Marcus Mariota makes history: becomes 1st Samoan to win Heisman Trophy By B. Chen

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1 Buckle up! Fatalities rashes LOAL HIGHWAS to date office of highway safety LOAL HIGHWAS to date Am. Samoa s A fighter Deutsch Puu going to hina B1 At 6a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, seven local residents representing the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces placed flower bouquets at the base of the Veterans emorial onument in Tafuna, synchronizing the 12noon laying of wreaths at the Arlington National emetery in Virginia to commemorate Wreaths Across America Day. It is the first year American Samoa has participated. See story inside for details. [photo: FS] samoanews.com Saunitu u atu latou talosaga i le ASPA i le siitaga o tautua 18 Daily irculation 7,000 PAGO PAGO, AERIAN SAOA onday, December 15, 2014 $1.00 elebrating success: eet the 1st Samoan to earn a orporate International aster s Degree by Teri Hunkin Samoa News staff A orporate International asters (I) degree is no small accomplishment, and earlier this year, a local boy from Pago Pago, born and raised in the territory, was the recipient of such a degree. On Friday, October 31, 2014, Johnny Victor Toma became the first Samoan in history to achieve this academic milestone. The prestigious degree meant to enhance leadership skills in an increasingly globalized business world carries with it three diplomas: 1) Executive aster in International Business from Georgetown University s cdonough School of Business in Washington, D.. 2) Executive aster in Business anagement from the FGV/EBAPE Brazilian School of Public and Business Administration in Brazil; and 3) orporate aster of Business Administration from the ESADE Business School in adrid, Spain. (ontinued on page 14) AS music instructor published in NZ literary journal By James neubuhl, AS Press Officer Poe ageo, music instructor at the American Samoa ommunity ollege (AS), can now add published author to his already impressive list of credentials, after having a short fiction piece published in SPAN 64: Journal of the South Pacific Association for ommonwealth Literature and Language Studies. An academic publication which focuses on postcolonial, neocolonial and diaspora literature in English, mostly arcus ariota makes history: becomes 1st Samoan to win Heisman Trophy By B. hen in Hawai i, until his senior year. Samoa News orrespondent This past Saturday, he garnered 90.9% History was made this past Saturday when of possible votes (2,534 points), the second 21-year-old arcus ariota became the first highest point percentage of a Heisman winner Samoan to win the coveted Heisman Trophy, in the past 50 seasons. But that s just one of the which is awarded every year to the most outstanding player in US college football whose The soft spoken graduate of St. Louis many highlights in his career. performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity. touchdowns (38 passing, 14 rushing and one High School accounts for a Pac-12-record 53 The winner of the Heisman is selected by receiving). He has been described by Sports votes that are cast by sports journalists, previous Heisman Trophy winners, and fans. Oregon history. Illustrated as the most prolific quarterback in ariota won the Heisman by a landslide He is also said to be the main reason why with 788 first place votes, which is the third the University of Oregon has earned a spot in most all-time. He is the 80th Heisman winner its first college football playoffs. A win there and the 15th winner to receive more than 2,000 would give the Ducks their first national championship title in the school s history. points overall. The Oregon Ducks superstar quarterback In addition, ariota winning the Heisman has, for the past few days, been the most featured college football player in the world but gram their first ever claim to the Trophy which gives the University of Oregon s football pro- his climb was slow and steady. A third year has eluded them in years past. The Heisman is starter who was red shirted in his freshman year considered the most prestigious individual college football award. at the University of Oregon, ariota didn t start for his high school team, St. Louis High School, (ontinued on page 12) from the British ommonwealth nations, SPAN is issued biannually by SPALALS, a sub-group of the Association for ommonwealth Language and Literature Studies. Widely referenced by literary scholars for its critical articles and book (ontinued on page 14) AS music instructor Poe ageo in addition to his regular music-oriented work also writes fiction and recently had one of his short stories published in SPAN 64. [photo: J. neubuhl] arcus ariota, who became the first Samoan Heisman Trophy winner, last Saturday, has the best fans in American Samoa: his family. Pictured is arcus (back row center) standing next to his father Toa and the rest of his family members from Laulii when the Oregon superstar attended his grandfather Taulauniu s funeral in [photo: courtesy]

2 Page 2 samoa news, onday, December 15, 2014 Lolo says not close to finalizing a decision on Philippines based company Lolo administration eyes increase in pay for police officers by Joyetter Feagaimaali i-luamanu Samoa News Reporter The Lolo and Lemanu Administration is looking at increasing the salaries of police officers, addressing one of the biggest complaints by the men and women in blue, who say that they are underpaid, given the work they do. The salary increase was confirmed by the Governor s Executive Assistant Iulogologo Joseph Pereira over the weekend, According to Iu, the decision to address the salaries of Public Safety Officers is predicated on the nature of the job relative to safety issues and being exposed to dangerous and potentially lethal situations, placing their lives in harm s way. It is also to incentivize recruitment of high caliber individuals with regard to educational credentials, who are committed to the job of protecting all of us. He pointed out that the recent shooting spree and the gunning of the Leone substation is indicative of changing times and the severity and horrific nature of crimes deemed prevalent only in the States. Samoa News notes to date there have been no, or little information, received by the riminal Investigation about the said shooting an act in which ommissioner of Public Safety, William Haleck has called a cowardly attack. The commissioner also appealed to members of the public to help them find and apprehend those who committed the crime. To date there have been no arrests made since the shooting and Samoa News understands that the police report in this shooting is not completed as investigations are still ongoing. Last month Haleck told Samoa News there are leads, however nothing concrete. In the meantime the Leone Village ouncil has offered assistance to the DPS with policing the Leone village, and they have also offered to assist the police in every way possible. Iu told Samoa News that the Department of Human Resources is currently conducting a survey of salaries of police officers in the other Territories and States of similar population size, level of crime, educational credentials and other pertinent factors. Upon completion of this study the entry level base will be established from which the new salary scale will be developed. According to the police officers who are on their second year on the force, the starting salary for a police officer is $12,000 yearly. Local delegation led by Lt. Gov. Lemanu returns after a site visit to company by Fili Sagapolutele Samoa News orrespondent Gov. Lolo atalasi oliga says the government is not yet ready to move forward with finalizing the agreement with the Philippines based company wanting to invest millions of dollars in the territory and that the firm will undergo a thorough background check. The governor revealed in a letter to the Interior Department that there will be an agreed upon repayment plan to the Philippines company, which is fronting the investment money for American Samoa. A.V.. Bernardo Engineering made a presentation in October to the governor, Fono leaders, lawmakers and other ASG officials. The company says it wants to invest $106 million to set up in the Tafuna Industrial Park a multi-line food processing plant focusing first on frozen fish-based sausage, ham, nuggets and patties. ommerce Department director eniseli Lafaele told Samoa News in October