative tax jurisdic- Department for comments or tion,” according to the EU’s information on who to contact list publicly released yesterday to respond to questions. But — which also includes neigh- there was no immediate reply as boring Samoa and Guam. of press time. “The adoption of the first All 17 blacklisted countries ever EU blacklist of tax havens are each given only a summary marks a key victory for trans- of the reasons for being con- parency and fairness,” said sidered a “non-cooperative tax Pierre Moscovici, EU’s Com- jurisdiction”. missioner for Economic and This is the first time the EU Financial Affairs, Taxation has produced a “blacklist”, and Customs, in a news release saying the list is part of EU’s from the group’s headquarters work to clamp down on tax eva- is Brussels, Germany. sion and avoidance. “We must intensify the Additionally, it says, it will pressure on listed countries to help the EU deal more robustly Congresswoman Aumua Amata with Secretary Ryan Zinke. The two discussed marine monu- change their ways,” Moscovici with external threats to Member ments and the need for restored fishing access. [courtesy photo] said. “Blacklisted jurisdictions States’ tax bases and tackle must face consequences in the third countries that consis- form of dissuasive sanctions, tently refuse to play fair on tax while those that have made matters. Amata welcomes Interior Secretary commitments must follow up Establishment of the list was on them quickly and credibly.” approved last November and As to why American Samoa had to be in place before the end Zinke’s recommendation for Am Samoa is listed, a 38-page “Outcome of 2017, according to the EU Washington, D.C. — Tuesday, December fishing access to the area we will be ableto of Proceedings” document news release, which also states 5, 2017 — Congresswoman Aumua Amata ensure a vibrant economy and sustainable food from the General Secretariat that the list was established fol- welcomed Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s rec- sources, while also protecting the marine life and of the Council of the European lowing a screening and a dia- ommendation that President Trump consider habitat,” said Secretary Zinke. “I’m thankful to Union, which was made public logue conducted during 2017 expanding access to fishing in certain marine Congresswoman Amata for her continued assis- yesterday, only provided a sum- with a large number of third monuments, a major step forward in efforts to tance during the review period.” mary explanation. It says Amer- country jurisdictions. restore fishing rights in American Samoa. Secretary Zinke’s recommendations apply to ican Samoa: In October this year, letters “I appreciate this recommendation and thor- the currently designated marine monuments. • Does not apply any were sent to all jurisdictions ough assessment from Secretary Zinke,” said On October 11, Rep. Amata also voted for automatic exchange of financial concerned, informing them of Aumua Amata. “This is good news for American the National Monument Creation and Protection information, the outcome of the work. Most Samoa, and important to the process of restoring Act, which was marked up and passed by the • Has not signed and jurisdictions chose to engage a common-sense approach to these waters. We Natural Resources Committee, to ensure thor- ratified, including through the with the EU process through a love our beautiful coasts and waters in Amer- ough oversight of any future marine monument jurisdiction they are dependent constructive dialogue, and to ican Samoa, but we also have unique economic designations. on, the OECD (Organization take steps towards resolving circumstances and a heritage of fishing. I look That bill would prevent bureaucratic over- for Economic Co-operation issues identified. forward to President Trump’s decision based on reach from repeating past concerns, by ensuring and Development) Multilateral “The jurisdictions that these facts from the Interior Department.” both local/ territorial input and insisting on Con- Convention on Mutual Admin- appear on the list are strongly “The sea is the way of life for people in gressional approval before any new marine mon- istrative Assistance in Tax Mat- encouraged to make the changes American Samoa, and by restoring traditional ument designation. ters as amended, requested of them,” said the EU. • Does not apply the BACKGROUND BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit The OECD Multilateral Con- Shifting) minimum standards, vention on Mutual Administra- and tive Assistance is the most com- • Did not commit to prehensive multilateral instru- addressing these issues by 31 ment available for all forms of December 2018. tax co-operation to tackle tax An identical summary expla- evasion and avoidance, a top nation is also given to Guam. priority for all countries. For Samoa, it says the inde- BEPS refers to tax planning pendent state, “has harmful strategies that exploit gaps and preferential tax regimes, does mismatches in tax rules to arti- not apply the BEPS minimum ficially shift profits to low or standards and did not commit no-tax locations where there is to addressing these issues by 31 little or no economic activity. December 2018.” Although some of the schemes EU public documents, avail- used are illegal, most are not. able on its website and reviewed Complete details and other by Samoa News, didn’t specify information can be found at whom in American Samoa was
© Osini Faleatasi Inc. reserves all rights. dba Samoa News is published Monday through Friday, except for some local and federal holidays. Please send correspondences to: OF, dba Samoa News, Box 909, Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799. Telephone at (684) 633-5599 • Fax at (684) 633-4864 Email advertisements to [email protected] Email the newsroom at [email protected] Normal business hours are Mon. thru Fri. 8am to 5pm. Permission to reproduce editorial and/or advertisements, in The “sasa’ — a traditional Samoan dance performed to a drum beat — in this case two drum- whole or in part, is required. Please address such requests to mers used a wooden ‘drum’ (a pate) and the plastic chair ‘seat’ to beat out the rhythm for their class- the Publisher at the address provided above. mates, who performed during the Matafao Elementary School, Grade 8, Samoan Day celebration, Please visit samoanews.com for weekend updates. last week Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017. [photo: Leua Aiono Frost] samoa news, Wednesday, December 6, 2017 Page 5 Nine Pacifi c beauties compete in the 31st annual Miss Pacifi c Islands Pageant (BASED ON PRESS briefi ng of all pageant related Miss Tonga - Ophelia RELEASES) — The 31st events by the Miss Pacifi c Kitiliti Kava, 23, call center Annual Miss Pacifi c Islands Islands Pageant secretariat and administrator. Pageant organizing committee the host organizing committee This is the fi rst appearance offi cially announced the con- of Fiji. of Rapa Nui in the Miss Pacifi c testants for this year’s Pag- The contestants are from Islands Pageant.The contestants eant, which will be held in the the Pacifi c Islands of American have already picked their order newly developed city of Nadi in Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, of appearance and respective Fiji, the place where happiness Nauru, Papua New Guinea, topics for pre-pageant inter- meets you. Rapa Nui, Solomon Islands, views, namely Gender Equality, Nine beautiful contestants Samoa and Tonga. Education, Tourism, Poli- are currently vying for the The nine Pacifi c Island beau- tics, Culture, Climate Change crown, which is being held ties are: Action to sustain our Islands, by the reigning Miss Pacifi c Miss American Samoa Technology, Environment, and Islands, Anne Dunn of Fiji. - Matauaina Gwendolyn Health. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The pageant theme is ‘Cli- To’omalatai, 24, student and Further pageant activities mate Change Action to Sus- entertainer. for the week include visits to WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY tain our Islands’, which refl ects Miss Cook Islands - Ener- tourism sites and resorts around is coming to American Samoa and is looking for faculty with the following the continuing environmental stina Pokuia Bonsu-Maro, 22, Nadi, before judged events and qualifications: challenges faced by the Pacifi c consents agent. categories spread throughout 1. Love the Lord Islands due to the harsh effects Miss Fiji - Hally Qaqa, 24, four pageant nights such as the 2. Love the students of climate change, and the student. pre-pageant interview, opening 3. Master’s degree or higher (have unofficial transcripts ready) Pacifi c peoples’ resilience and Miss Nauru - Tansy performance and introduction, in one or more of the following disciplines: unity to protect its environment Angelique Itsimaera, 20, sarong, traditionally inspired • English from climate change. reporter. attire, stage interview and talent. • Math It further transcends the unity Miss Papua New Guinea - The pageant nights of com- • Science (Biology, Geology, Archaeology, etc.) between the Pacifi c Islands with Niawali Anastacia Twain, 23, petition will be from Dec. 6-9, • Sociology regards to their unique values, medical laboratory technician. 2017 at Prince Charles Park. • Psychology which encompass the respect Miss Rapa Nui - Tiare Pak- To view photos and to follow • Business or Management given to their women, adding arati, 19, student and model. developments of the pageant • Law strength and nurturing the Miss Miss Samoa - Alex- including how to vote online • Science or Government fusion between the respective andra Iakopo, 23, qualifi cation for your favorite Pacifi c beauty, If interested, please contact Dr. Dan Jacobson at [email protected]. Pacifi c cultures. offi cer at the Samoa Qualifi ca- visit Website: http://www.mis- He is available in American Samoa through Friday evening at 733-5929. The pre-pageant activities tions Authority spacifi cislands.org/ or Face- Interviews can be conducted at Manumalo Academy through Friday, as well began with an offi cial gathering Miss Solomon Islands - book page: https://www.face- of contestants for the initial Emily Chan, 18, student. book.com/MissPacifi cIslands/ Rebellious police return to duty amid disputed Honduran vote TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras for the rights of all Honduran (AP) — Police offi cers returned citizens,” said Diaz. “We are to duty Tuesday after briefl y not going to repress the people. refusing to enforce a curfew We are going to prevent Hon- aimed at quelling protests over duras from falling into chaos.” the slow vote count for Hon- Thousands of people had duras’ Nov. 26 presidential gone to police bases to show election. their support for the striking Supporters of opposition police. candidate Salvador Nasralla On Tuesday, Nasralla sup- blocked some highways, deep- porters blocked the highway ening the country’s political between the capital, Teguci- crisis amid claims of fraud by galpa, and the Caribbean coast. President Juan Orlando Her- Transit police reported similar nandez, who ran for re-election tie-ups in the cities of El Pro- and held a small lead in the fi nal greso and La Lima. vote tally. Hernandez held a narrow Hernandez apparently lead in the offi cial results from headed off the police discontent the Supreme Electoral Tri- by paying Christmas bonuses, bunal — a count that Nasralla promising increases to current has claimed was fraudulent and salaries of about $450 a month, is refusing to recognize. The and offering to build apartments opposition candidate had led in for offi cers. initial returns, but saw his edge “I spoke with a lot of them, slowly evaporate as offi cials and we reached satisfactory took eight days to fully count agreements,” Hernandez said. votes. While fi nancial questions Nasralla applauded the brief were long thought to underlie police strike, saying these are the brief, one-day police strike, “crucial moments for democ- some offi cers also said they racy in Honduras.” were tired of constantly battling Hernandez called for “peace, demonstrations. common sense, fraternity and Speaking at the gate to a national unity,” urging his com- police special forces base, Javier patriots to be patient as electoral Diaz of the national police authorities do their job. said offi cers were returning to The president held 43 per- their posts ready to enforce the cent of votes to Nasralla’s 41.4 curfew. percent, according to the tribu- “The only interest of the nal’s website, with 99.98 per- low-ranking police was respect cent of the votes counted. Page 6 samoa news, Wednesday, December 6, 2017 No Constitutional Conven- tion this time, says Lolo USING THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS IS CHEAPER by Fili Sagapolutele term in offi ce as the governor Joint Resolution, now pending Samoa News Correspondent had stated several times pub- in the House, giving the Fono Instead of calling a Con- licly the need to review Amer- the authority to override the stitutional Convention, Gov. ican Samoa’s relationship with governor’s veto instead of the Lolo Matalasi Moliga suggests the US government, because of US Secretary of Interior. using the legislative process to federal regulations — such as During the news conference, propose any amendments to the fi shing restrictions — impacting Lolo reiterated to reporters his American Samoa Constitution. the territory. support of this amendment, The last Convention was Last month, two business saying this is a very important held in 2010, where more than a owners and one community issue, which gives the Fono a dozen proposed amendments to leader inquired with Samoa say on bills rejected by a sitting the Constitution were approved News if the governor has made governor. He explained that the and presented to voters during any plans for a convention, current make-up of the