Travel Channel does Ofu Island!

Ofu Island was featured on the Travel Channel's Beach Week this year. Ofu Island is among the Travel Channel's America's Best Beaches 2004! CLICK HERE for more information.

Lack of facilities keeps National Park of American Samoa off the beaten track By Robert Cross, Chicago Tribune, Posted on Sun, Jun. 27, 2004

The National Parks Project (2002-2004) - Since September, 2002, artist Scott W. Parker has been crisscrossing the country by specially-outfitted Jeep, on foot, by kayak, by ferry and bush plane with a singular, visionary goal: to document the National Park Service's 56 diverse National Parks, spanning from the Arctic Circle to the Everglades, through painting, pastel drawing, photography and writing. His pictures include the National Park in American Samoa.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Intercon Publishing announces letters from Samoa

IRVINE, CA - March 15, 2004 - INTERCON PUBLISHING, Irvine, CA announces the release of Letters from Samoa--Life, Love and Lore of the Manua Islands by Mary Elizabeth La Haye of Newport Beach, California.

The work is based on letters written in the years 1936-1939 by the author's aunt and uncle, US Navy couple, Anna and Wray Harris. It weaves the story of fa'a Samoa--the Samoan way--from Luma, Ta'u, American Samoa. This collection and the correspondence between Wray Harris and Dr. C. Montague Cooke, pioneer malacologist for the Bishop Museum, Honolulu, gives an exceptional insight into the life in American Samoa.

We share her candor and emotion as we stand with the natives and watch the skies for Amelia Earhart; see ancient beliefs, modern religion and medicine in a survival conflict: watch ritual ceremonies for birthing, marriages, and death The tales of loneliness, disease and perils of Mother Nature prove a challenge to Anna and Wray, but with all this, laughter and beauty linger.

The author visited the islands of Ta'u, Ofu and Olosega in 1994, as well as Pago Pago on Tutuila and Apia, Western Samoa.

The book includes four color maps, over 50 sepia and colored photographs, table of contents and index. Also included are letters written by Anna and Wray after watching the attack on Pearl Harbor from their home in Kilihi Valley. The Addendum relates the author's determined search for a baby born in Luma in 1937 and the conclusion of the 1994 findings in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Letters from Samoa, Mary Elizabeth La Haye, ISBN 0-9632235-1-8, hardcover $24.95, and ISBN 0-9632235-2-6, softcover $19.95, 168 pages. Distributor: Baker & Taylor

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American Samoa Interest News_

Source: Washingtonpost.com
Opportunity Island Hoping:
In American Samoa, High School Football Is Seen as the Ultimate Escape
By Eli Saslow

Solomona Aoelua (Mar. 6, 2006): In case you missed it during its national broadcast yesterday, Congressman Faleomavaega wants to share with you the attached Internet link to an "NBC Indepth" video news report on military recruiting in American Samoa. Titled "Call of Duty," the report echos the point made first in an USA Today article on May 27, 2005 and later by several others that on on a per capita basis, American Samoa has the highest casualty rate since the beginning of the war on terror - more than any state or territory of the United States. The report is 3:00 minutes long and is preceded by a commercial.   CLICK HERE to see the video.

The Pagopago.com highlights the trash problem in American Samoa with pictures that shamefully show the failure to keep American Samoa clean. It also contains many angry comments from people concerning the trash problem. CLICK HERE to visit this very informative site.

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Business & Economy_

Manu'a tourism improves slightly because of more flights says Senate report
By Fili Sagapolutele
Samoa News Correspondent

A Senate report last week revealed that the tourism industry in Manu'a has improved slightly, attributed to the increase of flights to the islands.

Inter Island Airways is currently the only airline serving the Manu'a islands.

The 50-page Senate report, which was forwarded to Governor Togiola, followed a six-member Senate delegation site visit to the island group last month to look at areas such as education, health, infrastructure and transportation.

