Galea'i: Dismantling ASESRO is a cover-up of Sec ... - Samoa News

C M
Y K
C M
Y K
House confirms Tiaotalaga
John Kruse as
Procurement chief
Our local forecast
is at odds with
Samoa forecast
Ravens defeat
49ers 34-31 in
Super Bowl
2
3
B1
Silia miliona e le toe
maua pe a toe tuu i
lalo pili LBJ… 10
Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Ma’ake
Kemoeatu (96) celebrates after defeating
the San Francisco 49ers 34-31 in the NFL
Super Bowl XLVII football game, Sunday,
Feb. 3, 2013, in New Orleans.
(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Chairman of Shipyard
Services Authority,
Carlos Sanchez quits
by B. Chen, Samoa News Correspondent
Chairman of the American Samoa Shipyard Services
Authority Carlos Sanchez announced his resignation last
Friday, a day after Gov. Lolo M. Moliga issued a memorandum
requesting the resignations of Toetasi Tuiteleleapaga, Motu
Laau Seui Jr., and Leilua Stevenson. A copy of the Governor’s
memo was given to Sanchez, who has held the chairman
post since June 2011. His resignation was announced during a
celebration of the shipyard employees and management on a
“job well done” on the largest vessel to date the authority has
completed, the Cape Breton.
According to Sanchez, the celebration is a tradition since
the shipyard was returned to ASG in June 2011 — a thank you
and congratulations for the successful completion of projects.
For this one, Sanchez promised three roasted pigs for the event
if the work was completed on time and quality work was delivered.
It happened and the celebration was on.
However, delivery of the the letters or memos, calling
for the resignation of three of the five board members of the
ASSSA, precipitated Sanchez’s resignation announcement
during the celebration.
Sanchez told Samoa News his copy and three originals for
the 3 board members were delivered at 3:30 p.m. (recorded
time of receipt) to the shipyard on Thursday. He was tasked
(Continued on page 14)
online @ samoanews.Com
PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA MONdAy, FEbRuARy 4, 2013
$1.00
by B. Chen, Samoa News Correspondent
Executive Director of the Office of Federal
Programs (OFP) Pat Galea’i has written a letter
to Gov. Lolo M. Moliga regarding what he calls
violations of various provisions of several federal
laws and regulations. In a memo dated Jan.
23, Galea’i said the violations of federal laws
and regulations by the new administration “may
place American Samoa in danger of losing federal
monies, as well as potential fines, penalties,
and damage awards.”
The violations include but are not limited to:
The Whistleblower provision (section 1553
of Div. A, Title XV) of the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)
Cost allowability provisions of OMB Circular
A-87 (Item 19, General Government), and
The Fair Labor Standards Act - Amended
(FLSA)
The American Samoa Economic Stimulus
and Recovery Office (ASESRO) was established
to meet the enhanced federal requirements
for transparency and accountability.
“Pursuant to this goal, it is tasked with oversight
and monitoring of all ARRA-related activities
in the territory, including the reporting of any
Chairman of the ASSSA Board at the Ronald Reagan Shipyard in Atu’u, Carlos Sanchez (3rd
from left second row) on Friday with the shipyard’s workers to celebrate the completion of the
heavy work load in recent months. Sanchez says they established the celebratory tradition in which
he and the board were able to thank and congratulate the work force by treating them to a feast of
Samoan delicacies, such as roasted pigs and oka. Unfortunately, this time, it also included an emotional
farewell, by Sanchez, after announcing his resignation from the board. [photo: Jeff Hayner]
Daily CirCulation 7,000
Galea’i: Dismantling ASESRO is
a cover-up of Sec. 1602 project
instances of waste, fraud, or abuse,” Galea’i
wrote. “ARRA funds will continue to be at work
here in the territory for several more years.”
Galea’i told Lolo that oversight is weakened
by transferring this function to the ASG Treasury,
as the Treasurer is now responsible for not
only overseeing his own $1 million award, he
will also be signing all future ARRA disbursements
not only for compliance, but also as the
drawdown authority. Galea’i pointed out that
the US Treasury recently expressed a lack of
confidence in the ASG Treasury as a repository
and caretaker of federal funds, requiring OFP
to maintain SSBCI funds with the Territorial
Office of Fiscal Reform (TOFR) rather than
ASG Treasury, due to a long history of unacceptable
audit reports.
Galea’i wrote that if he feels the Governor’s
Office is not the appropriate place for an oversight
agency such as ASESRO, there may be
other valid organizational structures, but there
are conflicts inherent in placing it within the
ASG Treasury. He said given the territory’s
economic situation, it is universally held that
the federal government (through various fed-
(Continued on page 15)
KFC temporarily
closes its doors
by Samoa News staff
KFC American Samoa, the local franchise of the KFC or
Kentucky Fried Chicken, is negotiating a new franchise agreement
and the reason the local restaurant is temporarily closed.
A sign is already posted at the KFC restaurant located
at Tafuna Industrial Park about the temporary closure of the
American Samoa franchise, which is one of the businesses
owned by the Otto Haleck Sr.\ family.
“After ten years of serving American Samoa, the franchise
agreement between Yum Restaurants International, the Franchisor
of KFC Restaurants, and KFC American Samoa the
Franchisee has expired,” said Avamua Dave and O. Vince
Haleck of the local franchise in a statement released last night.
“KFC is now temporarily closed. Negotiations are underway
for a new International Franchise Agreement and we look forward
to reopening KFC in the very near future,” it says.
“We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for
your patience and support. We will endeavor to reopen as soon
as possible under new local ownership,” the statement added.
Avamua said the family’s franchise license for the Pizza Hut
restaurant, located next to KFC at the Industrial Park, “is not
affected.” (KFC shares a building site with Pizza Hut)

Page 2 samoa news, Monday, February 4, 2013
“Punxsutawney Phil”
predicts early spring
PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (AP) — An end to winter’s bitter
cold will come soon, according to Pennsylvania’s famous
groundhog.
Following a recent stretch of weather that’s included temperatures
well below freezing as well as record warmth, tornadoes
in the South and Midwest and torrential rains in the mid-
Atlantic, Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his lair Saturday in
front of thousands but didn’t see his shadow.
Legend has it that if the furry rodent sees his shadow on Feb.
2 on Gobbler’s Knob in west-central Pennsylvania, winter will
last six more weeks. But if he doesn’t see his shadow, spring will
come early.
The prediction is made during a ceremony overseen by a
group called the Inner Circle. Members don top hats and tuxedos
for the ceremony on Groundhog Day each year.
Bill Deeley, president of the Inner Circle, says that after
“consulting” with Phil, he makes the call in deciphering what
the world’s Punxsutawney Phil has to say about the weather.
Phil is known as the “seer of seers” and “sage of sages.”
Organizers predicted about 20,000 people this weekend, a
larger-than-normal crowd because Groundhog Day falls on a
weekend this year.
“I just hope he’s right and we get warmer weather soon,”
said Mike McKown, 45, an X-ray technician who drove up from
Lynchburg, Va., with his mother.
Phil’s got company in the forecasting department. There’s
Staten Island Chuck, in New York; General Beauregard Lee, in
Atlanta; and Wiarton Willie, in Wiarton, Ontario, among others
noted by the National Climactic Data Center “Groundhog Day”
Web page.
“Punxsutawney can’t keep something this big to itself,” the
Data Center said. “Other prognosticating rodents are popping up
to claim a piece of the action.”
Phil is the original — and the best, Punxsutawney partisans
insist.
The 1993 movie “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray
brought even more notoriety to the Pennsylvania party. The
record attendance was about 30,000 the year after the movie’s
release, said Katie Donald, executive director of the Groundhog
Club. About 13,000 attend if Feb. 2 falls on a weekday.
Phil’s predictions, of course, are not always right on. Last
year, for example, he told people to prepare for six more weeks
of winter, a minority opinion among his groundhog brethren.
The Northeast Regional Climate Center at Cornell University
later listed that January to June as the warmest seven-month
period since systematic records began being kept in 1895.
“We’ll just mark it up as a mistake last year. He’ll be correct
this year,” McKown said hopefully.
House confirms Tiaotalaga
John Kruse for Procurement
QuESTiONS Of cONfLicTS Of iNTEREST RaiSEd By faiPuLE
By B. Chen
Samoa News Correspondent
Tiaotalaga John Kruse, 47, was confirmed
as Chief Procurement Officer by the House of
Representatives with a 14-2 vote last Friday.
Tiaotalaga is scheduled for confirmation before
the Senate Committee on Government Operations
chaired by Senator Galea’i M. Tuufuli
tomorrow morning at 9a.m.
Tiaotala appeared before the House Committee
on Government Operations chaired by
Rep. Faimealelei Anthony Fu’e Allen where
issues involving the government supply store,
contracts, and conflicts of interest were raised.
Rep. Vaetasi Tuumolimoli Moliga told
Tiaotalaga that contracts awarded by the Procurement
Office should be reviewed, as most
contractors who are awarded jobs do not perform
up to par and offer less than quality service.
Rep. Timusa Lam Yuen echoed the same
concern, saying that problems with poor performance
from some contractors and the suspension
of contracts due to this fact, is an issue that
has come to light in previous audit findings.
During the hearing, lawmakers kept
reminding Tiaotalaga the importance of the
Procurement Office’s supply division and
its role in keeping costs down for the government,
as supplies would be significantly
cheaper if purchased in bulk by the Procurement
Office instead of having agencies buy
things on their own.
Rep. Lemapu Talo urged Tiaotalaga to look
closely at the supply inventory in his department
to ease the burden on the government.
One of the ways to do this, said Lemapu, is by
enforcing procurement laws.
Tiaotalaga is a businessman who for the past
25 years has worked in the local private sector,
serving as CEO and president of both Region
Pac Sales and Marketing and FJ&P Kruse Inc.
Rep. Taotasi Archie Soliai said he is concerned
with the Procurement Office and there
is a need to look over the mandate establishing
the office and what their role is in the government.
He said there are no supplies in stock and
he believes the Procurement Office is not following
guidelines, with respect to the establishment
of the department. Taotasi also addressed
the issue of a conflict of interest with Kruse
being CPO when he is directly involved in businesses
owned by himself and family members.
Tiaotalaga responded that there are policies
and guidelines already in place, and staff
(aLL aNSWERS ON PagE 14)
members whose duties are to review any possible
conflicts of interest involving employees.
He said these policies were there long before he
came in the picture, and his goal is to set a good
example for his employees, adding that if he is a
good leader, then everything in the department
will run smoothly.
When asked by Rep. Larry Sanitoa about
how many employees are under his watch,
Tiaotalaga said 70.
Sanitoa advised him to conduct another count
as the Procurement Office operates on an annual
budget of $1.2 million, all locally funded, for 68
employees only. Sanitoa said $500,000 of the
budget is for 27 people to work in the ‘general
supply’ division but it has been three years since
the Procurement Office has been stocked with
supplies. The Tualauta faipule said the biggest
complaint that comes through his office is the
inconsistency of awarding contracts based on
local statute. As a case in point, Sanitoa referred
to the multi-million-dollar contract for the airport
road project saying “this is a big issue.”
According to Sanitoa, the evaluation for
this project is a lot different than how it came
out, and there are issues that need to be looked
at. He said there is a reason why the Source
Evaluation Board was established, and that
is, to review and recommend all proposals for
contracts. Sanitoa told Tiaotalaga that as Chief
Procurement Officer, he is the final word when
it comes to awarding contracts. He reminded
him that sometimes the lowest bidder is not
always the best.
Rep. Vailoata Amituana’i said he feels contracts
should be awarded equally, without bias,
so all local businesses can have a chance to get
contracts.
Rep. Maugaoalii Leapai Tusipa Anoai said
the role of CPO is a big job and asked Tiaotalaga
if he was ready to break away from his
role of running and overseeing his businesses
and devote all his time and energy to his new
post of CPO.
Tiaotalaga explained that he is one of 11
children and his years of serving in the family
business are over. He said the businesses will
be left to other family members to run. “I am
ready to dedicate my life to serving the people
and government of American Samoa,” a tearful
and emotional Tiaotalaga said. The comment
sparked tears from his wife who was sitting in
the gallery amongst family members, friends,
and Procurement Office employees.

