Senate mulls Charter Bank bill

Transcription

1 Buckle up! Fatalities CraSHES 0 40 LOCAL HIGHWAYS to date office of highway safety LOCAL HIGHWAYS to date Meet the 2015 BodySpace spokesmodels. On the right is local boy Raynor Whitcombe, the son of local residents Wally and Ruta Thompson. See story inside for full details. [photo: facebook.com] Dorsett played not knowing dementia could result B1 samoanews.com C Y M K Save Liuato Tuitele confirmed as DPS Commissioner 5 Daily Circulation 7,000 PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA Wednesday, February 11, 2015 $1.00 Letters of support in Kruse case call for leniency, mercy Probation conditions include house detention hours, financial restrictions by Fili Sagapolutele, Samoa News Correspondent Letters testifying to the character of John Emil Kruse and his wife Elaine were submitted to the federal court in Washington D.C. as part of the defense attorneys request for leniency with no jail term for the couple, and asked that the couple be allowed to return to American Samoa, where press coverage of the Kruses case was widespread and highly unflattering. The letters further pointed out what had already been cited by defense attorneys in their sentencing memorandums that John had suffered from sleep apnea since 1998, and requires a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine whenever he sleeps; while his wife suffers from depression, which is noted in the federal Pre Sentence Report. Additionally, Mrs. Kruse has agreed to seek professional help after sentencing for her depression, which in recent years she has attempted to address without outside help. Defense attorneys also stated that press coverage of the Kruses criminal case within American Samoa has been widespread and highly unflattering. Further, both privately and publicly, the Kruses have experienced great shame for their actions in this case. (Continued on page 14) Senate mulls Charter Bank bill Don t be pushed into a decision like the House, advises Galea i by Fili Sagapolutele, Samoa News Correspondent Senators concur that American Samoa will be in need of another bank when Bank of Hawaii departs but at the same time, a handful of senators suggested amendments to an administration bill which sets up a government-owned Charter Bank to serve local banking needs. The comments and recommendations were made yesterday during a Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee debate, called by committee chairman Sen. Laolagi F.S. Vaeao to get input from all senators on the administration s proposed Charter Bank to be called the Territorial Bank of American Samoa and overseen by a new holding entity, Territorial Bancorp. In order to address any lingering concerns, the American Samoa Economic Development Authority board returns this morning for a third committee hearing. The goal for the Senate is to act on this measure before the Fono goes into its mid session recess this Friday. Both the Senate and House versions of the bill have been debated by senators, with Sen. Galeai M. Tu ufuli saying that this legislation is a major issue for the government, and that as far as he is concerned as an individual residing in the territory the government should not get involved in the private sector setting up its own business, such as the banking business. He says the government is seldom successful in ventures in which it holds and controls the interest and operations. For example, the Development Bank of American Samoa s history shows that there are many times people s loans were written off because they were unable to pay those loans. He gave another example of an unsuccessful venture the Rainmaker Hotel, and he wonders what happened to the shares of those people who invested in it. Under the current bill, the governor is the bank of the territory, said Galeai and acknowledged that current banks are not able to address local financial needs, which was the reason for proposing a locally owned bank. (Continued on page 14) C Y M K Galea i: E le taitai manuia se mea e fai e le malo tusia Ausage Fausia Na taua e le afioga i le ali i senatoa ia Galea i M. Tu ufuli i le taimi o felafolafoaiga a le maota maualuga i le taeao ananafi, e fa atatau i le tulafono sa talosagaina e le alii kovana e fa atula i ai se Faletupe fou mo Amerika Samoa i lalo o le fa atautaiga a le malo, e le taitai manuia ni atina e e fai e le malo. E ui i le taua o le manaoga e pei ona tula i mai i le atunu u i le taimi nei, i le matua mana omia lea e tagata atoa ai ma le malo o se isi auaunaga fa a faletupe, na saunoa Galea i e fa apea, e le tatau ona a afia fua le malo i gaioiga tau pisinisi, ma latou taumafai ai e fa atula i se faletupe, o atina e ia e patino i pisinisi tua, ua tele fo i atina e e taumafai i ai le malo, e le taitai manuia ia atina e. Mo se fa ata ita iga o le Faletupe o Atina e o lo o pulea e le malo i le taimi nei, o le tele o tausaga e fa amagalo ai le tele o aitalafu a tagata, e fa apena fo i i le faletalimalo o le Rainmaker, e le i manuia lona taunu uga, ma avea ma itu na matua a afia ai tagata o le atunu u, o le isi lea saunoaga a Galea i. Ae ui i se lagona o le afioga Galea i, na momoli lana fa afetai i le kovana sili ia Lolo Matalasi Moliga ma le faigamalo, ina ua a e se tofa e tula i mai e saili se auala e foia ai le fa afitauli ua tele tausaga o fetaia i ma le malo, o le fa aletonu lea o auau- (Faaauau itulau 15) Deangelo Si imalevai of Faleasao Elementary School in Manu atele did his science project on The Science Behind Keeping Flowers Fresh. The Territory-wide Science Fair began yesterday, Tuesday, Feb. 09 at the Fale Laumei in Utulei. The event has two divisions Elementary and Secondary with Elementary school students being the first to display and be judged. [photo: Leua Aiono Frost]

2 Page 2 samoa news, Wednesday, February 11, 2015 Re-assessment of SPED students much needed, DOE director says EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY L.E. Rebong & Associates, P.C. Inc. needs applicants for the following position: ACCOUNTANT. A Graduate of Business/Accounting Course, Major in Accounting and must be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). With at least one year experience in an Accounting Firm. Please send resume to PO Box 4626, Pago Pago, American Samoa BIG SALE!! All Tires 1/2 OFF Sizes 12 to Size 24 Backhoe Tires Furnitures Appliances (Refrigerator, side x side, stove) Plants Windshields Tire Machines or by Joyetter Feagaimaali i-luamanu Samoa News Reporter The Department of Education is currently having specialists from Hawai i conduct a reassessment of the 800+ SPED Students, as the DOE Director is concerned that the majority of the SPED students have been identified as students with speech problems, however that may not be the case, as these students do not speak English. The explanation was given before the House Education Committee last week when DOE Director, Vaitinasa Salu Hunkin-Finau, SPED Assistant Director Jeanette Vasai Tilo and Human Resources Director Sonny L Thompson appeared to answer questions on a variety of areas within DOE, including the problems with SPED. During the hearing, the DOE Director pointed to what she saw as two big problems with the local SPED it spends too much money on personnel, and not necessarily qualified personnel, and current SPED students need to be reassessed, as it s possible they do not have learning disabilities they just don t read or speak English. For personnel, Vaitinasa explained that in the U.S the budget for special education allocates 40% for personnel and 60% for resources, however for the local SPED it s 90% for personnel, leaving only 10% for materials. She said when she was appointed to DOE there were a lot of employees working for SPED and she instructed that there would be no more hiring in this division because its spends so much on personnel. Vaitinasa further pointed out that DOE has been trying to hire professionals, to no avail, who have expertise in areas of SPED especially for the students whom are severely disabled and are certified and licensed to conduct assessments to determine and diagnose as to what type of disability each student has. The DOE director noted that there are those who are currently working for SPED that have majored in working with disabled students who have degrees already; however, they need to undergo training and that takes money to hire people to conduct these types of training. She said currently DOE is looking for a behavioral psychologist, speech pathologists, occupational therapists who are licensed and certified in the special education area, but the process is difficult because of their salaries DOE cannot afford them. The DOE Director pointed out that SPED does contract local psychologists who do session with the students. For SPED students, Vaitinasa noted, We are trying to hire professionals to conduct the reassessment of Special Education students because for many years, 80% of students have been identified to have speech problems, my concern is that this is because they probably don t know English or do they have a disability? She said that currently they have a professional from Hawai i who is conducting the reassessment of these students to determine which is which a student with learning disabilities or one that cannot read or speak English. Vaitinasa assured the lawmakers after the reassessment, DOE will then focus on hiring the professionals that are needed. Earlier this week, Sandra Scanlan told Samoa News via that speaking on behalf of the SPED parents, what we parents are