"It was encouraging to see semblance of the tourism industry starting to take hold," the report said and noted that discussions held with the owner/operator of Asaga Inn on Ofu revealed the steady rise in the motel's occupancy rate in the last six months.

The owner "attributes the growth to the increase in the number of daily flights and the increase in the number of government agencies holding office functions in Manu'a, instead of the usual practice of going to Western Samoa," the report says. "Tremendous potential exists in tourism development."

The report recommends ASG assist Manu'a entrepreneurs to establish economic need.

The report notes with concern that Inter Island has not secured appropriate certification to fully operate as a scheduled carrier. Inter Island's FAA certification is for on-demand charter service, but the Samoa government - which has granted Inter Island an extension to operate flights until Dec. 31 - wants the carrier to obtain certification to operate scheduled services.

Meanwhile, the Senate report urges government and FAA to extend the Ofu Airport runway enabling larger aircraft such as Inter Island's 20-passenger seater plane to land. Inter Island's 9-seater plane is used mainly for Ofu flights.

Inter Island raised the issue with government last year and argued that the runway needed to be extended for another 1,000 feet to offset the wind shear factor as the plane engages in a steep landing approach to maximize the use of the runway.

The extension project began last year, but the discovery of 'blue coral' at both ends of the runway led to a study being conducted to determine alternative strategies. However, according to the Senate report, a final report regarding the study has not been issued yet.

"Compliant with our philosophy of creating economic need, the government and the airline must aggressively pursue mitigation actions to improve the reliability of air services to the Manu'a Islands," it says.

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Letters_

Samoa News LTE: "UPWARD BOUND DEJA VU"
December 1, 2007
Dear Editor,

First I want to commend the staff of the Upward Bound Program as well as the President of ASCC and her staff for successfully getting their grantee status changed. I am reminded of the facts of this case by our Delegate's press release this week about the latest funding for the (UBP) Upward Bound Program.

The release mentioned the change in ASCC's grantee status in 2003, but overlooked the most important fact, which was that UBP actually LOST all of its funding that year. As the parent of school aged children I remember reading about it in the Samoa News back then and it was of great personal interest to me.

As it turned out, somebody did get the UBP funding restored that year, just by being persistent and refusing to give up even though others had abandoned UBP. If that funding had not been restored back in 2003, who knows where ASCC's Upward Bound Program would be today?

What happened was that when the UBP director could not get any help for his program through normal channels, he reached out to Aumua Amata as a last resort, and she went to bat for ASCC's Upward Bound Program at the U.S. Department of Education. Even though it was not really her job, she got the UBP back onto the radar screen. Later Amata was criticized by others who publicly credited themselves with restoring the funding.

Months went by and then, one day, the Director of the Upward Bound Program sent Aumua Amata a letter of thanks for restoring the program's funding which I also read in the Samoa News.In his letter dated Oct. 1, 2003 to Aumua, Seiuli Hipa Neria said, "I have received great news this morning about our proposal being funded. I know you have been behind this ever since we sought your help. My staff and I want to thank you for your great work. Our American Samoan students will again receive college preparatory services Upward Bound has been provided."

Seiuli continued, "Great work our dear friend! You will hear from us again. May God continue to bless and watch over you and the work you do for our people. With much appreciation, (signed) Hipa Neria and UBP Staff."

A small note of delayed thanks, Aumua, from a local parent.

Sami Tafaoata

More Letters

Politics_

Amata's Pacific Notebook: RUNNING WITH THE 'BIG KAHUNAS'

Reprinted from Samoa News
November 26, 2007
by Amata Aumua

Although some reformers have expressed dismay at the outcome of this month's midterm elections in the Northern Mariana Islands there was at least one seed of change planted in the results.

First, I would be remiss if I did not congratulate the CNMI Republican Party for regaining its customary majority in the House, which it lost four years ago to the upstart Covenant Party. In January, Republicans will control at least 12 and possibly as many as 15 of the chamber's 20 seats, depending on the outcome of one recount and the expectation that two former Republicans who ran as independents for tactical reasons will caucus with the majority.