territo- election that year. However, saying there are issues they rial government is “centered” voters rejected all the proposed would like to see raised and on the sitting governor making changes, which were put under discussed. fi nal decisions. one question for a vote of “yes” For example, the possible During a Senate committee or “no”. increase in the number of House public hearing on the veto-over- Since the Lolo Administra- members for Tualauta and Ituau ride measure, the only person A woman and police take photos of police leaving their head- tion took offi ce in 2013, many in counties and electing sena- who showed up to testify was quarters at the end of a 24-hour police strike in Tegucigalpa, Hon- the community have questioned tors instead of their respective Pulu Ae Ae Jr., who made clear duras, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Police returned to duty Tuesday whether the governor will call a county councils selecting them. that he was there to testify as a aft er briefl y refusing to enforce a curfew aimed at quelling pro- convention. The question resur- When asked during a recent resident of American Samoa. tests over the slow vote count for Honduras’ Nov. 26 presidential faced earlier this year when the news conference if he plans to While he wasn’t against the election. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo) administration won its second- call a convention during his measure, he suggested taking second term in offi ce, Lolo said the matter out to the villages he has recommended to Fono because there were no people leaders to utilize the legisla- to testify and he questioned tive process for any proposed whether American Samoa is changes, as this is the most prepared for such a change. effective way. Several senators suggested “It’s a much cheaper way that once the House approves and it’s a process that will give the measure, Fono leaders the public a chance to provide should appoint a committee of testimonies, during public hear- lawmakers tasked with con- ings,” he said, and noted that if ducting public awareness on a convention is called, conven- KVZK-TV and in the villages tion delegates would probably on the importance of the veto be more keen on getting their override. allowances, while only a few Meanwhile, the ASG Offi ce people would make the deci- of Political Status, Consti- sion. (The constitution allows tutional Review and Federal delegates to receive per diems Relations, headed by executive set by law). director Tapaau Dr. Daniel Aga, Going through the legisla- continues to provide public tive process, the Fono “should awareness programs at offi ces conduct public hearings” to not and schools on the territory’s only get public comments but political status and other related explain any proposed amend- issues. Outreach to villages are ment, Lolo said, adding that planned for 2018. he’s hopeful proposed amend- Those interested in hosting ments will be approved by the a presentation by Dr. Aga and Fono next year so they can his staff can contact 633-3650, be presented to voters during 770-6039 or
➧ Mexican… Continued from page 2 Jurors left court last week cisco sheriff’s department also ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE without speaking publicly about released him from jail sev- their verdict and Gascon said eral weeks before the shooting they have not spoken with pros- despite a request from federal OTTOVILLE ROAD INFRONT OF LDS CHURCH ecutors either. immigration offi cials to detain Garcia Zarate said he found him for deporation. a gun under a chair on a San San Francisco is a so-called Francisco pier. He said it fi red sanctuary city and local offi - Due to road construction activities, deep accidentally when he picked it cials are limited in the coopera- up. tion they can give with federal excavation and unstable soil conditions President Donald Trump deportation efforts. frequently brought up the case President Trump has threat- under the remaining concrete pavement, last year during his presidential ened to withhold federal campaign to criticize efforts funding from cities with similar traffic shall be closed for approximately in the U.S. to combat illegal policies. immigration. Gascon on Tuesday called two (2) weeks (Monday, Dec 4th - Garcia Zarate had been Trump a “madman” for a series deported fi ve time before of tweets deriding the jury’s the shooting. The San Fran- verdict. Saturday, December 16th). We regret the inconvenience to the public letters tO the eDitOr Samoa News welcomes and encourages Letters to the Editor. Please send them to our email but this is necessary for the safety of the [email protected] Box 909, Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799. workers, construction activities and Contact us by Telephone at (684) 633-5599 Contact us by Fax at (684) 633-4864 or by Email at [email protected] travelling public. Normal business hours are Mon. thru Fri. 8am to 5pm. Permission to reproduce editorial and/or advertisements, in whole or in part, is required. Please address such requests to the Management of RM Construction Publisher at the address provided above. Page 8 samoa news, Wednesday, December 6, 2017 ➧ Get a big deal on a big meal… California communi- Continued from page 1 hard to shop for person in your mation or visit them on Facebook taurant would like to wish the life. Remember the way to the @krispykruchychicken684 for people of American Samoa a ties under siege from heart has always been through more information and specials. “Silent Night, Holy Night and the stomach. Make someone Krispy Crunchy Chicken is open a wonderful Holiday Season to happy this Christmas. daily from 10:30am - 8:00pm. all.” Call 699-1711 for more infor- Krispy Crunchy Chicken Res- wind-driven fi res VENTURA, Calif. (AP) ated a dangerous situation and — Wind-driven fi res tore he urged 150,000 people under through California communi- mandatory evacuation orders to ties Tuesday for the second leave their homes before it’s too time in two months, leaving late. hundreds of homes feared lost “We have lost structures, we and uprooting tens of thousands have not lost lives,” he said. “Do of people. not wait. Leave your homes.” The most damaging fi re was The fi res in Ventura County in Ventura County northwest of lit up hillsides and spread rap- Los Angeles, where 150 struc- idly Monday evening from tures were confi rmed destroyed. rural rolling hills to dense sub- But a fi re offi cial said he sus- divisions. Residents, already C M pected “hundreds more” would warned of extreme fi re danger, Y K be lost when fl ames died down were sent automated phone enough to make a thorough alerts and evacuations appeared assessment. to proceed smoothly. In the San Gabriel Moun- As the sun rose Tuesday, the tains foothills of Los Angeles fi rst of at least three additional about 45 miles (72 kilometers) Southern California fi res broke Two people walk along the beach with a dog as a wildfi re burns in distance Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, away from the city, 30 structures out, fueled by stiff winds that in Ventura, Calif. Raked by ferocious Santa Ana winds, explosive wildfi res northwest of Los Angeles burned. Mayor Eric Garcetti prevented fi refi ghting aircraft and in the city’s foothills burned a psychiatric hospital and scores of homes Tuesday and forced the said the gusty winds expected to most of the day from dumping evacuation of tens of thousands of people. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) last most of the week had cre- water to protect homes or attack the march of fl ames. In addition to prompting hasty evacuations, the fi res shut down two freeways for hours and sent heavy, acrid smoke billowing over the Los Angeles area, creating a health hazard for millions. There were no immediate reports of any deaths. Two people were critically injured in a small San Bernardino County fi re, but no other serious inju- ries were reported. The fi res were under investigation and no causes had been found. The Ventura wildfi re exploded to nearly 80 square miles (207 square kilometers) in a matter of hours. It was fanned by dry Santa Ana winds clocked at well over 60 mph (96 kph) and spit embers up to a half-mile (0.8 kilometers) ahead of fi re lines. Lisa Kermode ignored the fi rst evacuation alert that buzzed on her phone when it said the fi re was 15 miles (24 kilome- ters) away from her home. But the fl ames were nearly on top of her an hour later when she rounded up her three children, still in their pajamas, and told them to grab some jeans so they could leave. They returned home Tuesday C M to fi nd their home and world in Y K ashes, including a Christmas tree and the presents they had just bought. “We got knots in our stomach coming back up here,” Ker- mode said. “We lost everything, everything, all our clothes, any- thing that was important to us. All our family heirlooms — it’s not sort of gone, it’s completely gone.” The fi res came just eight weeks after the deadliest and most destructive series of wild- fi res in state history burned through Northern California and its fabled wine country and killed 44 people dead and destroyed 8,900 homes and other buildings. samoa news, Wednesday, December 6, 2017 Page 9
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U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson speaks to the media as he arrives for a meeting of NATO foreign ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson visited European Union headquarters and NATO on Tuesday to assess trans-Atlantic relations and meet with NATO foreign ministers. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) In Europe, Tillerson carries on but with diminished standing BRUSSELS (AP) — What do you do when Mogherini subtly urged the Trump admin- you’re America’s top diplomat, fourth in line to istration to avoid undermining future Mideast the presidency, and the White House makes it peace talks by declaring Jerusalem the capital of publicly known you’re living on borrowed time? Israel, as Trump has been considering. She took If you’re Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, you particular issue with Trump’s campaign to alter brush it off, pack a suitcase and hop a fl ight to the Iran deal brokered by the EU, the U.S. and Europe, as if nothing had happened. world powers. On the surface, at least, Tillerson carried on in “The message was heard, I think, loud and ordinary fashion Tuesday on his fi rst day in the clear in Washington,” Mogherini said. Belgian capital, stoically sauntering from meeting It was diffi cult to tell whether the chilly recep- to meeting in his characteristically subdued style. tion was a consequence of Tillerson’s diminished He praised President Donald Trump repeatedly standing or broader, growing European distaste for holding Iran to account and demanding equal for his boss’s agenda. His senior adviser, R.C. contributions from NATO allies, even as he Hammond, acknowledged that Tillerson’s fellow acknowledged getting “a little criticism” over his diplomats had not held their tongues. management of his agency. “Allies have been very frank today in sharing “The State Department is not missing a beat,” some of their views,” Hammond said. “Dialogues Tillerson told American diplomats at the U.S. only work if they go two ways.” Embassy. Tillerson, for his part, said all the right things: Arriving at NATO headquarters for a gath- He affi rmed the “ironclad” U.S. commitment ering of foreign ministers, Tillerson ignored a to NATO’s collective defense, and praised the shouted question from a journalist about whether Europeans effusively for their help pressuring he was confi dent he still spoke for the president. North Korea over its nuclear program. Tillerson’s tenuous future in the Trump At the embassy, though, Tillerson was in administration has followed him to Europe days clear damage-control mode, owing largely to his after the White House signaled he might be fi red planned overhaul of the State Department that — possibly soon. White House offi cials told is deeply unpopular among the American diplo- multiple news organizations last week a plan matic corps. He downplayed concerns about ram- was afoot to replace Tillerson with CIA Director pant vacancies in ambassadorships and other key Mike Pompeo, a humiliating disclosure that cast posts — including, in Brussels, no U.S. ambas- a dark shadow over the secretary as he tries to sell sadors to either Belgium or the European Union. Trump’s policies to the rest of the world. Tillerson said his “redesign” of the State Even though Tillerson brushed it off as Department was moving into its fi nal phase, sure “laughable” and Trump tweeted it was “FAKE to show positive results soon. NEWS,” the damage to Tillerson’s standing had “While we don’t have any wins on the board been done. yet, I can tell you we are much better positioned In Belgium, Austria and France, Tillerson is to advance America’s interest around the world contending with European offi cials who now than we were 10 months ago,” Tillerson said. have more reason than ever to question whether Yet Tillerson’s uncertain footing in the admin- he still carries the president’s confi dence, how istration loomed awkwardly over his trip, which much credence to give his policies, and if he’ll will take him later in the week to Vienna and then remain long enough to see them through. For to Paris. foreign governments, it has created even more Though Trump insisted on Twitter that he and uncertainty over dealing with a mercurial admin- Tillerson “work well together,” he allowed news istration in which the only voice that seems to stories about Tillerson’s impending demise to matter is that of Trump himself. percolate for more than 24 hours before pushing There were signs that at least some of those back. Trump’s spokeswoman didn’t explicitly leaders were keeping him at a distance. Fed- dispute that a plan had been hatched to