fighting for, is not a battle AGAINST SPED, or the Fono, or ASG, or DOE, but it is a fight FOR OUR CHILDREN and their right to a specialized/adapted education. Whatever force is obstructing our children s right to a free and appropriate public education is what we are challenging. If this past summer s team had been an actual federal audit, and we failed to make changes in six months time as we have done, we would no longer have our SPED program, over 900 kids would be without a school, and over 300 employees out of work. The outspoken parent said that it would be wise for us to adopt the recommendations given by this Hawai i team, putting our egos aside, and work together to save our SPED program and ensure that it runs with quality and integrity. She further pointed out in a separate that American Samoa says it is unable to recruit professionals due to its inability to provide salary and benefits that attract off island personnel. This came directly after stating that the reason they spent 90% of the 6.4 mil. on personnel was because of the cost of off island specialists. Though off island recruitment is difficult, it is not impossible and this has not been the reason we have not been able to hire as can be shown by the following examples, Scanlan wrote. She pointed out that three years ago, Mrs. Vivian Edmonds, SLP with 30 years experience in special education and autism, offered her services to SPED when her husband was hired by ASG. She was literally dropped in SPED s lap but they were not able to hire her. We did not have to pay her relocation, housing, and she was willing to work for the low AS salary; the position was unfilled; why were we not able to hire her? Scanlan asked. ALL PUZZLE ANSWERs on page 14

3 samoa news, Wednesday, February 11, 2015 Page 3 Kim and Samani receive no prison time for sexual abuse Must pay fines and register as sex offenders by Joyetter Feagaimaali i-luamanu Samoa News Reporter Businessman Mike Kim and co-defendant Motau Samani have been ordered by the High Court to register as sex offenders with the Department of Public Safety, after they escaped jail time as part of their five-year probation in a four-year old sex case. Kim and Samani entered into a plea agreement with the government in connection with the case that occurred in Kim was facing rape, conspiracy to commit rape, deviate sexual assault, witness tampering, concealing an offense and endangering the welfare of a child, while Samani faced rape, conspiracy to commit rape, deviate sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child. In the plea deal with the government, Kim and Samani will plead guilty to sexual abuse in the first degree, and in return for that plea, the government will move for Associate Justice Lyle L. Richmond to dismiss the remaining charges. This is the third time sentencing has been scheduled in this case. During the last hearing Deputy Attorney General Mitzie Jessop asked the court to show leniency in the sex case filed against businessman Kim and told the court to consider other punishments rather than confining him at the Tafuna Correctional Facility, given his age and his health. The only reason the government is considering this option is in consideration of his age and health conditions, however the government also appreciates the statements that these are serious matters, especially the felony charges and the victim, who has to live with this for the rest of her life. For Samani, Jessop said he should ve known better. As the father of four daughters, he didn t consider that the victim in this case is someone else s daughter, who is loved by her parents. The Deputy AG recommended that Samani be jailed. Richmond sentenced Kim and Samani to five years in jail, however execution of sentencing was suspended and defendants were placed on probation for five years under the conditions that they undergo 20 months jail time. The court however stayed the 20 months and ordered Kim to pay a fine of $5,000 while Samani pays $3,000. The fines are to be paid within 30 days. Richmond further ordered the defendants to be registered as sex offenders and undergo HIV testing as required by law. An additional condition for Samani is that upon paying the $3,000 fine he s to depart the territory within 48 hours and remain outside of the territory for the period of his probation. According to the plea agreement in this case, Samani admits that on or about June 29, 2010, with the purpose of promoting the commission of an offense, he aided Kim by bringing a 17-year-old girl to a location where Kim would have unrestricted access to her. Samani then stepped outside the door, while Kim touched the girl in a sexual manner without her consent. Samani admits that his actions were without legal justification or excuse. With Kim s guilty plea, he admits that he subjected another person to sexual contact without the victim s consent. According to court filings, the alleged incident occurred on June 29, Raynor Whitcombe becomes a spokesmodel for BodySpace by B. Chen, Samoa News Correspondent It was a competition full of fabulous, well-oiled bodies, defined abs, lean biceps, rock solid calf muscles and not-too-shabby faces. What started off with hundreds of contestants ended up being a showdown between five of the top contenders, vying for a chance to become the 2015 BodySpace spokesmodels. Only two slots were open one male and one female. And while everyone was getting into the Super Bowl hype that came and went, not too many were aware that American Samoa was not only represented in the Bodybuilding.com competition, the tiny little island in the South Pacific produced this year s winner: Raynor Whitcombe who ousted scores of other competitors on his way to the top. In an to Samoa News yesterday, Whitcombe wrote, Just want to give God all the glory for this blessing, and to extend my sincere appreciation to the community, my home, Amerika Samoa for their full support! Whitcombe emerged as the winner after he made the cut for a spot in the Top 5 last year. From there, he entered the competition at the LA Fit Expo, which was held this month in Los Angeles. Raynor, tagged as Kingaden is a native of American Samoa. A very special thank-you to my Bodybuilding.com team for this amazing opportunity to be a part of such a great and awesome group of individuals, to help inspire and motivate others to live a healthy and fit lifestyle, Whitcombe wrote. It was such an amazing experience being here with all the other contestants who had such great personalities! I would like to dedicate this win to my late grandparents. My granddad Reverend Tulaga Peleti and my late grandmother Malaga Peleti, and also to my dearest mother Ruta Thompson and dad Wallace Thompson who molded and shaped me into the man that I am today! Thank you to my family for their continuous support, especially to my brothers Tulaga and Terrence Whitcombe who kept pushing me to do what I do. Whitcombe also thanked his gym buddies at TJ s Gym where he said, it all started. Samoa News joins the rest of the community here and around the world in congratulating Raynor and wish him the best of luck! S w e e t h e a r t D e a l s Now until - February 14, % % O f f S E L E C T G AS A P P L I A N C E S BUY ANY OF THESE GAS APPLIANCE AND GET A FREE SINGLE ROSE & ACCESORY COMPLIMENT OF ORIGIN ENERGY. FOR YOUR SWEET HEART (PICK UP FRIDAY 2/13 & SATURDAY 2/14) Talk to us for the right gas advice Our specialist gas technicians provide safe, reliable installation AWARENESS TIP: Gas is cheaper than Electricity, Help us keep the air we breathe clean. 2BURNERS GAS COOKER HEC700B 2BURNER GAS COOKER-CAST IRON 2BRNER GAS COOKER- CK203LP HI PRESSURE WOKS & IRON WOKS 5 % % O f f S e l e c t e d A P P L I A N C E S 2BURNER GAS STOVE W/STANDAMANA 20INCH- LP FOUR BURNER STOVE AMANA 30inch LP FOUR BURNER STOVE RINNAI 5.5LT & 10LT HOT WATER HEATER LPGAS 2BURNER BBQ GRILL CALL into origin energy gas showroom at tafuna industrial park

4 Page 4 samoa news, Wednesday, February 11, 2015 Fed report: Time to examine purposely cooling planet idea WASHINGTON (AP) It s time to study and maybe even test the idea of cooling the Earth by injecting sulfur pollution high in the air to reflect the sun s heat, a first-of-its-kind federal science report said Tuesday. The idea was once considered fringe to purposely re-engineer the planet s climate as a last ditch effort to battle global warming with an artificial cloud. No longer. In a nuanced, two-volume report, the National Academy of Sciences said that the concept should not be acted upon immediately because it is too risky, but it should be studied and perhaps tested outdoors in small projects. It could be a relatively cheap, effective and quick way to cool the planet by mimicking the natural effects on climate of large volcanic eruptions, but scientists concede there could be dramatic and dangerous side effects that they don t know about. Because warming has worsened and some countries might act unilaterally, scientists said research is needed to calculate the consequences. Panel chairwoman Marcia McNutt, editor of the journal Science and former director of the U.S. Geological Survey, said in an interview that the public should read this report and say, This is downright scary. And they should say, If this is our Hail Mary, what a scary, scary place we are in. This is the first time a government-associated science panel talked about the controlled small scale outdoor tests of the artificial cloud concept, called solar radiation management or SRM. But even then panelists