Gov to appoint new ASGERF
board, first meeting in HNL
by Fili Sagapolutele, Samoa News Correspondent
The Governor’s Office confirmed last
Thursday that Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga “will
reconstitute” the ASG Employees Retirement
Fund board of trustees, who will convene its first
meeting later this month in Honolulu, Hawai’i.
Lolo is currently in the process of identifying
names for the new Retirement Fund board, said
the governor’s executive assistant Iulogologo
Joseph Pereira, who was responding to Samoa
News inquiries. The governor has not indicated
who he will appoint to the new board.
According to the governor’s office the statute
dealing with the Retirement Fund “needs to be
amended to accommodate the changes the governor
is contemplating.” Any changes to the
current law will be submitted to the Fono for
review and approval.
The statute states in part that the responsibility
for the proper administration of the fund and the
direction of its policies shall be vested in a Board
of Trustees consisting of five members: three
members appointed by the Governor, who shall
be members of the Fund having at least five years
of service; and two members appointed by the
Governor who shall not be members of the Fund.
Board member nominees are subject to Fono confirmation
and serve for a term of five years.
Asked what mandate the governor will give
a new board, Iulogologo said, Lolo is “working
on it, but the fundamental issue is to maintain the
integrity of the fund and its solvency to guarantee
accommodation of the needs of the retirees.”
The Retirement Fund board, chaired by Aleki
Sene Sr., is scheduled to meet Feb. 20 and 21 in
Honolulu with members of the Fono committees
invited to attend. This has been the practice every
two years, when this off-island meeting is called
and the trip is paid for by the Retirement Fund.
Ph: 699-9770
M-F 8am - 5pm
Sat 7:30am - 2pm
Plate Salad, 8” Melamine
X14179
SAVE $70
$399.99
20” A mana
Electric Range
XAEP200VAW
YOUR CHOICE
. 99¢ ea
16 OZ. Glass Tumbler
X14243
Asked if the governor has received any information
on the status of the fund and how much
it is worth, Iulogologo said, “no”, adding that
“it is hoped that the new board, once it’s constituted
will provide a comprehensive review of
the status of the fund.”
“The meeting in Hawaii usually presents the
opportunity to the fund manager and consultants
to address the present and future outlook on the
status of the fund. The Board had approved a 2%
COLA (Cost of Living Allowance) increase for
all retirement recipients.This seems to indicate
that the fund is doing well as it can accommodate
this new 2% COLA rise,” he said.
The COLA hike will be forwarded to the
Fono for an official review and approval and
Samoa News understands that this will be raised
by the new board during the Honolulu meeting.
BacKgROuNd
Then Gov. Togiola Tulafono signed a bill
that hiked by 4% the cost of living allowance
(COLA) for American Samoa Government
retirees, on Monday, Feb. 14, 2011,
The law provided for the increase to those who
retired on or before Sept. 30, 2008 and the payment
was retroactive to Oct. 1, 2008. The COLA
rise didn’t happen in 2010, because the governor
didn’t want to submit the 2% COLA hike recommended
by the ASG Employees Retirement Fund
board of trustees, saying it was not enough when
looking at the current cost of living in American
Samoa. Instead a new measure was submitted in
February 2011 with the 4% increase.
Although the hike raised the Retirement
Fund’s unfunded liability to $7.2 million, board
chairman Aleki Sene Sr. told senators that the
board feels that, with favorable investment
returns, there is no need to increase the government’s
contribution at this time.
samoa news, Monday, February 4, 2013 Page 3
FEBRUARY SPECIALS
HUGE SAVINGS STOREWIDE!
SAVE $40
Coby 7” Portable DVD Player w/remote
XTFDVD7009
Up to
$69.99
$200
Starting at
Off! $549.99
Reg Price: $699.99
27” Whirlpool Washer 13 Cycle
WHITE OR SILVER
XWTW5500XW, XWTW550XL
27” GAS DRYER 6 CYCLE
WHITE OR SILVER
XWGD5500XW, XWGD5500XL
SAVE $50 SAVE $70
Whirlpool Microwave 1.1 Cu. Ft.,
XWMC10511AW
$99.99
Local weather
is at odds with
Samoa forecast
by Samoa News staff
Despite Samoa’s Meteorology Office placing all of Samoa
under a storm warning, there are no gale warnings or cyclone
watches in effect in American Samoa.
Yesterday morning, the National Weather Service Pago
Pago did issue a high surf advisory for the north facing shore
of all islands and said an approaching low near Fiji will bring
occasional showers and strong winds over the next few days.
The high surf advisory is in effect through Wednesday and
calls for surf building to 10-14 feet by today. Winds are predicted
to increase to 20-30 knots this afternoon diminishing to
10-20 knots by Tuesday.
According to NOAA, satellite imageries show a low
pressure system far southwest of Savai’i moving eastward.
There are strong and gusty winds to the north northwest of
the low. Models suggest that the low will continue east while
intensifying.
The weather service predicts that American Samoa can
expect occasional showers and isolated thunderstorms beginning
last night and lasting into today. Winds are expected to
peak this afternoon to very strong and gusty northwesterlies
before gradually diminishing tonight.
Wednesday through Sunday expect the intense low to continue
east southeast. Stable conditions are expected to return
midweek. A small craft advisory remains in effect.
Chief Executive Officer of the Meteorology Office, Mulipola
Ausetalia Titimaea says Samoa will experience gale
force winds at the speed of 64-88 kpms, although nothing in
the National Weather Service Pago Pago forecast confirms this
currently.
According to reports made to Samoa News, the airports in
Samoa were closed part of the day on their Monday (our Sunday).
Monitor samoanews.com for any updates on this report if
and when conditions change.
*All Video Games under $19.99! *All Movies $4.99!
*Images may not be exact. While supplies last. We reserve the right to limit quantities. See store f or details.
Panasonic 24” LCD HDTV
XTCL24X5
$249.99
FURNITURE
BLOWOUT
SALE!
SERTA BED
SALE!
See store for details.
*Sale prices valid through February 18

Page 4 samoa news, Monday, February 4, 2013
A plume of smoke could be seen rising from the fire that destroyed the Te’o & Sons building in Atu’u last Friday evening. For many years the building housed Asian
owned businesses (a retail store and restaurant ) that catered to the cannery employees of Samoa Packing (now Samoa Tuna Processors) and StarKist. [photo: Jeff Hayner]
Letter to the Editor
“INNOCENT GAMES, LETHAL INTENT”
by Ipu avegalio Lefiti
Advocate on behalf of victims of sexual abuse
We, as a society, have difficulty believing that a woman
can sexually molest a child. Women are mothers, nurturers,
home makers and the safety net within the home. A woman
protects and shelters her child like a ‘hen would gather her
chicks to her bosom’.
Yet, according to a report in Samoa News, the innocence
of a young boy out for a swim turns into a charade where he is
able to be sexually victimized.
The police report is so interesting; you can see how an
adult woman’s acts can influence other young kids to help
her molest him — all easily disguised under fun and games.
What’s a 30-year-old woman doing jumping on the back of a
13-year-old boy? Contact sports are an easy way of groping,
fondling or grabbing a free feel aimed for private parts.
A young boy is boldly teased by an adult female to allow
her to fondle him. Teased that he is gay, unless he can prove
otherwise.
Teased in front of his friends and siblings, being laughed at
and humiliated, adding more pressure on him to submit. (I’m
sure many young readers know what that feels like.)
The frightening thing is this woman influenced his friends
to laughingly join in with her to commit a crime — to laughingly
push him into the water for her to grab.
Unfortunately, many women are playing the increasing
role of being enablers or were found culpable in sexual
crimes committed against their own children, grandchildren
or adopted children. Crimes that were perpetrated, by fathers,
step fathers, grandfathers, uncles and mothers lovers.
(The timeless echoing question — “where was the mother?”)
Usually these types of crimes are all about the adult, all
about the mother who is being abused, trying to protect herself,
the possible loss of their security, fear of immigration
issues/deportation.
The list goes on to disclaim their responsibility to protect
the child and report. It is easy for a woman to use her child as
a shield from a man’s wrath, rather than seek help.
Many women are just as good as men in grooming, luring
and enticing children and young adults, into participating in
sexual behaviors. This is done by camouflaging them with
fun, secrecy, exciting group activities or being apathetic and
indifferent to the child’s discomfort.
I am so grateful to this concerned mother who believed her
son and reported what he told her. According to the Samoa
News article there were many witnesses present and this perpetrator
is not a stranger.
A thought for 2013 — Who is watching over your child?
Who is bathing and putting your children to sleep? Who are
your boy scouts leaders? Who is the educator that is teaching
your child? The list goes on. Don’t be too busy to find out.
Everything boils down to getting involved.
Get your Faipule and Senators involved in passing the
Child Abuse Bill/Law.
Commissioner disputes family’s
version of DPS “response time”
by Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu, Samoa News Reporter
The cause of the fire that destroyed the seven-bedroom, two-story residence in Onesosopo
Wednesday morning was an electrical fault, says Commissioner of Public Safety William Haleck.
Haleck said he was informed following a meeting last Friday with Fire Chief Cliff O’Brien
that the fire started due to an overload of the electrical panel which caused a shortage, and the
wires in the panel caught on fire on the second floor.
The Commissioner is also refuting comments made by a family member that they waited for a
very long time before the firefighters arrived at the scene. The woman said she called the fire department
three times and they said they were on their way, but they waited for a very long time and when
the firemen finally arrived, they had to get their equipment up and running, but it was too late.
Haleck said based on the information he received, it took only ten minutes for the fire fighters
to get to Onesosopo after they received the call. He also said the family attempted to put the fire
out before they contacted 911 requesting the fire bureau’s assistance.
“My advice to members of the public, if there is a fire within your home, call 911 immediately
— and then you can attempt to put out the fire. But don’t try to put the fire out and when you’re
unsuccessful then you contact 911 for help,” Haleck said.
He said in incidents such as this, “people panic and while they wait, it seems like they are
waiting forever and yet that is not true. We have a log that indicates that the firefighters arrived
at the scene within ten minutes of receiving the call.”
The Commissioner added, “When we respond, we do it in a prudent way because we don’t
want to cause an accident on the way to an incident, and we consider traffic and everybody else
that is on the road. Ten minutes is about the norm from Fagatogo to Onesosopo.”
Haleck further refutes claims by family members that the firefighters ran out of water from
their vehicle and they had to wait for another fire truck. He said according to information
relayed to him, they had contacted another fire truck as a standby, but the first fire truck never
ran out of water.
He said they will be working together with the American Samoa Power Authority regarding
the issue with the fire hydrants so that water pressure for each hydrant is at the max at all times.
The burned house was occupied by a couple along with their daughter, her husband and their
three children. The daughter told Samoa News that their family was renovating the house and
they were almost done with the second floor.
The second floor was totally engulfed in flames and destroyed, while the first floor remains
standing, but the house is no longer habitable.
The home is located near a daycare center and across the street from the Origin Energy Tank
Farm. More than 30 firefighters responded to the call along with about 20 police officers, who
were all at the scene working together to stop the fire from spreading.
Another fire occurred on Friday evening, this time in Atu’u — across from the Samoa Tuna
Processors plant (old COS cannery). The fire engulfed the building, burning it to the ground
despite efforts by the Fire Bureau. There are no reported fatalities or injuries from the incident.
(See front page of Saturday’s Toasavili for photo of fire)
© OSini FAlEAtASi inC. RESERvES All RiGhtS.
dba Samoa News is published Monday through Saturday, except for some local & federal holidays.
Please send correspondences to: OF, dba Samoa News, Box 909, Pago Pago, Am. Samoa 96799.
Contact us by Telephone at (684) 633-5599
Contact us by Fax at (684) 633-4864
Contact us by Email at samoanews@samoatelco.com
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 Publisher at the address provided above.

samoa news, Monday, February 4, 2013 Page 5

Page 6 samoa news, Monday, February 4, 2013
Sadie’S by the Sea
in conjunction with Samoa
muSicianS aSSociation (Sma)
PreSentS live on Stage
Extravaganza
“tama matua o le muSika”
“oldieS but goodieS”
a night to honor and
celebrate the local muSic
veteranS & their talentS!
Performing LiVe on
Valentine’s Day
thursDay Feb. 14
bring your loved oneS &
enjoy the gift of muSic!
free ADmiSSion
donationS welcomed
SPeciAL APPeArAnce:
fonoti doug jeSSoP
tofaeono vic williamS
vaitoa hanS langkilde
taulaPaPa harry miller
PluS: recording artiStS….
mary anderSon
chico Sioleo PoueSi
…& many, many more!
our reguLAr menu PLuS
Valentines special!!!!
Rooms 4 loVeRs…$98)
A joint Welcome Home for returning students and a Tofa for their student guests was recently
hosted for Rotary’s Pacific Australian Exchange Students by the Butler family, who held the event
at Tokyo Sashimi Restaurant. Liam Bellette was bid a fond farewell after coming to American
Samoa under a cultural exchange program with Rotary Clubs in Australia, wherein Liam lived
with the Manila family for four weeks. They also welcomed home the two students from American
Samoa who traveled to Australia as part of the student exchange — Koroseta Butler and Nicholas
Manila. Rotary President Jaqueline Young (standing, far right) represented the Rotary Club of
Pago Pago at the event. [courtesy photo]
by B. Chen and Fili Sagapolutele
Samoa News Correspondents
SENaTE
faLETagOa’i TuiOLEMOTu SELEcTEd
aS LEaLaTaua cOuNTy SENaTOR
Two days after the High Court declared
Lealataua County senatorial seat vacant, the
county council’s traditional leaders have again
selected Faletagoa’i I. Tuiolemotu to the territorial
Senate.
A county meeting was held Thursday evening
in Se’etaga village to again select a senator
and the meeting didn’t take long before the final
decision “was again made” that Faletagoa’i is
the senator for the next four years, according to
eyewitnesses who attended the gathering.
Witnesses say traditional chiefs of the county’s
two subdivisions, Tapuaiga and Samatua,
were well represented at the meeting, where
Faletogo Taliloa addressed the gathering about
past issues and concluded with his blessings
offered to Faletagoa’i as the county’s senator.
Faletogo filed a complaint in court last
December claiming that he was duly selected
during a Dec. 8 county meeting and requested
that the court invalidate the county’s selection
of Faletagoai, who was sworn into office on
Jan. 3 this year, along with the rest of the new
senators for the current Legislature.
However, the court ruled that the Lealataua
County seat was still vacant and returned the
matter back to county council traditional leaders
for final resolution.
Lealataua’s decision is now going through
the usual process of having it certified by the
county chief, or fa’alupega — in accordance
with the constitution — and then transmited to
the Office of Samoan Affairs, with the proper
documents and certification. They are then submitted
to the Senate President’s Office.
See last Friday’s edition of Samoa News for
more details of the court’s decision.
(The original Samoan version of this story
was published in the Samoa News weekend edition
of To’asavili.)
HOuSE
POLicE aNd PaRTNERSHiPS
Rep. Taotasi Archie Soliai says the number
of robberies and burglaries have increased and
often occur in the Nu’uuli and Tualauta areas,
and he has asked DPS Commissioner Haleck if
the police are willing to work hand in hand with
the village police and other community partner-
ships to combat the situation.
Haleck said this is definitely something he
supports but added that they do have limited
resources and he wants the community to police
their own villages, protect their livelihood and
properties, and help the police do their work.
Taotasi said DPS should work with the
Criminal Justice Planning Agency to gather
resources. He said enforcement will be more
effective if DPS facilitates them.
dOC ISSuES
Vice Speaker I’aulualo Faafetai Talia told
Department of Commerce director Keniseli
Lafaele during his confirmation hearing last
week that submitting DOC issued economic
reports to the Fono, whether it be quarterly,
semi-annually, or annually would make it easier
for policy making with regards to the economic
development of the territory. He said it appears
the only time the government moves in to help
small businesses is when grant money comes in.
In response to Rep. Faimealelei Allen’s
question about what changes he has in mind
for DOC, Lafaele said the first thing he’d do is
review the qualifications of the personnel and
try to stick people in areas where their expertise
can be better utilized.
He said some people can’t perform because
they are doing unfamiliar work.
Rep. Fagasoaia Lealaitafea advised Lafaele
not to make any big changes until he first looks
at his employees’ performance, saying if people
are doing their jobs right and diligently, even
though they lack the qualifications, they should
be left alone.
I’aulualo said the territory is a small place and
the business license process is “very tedious.”
He urged Lafaele to find ways to make the process
easier. When the same issue was raised in
the Senate, Lafaele told senators that DOC is
working on finalizing a proposal that will go to
the governor for review and then be transmitted
to the Fono for consideration, which will cut
down waiting time.
dPS QuaRTERLy REPORTS
Rep. Taotasi reminded the DPS Commissioner
that they need to turn in their quarterly
performance reports, as all departments are
mandated to turn these in to the Fono. He said
this is a ‘good tool’ for lawmakers so they can
be up-to-date with how each department is
doing throughout the year.
(Continued on page 16)