The wave of change expected by some pundits in the wake of the commonwealth's well known economic troubles did not materialize. The next legislature will be dominated by re-elected incumbents and seasoned former legislators-including two former Republican speakers returning to public life, not a sea of new faces.

However, it is one of the newcomers, Tina Sablan, who has drawn much of the media attention for her unlikely victory against all the odds. The Northern Marianas shares some similarities with American Samoa: the populations are roughly the same size and so is the proportion of local born people to immigrant populations. Moreover, the politics of both territories still is very much family based and the political climates have not been hospitable to women candidates for office in either place.

In order to win, Tina had to overcome not only her gender but the lack of two maternal family lines, because her mother is neither Chamorro nor Carolinian, the two native ethnic population groups. Moreover, Tina is only 26 years old, so her political experience is quite limited. Making the odds of her success even longer, she chose to forego the traditional trappings of campaigning, such as village meetings, billboards and newspaper advertising, in favor of weekly citizens forums' and skillful use of the internet. Further, she held no rallies or fund-raisers and eschewed party affiliation.

While she ran a decidedly low budget affair, she did not lack for free media, what with her passionate, two-year long crusade on a number of issues, which won the attention of both the press and the politicians. Although she fell short on the number of signatures needed to put an Open Government Act on the referendum ballot, she did force legislators to adopt some milder reforms on their own. And her petition effort to reduce the legislature to part-time status also fell short due to lack of time to gather enough signatures.

At the same time, however, her active support for gubernatorial runoffs helped propel that measure to passage and a lawsuit she co-filed with a senator prompted the CNMI Supreme Court to reapportion the House districts just before the election to better reflect population shifts since the last census. Two new house seats were added in the process.

In the face of all obstacles but aided by her tireless activism, Tina, on a platform of government openness and reform, managed to win a seat in the lower house, edging out an incumbent and a former incumbent, among others, in a multi-seat electoral district. She has been described as tireless and well prepared on the issues.

Now comes the hard part. There is a whale of a difference between campaigning and governing. If she continues to play the role of a gadfly outsider inside the House, she runs the risk of being marginalized. She will need to decide if she wants to be the focal point for the disaffected among the citizenry or build a record of legislative achievement on their behalf. It would be difficult to juggle both roles, even for a veteran politician.

She is one of only three independents coming into a House that is steeped in the tradition of the party system, where parties prevail. Like the U.S. Congress, it is a system in which the parties will pass out committee assignments, determine member budgets and allocate staff resources. With the membership being overwhelmingly affiliated with one of the three parties, the three independents will have little leverage to force attention on their proposals.

So, Tina has some important decisions to make. She can either remain a true independent or caucus with one of the parties. Of course, if I were advising her, I would urge her to caucus with the Republicans, because the voters apparently perceived them as the agents of change. Whichever party she chooses, however, if she works hard to learn the system, burrows in and focuses on some issues where she really can make a difference, she likely will have a far greater impact than by being an agent provocateur who might find her political career over in two short years. There is no reason she could not do that while remaining consistent with her principles.

History has not been kind to women legislators seeking re-election in CNMI, even those who were affiliated with a party, were part of the majority and worked within the system. And Tina will be mindful that her narrow, sixth-place finish in a six- seat district was not exactly a mandate, given the overall tenor of the election. History also teaches us that in a democracy, change usually comes from within.

Tina also has another constituency to think about: the other young women in the commonwealth who might be inspired to follow her into politics. Those young women will be watching to see if she now can run with the Big Kahunas who will dominate the legislature as the commonwealth moves into the gubernatorial phase of the election cycle.

And we'll be watching in American Samoa, too.