this year, that if everything goes as planned, AV was looking to start construction of the facility next month (Jan. 2015) and be operational in DOI LETTER In a letter last month to Interior Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas, Esther ia aina, on issues dealing with economic and social development in the territory, the governor revealed that AV is proposing to up-front $106 million to finance the construction of the multipurpose processing plant with a repayment plan to AV for an agreed upon repayment period. Further the proposal would see the establishment of 700 jobs and proposed products to be manufactured by the facility includes coconut water, fish sausage and other items. GOVERNOR S INTERVIEW Asked about the status of the AV proposal, Lolo told Samoa News last Friday that the government is not close to finalizing a decision on the matter, adding that there are a lot of other issues for the Executive Branch to look at before any deal is finalized. We re not ready to move forward yet with this proposal. It will take a little bit more time before anything is finalized, while the Executive Branch does its own due diligence, Lolo said, noting that a local delegation of ten, led by Lt. Gov. Lemanu Peleti auga returns to the territory this week after a site visit of AV facilities in the Philippines. Sen. Galeai Tu ufuli had called on the administration not to expedite approval of this process and for the government to conduct a thorough (all ANSWERs on page 14) background check of AV on whether it s a legitimate firm, especially for the fact that it is a foreign company. Lolo said it has been the intention of the administration to conduct a thorough background review of AV as part of ASG s due diligence process. We are going through the entire process reviewing the company including a complete background check, he said. I understand the concern by the senator, but this project is not going to be expedited without due process. This is one reason why the Fono was included from the start, with Fono leaders and lawmakers invited to the first briefing in October, so they are fully aware of what s going on in our government, Lolo said in a phone interview. I always tried to get the Fono involved because it s only fair when it comes to such a large investment in the millions of dollars. The Fono plays a major role in any major investment in the territory. I don t want the Executive Branch to be the only one making a decision on major investments, he said. Our goal its provide jobs and we continue to explore options to employ our people, he said. However, we also have our own concerns to be addressed first, for example, a background check of AV, and who is involved. Also to ensure that the government s resources are not drained for agreeing to such a project. ommerce Department director eniseli Lafaele had told Samoa News in October this year that the proposed venture is a public-private partnership arrangement, with AV Bernardo Engineering building the plant. He said contractors or subcontractor-entrepreneurs would be used to operate the multi-lines, while ASG would own the asset, or facility. Asked if ASG is putting in any money for the project, Lolo sad, we re not investing any money in this proposal. At the same time, we are not encouraging them not to come here and we welcome any company who wants to invest in American Samoa to boost the local economy and provide jobs for our people. That is so very important. Lolo emphasized again, that this proposal is not even close to being finalized and stressed that there are a lot of issues involved that need thorough review by the government before the proposal is final and an any agreements are signed. He also pointed out that the Fono will get all the necessary information on the AV decision. Samoa News understands that more than one company was visited by the group while in the Philippines, and hospital facilities were also on the tour. The group is slated to return tonight, via Hawai i.

3 Samoa commemorates Wreaths Across America our way by Fili Sagapolutele Samoa News orrespondent About twenty local residents, including a handful of military retirees, represented American Samoa in joining for the first time, the commemoration of Wreaths Across America, last Saturday during a brief ceremony at the American Samoa Veterans emorial enter in Tafuna. It was a quite cloudy Saturday morning, with winds clocked at 15 mph when the local ceremony began around 5:50a.m when seven local residents stood a few feet away from the base of the monument, holding seven bouquets of flowers instead of wreaths prepared and donated by the SOFIAS, the Sosaiete of Faafafine in American Samoa, four of whom attended the ceremony. The local commemoration was organized this year by the local U.S. Army Reserve Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) Family Program, which volunteered to support efforts and celebration of this special day, spearheaded by Wreaths Across America Organization, a non profit group based in Washington D.. Retired U.S. Army Lt. ol. apu Jamias led other local residents with bouquets of flowers, walking up the short flight of stairs to the base of the monument. The residents represented the six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces Army, arine orps, Navy, Air Force, oast Guard and erchant arine and one resident represented U.S. service members from all branches of the military whose last known status was either a Prisoner of War or issing in Action. On behalf of the United States of America and American Samoa we are here... to honor all of our brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers, who have fought for our freedom, Jamias said at the ceremony,before the flowers were placed at the base of the monument. This is a great tradition. Jamias, who is also the local ivilian Aide to the Secretary of the U.S. Army, thanked the territorial government and the emorial enter management for putting together this special commemoration to honor those who have served in all branches of the military but have since passed away. Local residents such as Ben Lausen, Vince Iuli, oana Hatcher and Taua a who represented the branches of the military, spoke briefly, saying that they were at the ceremony to honor and pay tribute to their relatives who served in active duty and have since passed away. Iuli honored his cousin, arine Lt. ol. ax A. Galeai, an American Samoa native, killed in 2008 in the Iraq war. God rest his soul, he said. Jamias added that I d like to honor Army Staff Sgt. Frank Tiai, who was one of my squad leaders in the old days when we started the local Army Reserve. Tiai died in 2005 in the Iraq war. After the brief statements were made, the representatives stood for a few minutes to observe a moment of silence bowing their heads. When it was 6a.m. in American Samoa the local residents took two steps forward and placed the flowers just inches from the base of the monument. Timing to lay the flowers at 6a.m. local time was synchronized with the 12noon time when holiday wreaths were placed on graves at the Arlington National eremony, in Virginia. Similar ceremonies were carried out in other military cemeteries across the U.S. Others who attended the local ceremony were areko and Folola ilo, parents of 23-year old US Army Spc. Avealaloleiasasaumani Ave ilo, who died in Iraq in 2007 when his unit was attacked by insurgents. While it s very difficult for a parent to deal with the loss of the life of a soldier, Folola ilo said, I am thankful for them (the soldiers) for offering their service in the name of freedom, in which we have today. As parents we will never forget our children in our hearts and soul, she said, adding that she is very thankful that this day is being made important in American Samoa to lay a wreath or flowers on graves of those who died in the military. She asked all of American Samoa not to forget our sons (ontinued on page 12) samoa news, onday, December 15, 2014 Page 3 areko ilo became emotional when responding to reporters questions about his son, US Army Spc. Avealaloleiasasaumani Ave ilo, who died in Iraq in 2007, during last Saturday s local commemoration of the Wreaths Across America Day. [photo: FS] 20% OFF Everyday until hristmas! ALL ITES IN STORE (Local Items Not Included - Soda, Tobacco, Phone ard, ookies, ET...) 10% OFF Handmade Gift Basket & Lei s. Toys & erchandise Shipped Directly from the USA! OSETIS PITURE FRAES and many BAB ITES PERFUES WITH JESUS ON IT FLASH DRIVE & more toys WATHES OVIE HARATER TOS EOR ARD & items to WALL LOS EARPHONES PERSONAL DVD PLAER choose from. BIG & INI SPEAERS LOTHES ALL HRISTAS DEORATIONS GARLANDS HRISTAS RIBBONS & ALL HRISTAS LIGHTS ARDS DVD PLAERS, ET. our One Stop Store For All our hristmas Shopping! PARADISE GIFT ENTER Paradise, Inc. In front of Laufou Shopping enter EVERDA 8:30am - 8:00pm OPEN SUNDA 14 & 21 10am - 6:00pm