replace erica Mogherini, the European Union’s foreign Tillerson. Nor did she declare outright Trump’s policy chief, spent three hours in meetings with confi dence in the former Exxon Mobil CEO. Tillerson before using the occasion to air major In Trump’s Washington, such is often the European grievances with the United States. way. “Trial balloons” are fl oated in the press, and “I don’t think you want a list of issues on competing factions swipe and snipe from behind which our positions are different,” Mogherini a cloak of anonymity. It’s left to Americans at told reporters. But then she offered one anyway: home to try to discern whether it’s happening The Iran nuclear deal, climate change, Mideast against the president’s wishes or at his direct peace and multilateralism at the U.N. behest. samoa news, Wednesday, December 6, 2017 Page 11 Trump forges ahead on Jerusalem-as-capital despite warnings WASHINGTON (AP) — ised to move the U.S. embassy. President Donald Trump will However, U.S. leaders have recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s routinely and unceremoniously capital on Wednesday despite delayed such a move since intense Arab, Muslim and Euro- President Bill Clinton signed a pean opposition to a move that law in 1995 stipulating that the would upend decades of U.S. United States must relocate its policy and risk potentially vio- diplomatic presence to Jeru- lent protests. salem unless the commander in Trump will instruct the State chief issues a waiver on national Department to begin the multi- security grounds. year process of moving the Key national security American embassy from Tel advisers — including Secre- Aviv to the holy city, U.S. offi - tary of State Rex Tillerson cials said Tuesday. It remains and Defense Secretary Jim unclear, however, when he Mattis — have urged caution, FILE--In this Oct. 31, 2017, fi le photo, Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., asks questions during a Senate might take that physical step, according to the offi cials, who Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington. A trial is scheduled to begin in Phoenix, Ariz., Tuesday, which is required by U.S. law said Trump has been receptive Dec. 5, 2017, in a lawsuit that alleges former Sheriff Joe Arpaio brought a trumped-up criminal case but has been waived on national to some of their concerns. against one of Flake’s sons to embarrass the senator. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) security grounds for more The concerns are real: than two decades.The offi cials Trump’s recognition of Jeru- said numerous logistical and salem as Israel’s capital could security details, as well as site be viewed as America dis- Malicious-prosecution suit determination and construc- carding its longstanding neu- tion, will need to be fi nalized trality and siding with Israel at fi rst. Because of those issues, a time that the president’s son- the embassy is not likely to in-law, Jared Kushner, has been against Joe Arpaio goes to trial move for at least 3 or 4 years, trying to midwife a new peace PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona The lawsuit fi led by the of the couple’s marriage. presuming there is no future process into existence. Trump, jurors who will decide a mali- couple alleges Arpaio pursued Jeffrey Leonard, an attorney change in U.S. policy. too, has spoken of his desire cious-prosecution trial against charges against them to do representing Maricopa County To that end, the offi cials for a “deal of the century” that former Sheriff Joe Arpaio were political damage to the Repub- and the former sheriff, said said Trump will sign a waiver would end Israeli-Palestinian told Tuesday that one of Sen. lican senator from Arizona the charges against the couple delaying the embassy move, confl ict.U.S. offi cials, along Jeff Flake’s sons suffered from and gain publicity for himself. were the result of a competent which is required by U.S. law with an outside adviser to depression as a result of a now- While jurors were told about investigation. every six months. He will con- the administration, said they dismissed animal cruelty case Arpaio’s efforts to publicize the “There were no predeter- tinue to sign the waiver until expected a broad statement that the lawman brought against case, the elder Flake was barely mined results,” Leonard said. preparations for the embassy from Trump about Jerusalem’s him. mentioned during opening “Conclusions were drawn in move are complete. status as the “capital of Israel.” The jury was told on the Tuesday’s opening statements. good faith by the Maricopa The offi cials said recognition The president isn’t planning to opening day of the civil trial that Stephen Montoya, an County Sheriff’s Offi ce.” of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital use the phrase “undivided cap- Austin Flake and his ex-wife attorney representing the Leonard also told jurors will be an acknowledgement of ital,” according to the offi cials. Logan Brown still suffer emo- younger Flake and his ex-wife, that the prosecutor who fi led “historical and current reality” Such terminology is favored by tional distress from the charges said there was no evidence the charges was not pressured rather than a political statement Israeli offi cials, including Prime they faced when 21 dogs at a showing his clients intended to by Arpaio’s offi ce to pros- and said the city’s physical and Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, kennel operated by the younger hurt the dogs. ecute the couple.Arpaio, who political borders will not be and would imply Israel’s sov- Flake’s in-laws died from heat “It wasn’t Austin’s fault. It lost his re-election bid last compromised. They noted that ereignty over east Jerusalem, exhaustion. The Flakes were wasn’t Logan’s fault,” Montoya year after serving as sheriff of almost all of Israel’s govern- which the Palestinians seek for watching the dogs while the in- said, adding that the criminal greater Phoenix for 24 years, is ment agencies and parliament their own future capital. laws were in Florida. case contributed to the demise expected to testify Tuesday. are in Jerusalem, rather than Tel Jerusalem includes the Aviv, where the U.S. and other holiest ground in Judaism. But countries maintain embassies. it’s also home to Islam’s third- The U.S. offi cials spoke to holiest shrine and major Chris- reporters on condition of ano- tian sites, and forms the combus- nymity Tuesday because they tible center of the Israeli-Arab were not authorized to publicly confl ict. Any perceived harm to preview Trump’s Wednesday Muslim claims to the city has announcement. Their comments triggered volatile protests in the mirrored those of offi cials who past, both in the Holy Land and spoke on the issue last week. across the Muslim world. The declaration of Jerusalem Within the Trump admin- as Israel’s capital is a rhetor- istration, offi cials on Tuesday ical volley that could have its fi elded a fl ood of