As always, I welcome your comments at - aumuaamata@mail.com

AMATA AUMUA

Amata's Pacific Notebook: VISIBILITY AND NETWORKING
Special to The Samoa News
By Amata Aumua

October 19, 2007

When shown a map of the globe for the first time by a Mainlander, with the Samoan Islands pointed out to him as tiny dots in a vast sea of blue, the old chief peered closely and then, as the story goes, demanded to know "who drew this map?" Well, the chief's indignation at others' perception of our size not withstanding, the fact remains that Pacific Islanders of all stripes (including Native Hawaiians), both in the islands and on the Mainland, constitute less that 0.03% of the U.S. population. To make sure it is understood, that is not three percent but three tenths of one percent of the population. And Samoans make up only a portion of that total.

So it is no surprise that, as one of our political leaders once expressed it, "by and large, [they] don't even know we exist." Like Avis Rent-a-Car, that means we have to try harder. So, when we have a front page feature story in the Chicago Tribune about Samoans serving in the military or a front page feature story in the Washington Post about all the Samoans in professional football, even if there are some forgivable inaccuracies, it is all to the good because it helps put us on the map. And when our soldiers and athletes gain recognition at the top of their fields, that's even better.

Yes, we have our star football players, rugby teams, sumo wrestlers and now our superstar pro wrestler turned actor "The Rock," but when it comes to government and politics, we still have a long way to go to gain high visibility. Of course, there is Senator Dan Akaka of Hawaii, the most powerful Polynesian in Washington and Mufi Hannemann, the Samoan Mayor of Honolulu, whose star is still on the rise, but with a population so small, we have to work extra hard to take all the opportunities we are given to make sure we are visible in the political world.

So, when then media criticizes our local leaders for off-island travel, you won't find me joining the chorus when the mission directly benefits American Samoa, as was the case with Governor Togiola's and his delegation's recent trip to Guam for the Interior Department's investment conference. At the same time the governor was away, I had the opportunity to take part in a number of off-island meetings over a 10-day period and was happy to make sure we took our seats at the table.

In San Diego I participated in the biannual meeting of the Western Republican Leadership Conference (WRLC), which brought together party leaders and officeholders from all the western states and territories. Among other things, this meeting gave me a chance to remind California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger that we have a large and growing Samoan population in his state, particularly in the very area where we were meeting. I am going to look forward to following up with his staff advisor on Asian and Pacific communities.

In that regard and by pure coincidence, the 13th annual Pacific Islanders Festival was being held nearby on the very same weekend as the WRLC. So, when the last speaker finished at WRLC, I jumped into the car and headed over to the festival, where I was able to renew a lot of old friendships and bring fresh news from home to folks who have been away for many years. I also met a lot of young Samoans who were born in California and never have been home yet have an affinity for the islands that runs deeply in their blood. I found that very gratifying.

The organizing committee, PIFA, needed no lessons from me on visibility. They now have a permanent home at Ski Beach and have fine tuned the logistics to make for a very smooth, pleasurable experience for the 150,000 people who visited over the course of the weekend to watch the singing and dancing, eat island food, sample island handicraft and see other goods that are sold from booths that line the edges of the festival grounds. Clearly local politicians know what a potent force we islanders can be, because the San Diego mayor made it a point to be present at the opening ceremony, where he presented to PIFA a certificate proclaiming Pacific Island day.

Of course, no visit to PIFA is complete without a visit to one of our many Samoan churches in the area. In fact, I was able to attend the non-denominational service that was held on Sunday morning on the festival grounds, and then slip away for a couple of hours to attend a service at one of the Congregational churches. It is always a highlight to the sounds of a beautiful choir and it was particularly gratifying to see so many young people taking part in the choir. Again I was able to bring greetings from families back home and to take messages with me that I could bring back to the islands.