downplayed the idea and said it would require some kind of government or other oversight before it is done. Yes, small scale outdoor tests might be allowed, but it wouldn t just be in the hands of scientists to decide what s allowable and what s not allowable, McNutt said. Civil society needs to engage in these discussions where the line is to be drawn. Some scientists worry that research itself it will make this type of planet hacking more likely to occur. This creates a bit of what we call a moral hazard, said Waleed Abdalati, a University of Colorado ice scientist and former NASA chief scientist who co-authored the report. There will likely come a time we re going to want to know the ramifications of that kind of action.... You re talking about potentially changing weather and climate. You don t want to do that without as good an understanding as you can possibly have. And the committee scientists said once you start this type of tinkering, it would be difficult to stop because warming would come back with such a force. So a decision to spray particles into the air would have to continue for more than 1,000 years. The report was requested by U.S. intelligence agencies, academy president Ralph J. Ciccerone said. Because the world is not reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases that cause global warming, scientists have been forced to at least consider what is known as geoengineering, he said. The panel did favor technology to suck carbon dioxide from the air and bury it underground. But unlike the artificial cloud concept, it would be costly and take decades to cool the planet. The panel wrote a separate volume on this method with the idea of distancing the concept from the idea of the artificial cloud, which McNutt described as a political hot potato. Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of the burning of coal, oil and gas. Removing it from the air treats the cause of man-made global warming, while deflecting the sun with an artificial cloud only treats the symptoms and does nothing about ocean acidification, the report said. A leading climate engineering scientist, David Keith of Harvard, hailed the report, but said it could have gone further. With backing from billionaire Bill Gates, Keith has proposed an experiment involving putting about two pounds (1 kilogram) of a sulfur solution in the air to see what happens. Rutgers University scientist Alan Robock said it would be interesting to spray a small sulfur dioxide into a cloud, and use a blimp or drone to measure what happens. But that should only be done with proper oversight, he said. Other climate scientists are adamantly against injecting sulphates into the air, even as a last ditch effort. Such an idea could do far more harm than good and scientists should treat the Earth like doctors do their patients, abiding by the rule first, do no harm, said Pennsylvania State University climate scientist Michael Mann. But he favors increased study of the issue if only for one purpose: to expose just how dangerous many of these schemes might be. While the artificial cloud idea is a much worse option that carbon dioxide removal, it is more attractive to some people because we could probably do it right now, said Texas A&M University atmospheric sciences professor Andrew Dessler. There s really very little that s technologically standing in our way. Aumua s stand on US citizenship issue the same as Faleomavaega This issue should be decided first by our people, then presented to Congress by Fili Sagapolutele, Samoa News Correspondent Plaintiffs and their attorneys in the citizenship lawsuit before the federal appeals court in Washington D.C. maintain that U.S. citizenship is a fundamental right, not a Congressional privilege as argued by the defendants, who include the U.S. State Department and the Secretary of State. On the other hand, Congresswoman Aumua Amata says that while the plaintiffs have the right to their suit, she believes that the citizenship issue should be decided first by our people and then presented to Washington. This has also been the stand of former Congressman Faleomavaega Eni. Oral arguments were made Monday before a panel of three judges at the federal appeals court, on the citizenship lawsuit filed by eight U.S. nationals led by local resident Leneuoti Tuaua. The plaintiffs also include Los Angeles-based Samoan Federation of America, a nonprofit organization. The Congresswoman along with the American Samoa Government are intervenors in the appeal process in support of the defendants. PLAINTIFF S REPLY Attending the oral arguments hearing were Tuaua, along with local attorney and co-counsel for the plaintiffs Charles Alailima, and representatives of the Samoan organization, including its president Loa Pele Faletogo. In a news release in response to a Samoa News request on Monday for comments on the hearing, Alailima said yesterday that he was glad to see the unique history of American Samoa emphasized during the oral arguments. Upon signing the Deeds of Cession, American Samoa s leaders thought the people of American Samoa would be recognized as U.S. citizens, even as they believed in the importance of protecting American Samoa s land and culture, he said yesterday in a news release. When the U.S. Navy took the position that American Samoans were not citizens, territorial leaders petitioned Congress for full U.S. citizenship, with legislation passing unanimously in the U.S. Senate, only to fail in the U.S. House due to Navy opposition, he pointed out. The three appeal judges were well prepared from the written briefs and immediately focused on whether American Samoa is similar to or different from the Philippines, he explained. But so long as American Samoa is part of the United States, with its sons and daughters fighting in uniform to defend the Constitution, the Constitution guarantees citizenship by birth on U.S. soil, including in American Samoa. Tuaua said he is glad he was in the the courtroom as the judges considered the plaintiffs case, adding that American Samoans have contributed a lot to the United States. I hope the courts recognize we deserve to be treated as more than second-class Americans. It s certainly what the Constitution requires, he said in the media statement. Faletogo added, American Samoans have the highest per capita casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan of any U.S. jurisdiction. Yet we re not recognized as U.S. citizens? That not only doesn t make sense, it is contrary to the command of the U.S. Constitution. According to Alailima, a decision on the case is expected by the end of the year. CONGRESSWOMAN S COMMENTS Responding to Samoa News request for comments, Aumua said she would have hoped the court hearing would have made a distinction between U.S. Nationals living in American Samoa and those who are living in the states. I am very much in favor of U.S. citizenship and I have traveled around the country urging Samoans to become citizens so they can participate in the American political system, she said yesterday from Washington D.c. However, when it comes to our people in American Samoa, I m not in favor of imposing citizenship on them in absence of their expressed wishes. She explained that she joined the side of ASG in this court case because she s not in favor of using the federal judicial process for political questions. The people who are suing certainly have the right to do so, but I am not in favor of this process because it should be decided first by our people and then brought to Washington, and not the other way around, the Congresswoman said. Citizenship for our people in the territory, like political status, should be left up to the people to decide. If and when the public is ready for that step, I would introduce a bill in Congress to make it happen. But it should not be imposed on us by a federal court, she said. BACKGROUND American Samoa is the only U.S. jurisdiction where persons born are U.S. nationals rather than U.S. citizens. The U.S. Congress has been able to grant U.S. citizenship to other territories based on their political relationship with that territory. For example, Guam was granted citizenship through the Organic Act. ASG has argued that the final decision on whether persons born in American Samoa which is an unorganized and unincorporated territory should be automatic U.S. citizens, rests with residents, not with a federal court thousands of miles away from the territory. ASG further argued that any decision by local residents will then be submitted to the U.S. Congress. But this case has brought forth several off-islanders who are supportive of the plaintiffs, and who have participated as amici curiae, or friends of the court. Several of them are from Guam, including current Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and former Guam Gov. Carl Gutierrez. Guam based Pacific Daily News reported Bordallo saying, So long as Guam and other U.S. territories are part of the United States, citizenship by birth should be recognized as a right guaranteed by the Constitution, not a mere privilege extended by Congress. In a statement, Gutierrez said, It s about time the federal government stops arguing that Guam and these other territories aren t really part of the United States when it comes to important rights and benefits, the Pacific Daily News reported last month. Osini Faleatasi Inc. reserves all rights. dba Samoa News publishes Monday 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 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.