4 Page 4 samoa news, onday, December 15, 2014 Letter to the Editor HRISTAS ATTITUDE? Dear Editor, It s two weeks before hristmas and a family of three were evicted by their landlord into the streets. All their belongings, confiscated. A father, mother and 1 year old infant. This family was found huddling under the covering of a business building in the middle of the night. They are now under the protection of the Emergency Shelter. Later on the same day another mother and two young children were turned out into the streets by her uncle. Thank you for the American Samoa OALITION Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, this family also was placed in the system for protection and shelter. Single parents, extended families and domestic workforce with their own families who have been subjected to domestic violence and abuse are also facing ruthless evictions from hosting families and landlords. These are considered unprotected people due to their social standings and lack of money to pay for their existence, expected/ demanded by some hosting families. Then, there are those who can barely pay for their low income rentals. Is progress stripping us of our humanity? Every village is aware of a family in need, families suffering from neglect and abuse. Social ills of alcohol, drug and gambling addiction have rooted and taken hold. Prostitution is surfacing, as is promiscuity amongst our children. I cannot but wonder where is the church? Is the church strong enough to take in victims of abuse and neglect? Is the church s heart strong enough to reach out to embrace the homeless and families who are dealing with a beloved s terminal care? Or are we only available when a natural disaster occurs and federal funding is available? What prevents our people from running to the church for sanctuary, safety, food or comfort?? Are the directors providing social services doing enough to meet the special needs. Or will victims also be turned away because of the impending overflow. Is there an institution or agency that protects renters from landlords? As the new ear approaches do we see any relief or is it just that we cannot envision beyond our noses or the blinders. I believe everything is in place. It always has been. Too many of us just cannot see beyond the limited funding. Nor are we willing to go above and beyond the call of humanity. It takes a phone call to report or to get help for someone or a family in need. Every organization is giving to the established institutions how about to your neighbor. It takes a hand to offer assistance or a can of food. Every culture has the spirit of love, compassion, giving and concern. What is happening ua tatou tu ulafoai(neglect) ua tatou manatu fa atauvaa (indifference). all your church leaders, women society or prayer groups. all the crisis hot line or 911. If there is no church, agency or institution that I can report to and who can provide a donation of food or clothing for the silent neighbor, I m informing you. erry hristmas and Happy New ear. Ipu Avegalio Lefiti Letter to the Editor ANSWER OUR PHONES Dear Editor, In the past months, we have heard advertisements from the staff and management of ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank that they are upgrading to a new and better system and if there are any questions, we should call in and ask. However, it is very frustrating to call and no one answers. This is not the first time; I have no idea why the receptionists cannot answer the phone calls. I do not see why they have phones and yet do not want to answer them. American Samoa is suffering because BoH is leaving and ANZ just has the worst customer service ever. Honorable Governor, can we please get a BETTER bank down here to serve our people. I thought ANZ was upgrading to a better system but it just seems to me that they have downgraded to a worst system. T. Prescott Lolo administration looks at submitting legislation to begin harter Bank by Fili Sagapolutele Samoa News orrespondent The Lolo Administration plans to submit legislation to the Fono to allow the government to operate a harter Bank, which they plan to convert into a commercial bank later as part of its long term vision to help with banking needs in American Samoa. Gov. Lolo atalasi oliga is calling on the Department of Interior for support of this initiative, which will also help with economic development in the territory, whose economic backbone for years has been the tuna canneries. In a letter last month to Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas, Esther ia aina, on issues dealing with economic and social developments in the territory, the governor pointed out efforts being made by the administration to address banking needs, and the move to establish a harter Bank. He explained that Bank of Hawaii has significantly scaled down its banking services, especially its loan services to business and residents of American Samoa and it s preparing to exit the local market once a replacement bank is secured. For ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank, the governor said the bank s loan services are very restrictive thus creating financial obstacles for local businesses. Additionally, ANZ fees charged for their services are cost prohibitive, both for businesses and residents of American Samoa. Lolo informed ia aina that the ommunity Bank of American Samoa s application to the Federal Deposit Insurance orporation (FDI) remains in limbo, thus causing lack of confidence that the locally based bank will be operational any time soon. (Although not mentioned in the letter, the governor and his administration have already made known their support of the ommunity Bank, since the proposal set forth by the bank was first announced early last year.) According to the governor, the most immediate and responsive option available to American Samoa is the establishment of a harter Bank, using the North Dakota state model, which does not require FDI approval. The long-term vision is to convert the harter Bank to a commercial bank after two to three years of operation, Lolo said, adding that ASG needs DOI support on this important matter. In October this year, the governor signed into law legislation which amended the American Samoa Economic Development Authority (ASEDA) statute. The amendments modernize and enhance the bond issuing capability of ASEDA, whose board was reestablished last year by the governor. One of the ASG projects to be funded with a bond is the establishment of the harter Bank, whose bond amount is $10 million. When lawmakers convene next month for the 34th Legislature, the Lolo Administration plans to submit legislation which allows the local government to set up and operate a harter Bank. The Fono is expected to request the administration to provide a lot of financial data and other information dealing with a harter Bank as well as a guarantee that the government will not suffer later by getting into the banking business, according to senior Fono staffers, who asked to not be identified by name. The staffers said that some lawmakers don t want a repeat of the ASG Employees Federal redit Union which was shut down about two decades ago by federal regulators due to, among other things, mismanagement and problems inside the credit union. According to investopedia.com, a charter bank is a financial institution whose primary roles are to accept and safeguard monetary deposits from individuals and organizations, and to lend money out. The details vary from country to country, but usually a chartered bank in operation has obtained government permission on some level to do business in the banking sector. Osini Faleatasi Inc. reserves all rights. dba Samoa News publishes onday to Saturday, except for some local and federal holidays. Send correspondences to: OF, dba Samoa News, Box 909, Pago Pago, Am. Samoa Telephone at (684) Fax at (684) advertisements to ads@samoanews.com the newsroom at news@samoanews.com Normal business hours are on. 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.