y Joyetter
Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu
Samoa News Reporter
uNcLE aRRESTEd ON
RAPE CHARGES OF HIS
13-yEaR- OLd NiEcE
The pregnancy of a 13-yearold
female from Fagaalu last year
has resulted in an arrest, with
charges filed against her father’s
brother. Samoa News is withholding
the name of the defendant
to protect the identity of the
victim. The victim has since given
birth. The 20-year-old defendant
is facing charges of rape, deviate
sexual assault, incest, sexual
abuse first degree, and endangering
the welfare of a child.
Rape, incest and sexual abuse
charges are class D felonies punishable
from 5 to 15 years in jail;
deviate sexual assault is a class
C felony which carries a jail
term of up to 7 years, a fine of
up to $5,000 or both; and child
endangerment is a misdemeanor
punishable by up to a year in jail,
a fine of up to $1,000 or both.
The incident was reported to
the police by the victim’s mother
on Jan. 28, 2013. According
to the government’s case, the
defendant and the victim were
both called in to the police station
for questioning.
The police asked the victim
who fathered the baby. She initially
said it was a Manu’a man.
However, when police asked her
again, the victim started crying
and said that around September
or October 2011 the defendant
started touching her inappropriately,
and that’s when they
started having sexual intercourse.
The girl told police that she lost
her virginity to her uncle.
According to court filings,
the girl claims they had sex 15
to 20 times between September
2011 and February 2012, and it
was then she found out she was
pregnant. She further told police
that her uncle did not have sex
with her after that, until she
gave birth in August, 2012.
Police spoke to the uncle,
but he refused to make a statement,
until he was booked, then
he informed the police that he
wished to make a statement,
according to court filings. The
uncle told the police that around
September 2011 he started
touching the victim inappropriately
and started developing
intimate feelings for his niece.
Court filings say the defendant
told the investigating officer
that in Sept. 2011 he went into
the victim’s room where she was
sleeping and forced her to have
intercourse with him. The defendant
said he had sex with his niece
on several occasions between
Sept. 2011 and Feb. 2012.
He said when she was pregnant
he started avoiding her, but
had sexual intercourse with her
again in August 2010, for the
last time, after she gave birth.
The defendant who’s held on
bail of $50,000 was arraigned
in the High Court yesterday
morning where he denied the
charges against him. Acting
Public Defender Douglas Fiaui is
representing the defendant in this
case while prosecuting is Deputy
Attorney General Mitzie Jessop.
TWO MEN cHaRgEd
iN aSSauLT caSE
Sealiitu Mauga and Bogdaw
Tuiletufuga are facing felony
charges after an incident that
occurred in Fatu ma Futi on Jan.
20, 2013. Mauga is charged with
second degree assault and property
damage while Tuiletufuga is
facing two counts of second degree
assault. Both had bail set at $5,000.
Both defendants are represented
by the Public Defender’s
office while prosecuting is Assistant
Attorney General Kimberly
Hyde. According to the government’s
case a woman, in an
attempt to stop a fight between
Tuiletufuga and another man
during a drinking session, was
hit on the head with a flashlight
allegedly thrown by Tuiletufuga.
The woman is the sister of
Mauga. The government claims
the woman suffered bruises,
swelling and substantial pain,
as well as a cut on her head that
required eight stitches.
Court filings say, Mauga then
struck Tuiletufuga on the head
with a beer bottle and punched
him on the face and body with
his fists. Tuiletufuga sustained
two lacerations on his head, a
fractured finger, bruises and substantial
pain. It’s alleged Mauga
also struck Tuiletufuga’s vehicle
with a shovel, leaving damages
that were estimated at $3,856.
The pair will be in High
Court today for their arraignment.
Last week they both
waived their rights to a preliminary
examination before District
Court Judge John Ward.
MAN CHARGEd
fOLLOWiNg aLLEgEd
dOMESTic diSPuTE
The government has charged
a man following a family dispute
with two counts of public peace
disturbance, two counts of third
degree assault for domestic violence
and two counts of third
degree assault. The defendant,
whose named has been held to
protect the identity of the victim,
is held on bail of $1,000. He’s
represented by Asst. Public
Defender Karen Shelley while
Asst. Attorney General Lornalei
Meredith is prosecuting this case.
According to the government’s
case, on Christmas day
last year police responded to
a call in the village of Petesa
regarding a family dispute.
Court filings say the first incident
occurred on Dec. 24, 2012
where the defendant got into a
verbal argument with his wife
and slapped her three times in
the presence of their children.
It’s alleged the children were
crying because their parents were
fighting, and the sister-in-law
attempted to take the defendant’s
daughter away, but the defendant
grabbed his sister-in-law by the
hand and twisted her arm.
It’s alleged the following
day, which was Christmas Day,
the defendant was in the middle
of the road in an attempt to block
the road while his father-in-law
and sister-in-law were in the
car. Court filings say the defendant
was yelling at his father-inlaw
regarding the whereabouts
of his wife and children.
It’s alleged the defendant
slammed his father-in-law up
against the vehicle and when his
sister-in-law got out of the car
to help her father, the defendant
allegedly pulled her hair, then
he took off on foot. At the same
time the defendant was threatening
to kill his wife’s family
if they didn’t tell him where his
wife and kids are.
samoa news, Monday, February 4, 2013 Page 7
Lifeline
Low Income Program for wireless service
is available at Bluesky. You may be eligible.
LIFELINE program provides low-income consumers
affordable telephone service through federal
assistance for basic local telephone service.
Lifeline is a federal government benefit program
and only qualified persons may participate. Lifeline
service may not be transferred to any other individual.
Applicants must present documentation of household
income or participation in qualifying programs.
Lifeline is only available for one phone line
per household, whether landline or wireless
Fesoasoani Mo Feso’otaiga I Telefoni Feavea’i
O lo’o iai le avanoa e fa’atalosaga ai ile Bluesky le
fesoasoani mai le polokalama ole Lifeline mo feso’otaiga
i telefoni feavea’i.
Afio mai ile Bluesky e fa’atumu le pepa talosaga e fa’asavali
ma fa’amaoni pe e te agava’a. O le Lifeline ole polokalame
a le feterale (federal program) e maua ai e tagata agava’a
tupe fesoasoani i masina uma mo pili o feso’otaiga i telefoni
feavea’i.
Please visit our Retail Store at Laufou Center for more information
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to A.S.C.A. § 37.1105, that ANZ-Amerika Samoa Bank,
intends to foreclose on that certain mortgage, recorded in the Office of the Territorial Registrar o n
February 20, 2003, in Volume No. LT 6 p. 719-720, and that the property subject to the mortgage will
be sold at a public auction.
Property to be Sold: All of the mortgagor’s interest in that certain parcel of land, structures and
improvements on that certain parcel of real property situated in the village of Vaitogi, County of
Tualauta, American Samoa, Land Square 31, Unit C, more particularly described as follows:
All that certain real property situated in the Village of Vaitogi, County of Tualauta, Island of Tut uila,
American Samoa, being a portion of land called “Aloipiu” together with all tenements, hereditament and
appurtenances thereto belonging and all rights, title, interest, if any of Grantor in and to any str eets,
roads, pathways and easements abutting the premises, said premises being more fully described as
follows:
Beginning at the southeast corner, of this lot, the coordinates of said being X=
237804.02 and Y=275652.09 referenced to the American Samoa Survey Datum of
1962. Run thence on azimuth 273 ° 01’ 06”, 110.0 feet to a point, thence on
azimuth 02 ° 17’ 02”, 99.0 feet to a point; thence on azimuth 93 ° 01’ 06”, 110.0 feet
to a point, thence on azimuth 182 ° 17’ 05” 99.0 feet to the point of beginning.
Containing an area of 0.25 acres more or less.
Date of Sale: The foreclosure is scheduled will take place on February 27, 2013 , at 10 a.m. at the
property unless postponed by public announcement.
Minimum Bid: $150,000.00 plus accrued interest to the date of sale, attorney’s fees and all costs.
Seller reserves the right to reject any and all offers.
Property Description: This property is individually owned land.
Contact: Attorney Billie L. Evans III, at the Ashley & Associates, P.C., phone number 684-699-5115.

Page 8 samoa news, Monday, February 4, 2013
The American Samoa Community College Glee Club Band ‘aka’ Last Minute Crew (LMC),
took time out Friday evening for a photo opportunity, while performing at the Dept. of Commerce’s
‘First Friday’ at the Fagatogo Market Place. They were performing island tunes for the
crowd that gathered there for the second First Friday of 2013. [photo: Jeff Hayner]
Compiled by Samoa News staff
TaX fiLiNg SEaSON uNdERWay
The Tax Office is already busy processing tax
returns filed for tax year 2012 and the Tax Office
staff is assisting the public with preparing their tax
returns, free of charge, for single filing under the
simple tax form. “We have already accepted filing
of tax returns and are now being processed,” said
Tax Office manager Melvin Joseph, who added
that there are about 20 plus tax payers showing up
at a time to prepare taxes and file returns.
“No major long lines, because it’s early on —
so it’s best to come soon to file your tax when
the W-2 form is received from your employer,”
Joseph told Samoa News in a phone interview.
As required by law, Jan. 31 is the official deadline
for employers to provide W-2 tax returns for
employees. For the two major employers in the
territory, ASG released the W-2s this week while
the cannery released theirs sometime last week.
All tax forms and instructions are available at
the Tax Office on the first floor of the A.P. Lutali
Executive Office Building in Utulei and Joseph
said it’s the same tax table from the previous year
since there were no recent changes in tax laws
affecting tax year 2012.
Joseph stressed that taxpayers need to have
all the necessary information before they file, to
ensure there are no delays in processing their tax
returns. Examples include making sure the information
on the tax return is accurate, having your
social security number right and bringing it with
you when file. Have your W-2 form ready — and
if you have a part time job, make sure all W-2
forms are included for filing. In other words, if
you have more than one job, you must file all the
W-2s at one time, not separately.
“It’s very important that a tax filer has all the
data before filing,” said Joseph.
aMERicaN SaMOa iNcLudEd iN
NEW ZEaLaNd TRaVEL BROcHuRE
A travel wholesale company in New Zealand
has included for the first time in its brochures the
territory of American Samoa as a holiday destination
in the South Pacific. The American Samoa
Visitor’s Bureau said in its monthly e-Newsletter
dated Jan. 28 that Go Holidays has included the
territory in the 2013-2014 brochure.
Visitor’s Bureau executive director, David
Vaeafe said the inclusion in such brochures was
part of the agency’s strategy to partner with key
international travel trade industry members to
promote and sell our destination. Last year, a Go
Holidays representative visited American Samoa
as a group of seven New Zealand travel whole-
salers and from that visit, the Visitor’s Bureau has
been able to negotiate the inclusion of American
Samoa into their Samoa product.
Vaeafe says Go Holidays saw the potential
the territory had as a destination and with close
proximity to Samoa, travelers have the option of
combining the two destinations into one holiday.
Am. Samoa’s inclusion in the brochure features
a general introduction page with travel tips,
map and sightseeing section featuring tour options
with local industry businesses as well as accommodation
options, according to the e-Newsletter.
Go Holidays distributes its brochures and promotes
its destinations through a number of retail
travel agencies throughout New Zealand and
as a subsidiary of the Stella Group, other travel
companies owned by Stella worldwide also have
access to the rates and products offered, which
they can also sell to their clients.
faLEOMaVaEga aSSigNEd TO SuBcOMMiTTEES
ON NaT. RESOuRcES
Congressman Faleomavaega Eni has been
assigned to the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife,
Ocean and Insular Affairs and the Subcommittee
on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs by
the U.S. House Democratic Caucus of the House
Committee on Natural Resources.The Committee
on Natural Resources consists of 26 Republicans
and 21 Democrats.
The Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife,
Ocean and Insular Affairs has jurisdiction on all
issues pertaining to our Insular Areas, including
Compact countries, as well as fisheries and wildlife
resources. This includes oversight on the budgets
for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the
Office of Insular Affairs within the U.S. Department
of Interior, as well as the National Marine
Fisheries Service and the specific programs under
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
within the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native
Affairs oversees all matters relating to Native Americans
and Alaska Natives. This includes federal
policy on tribal recognition, natural resources management
on Indian reservation, and all budgetary
requests for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and other
offices and agencies that have functions relating to
Native American and Alaska Native affairs.
“Given the national debt crisis our nation faces
today, there will be much work to do concerning
the priorities and funding for the U.S. Department
of Interior,” Faleomavaega said. “This includes
the funding for the Territories and possibly the
merging of agencies as part of President Obama’s
consolidation plan for the federal government.”
W. House photo
shows Obama
skeet shooting
WASHINGTON (AP) — Two days before President Barack
Obama’s first trip outside Washington to promote his gun-control
proposals, the White House tried Saturday to settle a brewing mystery
by releasing a photo to back his claim to be a skeet shooter.
Obama had set inquiring minds spinning when, in an interview
with The New Republic magazine, he answered “yes” when asked
if he had ever fired a gun. The admission came as a surprise to many.
“Yes, in fact, up at Camp David, we do skeet shooting all the
time,” Obama said in the interview released last weekend, referring
to the official presidential retreat in rural Maryland, which he
last visited in October while campaigning for re-election. Asked
whether the entire family participates, the president said: “Not the
girls, but oftentimes guests of mine go up there.”
Obama never mentioned skeet shooting prior to that interview.
The White House photo released Saturday is dated Aug. 4,
2012. The caption says Obama is shooting clay targets on the
range at Camp David. Obama is seen holding a gun against his
left shoulder, his left index finger on the trigger and smoke coming
from the barrel. He is wearing jeans, a dark blue, short-sleeved
polo shirt, sunglasses and earmuffs.
The National Rifle Association, which has rejected Obama’s proposals,
scoffed at the photo. “One picture does not erase a lifetime
of supporting every gun ban and every gun-control scheme imaginable,”
said Andrew Arulanandam, the organization’s spokesman.
The NRA opposes Obama’s call for Congress to ban assault
weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines and says
requiring background checks for all gun purchases would be ineffective
because the administration isn’t doing enough to enforce
existing gun laws. Asked at Monday’s press briefing how frequently
Obama shoots skeet and whether photos existed, White
House press secretary Jay Carney said he didn’t know how often.
Pictures may exist, he said, but he hadn’t seen any.
“Why haven’t we heard about it before?” Carney was asked.
“Because when he goes to Camp David, he goes to spend time
with his family and friends and relax, not to produce photographs,”
Carney said. Obama is accompanied almost everywhere by at
least one White House photographer. Carney declined to comment
on the decision to release the photo, which he had announced on
Twitter. The release appeared to be part of a strategy to portray
Obama as sympathetic to gun owners and opponents of his guncontrol
measures who argue the proposals would infringe on an
individual’s Second Amendment right to bear arms.
A top official with the National Skeet Shooting Association said
the photo suggests Obama is a novice shooter.
“This isn’t something he’s done very often because of how he’s
standing, how he has the gun mounted,” said Michael Hampton,
executive director of the San Antonio-based association.
Hampton said Obama’s remark about “skeet shooting all the
time” and the White House photo would have met less skepticism
had the president spoken about his hobby months before this new
debate over guns in the U.S. “Once it becomes controversial and
there’s problems, to talk about it then, that’s where it becomes very
debatable and is not being received as well as if he would have
done this six months ago,” Hampton said.
In interview, appearing in The New Republic’s Feb. 11 issue,
Obama said gun-control advocates should be better listeners in the
debate over firearms, which was sparked by the December killing
of elementary school pupils in Connecticut. He also declared his
deep respect for the long tradition of hunting in this country.
“I have a profound respect for the traditions of hunting that trace
back in this country for generations. And I think those who dismiss
that out of hand make a big mistake,” Obama said. “Part of being
able to move this forward is understanding the reality of guns in
urban areas are very different from the realities of guns in rural
areas. And if you grew up and your dad gave you a hunting rifle
when you were 10, and you went out and spent the day with him
and your uncles, and that became part of your family’s traditions,
you can see why you’d be pretty protective of that.”
“So it’s trying to bridge those gaps that I think is going to be part
of the biggest task over the next several months. And that means
that advocates of gun control have to do a little more listening than
they do sometimes,” Obama said.
His gun control measures also have met resistance on Capitol Hill.
In Minneapolis on Monday, Obama plans to make remarks and discuss
his proposals with local and law enforcement officials during a
stop at the police department’s special operations center. He’s also
expected to hear from community members about their experiences
with gun violence. Obama announced his proposals in mid-January,
about a month after the Dec. 14 shooting deaths of 20 children and
six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
C M
Y K
C M
Y K