5 samoa news, Wednesday, February 11, 2015 Page 5 Save Liuato Tuitele confirmed as new DPS Commissioner by Joyetter Feagaimaali i-luamanu, Samoa News Reporter Save Liuato Tuitele s appointment as Commissioner of Public Safety has been approved unanimously by the House in a vote of 15-0, the same result as the Senate vote last week. Prior to the vote, Save appeared Monday morning before the House for his confirmation hearing, where representatives commended Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga for appointing Save, who is more than qualified for the Commissioner post. Several lawmakers reminded Save of the importance of morale in the DPS, as it does affect the performance of police officers when carrying out their duties. Vice Speaker, Fetu Fetui Jr noted that Save had made recommendations to the Governor regarding the Police Station in Leone and asked why he s opted to close it down. Save did not go into details, but explained that he gave the governor the pros and cons of closing down the Leone Substation as well as the Eastern Substation. Fetu told Save that if he feels it s the right decision to close down the substations for the betterment of DPS, then do it and he will support that decision. Your resume is very impressive and you are more than qualified for the job, however you need to please do whatever it takes to bring up DPS to par with everything going on, if need be, to discipline those who deserve it, then do it. The Vice Speaker also urged Save to be mindful of the complaints by the public, especially the elderly population regarding the attitude of the police officers when conducting their jobs, saying they need to show respect in order for them to be respected, and especially with the senior citizens. Tualauta Faipule Vui Florence Tuaumu Saulo also commended the nominee for an outstanding resume, and noted that she is concerned about the salaries of the police officers as they are underpaid. She also pointed out that there have been complaints to her from her constituents that there is nepotism in DPS and urged Save to look into it. She further noted that nepotism affects the morale of the officers and it affects how they do their job. Pago Pago faipule, Meauta Lauoi Mageo pointed out to Save that despite mandates by the Human Resources for all departments and agencies to stop all voluntary and involuntary reassignment and transfer of employees, DPS continues to make personnel changes without following proper procedures. He asked Save to give an explanation on this matter. Save responded that for these recent changes, he met with Human Resources Director Sonny L. Thompson and the explanation given by Chief of Police Tauese Vaaomala Sunia was that the changes had to be made for the betterment of the department. Save further told the lawmakers that Tauese made it clear that Governor Lolo has instructed that they are to make the personnel changes that need to be made to move DPS forward. Samoa News notes that it s unclear now as to what will happen to the Office of Fraud Prevention and Investigation, which is now without a director. Commissioner of Public Safety, Save Liuato Tuitele who was confirmed unanimously in the House yesterday when appearing before the House Public Safety Committee, chaired by Manumaua Wayne Wilson. [courtesy photo] LOVE IS IN THE AIR... The Equator Restaurant can make your Valentine s Day A SPECIAL AFFAIR! Get a FREE Raffle Ticket each time you have Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner between NOW and Thursday for a chance to WIN one of several prizes! Raffle Drawing - Friday, Feb 2:00pm... So Don t Miss Out! Let the Equator Restaurant make your Valentine s Day a Sweet Memory with Savory Dishes and Delicious Desserts!! The EQUATOR RESTAURANT at the Tradewinds Hotel Call us at to reserve your table!! info@tradewinds.as DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Project Notification & Review System Legal Notice PNRS BO ARD MEETING February 18, 2015 Notice is hereby given that the Department of Commerce/American Samoa Coastal Management Program has received a Land Use Permit Application from the following individuals. 1. DPA c/o Aleki Mao L Federal Consistency Certification and repair, paving, clearing utilities nd demolition - Satala 2.AnthonyT uiolosega lvb Proposal for retail auto parts and accessories - Matu u 3.Lupelele Elder LVB Proposal for a new construction of agricultural market - Nu uuli 4.Sarah Tuitele LVB Proposal for a new construction with utilities, road and driveway - Tafuna Persons interested in or affected by a proposed project, are invited to review the project file and provide comments based on environmental issues, by contacting Marvis Vaiaga e at , at the Department of Commerce in Utulei during regular ASG working hours. Public comments must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, Interested individuals are also invited to attend a Public Hearing at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at DOC Conference Room, on the 2nd Floor of the Executive Office Building in Utulei. O lo o iai i le Ofisa o Fa afetauaina ni talosaga mo Pemita e Fa atagaina ai le Fa aaogaina o Fanua ma Laueleele e tusa ma ala o le Tulafono. A iai se tasi e fa asea pe fia tusia se molimau i ni afaina o le si osi omaga pe a galueaina nei galuega, telefoni mai ia Marvis Vaiaga e i le E mafai fo i ona e auai i le fono a le Komiti Fa afoe ia Fepuari 18, 2015, ile itula e 9 ile taeao.

6 Page 6 samoa news, Wednesday, February 11, 2015 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. - $ 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: $ 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 $ Order now or come in and see us to avoid last minute rush at , vaisflowers@yahoo.com Happy Valentines Day! Valentines Raffle: Any purchase from now until Thursday, February 12, 2015 at 12:00 noon qualifies you to enter our raffle: Special Prizes: 3 $ Gift Certificates give away. NEWS IN BRIEF Puerto Rico considers fining PARENts of obese children SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) Legislators in Puerto Rico are debating a bill that would fine parents of obese children up to $800 if they don t lose weight. The bill aims to improve children s wellbeing and help parents make healthier choices, Sen. Gilberto Rodriguez said in a statement issued Monday. Public hearings for the bill are scheduled to begin Friday. If approved, public school teachers would flag potential obesity cases and refer them to a counselor or social worker, depending on the severity of the case. Health Department officials would then meet with the parents and determine whether the obesity is a result of bad eating habits or a medical condition. They also would create a diet-and-exercise program combined with monthly visits to ensure it s being followed. After six months, officials would evaluate the child again, with parents possibly facing between $500 and $800 in fines if the situation does not improve within another six months to a year. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control defines childhood obesity as having a body mass index or above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex. Several doctors including the president of Puerto Rico s chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics have spoken out against the measure, saying it is unfair. US closes embassy in Yemen amid the continued unrest WASHINGTON (AP) The State Department confirmed late Tuesday that it has closed the U.S. Embassy in Yemen and evacuated its staff because of the political crisis and security concerns following the takeover of much of the country by Shiite rebels. The department announced it had suspended operations at the embassy in Sanaa and relocated its remaining diplomatic personnel due to the ongoing political instability and the uncertain security situation. The embassy had been operating with only a skeleton staff for some weeks amid deteriorating conditions. Yemen has been in crisis for months, with Iran-linked Shiite Houthi rebels besieging the capital and then taking control. Earlier Tuesday, U.S. officials said the embassy closure would not affect counterterrorism operations against al- Qaida s Yemen branch. The State Department also issued a travel warning advising U.S. citizens to defer travel to Yemen and urging U.S. citizens currently living in Yemen to depart. Philippines protests China land reclamation at another reef MANILA, Philippines (AP) The Philippines has protested Chinese land reclamation at a disputed reef in the South China Sea, saying it violates Manila s exclusive economic zone. More than 28 percent of children in Puerto Foreign Affairs Department spokesman Rico are considered obese, compared with some 18 percent in the U.S. mainland. 