warnings from own dangerous consequences. allied governments. The United States has never The Jerusalem declaration endorsed the Jewish state’s notwithstanding, one offi cial claim of sovereignty over said Trump would insist that any part of Jerusalem and has issues of sovereignty and bor- insisted its status be resolved ders must be negotiated by through Israeli-Palestinian Israel and the Palestinians. The negotiation.The mere consid- offi cial said Trump would call eration of Trump changing the for Jordan to maintain its role status quo sparked a renewed as the legal guardian of Jerusa- U.S. security warning on lem’s Muslim holy places, and Tuesday. America’s consulate refl ect Israel and Palestinian in Jerusalem ordered U.S. per- wishes for a two-state peace sonnel and their families to solution.Still, any U.S. declara- avoid visiting Jerusalem’s Old tion on Jerusalem’s status ahead City or the West Bank, and of a peace deal “would harm urged American citizens in peace negotiation process and general to avoid places with escalate tension in the region,” increased police or military Saudi Arabia’s King Salman presence. told Trump Tuesday, according Trump, as a presidential to a Saudi readout of their tele- candidate, repeatedly prom- phone conversation. Page 12 samoa news, Wednesday, December 6, 2017 Bannon savages GOP leaders in fi ght for Alabama Senate seat FAIRHOPE, Ala. (AP) — “They want to destroy Judge Republicans, including Colo- Populist fi rebrand Steve Bannon Roy Moore. You know why? rado Sen. Cory Gardner, have savaged national Republican They want to take your voice already promised expulsion. leaders Tuesday night in a away,” Bannon said as Moore Another Republican, Ari- fi ery call to rally voters behind looked on. “If they can destroy zona Sen. Jeff Flake, sent a embattled Senate candidate Roy Moore, they can destroy $100 check to Moore’s Demo- Roy Moore as the battle for you.” cratic opponent, Doug Jones on the GOP’s soul spilled into a Even if he isn’t well-known Tuesday. He tweeted a picture dirt-fl oor barn deep in rural in this heavily Republican of the check and the words, Alabama. county, Bannon’s appearance “Country over party.” Bannon, known best for his was a welcome development for And Romney, the 2012 former role as President Donald Moore, who has been shunned Republican presidential nom- Trump’s chief strategist, called by the Republican Party’s big- inee, said this week that Moore GOP leaders in Congress “cow- gest stars. Trump himself would be “a stain on the GOP ards” and attacked the party’s agreed to campaign later in the and the nation.” ‘’No vote, no 2012 presidential nominee week in nearby Florida, but majority is worth losing our Mitt Romney as a draft dodger many national GOP leaders say honor, our integrity,” Romney as he defended Moore, who is the allegations against Moore tweeted. fi ghting several allegations of are credible and he shouldn’t Bannon was most aggres- sexual misconduct and a Wash- serve in the Senate. sive Tuesday night with ington establishment that wants Earlier in the day, Senate Romney, charging that Moore him to lose the Dec. 12 election. Majority Leader Mitch McCon- had more integrity and honor “The days of taking it silently nell said that Moore, if elected than Romney’s entire family. are over,” Bannon declared at on Dec. 12, would “immediately He noted that Moore graduated a rally that drew hundreds of have an issue with the Ethics from the United States Mili- Democratic senatorial candidate Doug Jones speaks at a news Moore supporters to a local Committee” — a process that tary Academy, while Romney conference, Monday, Dec. 4, 2017, in Dolomite, Ala. farm in the southwestern corner could lead to his ultimate expul- received a draft deferment for (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) of the state. sion from the Senate. Some his missionary work in France. “You hid behind your reli- gion,” Bannon said. ‘Do not talk to me about honor and integrity.” Moore, 70, is facing multiple allegations of sexual miscon- duct, including accusations that he molested two teenage girls and pursued romantic relation- ships with several others while in his 30s. He has denied the allegations. Outside the event, about three dozen protesters, some dressed as handmaidens to symbolize Moore’s accusers, chanted, “We want a senator, not a predator.” Many gathered inside Oak Hollow Farm’s barn have dis- missed the allegations as fake. Some didn’t seem to mind them, even if true. “What girl hasn’t been kissed at 17 years old?” asked Diane Myrick, 69, of nearby Bon Secour. “I know a girl who got married at 14.” Moore didn’t address the allegations directly on Tuesday night. Instead, he cast himself as a political outsider fi ghting the establishment in both parties, just like Trump did one year ago. He also reminded Alabama voters of his focus on Christian conservative values. “I know we do not need transgender in our military,” Moore said. “If I’m in a fox- hole, I don’t want to know whether this guy next to me is wondering if he’s a woman or a man.” Bannon’s presence had less to do with Moore’s religious convictions than with their shared disdain for Washington Republicans. Moore was twice removed from his state Supreme Court position, once for disobeying a federal court order to remove a Ten Commandments monument from the lobby of the state judi- cial building and later for urging state probate judges to defy the U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized gay marriage. samoa news, Wednesday, December 6, 2017 Page 13 US homeless count rises, pushed by crisis on the West Coast LOS ANGELES (AP) — the streets. The nation’s homeless popula- “A lot of people in America tion increased this year for the don’t realize they might be fi rst time since 2010, driven by two checks, three checks, four a surge in the number of people checks away from being home- living on the streets in Los less,” said Thomas Butler Jr., Angeles and other West Coast who stays in a carefully orga- cities. nized tent near a freeway ramp The U.S. Department of in downtown Los Angeles. Housing and Urban Develop- Butler said he was in tran- ment released its annual Point sitional housing — a type of in Time count Wednesday, program that prepares people a report that showed nearly for permanent homes — for a 554,000 homeless people while but mostly has lived on across the country during local the streets for the past couple of tallies conducted in January. years.The numbers in the report That fi gure is up nearly 1 per- back up what many people in cent from 2016. California, Oregon and Wash- Of that total, 193,000 people ington have been experiencing had no access to nightly shelter in their communities: encamp- and instead were staying in ments sprouting along freeways vehicles, tents, the streets and and rivers; local governments other places considered unin- struggling to come up with habitable. The unsheltered money for long-term solutions; fi gure is up by more than 9 per- confl icts over whether to crack cent compared to two years ago. down on street camping and Increases are higher in sev- even feeding the homeless. eral West Coast cities, where The most alarming con- the explosion in homeless- sequence of the West Coast ness has prompted at least 10 homeless explosion is a deadly city and county governments hepatitis A outbreak that has to declare states of emergency affected Los Angeles, Santa since 2015. Cruz and San Diego, the popular A homeless man, who declined to give his name, is dwarfed by skyscrapers Monday, Dec. 4, 2017, City offi cials, homeless tourist destination in a county in Los Angeles. Th e U.S. Department on Housing and Urban Development release of the 2017 home- advocates and those living where more than 5,600 people less numbers are expected to show a dramatic increase in the number of people lacking shelter along on the streets point to a main now live on the streets or in the West Coast. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) culprit: the region’s booming their cars. The disease is spread economy . through a liver-damaging virus Rents have soared beyond that lives in feces. affordability for many lower- The outbreak prompted Cali- wage workers who until just a fornia offi cials to declare a state just few years ago could typi- of emergency in October. cally fi nd a place to stay. Now, The HUD report underscores even a temporary setback can the severity of the problem be enough to leave them out on along the West Coast. Skydiving Santa crashes on Florida beach with Elf on a Shelf GULFPORT, Fla. (AP) — Tournament. A skydiving Santa looking to Madison Spiers saw the crash make a grand entrance while and later found a note from the taking an Elf on the Shelf to a “elf” named Kristoff who visits 9-year-old girl crashed into a her house during the holidays. It tree and light pole before hitting said, “As we were about to land a Florida beach and breaking this big tree jumped right out in his leg. front of us!” News outlets say George She tells Bay News 9 that Krokus was dressed as Santa Kristoff is no stranger to Claus during a skydive Sat- adventure. urday to deliver toys to the The elf sported a bandaged Tampa Bay Beach Bums Oper- leg while staying with the ation Santa Charity Volleyball recovering Krokus. Coast Guard suspends search for 2 men after boat sinks NANTUCKET, Mass. a Coast Guard vessel, but two (AP) — The Coast Guard has remained missing. suspended its search for two The Coast Guard sus- missing crewmembers of a pended its search around 8 p.m. fi shing boat that sank near Tuesday. Nantucket. Earlier in the day, Massa- The Coast Guard received chusetts State Police say divers a distress call from the 69-foot located a large object believed Misty Blue around 6 p.m. to be the vessel. Weather and Monday. A nearby fi shing boat ocean conditions prevented rescued two of the four crew- them from investigating further. members and brought them to Page 14 samoa news, Wednesday, December 6, 2017 Clinton signs books in New Hampshire, demurs on voter fraud CONCORD, N.H. (AP) What happened?” she said. “I — Hillary Clinton returned think Trump is destroying our to New Hampshire for the country.” fi rst time since the 2016 elec- Geena Chiumento, 23, tion on Tuesday, basking in a came from Boston to meet the warm welcome and brushing fi rst person she had ever voted off a question about President for in a presidential election. Donald Trump’s unsubstanti- She said she has been reading ated claim that rampant voter Clinton’s book and enjoying fraud led to her victory in the learning more about her likes state. and dislikes. About 1,000 people waited “I think I just really appre- outside in light rain to meet the ciate how open and honest it is,” former Democratic presiden- she said. tial nominee and get a signed She arrived several hours copy of her new book about her before the doors opened and failed 2016 campaign, “What ended up running to a nearby Happened.” store to buy new socks to stay “I love coming to New warm. Hampshire, and I love the “It was worth it,” she said. friends that I’ve made over 25 “I’ll always remember these years now. So any chance I socks now.” Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, center, holds the Believe in Girls award during a fun- have to come back, I am anx- Protesters across the street draising event for the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Boston. ious to take it,” she said shortly from the bookstore included Clinton was presented with the award during the event. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) after the signing got underway. supporters of U.S. Sen. Bernie Clinton won New Hamp- Sanders, Clinton’s main oppo- shire’s four electoral votes, nent in primary elections, and though Trump insists he lost the perennial candidate and perfor- state only because “thousands” mance artist Vermin Supreme, of people came by bus to vote who went to court to get per- against him. He also has created mission to bring a pony to the a commission to investigate event. allegations — offered without Chris Balch of Wilton held a evidence — that millions of large banner thanking Sanders people voted illegally nation- “for making Medicare 4 All wide in 2016. household words.” He said he Asked about those claims wanted to remind voters that by the Republican president, Clinton represents a corrupt Clinton demurred. system that rewards corporate “Well, you can read my book greed. and fi nd out what I think about “Bernie does not do that, that,” she said. so it’s important to spread that Karolyn Carpenter, 65, of word at every opportunity,” he Tilton, was more blunt. said. “Does it do any good? “Oh, please. Any time he I don’t know. I don’t really opens his mouth, it’s a lie. Don’t know.”Later Tuesday, Clinton even get me started,” she said. was honored with the Big Sister Carpenter said she is a long- Association of Greater Boston’s time Clinton fan but hadn’t met “Believe in Girls” award for her in person until Tuesday. working to improve the lives of “I feel the same way she does: women and girls. Terry Crews sues agent over alleged groping incident LOS ANGELES (AP) — the two men have retaliated Terry Crews alleges talent against him for going public agents at William Morris with his allegations, the lawsuit Endeavor are “knowingly states.The lawsuit contends the permitted and encouraged to agency knew Venit was preda- engage in sexually predatory tory and condoned his behavior conduct” in a lawsuit fi led by failing to punish him for Tuesday against the agency and it.Venit and William Morris one of its top executives. Endeavor did not respond to Crews’ complaint fi led in requests for comment Tuesday. Los Angeles Superior Court Crews added his name to the list states the actor and former NFL of Hollywood’s sexual harass- player was subjected to sexual ment victims in October when assault, sexual harassment, he revealed that he was groped gender violence and emotional by a high-level talent agent at distress during and after a Feb. an industry event. Crews dis- 2016 incident in which he says cussed the incident and named he was repeatedly groped by a Venit as his attacker on “Good talent executive.The lawsuit Morning America” last month. recounts Crews’ allegations Crews claims in his lawsuit that agent Adam Venit groped that Venit, Emanuel and other him at the Hollywood party agency executives have since last year and details the actor’s tried to silence him and hurt his efforts to see Venit disciplined career.