Because San Diego is so important to American Samoa as the home of the American tuna industry, I made it a point to make a courtesy call on industry officials to gain a better understanding of the problems they face now in light of the recent minimum wage hike and other increases pending in the future. I will have more to say about my meetings at a later time but I was pleased to have this opportunity and plan to return to San Diego in the future to learn more. Originally, I was going to "work my way up the coast" by visiting family and friends in Oceanside, Carson and Torrance for three days before heading to another meeting in Palm Springs but because Governor Lingle invited me to attend her 4th annual International Women's Leadership Conference, I decided to make a quick one-day trip back to Honolulu to make certain we were represented at this important event as well.

The governor asked some of the most remarkable and inspiring female leaders from Hawaii, across our nation and around the world to spend the day with us and, remarkably, Governor Lingle herself spent the entire day with us as well. After hearing what these extraordinary women had to say, each with a fascinating and challenging career that has had an incredible impact on our world, I can understand why. I found the experience enormously uplifting and motivating and I know I speak for the nearly one thousand women in the audience when I say was honored to hear them talk about the many lessons they have learned.

One of the main messages to come out of the conference is that influential women leaders can and must serve as mentors and coaches to guide other women in their careers. We have an obligation to mentor the next generation of female leaders and to provide the shoulders for them to stand on. We must be willing to capitalize on opportunities to help other women. That is how we help make the world a better place. When I return home next week, I plan to retell the inspiring stories I heard from these women. Readers who do not want to wait, and have the computer capability to do so, can listen to the presentations directly through Governor Lingle's website:

http://www.hawaii.gov/gov/news/enewsletter/2007-newsletters/WrapUp.

After the Honolulu conference, it was back to Los Angeles and right on to Palm Springs where I knew (rightly) that I would be the only Samoan at the biennial convention of the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW). In fact, Palm Springs is not exactly teeming with a Samoan community but I did have a meeting with one Samoan man who I learned from a local conventioneer lived in the area. I had a good chance to hear from his vantage point issues that need to be watched in federal immigration reform. However, my main purpose in attending this gathering was to bring to the convention for approval our application to have an affiliated club in American Samoa.

I had not belonged to NFRW before this nor have I ever attended one of their conventions. But I am glad I did. A group of younger women in American Samoa expressed interest in organizing a group and having the opportunity to nurture its formation lets me put into practice what Gov. Lingle and her speakers were preaching in Honolulu. Even though we do not have partisan elections in American Samoa, what happens nationally affects us all and by forming a local club affiliated with a national organization, we are given a badly needed mechanism to be heard nationally.

New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a major contender for president, spoke at one of the sessions and I was glad American Samoa had representation there to hear him. After all, we do have nine delegate votes and the nomination is unsettled. He is one of only a half dozen people who has a realistic chance of becoming the next President of the United States when President Bush steps down on January 20, 2009.

My final stop in Southern California was Los Angeles for the annual alumni reunion at Loyola Marymount University, where I undertook most of my undergraduate studies. I attended what was then Marymount College and when it merged with Loyola University my junior year and moved to the Loyola campus, being homesick and having no college available in American Samoa, I decided to finish up at the University of Guam. Nevertheless, I made many friendships with students and faculty while I was at Marymount and had not been back since, so I was glad that there was one more coincidence of scheduling that permitted me to renew more old friendships and make some valuable new ones.

My scheduling luck ran out at this point because even though I was next heading to Washington, I knew a prior commitment would mean I would have to miss last week's Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Health and Well-Being Summit. Chaired by our own Kawen Young and organized by Nancy Fa'asiu Glass, this two day event was attended by NH&PI community leaders both from the states and the territories. This is another group that needs no lecture from me on visibility because, in addition to their sessions, they had a well planned day of visitations to Capitol Hill to meet with key members of the House and Senate. I have seen the list of participants and I can tell you that Samoans were well represented.

Regrettably, I had to be out of the city on those days and missed the conference but I am so pleased it was held and turned out so well. I made one more major stop, which I will tell you about next time, and I will be on my way home next week. I am just happy I had the opportunity to carry the banner for American Samoa. I was able to educate people on American Samoa and make sure we were represented wherever we were offered a seat. Now, at least a few more people will know where to find us on the map. And I did it all without spending a nickel of government funds!