C M
Y K
C M
Y K
Iraq War vet is charged
in shooting of ex-SEAL
STEPHENVILLE, Texas (AP) — An Iraq War veteran
charged with murdering former Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle
and a friend turned a gun on the pair while they were at a Texas
shooting range, authorities said Sunday.
Eddie Ray Routh, of Lancaster, was arraigned early Sunday in the
deaths of Kyle, who wrote the best-selling book “American Sniper,”
and Chad Littlefield, 35. They were killed at a shooting range at
Rough Creek Lodge, about 50 miles southwest of Fort Worth.
Travis Cox, the director of a nonprofit Kyle helped found, told
The Associated Press on Sunday that Kyle, 38, and Littlefield had
taken Routh to the range to try to help him. Littlefield was Kyle’s
neighbor and “workout buddy,” Cox said.
“What I know is Chris and a gentleman — great guy, I knew
him well, Chad Littlefield — took a veteran out shooting who was
struggling with PTSD to try to assist him, try to help him, try to,
you know, give him a helping hand, and he turned the gun on both
of them, killing them,” Cox said.
Capt. Jason Upshaw with the Erath County Sheriff’s Office
said Routh had not made any comments that might indicate a
motive. “I don’t know that we’ll ever know. He’s the only one
that knows that,” Upshaw said.
Sheriff Tommy Bryant said Routh was unemployed and “may
have been suffering from some type of mental illness from being
in the military himself.” Bryant didn’t know whether Routh was
on any medication or had been diagnosed with post-traumatic
stress disorder. Routh was being held on one charge of capital
murder and two charges of murder.
Upshaw said officials believe Routh used a semi-automatic
handgun, which authorities later found at his home. Upshaw said
ballistics tests weren’t complete Sunday, but authorities believe it
was the gun used in the shootings. Upshaw declined to give any
more details about the gun. The U.S. military confirmed Sunday
that Routh was a corporal in the Marines, serving in active duty
from 2006 to 2010. He was deployed to Iraq in 2007 and Haiti in
2010. His current duty status is listed as reserve.
Routh is being held on $3 million bond. Bryant said he believed
Routh was in the process of seeking a public defender.
A knock on the door at Routh’s last known address went unanswered
Sunday. A for-sale sign was in front of the small, woodframed
home. Kyle’s best-selling book, “American Sniper: The
Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History,”
detailed his 150-plus kills of insurgents from 1999 to 2009.
Kyle said in his book that Iraqi insurgents had put a bounty on his
head. According to promotional information from book publisher
William Morrow, Kyle deployed to Iraq four times.
Bryant said Kyle, Littlefield and Routh went to the shooting
range around 3:15 p.m. Saturday. A hunting guide at Rough Creek
Lodge came across the bodies of Kyle and Littlefield around 5
p.m. and called 911. Upshaw said autopsies were still pending
and he could not say how many times the men were shot or where
on their bodies they were hit.
After the shootings, Routh left the shooting range in Kyle’s
black pickup truck, Bryant said, first going to his sister’s home in
Midlothian, about 25 miles southwest of Dallas, where he told her
and her husband what he had done. Routh left, Bryant said, and
the couple called local police.
Routh arrived at his home in Lancaster, about 17 miles southeast
of Dallas, at about 8 p.m. Police arrested him after a brief
pursuit. Kyle’s nonprofit, FITCO Cares, provides at-home fitness
equipment for emotionally and physically wounded veterans.
“Chris was literally the type of guy, if you were a veteran and
needed help, he’d help you,” said Cox, the director of FITCO
Cares. Cox described Littlefield as a gentle, kind-hearted man
who often called or emailed him with ideas for events or fundraisers
to help veterans. He said he was married and had children.
“It was just two great guys, with Chad and Chris trying to help
out a veteran in need and making time out of their day to help
him. And to give him a hand. And unfortunately this thing happened,”
Cox said.
Bryant expressed a similar understanding of the situation. The
sheriff said Routh’s mother “may have reached out to Mr. Kyle to
try to help her son.” “We kind of have an idea that maybe that’s
why they were at the range for some type of therapy that Mr.
Kyle assists people with. And I don’t know if it’s called shooting
therapy, I don’t have any idea,” Bryant said.
Lt. Cmdr. Rorke Denver, who served with Kyle on SEAL
Team 3 in Iraq in 2006, called Kyle a champion of the modern
battlefield. Denver wasn’t surprised that Kyle apparently used a
shooting range to help someone with PTSD.
“For us, for warriors, that’s a skill set that has become very
familiar, very comfortable for us,” said Denver, a lieutenant commander
in a reserve SEAL team. His book “Damn Few,” about
training SEALs, will be released this month. “So I actually see it
as kind of a perfect use of Chris’ unique skill set and expertise of
which he has very few peers.”
Kyle is survived by his wife, Taya, and their two children, Cox
said.
Unbeatable Value in APIA
GRAB – A ­ Rooommmmm!!!
SPECIALS
INCLUSIVE OF BREAFAST & TAXES
USD$65 Single with Breakfast
USD$75 Double with Breakfast
USD$85 Triple with Breakfast
Complimentary Transfers – Fagali’i
Free Town Shuttle
Free In‐house Movies
Wireless Internet Rooms & Common Areas
Conference Rooms & Catering
Prepaid USD Pago
samoa news, Monday, February 4, 2013 Page 9
Faalavelave
BUSTER
USD$60 SGL/DBL
USD$75 TRPL
+ Uncle Tui’s Taxes
Call Hope►699‐8140
Pelene Store
Call Tiva►688‐7222
Kruse Leone
Prepaid USD Pago
Beyonce performs with Kelly Rowland, left, and Michelle Williams, right, of Destiny’s Child,
during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game between the San Francisco
49ers and the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Page 10 samoa news, Monday, February 4, 2013
Le Le Le
Lali
Lali
Susuga ia Tiotalaga John Kruse. [ata: AF]
Talia e le faamasinoga talosaga
a se toeaina 94 tausaga
tusia Ausage Fausia
Ua talia e le Faamasinoga Maualuga se talosaga na faaulu e se toeaina e 94 tausaga lea o lo
o tuuaia i lona faia o ni uiga mataga i se alo a se tasi o lana fanau, tauala atu i lana loia fautua o
Sharron Rancourt, ina ia aua nei aofia i le iloiloga a le faamasinoga molimau a le alualutoto o lo
o aafia i lenei mataupu.
O lo o tau saili pe na faapefea ona faatautaia le faatalatalanoaga o le teineititi, pe na tusa ai ma
ala o le tulafono.
E le o mafai ona faalauiloa le suafa o lenei tama matua, ona o le la fesootaiga ma le alualutoto
e 4 tausaga o lo o aafia i lenei mataupu.
O le mataupu lenei na alia’e mai i le amataga o le tausaga na tea nei.
O se tasi itu na manatu le faamasinoga e faamamafa ao sauni e iloilo le molimau a le teineititi
na aafia, pe talafeagai ona molimau lenei alualutoto i luma o le faamasinoga, ae po o fesili na
fesiligia ai o ia i le taimi o le faatalatalanoaina o lenei mataupu, na tonu ma gafatia i le malosi o
lona mafaufau ma lona iloa ua i ai.
Ina ua maea ona matamata alii faamasino i se ata sa pu’eina i le taimi na fesiligia ai lenei alualutoto,
na faaiuina ai e alii faamasino e faapea, o le teineititi ua matua laititi lava ma e le’i mau
gagana fo’i o ia ina ua fesiligia faafia e le leoleo ma lona tama i le fesili lava lea e tasi e faatatau
i le faalavelave sa tupu, ma ua lava lea faamaoniga i le laititi tele ma le le malamalama o lona
mafaufau.
Fai mai le faamasinoga, e foliga mai o le fesili ua aga’i sa’o atu “ia grandpa” ae galo ai ona
fesiligia le teineititi i le mafuaaga o le lavea o lona “itutinosa” i le taimi na taalo ai i luga o le
tuugamau a lona aiga.
I le aotelega la o le faaiuga a le faamasinoga, e tasi lava le autu o fesili na tuuina atu i le teineititi,
“pe sa tago grandpa ia te ia, ae o fea fo’i o ia na tago ai grandpa.”
Fai mai le faamasinoga, e tiga lava ona leai se tali a le teineititi i ni isi o taimi, ae sa faaauau
lava ona fesiligia o ia ma o ni isi o taimi e manino mai ai i le tali a lenei alual toto e ala i le “lulu
o lona ulu”, e le o malamalama lelei o ia i le mea o lo o fai.
O se tasi o itu na faamanino e le faamasinoga i lana faaiuga, o le siosiomaga na i ai le teineititi
i le taimi na fesiligia ai o ia e lona tama ma le leoleo, ona o ni isi o taimi e toeititi ai lava tagi o ia
ona o le auala na fesiligia ai o ia, e pei o le tala a lona tama sa fai i ai e faapea, “e le sasaina oe,”
pe afai ete tali i le fesili, ae o le isi foi taimi na fai i ai le leoleo e faapea, “afai e te tago e faasino
mai le vaega o oe na tago ai grandpa ona e alu loa lea i le fale,” o ni isi o nei uiga na taua e le
faamasinoga, o ni faiga tau faafefe i le teineititi.
O le afioga i le alii faamasino sili ia Michael Kruse na taulimaina lenei mataupu, i le lagolagosua
a afioga i alii faamasino lagolago ia Logoai Siaki ma Faamausili Faasua Poumele.
Fesootai mai i le tusitala ia ausage@samoanews.com
Silia miliona e le
toe maua pe a toe
tuu i lalo pili LBJ
tusia Ausage Fausia
E silia i le $1 miliona le tupe o le a le maua e le Falemai o
le LBJ i Fagaalu, pe afai ae faataunuu fuafuaga faataoto a le
kovana sili ma le faigamalo i le toe tuu i lalo o le totogi o ana
tautua, e pei ona saunoa i ai le afioga i le alii faipule ia Taotasi
Archie Soliai i luma o le maota o sui i le vaiaso ua tuana’i.
Na taua e Taotasi i lana saunoaga e faapea, o se fuafuaga taua
ua faalauiloa e le alii kovana ma lana faigamalo mo le falema’i, i
le taumafai lea e toe tuu pili o lo o totogi e le atunuu e vaai ai le
fomai i le tulaga tuai sa i ai muamua.
“E leai lava se taitai e le naunau e fai se mea sili mo le atunuu,
aemaise lava i nai aiga lima vaivai e le gafatia tulaga o pili a le
falemai, ma o fuafuaga ua faailoa e kovana Lolo ma lana faigamalo
ou te lagolagoina foi, o ni fuafuaga lelei ma talafeagai mo
le atunuu,” o le saunoaga lea a le alii faipule.
Ae ui i le tulaga lelei o lea fuafuaga mo le atunuu, na taua e
Taotasi e faapea, e tatau foi ona vaavaai toto’a le malo i aafiaga
e ono feagai ma le pulega o le falema’i pe afai ae toe tuu i lalo
totogi o tautua mo le atunuu.
“Ae afai o le finagalo lea o le kovana ia toe foi le totogi o
tautua i le tulaga tuai sa i ai mo ni isi o tautua a le falemai, o le
mea moni o le a feagai le pulega a le falema’i ma faafitauli tau
tupe, ma e tusa ma le $1.5 miliona le tupe o le a le mafai e le
falema’i ona maua pe afai e toe tuu i lalo totogi o ana tautua,
fuafua i luga o ripoti ua maea ona tuuina mai i le fono,” o le isi
lea saunoaga a le alii faipule.
O popolega o le alii faipule e pei ona ia faaleo i luma o le
maota, ne’i avea aafiaga e ono tulai mai i suiga ua fuafua le
faigamalo e faataunuu i le falemai, ma itu e alia’e mai ni isi o
faaletonu i tagata faigaluega poo ni isi foi o tautua a le falemai.
“O popolega o lo’u sui, ina ne’i avea aafiaga tau tupe e ono
feagai ma le falemai pe a faaitiitia totogi o ana tautua ma itu e
ono tulai mai ai ni isi o faaletonu e pei o le le lava o vailaau mo
togafitiga, po o le vaea foi lea o ni isi o tagata faigaluega ona ua
le ausia le tupe sa tatau ona maua,” o le saunoaga le a Taotasi.
Na faamanino e Taotasi i luma o le maota e faapea, soo se $1
lava e faaalu e le falema’i mo ana tautua, e toe faaluaina mai e le
feterale, lona uiga, o le tele o le tupe e faaalu e le falemai i ana
tautua mo le atunuu, o le tele foi lena o le tupe e toe faaluaina
mai e le feterale mo le falema’i.
E pei ona faalauiloa e kovana Lolo Matalasi Moliga i le
amataga o le masina na tea nei ina ua faalauiloa totino fou o le
Komiti Faafoe a le falemai ua ia tofia, o le a i ai ni isi o suiga i
tulaga o totogi o tautua a le falemai, peitai e lei faalauiloa mai le
taimi ma le aso e faamamaluina ai.
Ae na taua e ni isi o le atunuu, o se tulaga lelei mo i latou pe
afai ae toe tuu i lalo totogi o tautua a le falemai.
Pasia Tiotalaga John
Kruse e avea ma pule
Ofisa Oloa a le malo
tusia Ausage Fausia
E toa 14 faipule na lagolagoina le avea o Tiotalaga John
Kruse e fai ma Pulesili o le Ofisa o Oloa a le malo, ae to’alua
na tete’e i le latou palota, i le mae’a ai o se iloiloga sa faatautaia
e le Komiti o le Faagaioiga o le Malo, lea na taitaia e le
afioga i le alii faipule ia Faimealelei Anthony Allen.
O le toatele o faipule na maua avanoa e saunoa ai i le taimi
o le iloiloga, latou te le’i fesiligia ni fuafuaga a Tiotalaga e
tusa ai ma lona tauaveina o lenei galuega, ae na o viiviiga ma
le agaga faafetai faasaga i le kovana, i lona filifilia o lenei sui
e avea ma taitai o le isi lea Ofisa taua a le malo.
Ae sa fautuaina e ni isi o faipule Tiotalaga ina ia toe vaavaai
i le tautua lea sa masani ona tuuina atu i isi Ofisa ma Matagaluega
a le malo, i le sapalai o oloa mo a latou ofisa.
Na taua e le alii faipule ia Larry Sanitoa e faapea, sa manaia
lava le tautua lea a le Ofisa o Oloa a le malo, peitai na faafuasei
lava ona taofi ma latou le toe sapalaia ai oloa mo ofisa
o le malo.
Ae na taua e le alii faipule ia Taotasi Archie Soliai e faapea,
e i ai lona talitonuga e le o mulimulita’i le Ofisa i taiala o lo o
faatulaga mai i lalo o le tulafono e faafoe ai ana galuega, e pei
o le tatau lea ona latou sapalai atu oloa i ofisa o le malo peitai
ua latou te le toe faia lea tautua.
(Faaauau itulau 12)