“Crews had no choice by after the incident. Crews com- to bring this action to protect plained about Venit to agency himself and to stand up for all chairman Ari Emanuel, and victims of sexual predators. samoa news, Wednesday, December 6, 2017 Page 15 GOP leaders now backing Moore, despite allegations WASHINGTON (AP) — closer to passage, Trump tele- Republican leaders in Wash- phoned Moore on Monday to ington are coming to grips with offer encouragement as well the possibility — perhaps even as support and also argued in a probability — that Alabama’s pair of tweets that Moore’s vote Roy Moore will win his special was badly needed to push the election next Tuesday and join president’s policies forward. them in the capital. Weeks ago, when accusa- Looking past allegations tions of sexual misconduct of sexual misconduct with with teenagers fi rst surfaced, Alabama teenagers, Presi- Trump’s spokesman had said dent Donald Trump formally the president believed Moore endorsed Moore, and the would “do the right thing and Republican National Com- step aside” if the allegations mittee quickly followed suit, were true. transferring $170,000 to the Top Republicans had vowed Alabama Republican Party to to expel him from the Senate if bolster Moore’s candidacy. he wins. Publicly and privately, “I think he’s going to do GOP leaders described the alle- very well. We don’t want to gations against Moore as cred- have a liberal Democrat in Ala- ible and insisted there were no bama, believe me,” Trump said circumstances under which he Tuesday during a lunch with should serve in the Senate. Republican senators. “We want Moore’s campaign was strong borders, we want stop- wounded by accusations this ping crime, we want to have fall of sexual misconduct, the things that we represent decades ago, made by women and we certainly don’t want to who were then teenagers. One have a liberal Democrat that’s of the women alleges he initi- controlled by Nancy Pelosi and ated sexual contact when she controlled by Chuck Schumer, was 14. we don’t want to have that for Moore has denied the allega- Alabama.” tions, saying “I do not know any Senate GOP leader Mitch of these women. I did not date McConnell, who once called any of these women I did not FILE - In this Nov. 9, 2017, fi le photo, Steve Bannon, speaks during an event in Manchester, N.H. on Moore to get out of the race, engage in any sexual miscon- Former White House strategist Bannon told CNN Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017, he is going to campaign changed his rhetoric over the duct with anyone.” for Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore at a rally in the state next week, making a strong show of weekend to say that it was Ala- Trump, who has repeat- support for the embattled Republican a week before the special election. Th e announcement came bama voters who should decide. edly noted Moore’s denials, hours aft er Th e Associated Press reported that Bannon, who had not campaigned for Moore since The changed tone — and took a more political stance on days before the Sept. 26 Republican runoff , had no plans to campaign for Moore. Trump’s decision to do away Monday. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm, File) with any facade of distancing “Democrats refusal to give himself from the race — make even one vote for massive Tax it clear they are increasingly Cuts is why we need Republican confi dent in Moore’s chances Roy Moore to win in Alabama,” of victory despite the con- Trump tweeted. “We need his tinued unease of some other vote on stopping crime, illegal Republicans. immigration, Border Wall, The special election is next Military, Pro Life, V.A., Judges Tuesday for the seat once held 2nd Amendment and more.” by Jeff Sessions, now the U.S. In that same vein, longtime attorney general. Although Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby the polls have showed a nar- said Trump’s endorsement rowing contest with Demo- didn’t surprise him. He said crat Doug Jones, Alabama is a of the president, “I think he’s strongly Republican state and interested, a lot of us are, in the Democrats generally have little numbers, being a Republican.” chance there. And Sen. Orrin Hatch, A Moore victory would set who traveled with Trump on up a potential clash with fellow Monday to Hatch’s home state Republicans in Congress, some of Utah, said he realistically of whom have resoundingly didn’t have any choice. Hatch called on him to quit the race. said of Moore, “That’s the only While some have softened their Republican you can possibly rhetoric recently, others have get down there at this time.” said they still will try to expel Trump fi rst appeared to back him if he is elected. Moore after his fi rst choice, An RNC offi cial confi rmed Sen. Luther Strange, lost the late Monday that the committee GOP primary for the seat once would once again be supporting held by Attorney General Jeff Moore after severing its fun- Sessions. But the president draising ties to his campaign went silent after The Wash- last month. On Tuesday, the ington Post reported on the alle- offi cial said the RNC had made gations of sexual misconduct two transfers to the state party: with two teens, ages 14 and one for $50,000 and another for 16, and efforts to date several $120,000. others while Moore was a local The offi cial spoke on condi- prosecutor in his 30s. tion of anonymity because the By late last month, however, offi cial was not authorized to with pressure mounting from discuss the transfers by name. Bannon and other corners of Trump’s former chief strate- his base, Trump was making gist Steve Bannon, Breitbart’s clear that he preferred Moore, executive chairman, attended raising doubts about the candi- a rally with Moore Tuesday date’s accusers and criticizing evening. Democrat Jones as the “liberal Buoyed by the taste of his puppet” of Democratic leaders own success in Congress as Chuck Schumer and Nancy the Republican tax bill inches Pelosi. Page 16 samoa news, Wednesday, December 6, 2017
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A cold fog hovering above the steep Aoloau hill that is now lit up with the spirit of Christmas — a village community eff ort lead by Rev. Semo Tapaleao of the CCCAS Aoloau church as each family from the village was given an opportunity to decorate their own tree. [photo: TG]
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