5 samoa news, onday, December 15, 2014 Page 5 tusia Ausage Fausia FIFITA PULUU O le vaiaso na te a nei na fa ailoa ai e le itu a le malo i luma o le fa amasinoga fa aitumalo, o le a leai ni moliaga fa aopoopo e faila fa asaga ia Fifita Pulumu, ina ua mae a isi suesuega fa aopoopo a leoleo ma faia ai loa le fa aiuga, o le a lava le moliaga o le fa atupu vevesi i nofoaga faitele e molia ai o ia. Sa taofia e leoleo i le vaiaso ua te a ia Pulumu i le toese i Tafuna, ma tula i ai i luma o le fa amasinoga fa aitumalo, ona o tu uaiga i lo la tauaia lea ma lona uso o ma a ma atigi fagu i luga o le auala fa apea ai ma le fale o se aiga i Leone. E fetaui le taunu u o leoleo i le nofoaga na tula i mai ai le fa alavelave ae vaaia loa le alu i le atoa o le ua molia, ma fai ai loa a latou tuliga ma leoleo, e le i umi ae maua o ia e leoleo ma pu e fa apagota ai loa o ia. Ina ua fesiligia e leoleo ia Pulumu i le mafua aga o lona faia o lenei gaioiga, sa ia taua ai e fa apea, o lona ita tele i tamaiti o le nu u i lo latou taumafai e fasi o ia, na mafua ai loa ona ia faia lenei gaioiga. TELE A VAIFALE O le ali i lea o lo o tu uaia e le malo i lona toso fa amalosi o se teineititi i se togavao ae fai i ai uiga mataga ua sauni e tu uina atu lana tali ioe i luma o le fa amasinoga e tusa ai o tu uaiga fa asaga ia te ia. O le aso Faraile na te a nei na fa atulaga ai le isi iloiloga ale ali i o Tele a Vaifale i luma o le fa amasinoga maualuga, ina ia fa ailoa ai le tulaga tonu o le a o o i ai le mataupu, i le faia lea o se fa amasinoga autu po o le faia o se maliliega e fa amuta ai loa lenei mataupu. Na fa ailoa e le ali i loia fautua ia ichael White o lo o tula i mo Vaifale i luma o le fa amasinoga e fa apea, ua mae a ona tu uina atu e le malo sa latou ofa mo Vaifale, ma, e manaomia se isi lua vaiaso e toe tolopo i ai le isi iloiloga o lenei mataupu, ina ia maua ai se avanoa la te talanoa ai ma le ua molia e fa atatau i le ofa a le malo. Na fa amaonia e le loia a le malo ia Jessica Bargman i le fa amasinoga e fa apea, o le amataga o le vaiaso na te a nei na ia tu uina atu ai le ofa i le loia a Vaifale, ma le fa amoemoe e fa amuta ai loa taualumaga o lenei mataupu. O le ali i o Vaifale, lea o lo o taofia pea i le toese i Tafuna i le taimi nei, o lo o tu uaia i moliaga mamafa e fa e aofia ai lona faiaiga fa amalosi i se teineititi; faia o uiga mataga fa afeusuaiga; tagofia o itutinosa o se teineititi e laititi i lalo o le tulafono; ma le faia o amioga fa asotoma, ma le moliaga mama e tasi o lona faia lea o ni uiga e lamatia ai le saogalemu o fanau laiti. FA ASAINA PAR A LUSIA TUSI O le aso 9 Ianuari 2015 lea ua toe tolopo i ai e le fa amasinoga maualuga le fofogaina o le fa asalaga a Fa asaina Park ma Lusia Tusi, ina ua talia e le fa amasinoga i le vaiaso na te a nei se talosaga na faila e le Ofisa Nofovaavaaia, mo se avanoa e toe tolopo ai le lauina o le fa asalaga a le fa amasinoga, ona o lo o gasegase le sui o le Ofisa Nofovaavaaia o lo o gafa ma le tusiaina o le ripoti e fuafua i ai se fa asalaga a le fa amasinoga fa asaga i lenei mataupu. O le aso Faraile na te a nei na fa atulaga e tu u atu ai le fa asalaga a le fa amasinoga fa asaga ia Park ma Tusi, i le mae a ai lea ona ta usala o i laua e se vaega iloilo iuga i le masina o Oketopa na te a nei, i moliaga e aofia ai le la taumafai e fa alauiloa faiga fa atalitane, fa apea ai ma moliaga mama o le fa ao olima i le tulaga tolu. Na fa ailoa e le afioga i le ali i fa amasino sili ia ichael ruse i loia a itu e lua e fa apea, e ui o lea ua toe tolopo le aso e tu u atu ai le fa asalaga a le fa amasinoga, peita i o lo o taoto pea i luma o le fa amasinoga le talosaga na fa aulu e le loia a Park o Fiti Sunia, e talosaga ai le fa amasinoga ina ia toe liliu le fa aiuga o le nofosala lea na tu uina mai e le Vaega Iloilo Iuga fa asaga ia Park, ona e le o lava mau e lagolagoina ai le moliaga o lona taumafai lea e fa alauiloa faiga fa atalitane fa asaga i ni tama ita i se to alua sa tagi i luma o le fa amasinoga. O lo o tumau pea tu utu uga o lo o tatala ai i tua Park ma Tusi, e fa atali ai le fofogaina o le la fa asalaga i le masina fou. 