75-yr-old man tackles suspect and threatens to break his arm WASHINGTON, Pa. (AP) A 75-year-old man helped in the arrest of a shoplifting suspect at a Pennsylvania mall by tackling him and threatening to break his arm if he tried to escape. Charlie Burton, of Fombell, says he was a vendor at the Washington Crown Center mall for a gun show when he saw an officer struggling with the suspect, 29-year-old Jonathan Fekete Jr. Police say Fekete was trying to get away after taking $200 worth of clothes from a Macy s store Saturday. Burton says he ran over to help, grabbed the man s arms and forced him down. Burton says, He started hollering his arm hurt, and I said, Quit struggling or I ll break the thing. Fekete is jailed. Court records don t list an attorney. Charles Jose said Tuesday a diplomatic protest was handed to a Chinese Embassy representative on Feb. 4 urging Beijing to stop the land reclamation at Panganiban Reef, also called Mischief Reef. China occupied the reef in 1995, and later expanded stilt structures into a concrete building several stories high. The Philippines protested both moves at the time. Jose said it appears China is constructing an artificial island at the reef. China claims virtually the entire South China Sea, resource-rich waters where the Philippines and other neighboring nations also have claims. Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines have separately protested Chinese land reclamation at a number of reefs in the Spratly Islands, fearing they could be used for air, naval or logistic bases to bolster China s territorial claims far from its mainland. (Continued on page 8) Fla. lawyer sparks debate about rights at DUI checkpoints MIAMI (AP) Drivers at drunken-driving checkpoints don t have to speak to police or even roll down their windows. They just have to place their license and registration on the glass, along with a note saying they have no comment, won t permit a search and want a lawyer. At least, that s the view of a South Florida attorney. Warren Redlich contends the commonly-used checkpoints violate drivers constitutional rights. He and an associate have created a website detailing their tactics. They ve even made videos, one viewed more than 2 million times on the Internet, of their refusals to interact with police. Doubts over the legality and wisdom of the tactics have been expressed by legal experts and local authorities. Redlich, of Boca Raton, said his goal is not to protect drunken drivers, but to protect the innocent. He says some of his clients who passed breath-alcohol tests still faced DUI charges because the officer said he detected an odor of alcohol or the person had slurred speech. The point of the card is, you are affirmatively asserting your rights without having to speak to the police and without opening your window, he said. Not surprisingly, this does not sit well with law enforcement officials who insist drivers must speak in order to make the checkpoints work. And, they point out the U.S. Supreme Court in 1990 upheld the use of random DUI checkpoints, concluding they don t violate constitutional protections against unreasonable search and seizure. They wouldn t be allowed out of that checkpoint until they talk to us. We have a legitimate right to do it, said Sheriff David Shoar of St. Johns County, president of the Florida Sheriffs Association. If I was out there, I wouldn t wave them through. I want to talk to that person more now. The widely viewed video was shot Dec. 31 at a checkpoint in Levy County, Florida, by Redlich s associate Jeff Gray. In it, Gray approaches the officers with the flyer, his license, registration and insurance card in a plastic bag dangling outside the slightly open car window. The officers briefly examine it with a flashlight and then allow him to continue. In bold type, the flyer states: I remain silent. No searches. I want my lawyer. Police across Florida have seen the video. A spokeswoman for a large metro police agency says Gray s experience at the checkpoint doesn t mean the no-talk tactic is legitimate. He was allowed to proceed because he clearly was not driving while intoxicated, said Veda Coleman-Wright, spokeswoman for the Broward Sheriff s Office. If those officers had reasonable suspicion to believe that the driver was impaired, they would have investigated further. There have been other incidents of motorists refusing to speak at DUI checkpoints around the country. In the Southwest, some drivers resist cooperating at Border Patrol checkpoints miles from the Mexican border that are aimed at finding immigrants in the country illegally. Based on differences in DUI laws, Redlich has created versions of his flyer for 10 states with more on the way. There are no comprehensive statistics on how many drunken drivers get caught at checkpoints, which are usually announced publicly in advance and must adhere to a strict set of courtapproved rules. For example, the Miami-Dade Police Department uses a neutral method of selecting which drivers get stopped, such as every single vehicle or maybe every third vehicle. The Miami Police Department uses the chute method in which 10 cars are randomly diverted from a busy thoroughfare to a side road and checked simultaneously by officers, followed by 10 more. At a recent checkpoint, Miami Police Sgt. Luis Taborda said it s as much about deterrence and visibility as making DUI arrests. Taborda has frequently brought bad news to a family when someone is killed or seriously injured by a drunken driver. I m the one that has to knock on somebody s door and see the pain that person has to go through, he said. Legal experts said it s unclear whether Redlich s tactics will hold up in court. David S. Weinstein, a former Miami state and federal prosecutor now in private practice, said most states consider driving a privilege and drivers give up some rights. You may have to roll your window down and interact with officers, Weinstein said. These guys are all pushing the envelope. Redlich, however, said to his knowledge his flyers have been successful every time they have been used. His goal is not to challenge or confront police, he said. I m not anti-cop. I m anti-bad government and anti-bad cop. I support good cops, he said. I would like if police didn t waste their time with something like checkpoints and would focus their attention on violent crime.