As always, I would love to hear your comments. Please e-mail me at aumuaamata@mail.com.

Amata's Pacific Notebook - Let the Party(ies) begin
by Aumua Amata

Reprinted from Samoa News
Wednesday, September 26, 2007

It would be hard to explain to my stateside Republican friends why I would say kind words about American Samoa Democrats because they don't understand the nature of our small community, where party distinctions are often blurred and elections are not fought on American partisan terms. But readers here will understand why I am taking this occasion to congratulate Fagafaga Danny Langkilde and the rest of the officers on their recent election to lead the Democratic Party of American Samoa.

Because our elections are non-partisan, the primary role of the Democratic and Republican Parties in American Samoa is to provide our people with access to the U.S. political system and to give us a voice in the selection of the President of the United States. Although we don't vote for president directly, local Democrats and Republicans do vote for delegates who in turn will choose the nominees of the two major parties, one of which will become the most powerful person in the world.

So, I also want to congratulate my good friend Oreta Togafau, Fagafaga's predecessor as party chairman, for successfully helping persuade the Democratic National Committee to change its roll call procedure. If you have watched national conventions on television, you know that one of the highlights for viewers is the roll call of the states and territories, when each delegation announces its votes for the presidential candidates. Unlike Republicans, who call the roll strictly alphabetically (American Samoa comes between Alaska and Arizona), until 2004 Democrats called for the territorial votes only after all the states had cast theirs.

Thanks to the efforts of Oreta and other territorial Democrats, starting next year Democratic convention watchers will be able to see American Samoa cast its votes early in the roll call, rather than at the end. I understand the DNC also is ending its humiliating practice of giving each territorial delegate only a fractional vote, as if people coming from the territories were second class citizens who somehow were less American than the delegates representing the states. That is another change that was long overdue.

When local Democrats recently elected their new officers, Samoa News also reported that the party also approved a date and procedure for electing delegates to next year's Democratic National Convention in Denver. Late last month, local Republicans held a meeting to do the same thing, although we will combine our elections for delegates and local party officers in one convention to be held next February 23.

Why do I care that national Democrats treat the island parties with more respect? Because it is important that our territory, as part of the United States, be given every opportunity to play a full role in American political life, regardless of our political persuasion, and it is important to us what happens at these conventions because the political leaders who participate in these national rituals are the very same people who develop federal policies that have direct impact on our lives. Party politics and national governance are inextricable intertwined.

The circumstances of this particular national election are so unusual that the role of the delegates from the territories could be particularly significant.

This is the first time since 1952 that no incumbent president or vice president is running for President, meaning the field of candidates is wide open on both sides. Moreover, the whole process has been advanced so early in the political calendar that half the delegates in the country will have been chosen by February 5, 2008, nine full months in advance of the general election.

In the case of Republicans, five territories (American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands) will be sending a combined 57 delegates to the Republican National Convention, including nine from here. Most people haven't thought about it but if it were a single delegation, it would constitute the twelfth largest delegation to the convention. And if some of the larger state delegations get penalized for holding their primaries earlier than permitted by national rules, the territorial delegates will become that much more important.

A lot of observers think the nominations on both sides will be wrapped up after the February 5 primaries, which has been called "Tsunami Tuesday," but many others believe no one will emerge with a clear majority on that day.

In that case, the presidential campaigns will be looking everywhere they can for delegates and the territories' conventions, caucuses and primaries could take on unprecedented significance. While it is unlikely we would find any of the candidates coming to the islands to campaign personally, party leaders might anticipate a lot of telephone calls and other efforts to make their cases to the party faithful.

In 2000, for example, then-governor George W. Bush sponsored a reception prior to the opening of our convention as a way of campaigning for our votes at a time he and Sen. John McCain were still locked in a tight battle for the Republican nomination. And it worked. Sen. McCain did not have a visible presence here and Gov. Bush swept all of our delegates.