Young Writers
samoa news, Monday, February 4, 2013 Page 11
Brought to you in the spirit of
community service by
CONTEST SOLAR INC.
Talofa Asaivao — K-5
Faleasao Elementary
“Untitled”
The ocean is blue and bright. I love to swim
with my mom and dad.
Cheyenne Uila — Level 1
Aua Elementary
“My Flower …”
My flower is beautiful. I put water in it to le
it grow. One day, I will let my mother help me to
grow more flowers.
Mariamareta Tuisea — Level 2
Afonotele Elementary
“A rAiny dAy”
A rainy day is cool.
We stay home from school.
We eat and drink and watch t.v.
We do nothing but sleep.
A rainy day is wet.
I like to play with my pets.
My pets Snam and Sid like to play in the rain.
Marcus Samia — Level 3
Mt. Alava Elementary
“BlUe Sky CArnivAl”
On the last Saturday of the year 2012, my
family went to the Blue Sky Carnival. It was held
in UtuleiBeach. There were lots of people enjoying
music, foods, and games. But the best thing
about the carnival was my family. My whole
family with my aunty and kids were enjoying
themselves with many performances that night.
The best part about the carnival is the fireworks.
I have never seen fireworks come to life. It was
the best feeling and a scary feeling at the same
time. It felt like we were under attack by terrorist.
That night at the carnival was the best night
out with my family.
Feagaiga F. Viliamu — Level 4
Manulele Tausala Elementary
“the owl”
I sat outside at night. I looked around and
I listened to a sound. Is the sound an owl? I
looked around. I didn’t see the owl. I held a
rock. I threw the rock. The owl flew away, but
he came back. I ran in the house. I was soooo
scared.
Jireh Misi — Level 6
Tafuna Elementary
“CyClone evAnS”
In the evening of December 12, 2012, Cyclone
Evans had struck our fellow island Upolu.
Cyclone Evans was so powerful, destructive,
and heartbreaking that it broke up houses and
it flooded the whole center andthe cars were
washed away. Cyclone Evans also made 12 innocent
people disappeared; they were missing from
their friends and families.
Cyclone Evans gave our fellow friends and
families a bad Christmas Eve, andChristmas Day.
It gave them misery and lost hope. While they
werehaving a bad Christmas and a bad New Year,
k5
1. Nova Naiuli, AFONO
2. Taina Mose, AUA
3. Talofa Asa, FALEASAO
4. Lusia Lauina, IAKINA ADVENTIST
5. Fa’aolataga Paulo, LEONE MIDKIFF
6. Foai Maileoi, LUPELELE
7. Judyrae Tuna, MANULELE TAUSALA
8. Eliza Savea, MATAFAO
9. Titiula Tuiasosopo, MT. ALAVA
10. Danju Dozon, PACIFIC HORIZONS
11. Filiga Tufa, SOUTH PACIFIC ACADEMY
level 1
1. Rosetta Maiava, AFONO
2. Cheyenne Uila, AUA
3. Aiga Asa, FALEASAO
4. Lorraine F., FITIUTA
5. Anisha Mataese, IAKINA ADVENTIST
6. Tracey Leapai, LAULI’I
7. Tristan Fui, LEONE MIDKIFF
8. Bernardina Tonga, LUPELELE
9. Rosan Ioane, MANULELE TAUSALA
10. Patricia Ta, MATAFAO
11. George Jr. Fa’auliuli, MATATULA
12. Uataliatoeoseaga Utumata, MA. ALAVA
13. Olivia Yoon, PACIFIC HORIZONS
14. Sydney Clemens, SPA
15. Tyrell Lui Tusina, TAFUNA ELEM.
level 2
1. Mariamareta Tuisea, AFONO
2. Thanksgiving Konelio, AUA
3. Toasamoa Tuialu’ulu’u, FALEASAO
4. Daphne Puni, IAKINA ADVENTIST
ASPA was so generous to start a donation to donate
to Samoa to make them feel they have hope.
No matter what the problem just keep walking
forward and don’t look back.
Cyclone Evans was so destructive it ruined
their airport at Faleolo, it tore their statues apart,
flooded the inside,and broke off the signs outside
at the parking lot. It also flooded villages like
Sigamoga, Lepea, Vaisigano, and Faleolo. Cyclone
Evans also destroyed plantations in Samoa.
It washed away plants and dirt into the sea and
also in the wharf.
Not only did Cyclone Evan affected the wildlife
resources; it gave animals nothing to eat but
dirt and debris. So for the past weeks, Samoa had
been staying strong and knowing that they have
hope, love and support from their neighboring
islands and also has been a great place for them.
Ira Lobetos — Level 7
St. Theresa School
“i AM who i AM”
I am who I am. That’s one thing I will carry
with me through the rest of my life. I’ll always
be that outgoing, funny, awkward, talkative, and
loud girl I’ve grown to be. I am who I am, and I
am never going to change for anyone.
Being yourself is one thing that makes you
perfect for who you are. Being true to who you
are is like being true to the person you are meant
to be. Changing yourself is like changing your
image. Some might like your new self, but most
people would prefer your old self that they have
grown to love.
Never change for anything or anyone. True
people that love you would accept you for who
you are. Be who you are and be proud. Nobody
can stop you from being you. In the future,
you’re going to look back at this and smile, knowing
how glad you were being yourself. Being who
you truly are will leave a huge impact in your life.
Hannah Sefo — Level 8
Fitiuta Elementary School
“we All MAke MiStAkeS”
My topic is, ‘we all make mistakes.’ The
question is,why do we make mistakes? Everyone
makes mistakes. Like me, I made a lot of
mistakes. These are the mistakes I see most of
the people do, especially the kids. Lying, fighting,
and especially they talk back to their parents.
Why do we lie? I think that the reason
why we lie to our teachers, older people, and
especially our parents is because I think we are
scared. We are scared to tell the truth because
we might think that our parents might spank
us. That’s why kids lie, it is because of what they
think might happen.
Second, is fighting. I see a lot of kids fighting.
Kids fight at school, their homes, and on the
streets. As for me, I think that kids fight because
they think they are stronger than others or they
are better than others. However, fighting doesn’t
make us smarter. All we get from fighting is
nothing. Fighting is not a good thing.
Finally, the last one is talking back to their
teachers and parents. Most of the kids talk back
to their parents. Some kids talk back to their
5. Lynn Fa’apale, LEONE MIDKIFF
6. Skykar Soli, LUPELELE
7. Alyssandra Tuiasosopo, MANULELE
8. Alyssa Forres, MANUMALO
9. Heavenly Tua’au, MATAFAO
10. Uelese Uelese, MATATULA
11. Uiesemaali’i To’omaga, MT. ALAVA
12. Justin Moors, PACIFIC HORIZONS
13. Angelina Diaz, SPA
14. Heleina Lees, ST. THERESA
level 3
1. Maselino Satama, AFONO
2. Junior Moemoe, AUA
3. Angelo Si’imalevai, FALEASAO
4. Keyee Toma, IAKINA
5. Xavior Leatualevao, LEONE MIDKIFF
6. Charistology Taofi, MANULELE
7. Kalista Koloi, MANUMALO
8. Geneieve Uti, MARIST ST. FRANCIS
9. Solinu’u Ugaitafa, MATAFAO
10. Laula’au Leuta, MATATULA
11. Marcus Samia, MT. ALAVA
12. Julius Laulu, PACIFIC HORIZONS
13. Armande Fruean, SPA
level 4
1. Fa’aolaina Puni, AFONO
2. Tilofaga Salatielu, AUA
3. Filigata Niuma’ana, FALEASAO
4. Cina S., FITIUTA
5. Elinah Liaina, IAKINA ADVENTIST
6. Daniel Aoao, LUPELELE
7. Feagaiga F. Viliamu, MANULELE
8. Sam Logoai, MANUMALO
9. Rosa Pereira, MARIST ST. FRANCIS
10. Melissa Chen Fu-Hsiang, MATAFAO
11. Matalin West, MT. ALAVA
12. Leilani Galea’i, PACIFIC HORIZONS
13. Elisapesi M. Kava, SPA
14. Ariel Regis, ST. THERESA
15. Tereise Alopopo, TAFUNA ELEM.
level 5
1. Fa’afitauli Ali’ilua, AFONO
2. Talatonu Lutu, AUA
3. Shania Mauga, FALEASAO
4. Lynette Ioane, FITIUTA
5. Janeen S. Muasau, IAKINA
6. Tilomai Tauiliili, LEONE MIDKIFF
7. Tupe Ulufaleilupe, LUPELELE
8. Logoai Paepule, MANULELE
9. Haley E. Foster, MARIST ST. FRANCIS
10. Dyson Moana, MATAFAO
11. Eliza A. Berondo, MATATULA
12. Craig West, MT. ALAVA
13. Tatiana Jackson, P. HORIZONS
14. Susanna L., SBA
15. Jane Faumuina, SPA
16. Nellie Lisala, TAFUNA ELEM.
level 6
1. Fenita So’otaga, AFONO
2. Arieta Tuilaepa, AUA
3. Faith Iosefa, FALEASAO
4. Melody Ve’e, FITIUTA
5. Nyilah Chowdhury, LEONE MIDKIFF
6. Toe Solaita, LUPELELE
7. Brenda Sulusulu, MANULELE
8. Hewlett A. Delara, MANUMALO
parents because they thing that they are smarter
and stronger than them. Most of all, they think
they know it all, and they are way ahead of their
parents. They think that the elders have limited
understanding of nowadays.
To conclude, sometimes we do things because
we wanted to show off, even though we know
they are wrong, but making mistakes is not a
good thing. Showing good manners and being
respectful is the most important thing we should
do. As one said, “do unto others and others will
do unto you”. Whatever you do will reveal what
kind of person you are.
Elyssa Lim — Level 11
Fa’asao Marist High School
“the vAlUe oF ACknowledging
wrongdoing
(SCArlet letter)”
You and your friend cheated on a final exam.
Your friend was caught and received a failing
grade for the test and class; however, he or she
did not mention your involvement. Should you
confess to it now?
If I cheated on a test and I wasn’t alone, I
wouldn’t turn in my best friend either. I would
take the failinggrade and I will hold my tongue.
Yes, I will feel irritated and even mad if my friend
didn’t say anything. But that will be up to her.
I’m not the one that will walk around with an
unclear conscience.
On the other hand, if I werethe one that
didn’t get caught, I would be the one holding the
guilt. It will always stay on my head for as long
as I live. So, if my best friend got caught and
didn’t tell on me, I would confess. It will not be
fair if she got caught and takes all the blame. She
is my best friend;I will never go against her. We
do things together. So if she cries, I cry; if she
laughs, I laugh; if she falls, I pick her up; if I fall,
she picks me up. We are, as a saying goes, “One
soul in two bodies”. Therefore, if she fails, I fail
with her. That’s what being best friends mean.
Being best friends does not mean we have
to do everything together. We are also individuals
and make our own decisions. So if I
wasn’tcaught, I would confess my involvement
in cheating. I would accept the failing grade
because this, I feel, is justice. It’s not fair if she
doesn’t pass and I do. Also, this will ease my conscience
and help me live a moral life. This will
also be a good lesson to learn that cheating leads
to nothing. If I did not confess, then my best
friend will hate me, my conscience will hate me,
and I will never forgive myself.
Allison Fitisone — Level 12
Tafuna High School
“enForCeMent oF
Age reStriCtionS on
SoCiAl networkS”
Social networking has become exceedingly
popular permitting people to be active digital
citizens. Adults and adolescents have been using
social networking sites for the purpose of connecting
with family and friends as well as keeping
updated with the world around them. Unfortu-
9. Fa’afetai Ah-Foon, MARIST ST. FRANCIS
10. Mu Wightman, MATAFAO
11. Cayelann Satele, MATATULA
12. Lydia Anoa’i, MT. ALAVA
13. Shane Ellis, PACIFIC HORIZONS
14. Christine Aguila, SAMOA BABTIST
15. Ma’ata Leha, SPA
16. John Quinn Lim, ST THERESA
17. Jireh Misi, TAFUNA ELEMENTARY
level 7
1. Laufau Alailefue, AFONO
2. Lydia Wang, AUA
3. Safaira Numera, FALEASAO
4. May Ve’e, FITIUTA
5. Julianne Mano, LAULI’I
6. Grace Sione, LUPELELE
7. Faleteine Fano, MANULELE TAUSALA
8. Catherine R. Bernabe, MANUMALO
9. Danielle Taiula, MATAFAO
10. Tapuitea M. Galea’i MATATULA
11. Mose Michael S., MT. ALAVA
12. Numi Ofoia, PACIIFC HORIZONS
13. Jaclyn Keil, SAMOA BAPTIST
14. Shobita Rajamohan, SPA
15. Ira Lobetos, ST. THERESA
level 8
1. Feiloa’i Thompson, AFONO
2. Victoria Tu’ugamusu, AUA
3. Patricia Penitito, FALEASAO
4. Hannah Sefo, FITIUTA
5. Filiga McFall, LEONE MIDKIFF
6. Lydia Fa’alogo, LUPELELE
7. Isis Kelly, MANULELE TAUSALA
nately, the popularity and attractiveness of using
these sites has extended to younger children
leading to many negative implications. While
using these sites, children are placing private and
or personal information on the Internet, which
is making them vulnerable and placing them at
a high risk of exposure to the jeopardies of the
Internet.
Under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection
Act, the use of social networks is limited to
people thirteen years or older. Despite this, there
is a high prevalence of children below the acceptable
age having social networking accounts. To
add to the matter, parents are assisting their children
who are clearly below the age requirement
in the development of their social networking
profiles. The opinion of majority of the public
is that violating this act is acceptable. I would
disagree in my perspective. I feel that we need to
accept this age regulations and abide by the laws.
Due to society’s lack of administration on
these age regulations, the younger children are or
will be in distress. They are at risk of acquiring addiction
to social networking as adults. Sometimes
they place valuable personal information on these
websites, which could potentially lead to identity
theft. Also, these websites contribute to certain
disturbing stalker tendencies. There is also the
possibility of horrendous cyber bullying. Social
networking also proves to be distracting to students
when it comes to schoolwork as the constant
urge to check their accounts builds. Overall, there
are numerous downsides to allowing younger
children to have access to this type of media.
One of the major problems that ispreventing
us from effectively dealing with this issue is the
lack of awareness of the COPPA. Most people
are unaware of the age restrictions on social
networks. It is of the utmost importance that we
urgently tackle this issue and bring about awareness
of these limitations. Another major problem
we face when dealing with this concern is the
ability of these children to fabricate information
pertaining to their ages. Websites state in
their terms and conditions that a person must be
thirteen or older to register, however, that does
not guarantee that it is mandatory to do so. It is
extremely common for children under the age of
thirteen to simply falsify their age and gain access
into these sites. Social networks need to modify
their registration processes to monitor children
belonging to younger age groups. This needs to
be done to ensure the safety of the children.
It is my understanding that social networking
is a common component of the everyday routine.
However, it shouldn’t be so common that children
who should not be allowed to be on it feel
the need to do so and feel that it is acceptable to
do so. There are undeniably many legitimate uses
for social networking sites. However, it is important
for us to keep in mind that not everyone uses
these websites for good intents and purposes. I
am sure that any sane parent would not want
their 12 year old daughter or their 8 year old
son to be exposing personal details on Facebook
or Myspace to strangers. With the perils of the
World Wide Web, it is imperative that we set our
foot down and work on enforcing the age restrictions
for social networking.
YOUNG WRITERS’ ESSAY COMPETITION 1/31/2013
8. Kirsten Joy Go, MANUMALO
9. Frantacia Tarangi, MARIST ST. FRANCIS
10. Mary Malubay, MATAFAO
11. Celestial Moetala, MATATULA
12. Melekuini Tialavea, MT. ALAVA
13. Leata Sili, PACIFIC HORIZONS
14. Manu Mase, SBA
15. Nina Vergara, SPA
16. Sophia Lim, ST. THERESA
level 9
1. Nicholette Tolmie, FA’ASAO-MARIST
2. Inny Mareko, FAGA’ITUA
3. Yeon Il Kim, PACIFIC HORIZONS
4. Alexa Montenegro, SPA
5. Blessing Mika, TAFUNA HIGH
level 10
1. Katielynn Hopkinson, F/MHS
2. Nathaniel Olo, FAGA’ITUA
3. Kyrstene Lin, PACIFIC HORIZONS
4. Taylor Jessop, SPA
5. Fa’amaoni A. Shaff-Ili, TAFUNA HIGH
level 11
1. Elyssa Lim, FA’ASAO-MARIST
2. Fiatuiga F. Ah-Fook, FAGA’ITUA
3. Steven Branz, PACIFIC HORIZONS
4. Lance I. Eustaquio, SPA
5. Neha Singh, TAFUNA HIGH
level 12
1. Alataua Fanene Jr., FA’ASAO-MARIST
2. Mellody Ah-Lam Parungo, FHS
3. Nyaz Addison, PACIFIC HORIZONS
4. Kolei Robinson, SOUTH PACIFIC ACA.
5. Allison Fitisone, TAFUNA HIGH