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6 Page 6 samoa news, onday, December 15, 2014 Fa afiafiaga a le Level 5 & 6 a le aoga a le SPI i Fatu ma Futi i le aso Faraile na te a nei, e fa alauiloa ai le agaga o le erisimasi ma fa ai u ai galuega a fanau aoga mo lenei tausaga. [ata: AF] Tusia: Akenese Ilalio Zec Vaega: 123 Fa atalofa atu i lou alafa i mai i le manuia i lenei taeao fou, i le tausiga alofa a lo tatou atai oi le lagi. E i ai pea le fa amoemoe o lo o aoina le masina i le soifua laulelei o le atunu u, tatou momoli fa atasi ai le vi iga ma le fa amanu i le Atua Soifua, ona o Lana tausiga alofa mo i tatou e le mavae. Ae alo maia, o le a toe fa aauau atu la tatou tala mo lenei aso, ae ia manuia lou alo atu i feau ma galueg o le a feagai ai. Na muta mai la tatou tala, ina ua fai nei le fiafia a le aiga o Paulo, ina ua i u manuia le Fa amasinoga na alo i ai le aiga. O lea o lo o potopoto uma i le fale o le tuafafine e to atasi o Salamasina ma lona to alua Palagi o Larry. A o le i tu ua e le aiga le fale o Salamasina ma lona to alua, na maua ai le avanoa e talatalanoa ai ma fetufa ai ai Eseta, o Su e ma Lumepa. O se fetufa iga fai mai na toetiti a a pa i lima ai le au nofo tane, ae o lo o i ai le aiga atoa o Paulo. ina ua iloa ma mautinoa e le lo omatua o Eseta le mulumuluga veve lea na fai a Su e ma Lumepa, na a e ai loa sona manatu e sili pe a talatalanoa ma i la ua ia, ae le i sosolo le papala leaga i totonu o le aiga. O le mea ua tupu e fai le tau muimuiga a le to alua lea, ae o lo o lagona uma lava e le teinei o alia, le afafine o le uso o le tama o Paulo ma Sila, aua o lo o nofonofo i talane o Su e ma Lumepa. Ua ta u uma nei e le teine i a Eseta le tulaga lea, o lea na manatu ai loa le lo omatua ua tatau ona fo ia le fa afitauli lea, ae le i sososolo i totonu o le aiga, ma fa aleaga ai le nonofo fealofani o aiga. Su e ma Lumepa, e i ai le mea o lo o mamafa lava i lo u loto ma lo u mafaufau, ae ou te talanoa fa auso atu i a te oulua, va ai oulua, ua ou iloa uma lava le lua taumuimuiga lea na fai e uiga i a ma ua ma Salamasina. Ia oulua fa alogo lelei mai lava i la u tala lea o le a fai atu, va ai oulua, e tutusa uma lava o tatou fai a i totonu o le aiga lenei, ae e tasi lava lona ese esega, e te lua fesili muamua lava, o ai e ulumatua o le fanau, o le tali o Paulo, uma i ina ma mea uma. O le isi itu, Su e, sa i ai lava lou manatu ua e alu i le galuega a le Atua, o oe e tatau ona taulamua i mea lelei, e fealofani ai aiga, e maua ai le fiafia ma le nonofo va lelei i totonu o aiga, a o lea ou te va ai atu ua silisili oe le leaga, e te eli eli i mea leaga, e le lelei ai se aiga. Va ai oe, tausi lou mamalu, o la u tala le na e fai atu i a te oe Su e, tausi lou mamalu ona lelei lea o le lua galuega ma Sila. Ua ou maua fo i tala, mai le nu u o lo o oulua galulue ai, e ese le alolofa o le nu u i a Sila, a o oe, ta fe fe Su e, ta te le fia fa alogo lava i tala e fai mai, e maniti o ta tino, aua ta te le masani ai, e le i a oa ia fo i a u e o u matua i ia uiga leaga fa apea. Tu u le fia tagata ma le fa amaualuga, aua na ona pau ifo lava i lalo pa le nono, manogi leaga le ea na fai e le Ali i e manava ai, ua e fa alogo mai i a te a u, ma tu u tonu lou fai ai i le mea e tatau ona tu u ai, ae le o le tu u i lalo i le mea e manogi leaga, fai fa alelei mai tatou mea. Aua e te lua taumafai e talepe le nonofo fealofani o tama e le o se mea lelei, se e iloa lava le tamali i i ona uiga fa atamali i, e iloa fo i le tufanua i ona uiga leaga ma uiga tufanua. Fai mai e tau oso a e le tala a Su e, ae tali atu le lo omtua o Eseta, Su e, o la u tu ualalo lea i a te oe le Faletua, polili teuteu mai au faiga a, va ai la lo u lima e le i lavea lava i se tagata, ae a fai so o ou uiga tufanua ia, e vave lava ona e lavea i lo u lima. E faia pea Australian killed by shark on Great Barrier Reef BRISBANE, Australia (AP) An 18-year-old man was killed by a shark on onday while spearfishing on the Great Barrier Reef off the eastern Australian tourist town of Port Douglas, police said. It was the first fatal shark attack in Australia since September, when a 50-year-old swimmer was killed at popular Byron Bay, 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) to the south. In the latest attack, the man from the nearby town of ossman was mauled while fishing with friends off Rudder Reef, police said in a statement. He was pronounced dead after his friends brought him to shore by boat. He sustained massive injuries to his right upper leg, right groin and right upper arm, Queensland state Ambulance Service spokesman Greg Thiedecke said. He also suffered a heart attack, likely due to blood loss, Thiedecke said. Belgian police: 4 armed men enter house in Ghent GHENT, Belgium (AP) Four armed men have entered an apartment in the western Belgian city of Ghent, and police have blocked off a wide perimeter around the area. Police said onday that a few hours after the men entered the apartment it was still unclear whether they had taken any hostages. At first sight, it didn t appear to be an act of terror, said federal police spokeswoman Annemie Serlippens. There appears to be nothing political. And it does not seem to be going that way. By midmorning a big police operation had been set up in the working-class neighborhood to keep bystanders away from the scene. edia reported there already had been a hostage incident in Ghent linked to extortion two months ago. Jihadis capture army base in northwestern Syria BEIRUT (AP) Jihadi fighters captured a Syrian army base onday in the northwestern province of Idlib after two days of intense fighting that killed dozens of gunmen, activists said. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and an Idlib-based activist who goes by the name of ohammed al- Sayid said members of the al-qaida-linked Nusra Front and other rebel factions captured the Wadi Deif base onday morning. A Twitter account run by the Nusra Front in Idlib province said fighters are now removing mines from the area after the Wadi Deif camp was liberated. The capture of Wadi Deif is a blow to the Syrian government that has managed to hold the besieged post for more than two years and repelled repeated attacks by opposition fighters. Rebels and the Nusra Front control much of the countryside of Idlib province while government forces dominate the provincial capital city also called Idlib. The capture came a day after rebels and Nusra Front fighters took over seven government checkpoints around Wadi Deif and the nearby base of Hamidiyeh. The Wadi Deif and Hamidiyeh bases outside the town of aaret al-numan have long been prized targets for the rebels, who have launched multiple sieges since ost of the troops have withdrawn to Hamidiyeh, said Idlib-based activist Asad anjo, adding that a major battle appears to be looming over control of that base. He said the government still holds the town of Ariha in Idlib as well as the Qarmid base near the provincial capital. The Nusra Front has become one of the most powerful factions in Idlib province after it defeated last month the moderate Syria Revolutionaries Front headed by Jamal aarouf, who has since fled the area. The Observatory said that at least 31 government soldiers and 12 opposition fighters have been killed in the clashes since Sunday. The latest round of fighting came as European Union foreign ministers met in Brussels onday to discuss ways to help implement a U.N. plan for a localized cease-fire in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo. The foreign ministers met informally Sunday with the U.N. special envoy to Syria, Staffan de istura. The U.N. has been trying to bring about a strategic de-escalation of violence in Syria to permit the delivery of humanitarian aid and set the stage for peace talks.

7 c c samoa news, onday, December 15, 2014 Page 7 -mas ountdown Special! Galaxy S5 Galaxy Note 3 Dec 15th - Dec 20th Galaxy S3 $ $ onth $ onth FREE DATA $20 Phonecard + 1 onth FREE DATA $20 Phonecard otorola GZXT FREE DATA $20 Phonecard HT Rhyme ptimus $99.00 $ reg price $89.00 xmas price $ xmas price + FREE AESSORIES + $5.00 card EARPIEE BLUETOOTH AR HARGER xmas price + $10.00 Phonecard Velocity ruz Tab LG Fluid 160 $ reg price $ reg price $69.00 xmas price $ xmas price + $5.00 card Samsung Gusto3 $49.00 xmas price + $5.00 card axwest 7'' Tablet $ reg price $99.00 xmas price P.O. Box Pago Pago, AS Telephone: (684) Terms and onditions Apply. While Supplies last. Available at Nuu uli and Fagatogo Retail Locations.

8 Page 8 samoa news, onday, December 15, 2014 STER DISOUNTS Reach into the box and draw your own discount. 5%, 10%, 20%, 25%, 50% WE ARE OPEN SUNDA December 14th & 21st from 11am to? at Nuuuli! Sale starts Dec. 2nd Happy Holidays AERIAN SAOA! HOLIDA HOURS December 23rd to December 24th 8:30am to??? apusaga Fou 3rd Ward of the hurch of Jesus hrist of Latter Day Saints on stage at the alaeoletalu, Fagatogo Pavillion yesterday afternoon to open the 37th Annual Holiday usic Festival, hosted by the American Samoa ouncil on Arts, ulture, and Humanities (ASAH). Over the next three days it will feature local groups mostly youth groups and church choirs performing early evening. The festival is supported by an award from the National Endow-

9 samoa news, onday, December 15, 2014 Page 9 In Loving emory Of O ur B eloved LEONARD SITH HO HING Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather Sunrise: April 24, 1952 ~ Sunset: Dec 2, 2014 FUNERAL PROGRA Friday, Dec 12, 2014 Dad will arrive on the Hawaiian Airlines flight and will be taken to the LBJ Hospital hapel for a short prayer service. Wednesday, Dec 17, :30 am Dad will be escorted from the LBJ Hospital to our home in alaeimi for viewing. 10:00am Friends and Families will gather at the Nu uuli LDS Hall for his Family Service Followed by his Final Service in the hapel. He will then be laid to rest at our home in alaeimi.