So, my message today is to urge everyone to pay close attention to the presidential campaign as it develops and become active in the party caucus of your choice when it meets to select a delegation to its national convention next year.

In fact, why not even consider running for delegate yourself? When the leader of your delegation on national television, being watched by millions of people, says "Mr. Chairman, American Samoa proudly casts its ballots," one of those ballots could be yours.

As always, I welcome your comments and questions. Feel free to call me at 699-9609 or e-mail aumuaamata@mail.com.

© Osini Faleatasi Inc. dba Samoa News reserves all rights.

Surrounded by members of his Washington, DC staff, Congressman Faleomavaega takes his oath of office for the 110th Congress before The Honorable Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Earlier in the day, Speaker Pelosi of California and Faleomavaega along with the Democratic controlled House of Representatives made history by electing the first female speaker in the history of the United States and the U.S. Congress. (contributed by: Solomona Aoelua)

To contribute stories and articles, press here to find out how to contact me.

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Everyone an ambassador_

Here's a letter to Samoanews that shows the need to educate everyone in American Samoa to take tourism seriously. While other island communities look at tourism as a vital part of their economies, there are still those in American Samoa who don't care. Maybe it'll take the canries leaving American Samoa or an end to federal subsidies to wake people up and take this seriously.

"Tourism Mishap"
Dear Editor, With all the talk of the tourism conference in LA, I thought I would relate a bad experience I had touring the island of Tutuila last week. Last Friday, my wife and I took my visiting mother-in-law on a tour of the west side. When we arrived in one village, I parked the car next to a beach. I knew or thought I knew the procedure for accessing beaches in villages. I walked up to a nearby house and spoke to a nice, friendly gentleman. I asked if we could walk the beach and he replied, "Sure. No problem." We began walking the beach, mainly looking for shells. As we approached a house next to the beach, an older man, who I later learned was a high chief, appeared. He began talking to us, and I approached him. I began by trying to explain that we had asked permission to use the beach from a guy across the road. His response was, "You have to leave now!" End of conversation. This inhospitable and unwelcoming attitude soured the rest of the afternoon and our tour of the west side. Plenty needs to be done regarding the trash problem and dog overpopulation, but attitudes need to change as well. This experience stands in contrast to enjoyable experiences in the villages of Masefou, Vatia, and Aunu'u (among others). You may care less Mr. High Chief, but my family will never be visiting your village again. With your pompous and nasty attitude you ruined what would have otherwise been a wonderful afternoon touring the island. Harvey and Alicia Kincaid

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News from Washington, D.C._

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 28, 2007

Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega announces progress on Coral Reef Reauthorization measure

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that H.R. 1205, legislation he sponsored that would reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, has been reported favorably in the House Natural Resources Committee without opposition and will now move forward for consideration on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

"I commend Chairman Nick Rahall and Ranking Member Don Young for their leadership on the Committee and I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their enthusiastic support on this issue of such vital importance to our coastal and island communities," Faleomavaega said. "I want to especially thank my friend Madeleine Bordallo, Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans, and original co-sponsor of this legislation, for her strong leadership in moving this legislation forward."

"With the input of the Administration as well as interested Members on the Committee, some important additions have been made to this legislation as it has undergone the amendment process," Faleomavaega continued. "In addition to the $1 million authorization for a Marine Science Laboratory at the American Samoa Community College, general support for academic institutions and existing coral reef institutes is also authorized to expand coral reef research and education in all the coral reef areas."

"As introduced, the bill expands the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) emergency response authority to mitigate sea vessel coral reef impacts. Under this legislation, NOAA would be able to manage damage mitigation and vessel removal activities directly. As amended, this bill also now includes liability authority allowing NOAA to recover costs and assess liability for damages to the coral reefs."