7 by Fili Sagapolutele Samoa News Correspondent FONO GOES INTO MID SESSION RECESS Both the Senate and House have approved each other s concurrent resolutions calling for a mid session recess for four weeks to begin at the close of business this Friday, and reconvene on Mar. 16. According to the identical resolutions, the Legislature has conducted work on pending matters and in order to preserve legislative sessions days for most efficient use, it is appropriate to temporarily recess Fono business to fully prepare for disposition of additional and incoming agenda items. Among the pressing administration bills that the governor hopes the Fono will address before the recess, is the Charter Bank legislation, along with its companion bill, which establishes the Office of Financial Institutions within the Treasury Department to regulate banking and money transfer services in the territory. During the recess, several lawmakers are heading to Hawai i for the ASG Retirement Fund meeting, which is held in February every two years. Members of Retirement committees from each chamber, along with the Fono leaders usually travel for the meeting, with all expenses paid by the Retirement Fund. Special details of the meeting and the total number of lawmakers and staffers traveling to Hawai i is not immediately known. SENATE APPROVES AMENDMENT TO BOND, DESPITE CONCERNS In a 11-2 vote, the Senate yesterday approved its version of an administration bill seeking to add a new provision to the American Samoa Economic Development Authority law to better facilitate the sale of bonds, which are to be issued under ASEDA. Sens. Magalei Logovi i and Gaea Perefoti Failautusi, both of Tualauta, and both have held the government position of Treasurer, voted against the measure, which now goes to the House where faipule have their version pending in committee. The governor has asked the Fono to approve this amendment as ASEDA desires to issue bonds in April to refinance outstanding ASG debts and fund needed infrastructure. During a Senate committee hearing Monday, Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo Ale testified that the total amount of the bonds to be issued comes to around $62 million and the new provision provides investors with further assurances that the government will not interrupt any pledged revenue streams supporting bond payments. One major concern to a handful of senators regarding the bonds is that all ASG revenues including the government s biggest revenue source, which are taxes are all pledged to repay these bonds. This concern was voiced by Sen. Magalei Logovi i, a former ASG Treasurer, who pointed out that if payments default on these bonds, the government will be faced with some serous financial woes, as all revenues are pledge for the bonds. However, Talauega said only 25% of ASG revenues pledged is allowed under the law for ASEDA to use for repayment. He also noted that the bonds will pay off outstanding debts such as the old Laufou Shopping Center court judgement and the government s $20 million loan from the ASG Employees Retirement Fund. Talauega pointed out that paying off these old debts which have high interest rates will save the government additional revenue, which could be used for other purposes. Asked about the rating for the ASG bonds, Talauega told the committee that the ASEDA board will be meeting in Honolulu the first week of next month with officials from companies that do ratings to discuss such matters. According to the amendment, ASG pledges to and agrees with the holders of any bonds, including refunding bonds issued in accordance with current ASEDA law, that ASG will not alter, impair, or limit the revenues pledged (Continued on page 12) EASTERN DISTRICT 1. Olive Matalili Tula 2. Samaila Pesamino Tula 3. Tele a Fesolia i - Fagaitua 4. Lasea Mapu Aoa 5. Tuupo Fetuao Alofau 6. Anoai Tafaovale Alofau CENTRAL DISTRICT 1. Moe Saunoa Fagatogo 2. Laloasi Leaupepe Pago Pago 3. Fa atauvaatele Pepe U. Atuu 4. Leituala Maria Pago Pago 5. Tanielu Meafua Nuuuli 6. Maituo Pepe Nuuuli 7. Kaleopa Asu Nuuuli 8. Kaiva Lautoa - Fagatogo MANU A DISTRICT 1. Faafanua Penitito Fitiuta 2. Ilamutu Paopao Fitiuta 3. Tuiluaai Matalii Ofu 4. Togia Ann - Fitiuta 5. Teleitala Moeoge Tau 6. Puaolagi Liusamoa Tau 7. Aukuso Aukuso - Fitiuta samoa news, Wednesday, February 11, 2015 Page 7 Skyview, Inc. EVERYDAY PRICES Cs CHICKEN LEGS 22lb $15.95 Cs TURKEY TAILS 22lb $19.95 Cs SAUSAGES 10lb $14.95 Cs GENERIC SODA $10.95 Cs WATER (BestYet) $ 6.95 Cs PALM Pisupo 12/ $39.95 Cs MARINA Spaghetti 12/420g $ 5.95 Cs Blue Sea Mackerel $23.95 RICE 40lb $21.95 RICE 20lb $11.95 Cs Coors Light Can $27.95 Cs Vailima Large Bottle $28.95 NOTE: Limited quantities for any items Liquors & wines are both locations. Tent orders and funeral services will be the main location in Aua AUA & FAGAITUA / American Samoa Government TERRITORIAL ADMINISTRATION ON AGING (T.A.O.A.) FA ASILASILAGA TAUA E fa asilasila atu i a i latou o lo o tusia o latou suafa i lenei fa asalalauga, ua i ai nei avanoa e faigaluega ai i le polokalama a tagata matutua. Fa amolemole susu mai i lo tatou ofisa i Pago Pago i le Aso Tofi 12 o Fepuari i le 9:00 i le taeao ma tauaao mai pepa nei mo le fa atumuina o a outou pepa faigaluega. 1.Numera Saogalemu 2. Pepa Aso Fanau / Tusifolau 3.ID Nofomau 4. Pepa Fa amaonia mai le Ofisa Saogalemu ma le Ofisa Ritaea a le malo mo tupe maua. WESTERN DISTRICT 1. Kilo Malia Mapusaga Fou 2. Tilololo Kolia Iese Tafuna 3. Falefata Aperila Vailoa 4. Mataafa Fofoga Aoloau 5. Vaa Akenese Mapusaga Fou 6. Matautia Leinatiotutoga Vaitogi 7. Mata u Manuia Vaitogi 8. Noa Pusi Vaitogi 9. Lafaele Fialelei Tafuna 10. Fiapai Pepe Tafuna 11. Simanono Taluale Tafuna 12. Samoa Sailitafa Tafuna 13. Tago M. Lealofi Tafuna 14. Lemala Tupua Peneueta - Vaitogi 15. Bill R. Kelly Aoloau 16. Fuimaono Faavaoa Futiga 17. Maiava Iosia Tafuna 18. Lilomaiava Sailauama Vaitogi 19. Maria Feula Malaeimi 20. Nonu Pupu Tumanu Tafuna 21. Saumatino Hunkin Leone HTC Ale Tifimalae Ale Director, TAOA

8 Page 8 samoa news, Wednesday, February 11, 2015 NEWS IN BRIEF Continued from page 6 Damaged vehicles sit on Yeongjong Bridge in Incheon, South Korea, Wednesday, Feb. 11, Two people were killed and at least 42 were injured on Wednesday after a pileup involving about 100 vehicles in foggy weather on the bridge near the Incheon International Airport, South Korean officials said. (AP Photo/Yonhap, Suh Myung-gon) Presents Valentines SLOTS TOURNAMENT WST50 entry and all prize money goes back to the players. Try your luck on slots & table games No deposit is required to play You keep your winnings Book a room through the Casino at Sheraton for US$100! Call Scott on or to info@whitesandscasino.com Saturday, February 14th Live Entertainment - 7pm - Midnight DJ until 4am Make it a Valentines to remember! FREE glass of Champagne on arrival FREE gift for the ladies FREE buffet FREE round of golf (Casino will pay for the cart) FREE transfers to Casino and back to the airport. 100-car pileup on South Korean bridge leaves 2 dead, 42 hurt SEOUL, South Korea (AP) Two people were killed and at least 42 were injured on Wednesday after a pileup involving about 100 vehicles in foggy weather on a bridge near the Incheon International Airport, South Korean officials said. Eight of the people who were rescued were seriously hurt and the number of the injured could increase, according to Byeon Tae-u of the Incheon Fire and Safety Management Department. Kim Seong-han, an official from the Incheon Seobu Police Station, said emergency workers have yet to reach all of the damaged cars on the 4,400-meter (14,400-foot) cross-sea bridge on the highway from the airport to the capital Seoul. The crash occurred in the morning in a Seoul-bound lane and was likely aggravated by thick fog and icy conditions, Byeon said. In a televised briefing, Kim Moon-won of the Incheon Jungbu Fire Station, said that about 100 cars were involved in the pileup. It was not immediately known what started the pileup. $485 million Powerball jackpot is 5th largest in US history DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) The Powerball jackpot has climbed to $485 million, making Wednesday night s drawing the fifth largest prize in U.S. history. It s been more than two months since someone won the Powerball jackpot, so the prize has been gradually growing from its $40 million starting point. The last time Powerball grew nearly so large was February Because of strong sales, lottery officials Tuesday raised the estimated jackpot from $450 million to $485 million. Lottery officials are quick to point out that the game is for fun and a chance to dream. They note the chance of winning a Powerball jackpot is about 1 in 175 million. Powerball revenue has been down slightly during a drought of jackpots, but officials say this big prize has caused sales to surge. White House: Obama would veto pair of tax bills WASHINGTON (AP) The White House says President Barack Obama would veto two bills that would make permanent certain tax provisions because they would add to the deficit and not be paid for. The White House budget office says a