10 Page 10 samoa news, onday, December 15, 2014 OFFIE OF THE GOVERNOR PAGO PAGO AERIAN SAOA Proclamation NATIONAL DRUN AND DRUGGED DRIVING (3D) PREVENTION ONTH 2014 WHEREAS, motor vehicle crashes kill over 40,000 people and injure three million people every year, at a cost to society of some $150 billion annually; and WHEREAS, alcohol-related crashes account for approximately 40 percent of those deaths and injuries; and, WHEREAS, last year in American Samoa there was one fatality and a total of 133 drivers arrested for drunk driving; and WHEREAS, the holiday season is traditionally one of the most deadly times of the year for alcohol-impaired driving; and WHEREAS, for thousands of families across the nation, the holidays bring a somber reminder of the loved ones they lost to an impaired driver during a previous holiday season or at any time during the year ; and, WHEREAS, community-based programs involving consumer education, effective laws, and police enforcement have proven to be successful in reducing impaired driving; and, WHEREAS, organizations from our Territory are joining the Department of Human Social Services and the Department of Public Safety in promoting the Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention onth and Over the Limit, Under Arrest campaigns by supporting anti-impaired driving programs and policies; and, WHEREAS, American Samoa is a partner in national efforts to make our roads and streets safer; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Governor Lolo atalasi oliga, do hereby proclaim December 2014 as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention onth in American Samoa and hereby call upon all citizens, government agencies, business leaders, hospital, schools and public and private institutions in Amer ican Samoa to promote awareness of the impaired driving problem, to support programs and policies to reduce the in cidence of impaired driving, to promote safer and healthier behaviors regarding the use of alcohol and other dr ugs, and to provide opportunities for all to participate in the National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention o nth and Over the Limit, Under Arrest campaigns this holiday season and throughout the year. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed my signature and Seal of the Office of the Governor on this 8th day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen. LOLO. OLIGA Governor of American Samoa

11 samoa news, onday, December 15, 2014 Page 11 OFFIE OF THE GOVERNOR PAGO PAGO AERIAN SAOA Poloa iga Fa alaua itele TATALAGA ALOAIA O LE ASINA O LE PUIPUIGA O LE AVETA AVALE ONA, ONA O LE TAGOFIA O LE AVA ALOSI A FUALA AU FA ASAINA TALUAI, o ta avale lavevea ua maliliu ai le silia i le 40,000 tagata, ma manunu a ai le tolu miliona, ma l e tau e tusa e 150 piliona tala i tausaga ta itasi; ma TALUAI, o fa alavelave e feso ota i ma le ava malosi ma fuala au fa asaina, o lo o mafua ai le 40 pasene o maliu ma manu aga ia; ma TALUAI, o le tausaga ua te a i Amerika Samoa, e tusa ma le 133 ta avale na taofia ona o le ave ta avale ona, e to atasi le soifua na maumau ona o le ave ta avale ona; ma TALUAI, o aso malolo ia Tesema o taimi ia e matua tele ai e maliliu ona o le ave ta avale ma le ona; ma TALUAI, mo le afe ma afe o aiga o le malo tele, o aso malolo ia Tesema e fa amanatu mai ai aiga pele ua mal iliu ona o aveta avale onana i so o se taimi o le tausaga; ma TALUAI, ona o le polokalama e faia i nu u e pei o a oa oga, le tausiga ma le fa amalosiaga o tulafono, ua f a amaonia lo latou aoga mo le fa aitiitia o le ave ta avale ona; ma TALUAI, o fa alapotopotoga i le atunu u ua galulue fa atasi ma le atagaluega Alaga anuia Tautua Lautele (DHSS) ma le atagalueg ao le puipuiga o Saogalemu Lautele, e fa alauiloa le masina o Tesema mo le puipuiga o le ave ta avale ona e mafua i le tagofia o le ava malosi ma fuala au fa asaina; ma TALUAI, o Amerika Samoa o se pa aga i le taumafaiga ia saogalemu o tatou auala ma nofoaga. O LE EA LEA, O A U, LOLO. OLIGA, ovana o Amerika Samoa, oute fa ailoa atu fa alauaitele le asina o Tesema 2014, e avea ma masina mo le puipuiga o le ave ta avale ona, ona o le tagofia o le ava malosi ma fuala au fa asaina, ma ou te talosaga atu i tagatanu u, ofisa o le malo, ta ita i o pisinisi, falema i, a oga ma so o se fa al apotopotoga, in a ia fesoasoani e fa alautele le iloa e tagata o le fa afitauli o le aveta avale ona, ia lagolago atu i polokalama ma fa ai uga uma, ia fa aitiitia ai le fa afitauli, ia saili auala saogalemu ma aga talafeagai o le fa aaogaina o le ava malosi ma fuala au, ma saili avanoa mo tagata uma e auai i taumafaiga e puipui ai le ave ta avale ona, aemaise lava i le masina o Tesema atoa ma le Taus aga Fou. UA OU FA AAONIA LENEI POLOAIGA FA ALAUA ITELE i lo u sainia lea ma tu uina i ai le fa amaufa ailoga a lo u Ofisa i le aso 8 lenei o Tesema, i le tausaga lua afe sefulu ma le fa. LOLO. OLIGA ovana o Amerika Samoa

12 Page 12 samoa news, onday, December 15, 2014 arcus ariota makes history ontinued from page 1 This past week has included a whirlwind of activities for ariota, who was born in Hawai i, but whose ties to the Territory are strong. On Thursday, he upheld his trend of perfection, going three-for-three in Florida when he swept the ollege Football Awards Show, taking home the Davey O Brien National Quarterback Award, the axwell Award (presented to the college player of the year), and the Walter amp National Player of the ear Award. Afterwards, ariota headed to Baltimore, aryland to pick up the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He added the Heisman to his trophy case on Saturday evening. The only thing missing now is the NAA championship title, which he will play for if the Ducks win the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, A on New ear s Day (January 1, 2015) where ariota and the No. 2 Ducks will take on 2013 Heisman winner Jameis Winston and No. 3 Florida State Seminoles. There are a lot of expectations that ariota will deliver and the pressure is on. But you would never be able to tell. ariota is very composed both on and off the field and he doesn t wear his emotions on his sleeve so it s hard to tell what he s thinking or feeling. His aunt, Vaosefa ariota-grey, a local teacher at Laulii Elementary School, told Samoa News last week that arcus gets his quiet demeanor from her father (arcus s grandfather) Taulauniu ariota, who passed away in arcus was in the territory for the funeral and it was the last time he visited American Samoa. ariota has never been known to boast about his achievements. During post-game interviews and press conferences, he consistently credits his teammates and the coaching staff for their wins. On Saturday evening, though, something happened. The monotone, emotionless superstar broke down during his acceptance speech. Samoa News joined the rest of the Polynesian community and football fans worldwide on Saturday night to watch highlights and clips of the Heisman presentation which was held at the Best Buy Theatre in New ork. When his name was announced, ariota turned around and hugged his parents who were seated behind him before he headed for the stage as several hundred fans and supporters were on their feet, applauding. During his acceptance speech, ariota said he hoped and prayed that this is only the beginning. oung Poly athletes everywhere, you should take this as motivation and dream big and strive for greatness, he said. There were a few pauses as he got choked up when he thanked his parents for everything all the sacrifices and providing every opportunity for him and his brother att. I am truly grateful to have you in my life, he said, as his mother Alana Deppe-ariota looked on while his father Toa tried to