Page 12 samoa news, Monday, February 4, 2013
Se vaaiga i ni isi o alii talavou ao fesoasoani i alii Fuimu ma Leoleo i le tau tosoina o le fagaau e tape ai le afi lea na faatamaiaina le faleoloa o Te’o J. Fuavai
& Sons i Atuu i le afiafi o le Aso Faraile na te’a nei. [ata: AF]
tusia Ausage Fausia
SiLia $10,000 gaOi E SE TaMaiTai
Mai KaMuPaNi Na gaLuE ai
E silia i le $10,000 le aofai o le tupe lea ua
tuuaia e le malo le tamaitai o Stephania Sulusulu,
sa ia gaoia maia i le GHC Reid a’o faigaluega ai
o ia i se taimi o le 2010
I faamaumauga a le faamasinoga o lo o taua
ai e faapea, o lenei mataupu na alia’e mai ina ua
masalomia e se tasi o le aufaigaluega ni faaletonu
i galuega ma tiute tauave a le ua molia, ma mafua
ai loa ona faia i ai ni suesuega.
Na faamaonia i suesuega le fa’aaogaina e le
ua molia, ia siaki mai i isi kamupani e totogi ai a
latou pili, e pei o le siaki mai i le kamupani a le
North West lea na aumai e totogi ai le aitalafu a le
Cost-U-Less i le GHC. Ina ua amata ona manino
ni isi o tuuaiga faasaga ia Sulusulu, na faia ai loa
e se tasi o pule o le kamupani le faaiuga e faamalolo
le tumau o ia ae se’i faagasolo su’esu’ega e
faatatau i lenei lava mataupu.
I le aso lava lea ao le’i faia le faaiuga e faamalolo
le ua molia, na fesoasoani ai le ua molia i
se tagata faatau na alu atu e totogi faamaea sana
paleni e $104, peita’i ina ua faapaleni tupe maua
a le kamupani i le faaiuga o le aso, na maua ai o lo
o misi le $104, ae ina ua fesiligia le ua molia, sa
ia taua ai e faapea, o le $104 sa ia teuina i totonu o
lana ‘pusa toso’, ae taoto atu o le a ia toe fesootai
i le tagata na aumai ai le tupe, peitai na uma ane
lava na te le’i faia lava lea tulaga.
E fa aso talu ona faamalolo le tumau lea ua
molia mai le galuega ae malaga loa i Apia, e
aunoa ma lona faailoaina i le kamupani o lana
malaga. O le aso 30 o Novema 2010 na logoina
ai e se tasi o le aufaigaluega le tina a le ua molia
ma faailoa i ai, e tusa ma le $3,447.27 le tupe o
lo o masalomia na gaoi e le ua moliai, peitai ina
ua faaauau pea suesuega a le kamupani, na toe
manino ai, e $11,842.27 le aofaiga sa’o o le tupe
o lo o masalomia na gaoia e le ua molia.
I le aso 1 o Tesema 2010 e pei ona taua i faamaumauga
a le faamasinoga, na faaaoga ai e le ua
molia lana ‘Facebook’ e momoli atu ai sana tusi
faatoese i lona pule e tusa ai o le mea ua tupu,
Na saunoa foi Faipule, e sili atu ona
taugofie le tau o oloa pe afai e sapalai
e le Ofisa o Oloa a le malo, nai lo le
alu lava o le ofisa po o le matagaluega e
faatau mai ana ia oloa.
Na taua e Sanitoa e faapea, e i ai ni
isi o le atunuu sa o’o atu a latou faasea
ma lana talosaga e faamagalo o ia, ae tuu mai se
avanoa na te toe totogia ai le tupe sa ia gaoia.
Ina ua toe foi mai le ua molia mai Apia, sa
ia sainia se maliliega ma le kamupani mo le toe
totogia o le ta’i $500 i masina taitasi, peitai i le
va o Aperila 2011 ma Novema 2012, e na o le
$1,050 ua maea ona ia totogia.
Tuuaia SE aLi’i i LONa fa’aMaLO-
Sia O LE afafiNE a LONa uSO
O se alii e 20 tausaga lea o lo o tuuaia i lona
faamalosia o le afafine e 13 tausaga le matua a
lona lava uso, ma i’u ina ma’itaga ai le teineititi,
ua molia nei e le malo i luma o le faamasinoga
O moliaga mamafa e fa ua tuuaia ai e le malo
lenei alii, e aofi ai le mataifale, faiaiga faamalosi
ma se tama’ita’i, faaoolima mataga i se tamaitai,
atoa ai ma le tagofia o itutinosa o se tamaitai e le’i
faaipoipo i ai. I faamaumauga a le faamasinoga
o lo o taua ai e faapea, o le tina o le teineititi na
aafia ma failaina se tagi i le ofisa o leoleo.
Na pepelo le tamaitai na aafia i leoleo ina ua
ulua’i fesiligia o ia i lenei mataupu, ae ina ua
faaauau pea suesuega a leoleo, na tagi ai loa o
ia ma faamatala i leoleo e faapea, o le masina
o Oketopa 2011 na amata mai ai le amio a lona
‘uncle’ o le taumafai e tago i ona itutinosa ma o
le va o le masina o Setema 2011 ma Fepuari 2012
na la faiaiga ai ma lona ‘uncle’.
Na taua e le tamaitai na aafia i leoleo e faapea,
o le masina lava foi lea o Fepuari 2012 na ia iloa
ai ua ma’itaga, ae talu mai le taimi lea seia oo mai
ia Aokuso 2012 lea na fanau ai lana pepe, la te lei
toe momoe ai ma le ua molia.
Na musu le ua molia e talanoa i leoleo i le
uluai taimi na taofia ai o ia, peitai na i’u lava ina
malie e fai sana faamatalaga i leoleo ma sa ia
taua ai e faapea, o le masina o Setema 2011 na
amata mai ai ona ia taumafai e faailoa ona uiga
tu’inanau i le tamaitai na aafia, o le masina lava
foi lea na amata ai ona la momoe, ma e faatele
taimi na la momoe ai i le va o le masina o Setema
2011 seia oo atu i le masina o Fepuari 2012, ma
faamuta ai loa i le masina lava lea ina ua ia maua
le tala ua ma’itaga o ia, ona ia taumafai loa lea e
faatuatuana’i ia te ia.
➧ Pasia Tiotalaga John Kruse… Mai itulau 10
i le le faamaoni o ni isi o lona ofisa i
auala e tuu atu ai konekarate i ni isi o
pisinisi.
Na fesili Taotasi ia Tiotalaga i auala
na te taulimaina ai tulaga o konekarate
e tuu atu i pisinisi tua, pe le tulai mai ai
se feteenaiga i lea tulaga, aemaise ai foi
Tusia: Akenese Ilalio Zec
VaEga: 98
Malo le soifua, malo fo’i le onosa’i i faiva ma tiute o lo’o feagai
ai ma le mamalu o le atunu’u, ae alo maia, o le a toe fa’aauau atu
la tatou tala fa’asolo e pei ona masani ai. O lo’o fa’aauau pea le
asiasiga a Agelu a le Ali’i i totonu o le Maota Fono, ua fa’afofoga
ma le maofa Agelu i fetauiga lea o lo’o fai nei a toeai’ina lea o
lo’o avea ma Senatoa i totonu o le Maota Maualuga.
Na tau vaovao nei e le toeaina lea e ta maia le la’au i luga o lana
laulau ia le vesiga lea ua amata nei. Ae o le taimi lea, o lo’o vevela
atu fo’i finauga lea o lo’o avau atu i le Maota o Sui latou i mataupu e
pei ona fa’atula’i ai e sui usu fono o lo’o au ai i le Fono i lea aso. “O
le mea le na e leaga ai mea, o le fa’asusususu ma le fa’agutugutulua,
e te le tautala sa’o mai ae e lafi i tua o isi sui, na fa’atoa uma nei lava
ona ta talatalanoa ae o lea ua foliga mai ua ‘ese le itu lea e te tula’i
mai ai, na o le tagata e pala’ai toe leai se ‘ate, na te faia tulaga vaivai
ia, sau, ne i e fa’apea lava ou te talia oe i ni vai.”
Ua le masino le mau gaoioiga ua fai nei e le isi sui lea na tula’i
nei ma savali atu i le isi sui. Ua le mafai e le isi ona taofiofi, ua toe
titi lava pa’i lima a’o fofoga latou, e fai fai fofoga o le fafine failele
e le maua i upu nei ua lalau atu le tasi i le isi. “O le mea lea e leo tele
ai le sui lenei, leaga e tele lo’u itumalo toe tele le fatu, a’o oe, si ou
tama’i itumalo lava ma si ou mo’imo’i lava ae e te fia tama leaga,
sau la, e sili lava pe a fa’aaoga o ta lima e iloa ai po’o ai e malosi, a’o
ai o lo’o fealua’i solo i totonu o le Maota Fono lenei ma le ‘ate pili.”
Ua va’ai atu nei ma le maofa le Agelu a le Ali’i i faiga a
tamaloloa Samoa lea ua fai nei, e le fa’avalevale lava le isi, e tau
fai tutu mai i luga e taumafai ina ia fai le mea ua pito i sili ona
fa’avalevalea, ae tu’u ai mataupu lelei e manuia ai le atunu’u atoa.
Na fa’ate’ia le Agelu o lo’o avea ma o latou ta’ita’i i le va’ai
atu o mea masei mea ia o lo’o tutupu nei i totonu o le isi maota
lea a le Fono Faitulafono a Amerika Samoa. Na i’u lava ina taso’o
mai le taina o le la’au a le Fofoga Fetalai i lea taimi, ua tutu atu
fo’i i luga isi sui ma ua taumafai e taofiofi.
Na fa’apea ane nei le musumusu a le Agelu ulavale i lona uso
Agelu lea o lo’o ta’ita’ia maia le latou malaga, “Uso, ta fefe i mea
o lo’o tutupu nei i totonu o le Maota Fono, fai mai fo’i o le Maota e
susu’e ai le tofa ma fetala’i ai le fa’autautaga loloto, a’o lea ua iloa
atu nei, se na o ata fa’aletonu lea e vili nei i totonu o le Fale Fono.”
Toe pese nei le Agelu ulavale ma fa’apea upu o lana pese, “O mai
tatou o, se i o tatou fa’alogologo i mataupu o lo’o fai nei i totonu o
le Maota Fono, e ofo ai lou loto. Ua moni ai le upu, na o e sa’ili se
manuia o le atunu’u, ae va’ai atu ua na o le ‘ai laulu…ua fiu e su’e
po’o fea o alu i ai le afu o le atunu’u, ae ua sola ma le isumu…..”
E faia pea…
o ia o se alii faipisinisi, e i ai foi lona
sootaga i ni isi o tagata faipisinisi i le
atunuu, ae na saunoa Tiotalaga e faapea,
ua maea ona i ai faiga faavae ma taiala e
faatautaia ai e le Ofisa tulaga e pei ona
fesiligia e le alii faipule, ma e le mafai
foi ona ia toe suia tulaga ia, aua o lo o
i ai lava tagata faigaluega ua uma ona
tofia e galulue i vaega taitasi nei.
Na faamanino e Tiotalaga i luma o
le komiti e faapea, o le faanaunauga o
Agelu A
le Ali’i
lo o ia te ia, o lona faatulai lea o ni faataitaiga
lelei mo le matagaluega, aua o
le taitai e avatu ai faataitaiga lelei i lana
aufaigaluega, o ia foi e faalagolago i ai
le lelei o le Ofisa ma lana tautua.
O le vaiaso nei lea ua faamoemoe e
iloilo ai tofiga a le kovana mo Tiotalaga
i luma o le Senate.
Fesootai mai i le tusitala ia
ausage@samoanews.com