bill that would make permanent expanded expensing for small businesses and tax breaks for S-corporations would add $79 billion to the deficit over the next decade. The second bill would permanently extend enhanced tax breaks for certain donations, also without offsetting the cost. The administration argues that provisions in the budget proposal Obama sent Congress this month are better alternatives to the bills moving through the Republican-controlled House. The White House says senior advisers would recommend that Obama veto the bills if they clear Congress and land on his desk. Great white blamed for fatal attack on surfer in Australia SYDNEY (AP) A shark that killed a Japanese surfer off Australia s east coast was a great white 3 to 4 meters (10 to 13 feet) long, police said Wednesday. Tadashi Nakahara, 41, was surfing off Shelly Beach in the New South Wales town of Ballina on Monday when a shark came up behind him and tore off his legs. Nakahara s friends, who were surfing nearby, rushed him to shore and tried to administer first aid, but he quickly bled to death. Experts determined the shark responsible was a great white, New South Wales police said. The attack came one day after another man was bitten by a shark while surfing off a beach just 20 kilometers (12 miles) to the north. Officials closed beaches in the area and have been searching for the shark that killed Nakahara. But by Wednesday, there had been no sign of the animal. Given that the shark was unlikely to have remained in the immediate area, beaches were expected to reopen as soon as rough surf conditions had eased, police said. Nakahara had been living in the area before the attack. He was an avid surfer who worked at a local surf shop and as a cleaner at a hotel, Ballina Mayor David Wright said. north carolina woman accused of smuggling marijuana in son s pants BRUNSWICK, N.C. (AP) A North Carolina woman is accused of smuggling marijuana into a county jail in her 4-yearold son s pants. The Fayetteville Observer reports that 24-yearold Jenifer Lynn Patterson of Fairmont was charged this week with providing drugs to an inmate. The Columbus County Sheriff s Office says Patterson provided the marijuana to 24-year-old Cody Lambert, who was in jail serving a nearly three-year sentence for being a felon in possession of a gun. Lambert has been charged with being an inmate in possession of marijuana. Detective Kevin Norris says two children with Patterson when she went to the jail Sunday have been turned over to the Department of Social Services. It was not clear if Patterson has a lawyer. (Continued on page 9) C Y C Y M K M K

9 C Y C Y M K M K NEWS IN BRIEF Continued from page 8 Police: Idaho woman used her shoe in dance floor attack IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) An eastern Idaho woman faces charges after being accused of using her highheeled shoe to attack someone who bumped into her on the dance floor. Police say 38-yearold Annette Sisneros went after an 18-year-old woman during a concert at an Idaho Falls nightclub last weekend. Idaho Falls police spokeswoman Joelyn Hansen tells the Post Register that the victim was treated at a hospital after Sisneros struck her in the head and face several times. Sisneros has been charged with aggravated battery. The Iona woman was in jail Tuesday and couldn t be reached for comment. It wasn t clear whether she had a lawyer. Ohio police: Infant hit with coffee mug dies, father charged CANTON, Ohio (AP) Ohio police say a 2-month-old boy has been hit with a coffee mug thrown during an argument between his parents and has died. The baby s father was charged with murder on Tuesday. The baby had died earlier in the day at Akron Children s Hospital. Investigators in Canton say the baby was hit in the head by the mug and hospital workers notified police. Police say the baby s father also has been charged with child endangering and domestic violence. Police corporal who killed trooper in training is charged NORRISTOWN, Pa. (AP) A state police corporal involved in a firearms training accident that killed a trooper was arrested Tuesday on reckless-endangerment charges. Cpl. Richard Schroeter was conducting a training session Sept. 30 and pulled the trigger on his firearm while discussing the weapon s mechanism, prosecutors said. The gun discharged, killing 26-year-old Trooper David Kedra. Prosecutors said they asked a grand jury to consider charges of homicide, involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangering. The panel found sufficient evidence that Schroeter, although a highly qualified firearms instructor, recklessly endangered those present, they said. Schroeter breached routine, yet critical, safety protocol by failing to visually and physically check to ensure his weapon was unloaded, failing to obtain confirmation from another that his firearm was not loaded, and failing to point his weapon away from the direction of everyone present (including Trooper Kedra), Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman said in a statement explaining the five reckless-endangerment counts. Judge sides with government in lawsuit over surveillance OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) A federal judge on Tuesday sided with the government in a lawsuit alleging the National Security Agency is illegally engaging in the bulk collection of Internet and telephone records in the hunt for potential terrorists. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White in Oakland said the plaintiffs in the case AT&T customers had not shown that all AT&T customers Internet communications were currently the subject of a dragnet seizure and search program, controlled by or at the direction of the Government, and they therefore did not have standing to file a lawsuit under the Fourth Amendment, which protects against warrantless searches and seizures. White said the plaintiffs understanding of the key parts of the data collection process was substantially inaccurate. (Continued on page 12) samoa news, Wednesday, February 11, 2015 Page 9 SGT. SAMILIN, JASON Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Pictured here (from left) are more stipend recipients for 2015: Corady Tufono who accepted a stipend on behalf of her mother Fuesaina Talauega; Jonathan Nunu on behalf of his father Iosefatu Nunu; Ramona on behalf of her sister Maria Nive Reed, and Iakopo Tupua. (Not pictured is Suisui Futi) Also pictured in their white coats are the LBJ Social Workers who refer 90% of the stipend recipients to the Cancer Coalition for help: Jucy Muasau, Pamata Aoelua, Lesley Penitusi and Sophia Faalevao. According to Luana Scanlan of the Cancer Coalition, Without the partnership of these caring, diligent ladies, the Coalition would not be as effective in its outreach to our patients. Partnership is key in resolving our island s greatest problems. Coalition partners include Neil s ACE Home Improvement Center, LBJ Social Workers, the Galea i Foundation, the cancer survivors themselves and the donors throughout the community, who work together to ensure that our people receive help in their hour of need. The American Samoa Community Cancer Coalition sends out a heartfelt: Thank you American Samoa! for the alofa which is always shown in great abundance. [courtesy photo] Sunrise: Dec 2, 1982 ~ Sunset: Jan 23, 2015 Please join us on the following dates to celebrate the life of my beloved husband. The Samilin and Ae family would like to invite friends and loved ones to his final services. FUNERAL PROGRAM Place: First Assembly of God church, Pago Pago Place: First Assembly of God church, Pago Pago Place: Pago Pago at High Chief Pulu s designated land He is survived by his wife. Naimanu Ae Samilin Children Aurora Samilin, Jabez Samilin I AM COMFORTED BY HIS SPIRIT & ENCOURAGED BY THE LOVE OF OUR FAMILIES, FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES. THANK YOU! Naimanu Samilin