"This legislation also codifies the US Coral Reef Task Force established by Executive Order in 1998. Because of the Task Force's vital role in ensuring the continued health of our reefs, I have included language that would make the Task Force permanent. By doing this, vital seats at the table will be preserved for the States, Territories, and Freely-Associated States to engage their federal counterparts in the setting of priorities and future implementation of Local Action Strategies."

"Also, in addition to the changes H.R. 1205 makes to the uses and allocation of grant funding to reflect emerging needs and increased overall authorization levels, this measure includes new community based planning grants that allow the development and implementation of coral protection plans."

"Although H.R. 1205 is far from final passage into law, I am encouraged by the strong support it has received in the Committee on Natural Resources and remain hopeful that it will gain approval in the Senate," Faleomavaega concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2007

Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega expresses support for Congressional resolution to encourage end of foreign fishing subsidies

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he supports a Congressional Resolution encouraging the elimination of harmful foreign government fishing subsidies that contribute to overcapacity in commercial fishing fleets worldwide and lead to over-fishing of global fish stocks.

"H. Con. Res. 94, the Resolution introduced by my colleague from Guam, Madeleine Bordallo, is an important first step in developing a global plan to manage our oceans responsibly," Faleomavaega said. "I support the intent of this Resolution because it would protect our local tuna industry, our local fishing fleets, and our oceans from the economic and ecological damage caused by the massive influx of subsidized foreign fishing boats into international waters."

"According to a recent scientific study, if the international community does not develop more sustainable commercial fishing practices there may be no commercial fish left in the sea by 2050," Faleomavaega continued. "In fact, since 1950, nearly 30% of the world’s commercial fish species have already collapsed."

"A major contributor to this decline in global fish stocks is the huge overcapacity of our global fishing fleets. The current fishing fleet capacity is some 250% of what is needed to catch the maximum sustainable yield from the oceans."

"This overcapacity is fueled by harmful subsidies provided by a limited number of foreign governments to their fishing fleets, leading to over-fishing and other harmful actions like bottom-trawling in international waters."

"Our current laws in the United States have established a strong federal policy supporting sustainable fishing limits in our own ocean waters, but in order to prevent the global collapse of the world’s fishing stocks, we need the cooperation of our neighbors in the world community."

"For American Samoa, the continuing health of our oceans is vital. I strongly support this Resolution and will continue to work to protect our ocean resources so that our future generations will not have to face the prospect of empty oceans," Faleomavaega concluded.

Amata's behind the scenes report from the historic meeting of Pacific leaders held at Washington, DC.

May 2007

• Rice calls Pacific Leaders meeting a key event in "Year of the Pacific"
• Amata goes behind the scenes at historic meeting of Pacific leaders (Day 5)
• Amata goes behind the scenes at historic meeting of Pacific leaders (Day 4)
• Amata goes behind the scenes at historic Pacific Island Conference of Leaders meeting held in U.S. capital (Day 3)
• Amata goes behind the scenes at historic Pacific Island Conference of Leaders meeting held in U.S. capital (Day 2)
• Amata goes behind the scenes at historic Pacific Island Conference of Leaders meeting held in U.S. capital (Day 1)

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Military Related_

US Military Career

Air Force
TSgt Jimmy Vasil
Tradewinds Hotel, Rm. 207
Pago Pago, American Samoa
252-2707 or 699-1000.

Army Recruiting Station
SFC Kalepo Vaitautolu
Third floor, Executive Office Building (EOB)
Utulei, American Samoa
633-1616
The ASVAB is offered every three months.

U.S. Marine Recruiters

US MARINE CORPS recruiter is now on island full time.
Call Staff Sgt Andrew J. Antenotcruz, 252-9550.
The Few, the Proud, the Marines

Honolulu at (808) 596-0225

More Military: Honoring our Servicemen and women

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Featured Sites_

Featured Book Navigating the Future: A Samoan Perspective on U.S.-Pacific Relations More Books

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