Crime casts veil
over Philippines
image makeover
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Even by the usual standards in
the Philippines, where crime is an accepted part of life, the brazen
evening robbery of a jewelry store in one of the world’s largest
malls shocked residents of Manila.
Shoppers at the SM Megamall, which attracts up to a million
people a day, were forced to duck for cover as shots rang out. After
scooping up gold jewelry, police say the robbers intentionally
sparked panic by firing into the air, allowing them to mix in with
frightened customers running for the exits to make their escape.
The robbery carried out with seeming impunity a week ago,
along with one in another mall where the thieves exchanged fire
with security guards, have alarmed the police, worried the president
who is trying to boost the image of the country and left residents of
the Philippine capital feeling helpless. “You get a feeling of insecurity
because you never know what is going to happen to you,” said
Ces Afuang, a manager for an insurance company in Manila.
Security problems are not new to the Philippines — kidnappings
and bombings have plagued the south of the country for decades —
but the latest rash of violence comes as President Benigno Aquino
III tries to shore up foreign investments and restore Filipinos’ confidence
in their government.
The high-profile crimes resulted in morning radio shows poking
fun at the government’s tourism slogan “It’s more fun in the Philippines.”
The campaign was launched last year to show that the
Southeast Asian nation of 7,100 islands has left behind its old
image of a volatile, chaotic place. A record 4.3 million tourists visited
last year, with the government setting an ambitious target of 10
million arrivals by 2016.
Few crimes hit closer to home than those in malls, the place
where residents of the capital love to shop, eat and hang out.
Even though two of the robbers in the Megamall heist were
caught on security cameras, no arrests have been made. There
have also been no arrests in the fatal shooting a few days later
of a businessman who had just withdrawn money from a bank in
San Juan, one of sprawling Manila’s satellite cities. The following
day, motorcycle-riding men robbed a money transfer outlet in
Paranaque City, a middle-class neighborhood, then fired at a police
car to make their getaway, although no one was hurt.
“These criminals ... if they want to enter an establishment, they
can do so. The security guards are just standing there,” said bank
manager Enrico Santos. He added that when security is tightened
after an incident, it is usually temporary. “After a while, say a
month or two later, they go back. Security is lax.”
Santos said he worries about his family and has started sending
them messages telling them to stay away from certain places.
The government is aware of the problem and consequences for
the country’s image, but Interior Secretary Mar Roxas said there
are not enough police on the streets and intelligence gathering is
lacking. “I am, like everyone else, also alarmed that despite the
measures taken by the Philippine National Police, including checkpoints
and others, these criminals are trying to challenge the government,”
he said in a radio interview.
National police chief Alan Purisima said Aquino called him and
Roxas to a meeting last week and ordered them to step up the anticrime
campaign, specifically targeting armed robbers.
Aquino said earlier that the national crime volume had fallen
10 percent from 2011 and 2012, but expressed concern that it was
rising in the Philippine capital. According to the latest police data,
crime rates in Manila jumped 57 percent in the first half of 2012
from a year earlier.
The proliferation of firearms — police estimate there are up to
1 million unregistered weapons — have fueled violence and insurgencies
in the country for years despite calls from lawmakers and
pressure groups for tighter gun control. A dysfunctional justice
system with crowded jails and underpaid prosecutors and judges
has produced a massive backlog where a criminal trial can stretch
over six years or more.
Organized crime is a problem too, as is political corruption.
The unease about crime in Manila and whether the government
can get a handle on it comes ahead of congressional and provincial
elections in May. Philippine elections are usually passionate events
that are marred by violence. Authorities have declared a gun ban
and set up checkpoints to confiscate weapons carried in public.
The country’s top policeman, Purisima, who took charge of the
148,000-strong police force just more than a month ago, said among
the options considered were daytime checkpoints and sharing police
radio frequencies with private security guards and traffic authorities
to speed up police response times. At the same time, daytime
checkpoints could slow already notoriously sluggish traffic, he said.
He ordered security guards in malls to carry weapons and get
better training, to avoid being “sitting ducks” for armed robbers.
Stop!
samoa news, Monday, February 4, 2013 Page 13
A cornered off area containing knives, a hat and Taser wire outside Buckingham Palace in central
London after a man armed with two knives was stunned by police, Sunday Feb. 3, 2013. Scotland
Yard said the man, thought to be in his 50s, acted aggressively when challenged by police outside
the gates of the heavily touristed landmark on Sunday. Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince
Philip were at their country retreat, Sandringham Estate, at the time. (AP Photo/Jonathan Brady/PA)
Vai’s Flowers -N- Gifts
Location: Nu’uuli next to Matai’s Restaurant & Zeek’s Treat
VALENTINE FAVORITES: Let the Roses Speak for You!
SiEddie’s Special
#1 Three Top
3 Roses, Baby’s Breath, ferns packed with ti leaves, ribbon and
touch of white flowers, accesories & balloon
- $35.00
Vai’s Sweetheart
#2 Four Top
4 Roses, Baby’s Breath, ferns packed with ti leaves, ribbon &
touch of white flowers, accesories & balloon - $40.00
#3 Fou’s Specialty
“Fancy First Red South American Roses” arranged
with Baby’s Breath & accessories
$50.00 Half Dozen $75.00 Dozen
#4 Ed’s Valentine Special
“Fancy First Red South American Roses” set in a
med. clear vase with Baby’s Breath & accessories
$50.00 Half Dozen $90.00 Dozen
#5 Touch of Class
Dozen of Roses set in a large clear vase with Million
Stars, Ferns, accesories & balloon. - $100.00
Or say it with something sweet”
*Single Rose in Container or Small
Clear Vase with a candy treat & balloon:
$15.00
* Single Rose with Teddy Bear - $20.00
* Double Rose in a small clear vase
with accessories, balloon & candy treat:
$25.00
3 Roses with Accessories - $30.00
We also have gift baskets, candy grams, teddy
bears, Balloon Bouquets, Variety of Balloons
and other goodies for your sweetheart........
Get your money’s worth - from $5.00
to $100.00
Order now or come in and see us to avoid last
minute rush at 699-5073, 733-9464
email: vaisflowers@yahoo.com
Happy Valentines Day!
Valentines Raffle:
Any purchase from now until Wednesday,
February 13, 2013 at 12:00 noon qualifies
you to enter our raffle: Special Prizes:
3 $100.00 Gift Certificates give away.
Before YOU build that
beautiful NEW HOME
Make sure to treat your soil first for TERMITES.
Save and protect your home, call the experts…
Office Hrs. 9am to 2pm • (684) 633-0179

Page 14 samoa news, Monday, February 4, 2013
Is back or neck pain
getting you down?
Chiropractic Health Care
may be the answer to your wellness plan.
Call for an appointment to
see what chiropractic
health care can do for you.
Ask about our hair analysis
lab services to check your
status and further your
wellness program.
House Calls:
258-4252
Dr. DeWees
Palmer Graduate
F ind
a nything
y et?
Place an ad now!
633-5599
➧ Shipyard Services Authority Chairman…
Continued from page 1
with finding the 3 members, as they were not
present at the shipyard when his copy and the
originals were received.
Sanchez told Samoa News this means that
the three members had only only a half hour to
receive their letters and resign. He noted that he
was able to give the original letters/ memos to 2
of the 3 board members on the day after receipt,
as they attended the celebration.
In his memo dated Thursday, Jan. 31, Lolo
expressed his appreciation to the board members
for their service to the AS Shipyard Authority
and said their “contribution to the establishment
of the authority and its early successful operation
is noted with gratitude.”
However, the Governor added, “One of the
goals of my administration is to broaden the
membership of some of our boards and commissions
by increasing the number of appointments
from the private sector, and bringing in
other fresh voices on board.”
The three replaced board members were
ASG employees at the time of their appointments:
Tuiteleleapaga was the governor’s chief
legal counsel, Seui Jr. was the governor’s special
assistant, and Stevenson was the director of
the Dept. of Social Services.
Lolo, in his memo, went on to request the resignations
of the aforementioned board members,
effective immediately. He wanted the resignations
forwarded to him via facsimile or hand
delivery that same day. “If your resignation
is not received by the end of the business day
today, your service as Director will be terminated.”
Lolo said any Board-related records and
materials in their possession should be given to
the Shipyard Authority as soon as possible.
Last Friday, when the shipyard workers gathered
for the celebratory luncheon they received
the surprise announcement from Sanchez —
their leader for the past year and a half was
resigning from his post. Up until that moment,
no one knew of the decision.
Sanchez first congratulated the team for a
great job on the Cape Breton and the last several
boats that they worked to complete. He relayed
the appreciation of boat owners and industry
leaders for the accomplishments of the shipyard
workforce, and expressed his appreciation for
their commitment to reviving the shipyard and
all of their work that has now brought the shipyard
to where it is today.
Sanchez then announced that he has resigned
from the shipyard board effective immediately,
and that a resignation letter has been submitted
to the board of directors, with a separate one
delivered to Governor Lolo.
Sanchez explained that a memo from the
Governor, dated January 31, requested the resignation
of three board members. The memo
demanded resignations by the end of the same
day or they would automatically be removed.
An emotional Sanchez shared with the workers
that new leadership for the shipyard was forthcoming
and he did not want to give anyone an
opportunity to terminate him from this position
so he is gladly handing it over to the new administration.
He encouraged the workers to stay committed
and to find the very best in them, as that is
what is needed for the team to work.
Other board members who attended the luncheon
were David Robinson, Toetasi Tuiteleleapaga
and Motu Laau Seui, Jr.
Robinson spoke on behalf of the board members
who attended and thanked the workers
again for their commitment. He thanked Sanchez
for his vision and belief that the project
would work and credited him for the success of
the shipyard and his leadership that brought the
team together to revive the shipyard and also
regain the trust of the boat owners, which has
secured numerous dry dock and repair jobs for
the shipyard.
Robinson will stay on the board to ensure
transfer of responsibilities to the new board of
directors when they are appointed.
Mixed with shock and sadness, the workers
watched Sanchez struggle to deliver his farewell
message as he was overcome with emotion.
Sanchez ended the farewell with ‘his team’ by
shaking hands with every worker and thanking
them for their work and relationship. Workers
were visibly stunned by the announcement and
tears were seen on the faces of many.
In an interview with Samoa News, Sanchez
said he felt that the new administration had not
given any attention to the shipyard, and maybe
it’s because he was there. He said the shipyard
is an integral part of developing American
Samoa’s economy, and it needed to be prioritized.
Although the original board was very successful
in reviving the shipyard and securing a
line of boats for repairs, the treatment that was
received was one that was very disappointing
and left a sour feeling.
“I have never been fired before from a
project, and I saw how the three board members
were treated and felt that I was going to
be next, so I said to myself, I better quit before
they fire me, too, for whatever reason,” Sanchez
said. “In business, when you succeed, you are
rewarded. Here, you get fired.”
Without any ill feelings, Sanchez shared with
Samoa News that his departure will allow the
new administration to place someone that they
prefer at the helm of the shipyard. He thanked
former Gov. Togiola Tulafono for giving him
the trust and confidence to work on this venture,
and he said he is very proud of the shipyard
workers and staff.
“When many doubted that we could make
the shipyard work again, we proved everyone
wrong, and most of that credit goes directly to
the Samoan workforce at the shipyard,” Sanchez
said. He said he has received countless
thank yous and congratulations from many in
the community, and while he had taken the
credit, he is very aware of it only being possible
because of the work force. He added, those sentiments
of appreciation were more than sufficient
as compensation for the time and effort in
putting the shipyard project together.
Sanchez concluded his resignation letter to
Governor Lolo by “sincerely wishing him the
best of luck for the sake of the American Samoa
people, the ones that he promised to put first.”
BacKgROuNd
Through an executive order, former Gov.
Togiola Tulafono established the ASSSA in
May 2011. A five-member board of directors
for the management and operation of the
Ronald Reagan Marine Railways shipyard was
selected to govern the new government entity.
The new authority was also given jurisdiction
over the management and operation including
repairs of all government vessels, which had
been the responsibility of the Department of
Port Administration for many years.
BOaRd Of diREcTORS
A five-member board of directors are to
be appointed by the governor to govern the
Authority. At least two of the directors shall
be experienced in the management of shipyard
and/or sea going vessels, at least one shall have
a financial background, and at least one shall
have a legal background.
Board members are to serve terms of three
years but initial board members may serve terms
above three years in order to achieve staggered
terms. All subsequent appointments are for
3-year terms, or for the unexpired portion of a
term. The governor shall fill vacancies caused by
death, resignation, or removal for cause. Incumbents
may continue to serve after the expiration
of a term until a successor is appointed.
There is no mention in the executive order if
these board members are subject to Fono confirmation,
or if this new Authority will be sent to
the Fono for approval.
According to the executive order, each
member is compensated at $5,000 a year while
the chairman gets $6,000 annually. Travel,
lodging and meal expenses will be provided
for directors who reside outside of the territory.
(The new board members all reside locally).
The order also details powers and duties of
the board, which is mandated to provide the
governor a monthly operating financial statement
of the shipyard as well as an annual audit
report to the governor and the Fono.
Sanchez did not receive compensation for
his work as acting manager for the authority.