fight back tears. ariota ended his speech by saying faafetai tele lava a Samoan phrase that translates to thank you very much. Afterwards, ariota was showered with fresh, colorful ulas or leis, which he told reporters is the traditional Samoan and Hawaiian way of saying congratulations. Those who were there to witness the momentous event included ariota s former coach and teachers at St. Louis High School in the Aloha State, as well as family, friends, and fans. In his usual manner, ariota shared the spotlight that night with his teammates, his family, and the state of Oregon which now has two Heisman winners in state history. (Oregon State s Terry Baker won in 1962) He also focused in on Hawa ii, where he was born and raised. ariota is the first player from Hawai i to win the Heisman. The closest the Aloha State came was in 2012 when Notre Dame s anti Te o came in second. It s a pride thing for people of Hawaii, ariota told reporters. I m thankful to be from there and it s a blessing.... In Hawai i, if one person is successful, the entire state is successful. To be a part of that, it s so special it s hard to explain. Locally, ariota s family members beamed with excitement after the official announcement was made on Saturday evening. His aunts, uncles, and cousins had spent most of the week producing homemade banners imprinted with his name, jersey number and messages of support that hung from their home in Laulii, where arcus s father Toa was born and raised. ariota s aunt Vaosefa told Samoa News that their way of supporting arcus is by cheering for him from across the ocean and praying that his football career continues to flourish. We are all very proud of arcus and his accomplishments. ariota s uncle Jimmy Grey told Samoa News that they are looking forward to the Rose Bowl, and they hope Oregon wins so the Ducks can advance to the national championship game. We wish arcus the best. ariota is a potential No. 1 pick in the 2015 NFL draft. With his Heisman win, ariota joins an elite fraternity that includes members like O.J. Simpson and Ricky Williams. ESPN says that winning the Heisman Trophy is worth at least $800,000 over a lifetime ($200,000 for autograph deals, $200,000 for public appearances and speeches, and $400,000 for a shoe deal). ariota is the ninth quarterback to win the axwell, Davey O Brien, and Heisman Trophy awards in the same season, and the first since Auburn University s am Newton did it in ongressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin also congratulated arcus ariota as this year s recipient of the Heisman emorial Trophy Award. I offer my congratulations to our newest Heisman Trophy winner, arcus ariota, on his historic achievement, Faleomavaega stated in a press release. He added What I am also particularly proud of is arcus decision to return to college this year. Just one day before winning the Heisman, arcus earned his Bachelor s Degree and accomplished another of his many goals for I also recognize and honor his parents, Toa and Alana, and his extended family for the countless sacrifices and support they have contributed towards arcus many accomplishments. His success on and off the field continue to inspire our young Samoan students and athletes across the Nation. Again, I congratulate arcus on this historic occasion and I pray for his continued success as he moves forward in his career, Faleomavaega concluded. Samoa News joins the rest of the Polynesian community here and worldwide, in congratulating arcus ariota on his achievements and we wish him the best of luck in the Rose Bowl. alo lava arcus! Alo i ou faiva. arcus Ardel Taulauniu ariota s family hung banners from their home in Laulii (Aumi) over the weekend, as a show of their support for the first Samoan to ever win the Heisman Trophy. arcus is the star quarterback for the Oregon Ducks and the potential #1 pick for the 2015 NFL draft. [photo: B] Saudi Arabia: 1 officer killed in hostage rescue RIADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) A Saudi security officer was killed in an operation to free three foreign laborers taken hostage by a gunman in the capital, Riyadh, according to a police statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency on onday. Saudi police said an attacker armed with an assault rifle seized the workers Sunday evening near a mosque and opened fire when surrounded by police. Police said they were able to free the hostages after a heavy exchange of gunfire. The attacker was wounded and captured in the shoot-out. In addition to the slain officer, a civilian and a member of the security forces were also injured. Security officials did not disclose the identity of the attacker, possible motives for the attack or the nationality of the hostages. Also on Sunday, a Saudi policeman was shot and killed in the eastern town of al-awamiya by an unidentified assailant. The town is heavily populated by minority Saudi Shiites and is the hometown of revered Shiite cleric Nimr al-nimr, an outspoken government critic who was sentenced to death in October for inciting violence and sectarian strife charges which he denies and which have outraged his supporters. The Eastern Province was rocked last month when seven Shiite worshippers were shot dead in an attack that police say appears to have been carried out by supporters of the extremist Islamic State group. Police have also arrested several people in the shooting and wounding of a Danish man in the capital Riyadh in November, an attack which was claimed by IS supporters. There are growing concerns about militant attacks in the kingdom in retaliation for its role in the U.S.-led coalition battling the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. Saudi ing Abdullah met with Jordan s ing Abdullah II in Riyadh on Sunday to discuss regional issues, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Jordan is also part of the U.S.-led group of nations conducting airstrikes against the IS group. Wreaths Across America ontinued from page 3 and daughters who made the ultimate sacrifice and also to pray for our sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, still serving in the Armed Forces. areko ilo added, I didn t think that my son would leave us so soon, but there is nothing we can do when God calls upon our loved ones. It s very difficult for a parent to lose a child. Another parent who attended the ceremony was isitaunese V. Ofagalilo, whose 26-year old son, Ioane John Viliamu irifi Ofagalilo of the U.S. Army died in 2001, while stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. rs. Ofalilo said that while she is happy with American Samoa for recognizing this important day, it also brings sadness to me if I think back about my son. Taua a told reporters that all of us have a relative or a someone that we knew had served in the military who has since passed away. So the importance of the Wreaths Across American Day is to remember them and their service, he said. During the media interview, Hatcher was just few feet away playing her ukulele and singing the Samoan song, o omo oga Sa olia i Talosaga, which is an old traditional song that is many times heard during funeral services, especially at the gravesite before the coffin is lowered into the ground. After the interviews, each of the 20 people who attended the ceremony joined Hatcher in singing the Samoan song bringing the local commemoration, which was without any big fanfare, including government speeches, to a close. Samoa News understands that the local organizer was only contacted less than two weeks before Dec. 13 to put together the local program and allow American Samoa to join in the national commemoration. It s hoped that next year, more people will join the local ceremony.