➧ Dismantling ASESRO is a cover-up…
Continued from page 1
eral assistance programs), will be an essential
partner in turning around the present economic
state of affairs. “How are we to convince the federal
government to make additional resources
available while we are in the process of gutting
oversight of such funds,” he asked.
He noted that the official justification given for
dismantling ASESRO is the failure of the Fono
to pass a budget for the office. However, Gaela’i
wrote to Lolo, “the lack of a budget is widely recognized
to be related to the unauthorized leaking
to the press of a preliminary memo from an
ASESRO staff member to me. This leaked document,
which was immediately disavowed and
discredited by my office, caused personal embarrassment
plus damage to your political campaign.
Additionally, it also mentioned the Senate
President, in his capacity of Development Bank
of American Samoa (DBAS) Board Member,
who then, along with other political allies of
your campaign and the Senate President in the
Fono, stonewalled the approval of the ASESRO
budget.” Galea’i said that until that unauthorized
leak, ASESRO had no history of problems with
the Fono, and was generally considered a model
agency with a stellar reputation.
Galea’i said that during Lolo’s tenure as
DBAS president, the Interim Section 1602
Report which was requested by and later issued
to the federal OIG, catalogued violations of prescribed
process by DBAS. He added that with
Lolo making his very first executive order (EO#
0001-2013) upon taking office, an act removing
him from his position as ASESRO Executive
Director and beginning the dismantling of
ASESRO and its absorption into AS Treasury,
“it gives the prima facie appearance of being
direct retribution for politically damaging criticism
of your performance at DBAS.”
The ASESRO head said evidence of the
act being a reprisal includes Lolo’s refusal to
meet with him regarding an orderly transition
process despite weeks of repeated requests,
and a complete lack of communication from
the acting treasurer regarding any discussion of
outstanding issues in the transition.
He claims he did meet with Lolo’s special
assistant Iulogologo Joseph Pereira earlier last
month where he was informed by Iulogologo
that he wouldn’t have a chance to speak to the
Governor about the ASESRO reorganization.
Galea’i said Iulogologo conveyed the Governor’s
“anger” over ASESRO’s Interim Section
1602 Report, adding that Iulogologo stated in
explicit terms that Galea’i would be the “scapegoat”
for the “damaging” 1602 Report and that
he and his office “would have to pay the price of
the report having been leaked.”
Galea’i said that since assuming power, the
Governor’s Office personnel including Chief of
Staff Fiu John Saelua, Iulogologo Pereira, and
Brian Thompson, among others, “have systematically
engaged in practices violating the federal
government’s OMB Circular A-87 (Item 19,
General Government) regarding grant cost principles,
by commandeering grant-funded assets
for use by the Governor’s Office. According
to Galea’i, such grant-funded assets include
office furniture, vehicles, and other equipment.
“This took place both before and after the issuance
of the Executive Order 0001-2013, and the
prescribed process (properly signed property
transfer forms) has been ignored.” He claims
that when their grants coordinator reminded
Iulogologo of the potential problems with such
violations of the OMB Circular, Iulogologo
replied that they were aware of the issue and he
didn’t need to worry about it.
Galea’i said that ASESRO staff, both before
and after being transferred to the ASG Treasury
have been treated with contempt and had their
rights under the FLSA violated. “Most of these
employees had nothing at all to do with the
offending 1602 Report and are only innocent
collateral damage in your war on ASESRO.
As an example, Galea’i said Brian Thompson
from the Governor’s Office told ASESRO
employees that they weren’t wanted in the new
administration and they should all just quit.
Furthermore, despite having been Treasury
employees for several weeks, Galea’i said no
communication from the new command structure
has been forthcoming, and there have been
no directions to continue working, to cease
working, to change or adapt any processes to the
new executive director, etc…
According to Galea’i, pay for all ASESRO
employees has been systematically delayed,
despite clear FLSA requirements that employees
of all levels of government must be paid for
work performed.
“Currently, the AS Treasurer is refusing
to sign time sheets for work already done by
ASESRO staff and this appears to be an attempt
to force them to quit, allowing the government
to avoid ‘fingerprints’ on their terminations,”
Galea’i wrote. He added that pronouncements
are made to the media regularly regarding the
fate of ASESRO but no communication has
taken place with the employees themselves.
“This unprofessional behavior only emphasizes
their status as pariahs. Rumors abound that
ASESRO functions will be transferred to Treasury’s
Grants Section (already burdened with a
reputation — per published audit reports — for
frequent errors and ignorance of federal regulations
that have cost ASG millions of dollars) or
TOFR, but no real effort has been made by the new
Executive Director to familiarize himself with the
essential functions of the office,” he wrote.
Galea’i is requesting the governor to reconsider
all his actions regarding the ASESRO
office, including reversing his termination, the
dismantling of ASESRO’s oversight effectiveness,
the persecution of all ASESRO staff members
and the misappropriation of grant-funded
assets for general government purposes. “This
will allow us to get on with the business of creating
a better American Samoa for all citizens
and inhabitants,” he concluded.
Copies of the letter were forwarded to the
US Vice President (ARRA Oversight Role),
Chairman of the Recovery Accountability and
Transparency Board (RATB), the Office of
Inspector General of the US Department of Interior,
Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin,
the appropriate officials of the US Departments
of Education and Treasury, the ASG Attorney
General, and the Treasurer of American Samoa.
RESPONSE fROM THE
gOVERNOR’S LEgaL cOuNSEL
In an email reply to Samoa News inquiries
about the letter, the Governor’s Legal Counsel
Steve Watson said he responded to Galea’i the
morning after he received the letter, (Samoa
News does not have a copy of Watson’s response)
and they advised Galea’i that the matter would
be looked into, and any further response would
be made after reviewing his concerns.
“That we will do, but it will be on our
schedule, not Pat’s,” Watson said.
Galea’i wrote back to Watson in a January
28 letter to the letter Watson acknowledges.
He says the letter failed to address any of
the issues he raised, and told Watson that the
defunding of an oversight agency actively
involved in researching potential violations was
neither accidental nor coincidental. “That refusal
to budget funds for ASESRO was orchestrated and
spearheaded by legislative allies of then-candidate
Moliga, including individuals (e.g. the Senate President)
cited as being involved in the 1602 mess.”
“As you may recall, Lolo’s allies, by refusing
to show up at the Fono’s investigative hearings,
were able to prevent a quorum that might have
settled these issues long ago. Having created the
lack of funding, it is disingenuous to then pretend
to be helpless in its face,” Galea’i wrote.
He went on to tell Watson that his memo
“does not address the misappropriation of grantfunded
assets or the very telling remarks made
by the Governor’s inner circle regarding me,
ASESRO’s mission, and staff.” He added, “The
core issue is the series of hasty, ill-advised actions
taken by the new administration to quash the 1602
investigation and punish not only those involved
(who were responding to a request from a federal
oversight body), but every single employee of
that agency, no matter how uninvolved.”
Galea’i clarified that ASESRO was not
samoa news, Monday, February 4, 2013 Page 15
EVERYDAY PRICES
Call us at 644-5000 or 644-5656 - Aua
HAC
HEARING AID COMPATIBLE
Handsets
Model Rating
Motorola MB300 Backflip M3
Nokia 6126 M3
Motorola V220 M3
Sony Ericsson z310i` M3
Motorola V3 M3
Blackberry 8320 M3/T3
Motorola V3xx M3/T3
Sony Ericsson W580i M3/T3
Samsung T219 M3/T3
Samsung T409 M3/T3
Nokia 2760 M3/T3
Sony Ericsson S500i M3/T3
Apple iPhone 4 (A1332) M4/T4
Nokia E5 M3/T3
VeryKool R23 M3/T3
Samsung Galaxy SIII M4
Apple iPhone 5 M3/T4
HTC Desire M4/T3
HTC Wildfire S M4/T4
VeryKool R620 M3/T3
Please visit our Retail Store at Laufou Center for more information
Talofa Video
“KOREAN, FILIPINO,
MEXICAN DRAMA SERIES
NOW FOR RENT”
“Located in Aua”
Skyview, Inc.
CS Pork Spare Ribs 20lb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - $23.95
CS Sausage 10lb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - $ 14.95
CS Saimin Pkg (Mala) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - $ 4.95
CS Nongshim Bowl Saimin) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - $ 8.99
CS Generic Soda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - $ 10.99
CS Best Yet Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - $ 7.99
Rice 20lb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - $ 11.95
Rice 40lb ----------------------------- $21.95
CS Fiafia Pilikaki Tomato . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - $ 20.99
CS Salisbury Pisupo 12/11.5oz . . . . . . . . . - $ 34.95
CS Palm Pisupo 12/11.5oz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - $ 36.95
Chicken Legs 22LB - $ 17.99
CS Turkey Tails - $17.95
*SPECIAL*
NOTE: Limited Quantities We also sell Liquor & Wine
for any items.
Skyview Rentals have available tents, tables and chairs
for any event. Skyvie w Fu neral & Escort Service sells
affordable Caskets. Purchase a casket & receive a 20x20
tent rent free. We acc ept Credit cards, Access cards,
Food stamps and Taoa.
NEW RELEASES:
Cold Light of Day • Paranormal Activity 4
Hotel Transylvania • Bangkok Assassins
closed, despite the lack of funding but instead, Pavaiai 699-7206 • Nuuuli 699-1888 • Fagatogo 633-2239
(Continued on page 16)

Page 16 samoa news, Monday, February 4, 2013
➧ Dismantling ASESRO a cover-up…
Continued from page 15
incorporated into the ASG Treasury, with the ASG Treasurer being named as
ASESRO executive director by Executive Order. “It would behoove the administration
to immediately walk back the steps taken to persecute those belonging to
the whistleblowing agency, as already requested. Anything less would be a direct
violation of the whistleblower protection afforded us by the ARRA and other
federal regulations,” he said.
He concluded, “We’re all familiar with the phrase: ‘It’s not the scandal; it’s
the cover-up!’ In this case, that certainly seems to apply.”
Copies of Galea’i’s letter were forwarded to Governor Lolo Moliga and
Human Resources director Le’i Sonny Thompson.
Governor Lolo’s special assistant Iulogologo told Samoa News via email over
the weekend that the decision to let go of the ASESRO staff was based purely on
the Fono’s denial of the budget proposed in the FY 2013 budget.
“This was not an easy decision but the Governor’s Office’s fiscal year 2013
budget was cut by $500,000 reflecting funds for ASESRO and the IT Office
Governor Togiola had created,” Iulogologo explained. He added that $350,000
of the current budget was spent to cover the payouts for the Governor, Lieutenant
Governor, and members of the Governor’s staff.
According to Iulogologo, some payouts were also paid through direct payment
vouchers which didn’t go through the regular government payroll system
and they fear that the amount might be close to $500,000. He explained that more
expenditures are coming in for the hosting of the Ulu Festival and other government
ceremonies hosted by the Governor’s Office towards the end of the previous
administration. “These unexpected expenditures preempt any strategy to seek
funding to maintain ASESRO and IT personnel,” Iulogologo said, adding that
there were no more ARRA funds to address the expenditure needs of ASESRO
and the ASG is now liable to cover expenditures of uncompleted ARRA projects
because ASESRO failed to drawn down the funds prior to the deadline.
The governor’s special assistant said this could cost the ASG a minimum of
$1 million in local revenues, which the government doesn’t have at this time.
He said Galea’i was not terminated by the Governor’s Office but he is a career
service employee and was told to report to the Department of Commerce since
his salary came out of that agency’s budget. Iulogologo explained that ASESRO
was a line agency within the Governor’s Office so naturally, all the ASESRO
assets are under the administrative purview of the Governor’s Office and are
being utilized by the same. He says that claims by Galea’i that he is a victim of
being a whistleblower is unfounded. “This was purely a financial decision,” Iulogologo
said, adding that Galea’i’s rights as a career service employee of the ASG
have been preserved and protected. Iulogologo said the Office of Federal Grants
within the Governor’s Office is still functioning as created by Executive Order.
Samoa News understands that letters of termination to employees of the
ASESRO are to be delivered today, citing lack of funds. Unlike Galea’i, other
employees of the office are appointees.
Value Picks at McDonalds
2 Big Macs for $6
The verdict is GUILTY of getting a GOOD
DEAL!
➧ The FONO IN REVIEW… Continued from page 6
Taotasi told Haleck to look into the Territorial Audit Office’s report for the
Office of Motor Vehicles, saying he’s not sure if it is completed as it is yet to be
made public, but he knows there were issues regarding the issuance of driver’s
licenses which raised red flags not only for the Department of Homeland Security
but also the Fono.
fBNMS, cOaSTaL MaNagEMENT, cORaL REEf
Rep. Larry Sanitoa has asked Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources
director Dr. Ruth Matagi Tofiga to look into bringing the Fagatele Bay National
Marine Sanctuary, the Coastal Management Program and the Coral Reef Program
out from under the Department of Commerce and putting them instead
under the umbrella of DMWR.
Sanitoa voiced his opinion during Tofiga’s confirmation hearing last week.
He rreferred to Title 24 of the American Samoa Code Annotated establishing the
Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources which is empowered to manage,
protect, preserve, and perpetuate the marine and wildlife resources in the Territory
of American Samoa.
He said it only makes sense for the FBNMS, the Coastal Management
Program, and the Coral Reef Program to fall under DMWR, so they can collaboratively
focus on a consistent plan to address fisheries management, giving
DOC the chance to seriously focus on economic development.
RaNdOM dRug TESTiNg fOR aSg WORK fORcE
During his confirmation hearing, DPS Commissioner Haleck said random drug
testing for DPS employees, as well as the entire government workforce “is a must.”
Haleck was responding to questions from Rep. Maugaoalii Leapai Tusipa Anoai
who wanted to know Haleck’s views on random drug testing for the police force.
Haleck said jobs in the US require random drug testing and the same thing
should apply here, but the tests shouldn’t be limited to just DPS employees, but
should include every ASG worker.
TERRiTORiaL audiT REPORT
Rep. Taotasi said during the regular session last Friday that the Fono has yet
to receive a copy of an annual report from the Territorial Audit Office. Territorial
Auditor Bob Dantini resigned in December last year and has since moved off
island.
The Ituau faipule wanted to know where the report, if there is one, has gone.
He referred to Title 4 which mandates the TAO to submit to the governor and
the Fono an annual audit report, which details audit findings for all government
departments.
Samoa News understands Dantini resigned following a review meeting with
the Gov. Lolo M. Moliga and Lt. Gov. Lemanu P. Mauga transition team, which
among issues raised questioned his commitment to training Samoans in the office
to do the work. Late last year, Dantini had said that TAO’s findings were turned
over to then Gov. Togiola Tulafono.
2 Premium Crispy Chicken
Club for $6
C M
Y K
C M
Y K