10 Page 10 samoa news, Wednesday, February 11, 2015 Le Fa amanino Pule Lali SPED fa asea fa aga i lana paketi Lali O se va aiga i le poloketi fa asaeanisi a Isaiah Gurr mai Tafeta e aoga i Manumalo Baptist. O lo ua ia mafaia ona soso o le tamato ma le isalaelu i le la au e tasi, aua e aiga e tasi nei ituaiga o la au ma e tatau ona fua mai lea la au ua i ai uma fua o tamato ma isalaelu. [ata: Leua Aiono Frost] Fa aaliga galuega fa a-saeanisi fanau a oga elementary tusia:leua Aiono Frost A o le i mae a ona fa amasinoina galuega fa atino fa asaeanisi a le fanau a oga mai aoga tulaga muamua - Elementary - i le teritori, sa matua iloga ona fa afiafiaina mafaufau o i latou o lo o fa amasino, faia oga ma pulea oga ae maise lava matua, i le sogasoga ma le lautele o le atamai ua mafai ona fa atino e fanau latou poloketi fa asaeanisi. O le tausaga lenei, e faigata le togiga o nei galuega, o le to atele o le fanau e laiti mai vasega amata, ae ua matua teumau i o latou loto a latou galuega fa atino, ma tali i fesili, Fa afetai i le fanau i le taumafai, o se fa amatalaga lea a Samuel Meleisea mai le National Park, sa avea ma fa amasino. Ua iloga le matagofie, aua o lo o ua auai uma mai sui mai le Manu atele, e pei o Falesao Elementary lea sa tula i mai ai Deangelo Si imalevai ma lana poloketi fa asaeanisi - Pe Fa apefea ona fa atumau le felesi o au fugala au i sau Teu Matagofie? O tali ua tu uina mai - ia tipi au fugala au fa asipa aua le fa agatasia, a mae a o le ipu vai atoa, e ao ina tu uina i ai le 3 sipuni ti o le suka, tolu fo i sipuni ti o le clorox. Ia matua liu suavaia fa atasi uma nei mea, ona tu uina loa lea i ai o au fugala au ma laula au ua e filifili e fa atulaga ai lau teu matagofie. E tolu aso atoatoa e ola ai lau teu lea, ae ua e va aia fo i, ua matala mai isi fuga o i ai fa atasi i lau fugala au, pe afai o se fugala au e matala fa asolosolo ona fua. O Jacob Muese mai Manulele Tausala Level K5 sa ia fa atinoa le su esu ega, O a mea e ola, ae o a mea e pe? Ua tele mea sa fa avasega e ia, ae o le la au, o le loi ma le limu, sa ola, ae o le sioka, penitala ma le vase e pe ia mea. O le ali i o Romeo Vasega Falani mai Faleasao Elementary Manu a, sa ia sau ma lana poloketi: O le a le vai suavaia e mafaia ona ave esea le lanu o le lauti Samoa? Na ia fa aaogaina vaila au e tolu, o le Suavai Manino, o le Vineka ma le Alcohol po o le pia. Na maua ane o le tama o le Pia po o le alcohol lea e na te mafaia le mea lea, ma ua fa ailoa mai ai, e faia fo i lea tulaga e le Pia i lou puta pe a inu pia so o. O Tafaifa Lokeni mai Kokoland ae Level 1 sa ia taumafai e fa ailoa mai le gaosiga o le aisikulimi, ma sa ia fa aaogaina le Cool Whip, susu, salt, vanila ma taga pepa ziplock laititi e tasi ma le ziplock lapo a e tasi, ma le taga aisa. E tu ufa atasia uma isi mea i le taga pepa la ititi ae o le masima ma le aisa e tu u i le tagapepa lapo a, lafo i ai ma le taga pepa la ititi ua mae a seu fa atasia ai isi mea uma, ona to aga lea e lulu ma maua ai le aisikulimi vanila matagofie. O Pesaleli Filimino Level 8 mai Faleasao Elementary sa ia faia le galuega fa atino: Pe aoga le Asprin e ola ai La au? I lana su esu ega mae ae a, ua iloa ai, E leai na o tagata e ola lelei i le Asprin ae o la au e mamate ai! O le fa afeusua iga o la au tamato ma isalaelu, sa fa atino lea e Isaia Gurr o Tafeta, e aoga i le Manumalo Baptist. Ua iloga i lana galuega fa atino, e matua ola lelei lava tamato mai le pogati ua mae a soso o i ai o le Isalaelu. I le taimi e fua ai, e maua au tamato toe maua fo i au isalaelu mai le la au lava e tasi. E afua lea tulaga, ona e aiga lelei nei la au. (Faaauau itulau 15) tusia Ausage Fausia O le totogiina o tagata o lo o aumai fa a konekarate e le Polokalame a le SPED e fesoasoani i le a oa oina o fanau e i ai manaoga fa apitoa o le tino ma le mafaufau, o le mafua aga autu lea na taua e le sui fa atonu o Aoga ia Jeanette Vasai Tilio ua mafua ai ona alu le 90% o le latou paketi i totogi o tagata faigaluega. O le afioga i le ali i faipule ia Larry Sanitoa na ia fesiligia le tama ita i fa atonu o le polokalame, mo sana saunoaga e fa amanino ai le mau fesili o lo o i ai, i le mafua aga ua alu ai le 90% o le paketi e $6.3 miliona a le SPED i totogi o tagata faigaluega. Saunoa Sanitoa e fa apea, e le gata o lo o fa asea ni isi o matua i le leai o ni auaunaga talafeagai mo a latou fanau o lo o i ai manaoga fa apitoa o le tino ma le mafaufau, ae ua ia maua fo i ni isi o fa asea i le le lava lea o mea e fa atino ai galuega mo fanau nei. O ni isi o matua ua tusi sa o lava a latou fa aasea i le Ofisa o Aoga a le Iunaite Setete o lo o aumai ai le tupe e fa atupe ai le polokalame, e fa aleo i ai a latou fa asea i le fa aletonu o le auaunaga o lo o ofo atu mo fanau fa apitoa nei. Saunoa Sanitoa e fa apea, e fa aauau pea ona tula i mai le fa afitauli lenei i le le mafai lea ona ofo atu le tautua talafeagai mo fanau fa apitoa nei, pe afai e fa aalu pea se vaega tupe tele a le polokalame e totogi ai tagata faigaluega, atoa ai ma konekarate mo tagata ua i ai le agava a fa apitoa mai fafo latou te a oa oina fanau, e aunoa ma le taumafai e saili se auala e foia ai le fa afitauli o lo o feagai a le polokalame i le taimi nei, o le leai lea o ni tagata e i ai agava a fa apitoa nei e a oa oina fanau aoga. Na fa amanino atili e Jeanette e fa apea, e ova atu le tupe e mana omia mo le polokalame pe afai e vaavaai le polokalame i le aumaia lea o ni tagata e i ai agava a fa apitoa mai fafo e galulue tumau i totonu o le teritori mo le tausaga atoa, ona e taugata tele totogi o i latou nei. O le fa afitauli e mafua ai ona to atele tagata e i ai le tomai fa apitoa e fai konekerate ma le SPED, ona e le tutusa uma ituaiga a oa oga o lo o ofo atu i fanau aoga. O isi fanau aoga e mana omia se tagata e i ai le tomai fa apitoa o le mafaufau na te a oa oina i latou, o isi fanau aoga e mana omia se tagata e i ai le tomai fa apitoa o le tautala e a oa oina i latou, ae o isi fo i fanau, e manaomia se tagata e i ai agava a fa apitoa na te a oa oina o ia mo le aso atoa, o le isi lea saunoaga a Jeanette. I le mana omia mai o ni tagata mai fafo e i ai le agava a fa apitoa latou te a oa oina fanau aoga nei, na pau le tali e mafai ai ona tali lea manaoga, o le fa a faigaluega loa e le Ofisa o Aoga o ni tagata agava a mai fafo e fa atinoina lea auaunaga, peita i o le fa afitauli tele o lo o fetaia i ma le Ofisa, e leai se tupe. O isi taimi e saini ai konekarate ma ni isi mai le Iunivesite a Hawaii, ae o le tele lava o taimi e fa aaoga ai e le SPED i latou o lo o galulue i le atunu u i le taimi nei, e pei o foma i o lo o galulue i le Matagaluega o le Soifua Maloloina faapea ai ma le Falema i o le LBJ. E i ai fanau e mana omia ona mafuta ma se faiaoga fa apitoa mo le aso atoa, e i ai fo i ni isi o fanau e eseese ituaiga faiaoga fa aptoa na te a oa oina latou, e ui lava i le manaoga e tatau ona a oa oina fanau, peita i o le fesili tele o lo o tula i mai, o ai o le a a oa oina i latou pe afai e leai ni faiaoga e i ai agava a fa apitoa latou te fa atinoina le galuega, o le isi lea saunoaga a Jeanette. Na fa amalulu Jeanette i afioga i faipule pe afai ua i ai ni fa asea mai le mamalu o matua e tusa ai o ni fa aletonu i le latou auaunaga, peita i i lona lava talitonuga, o lo o latou faia le mea sili ina ia mautinoa e aoaoina fanau o lo o i ai manaoga fa apitoa o le tino ma le mafaufau. Sa ia taua fo i e fa apea, sa faigofie lava aso ua mavae, e na o le ta ito a 10 fanau aoga i totonu o aoga e i ai manaoga fa apitoa, peitai o le taimi nei e pei ona molimau le Faatonusili o Aoga ia Vaitinasa Dr. Salu Hunkin Finau, e lata i le to a 800 fanau aoga e i ai manaoga fa apitoa o le tino ma le mafaufau, ma e eseese uma fo i ituaiga manaoga o lo o feagai ma fanau aoga nei. O le 80% o le to a 800 o fanau aoga e i ai manaoga fa apitoa e pei ona taua e Vaitinasa, o fanau ia o lo o i ai fa afitauli i le gagana tautala, ae mafuli lava i fanau e faigata ona feso ota i mai i le gagana fa aperetania. O suiga e pei ona faia e le Matagaluega o Aoga i le polokalame a le SPED, e pei ona vaevae ai la latou tautua i Itumalo eseese e lima i le atunu u, o se auala lea ina ia mafai ai ona tu uina atu sa o le tautua o lo o mana omia mo fanau aoga i itumalo ta itasi nei i le atunu u. Feso ota i mai i le tusitala ia ausage@samoanews.com

11 OLAGA LE TUMAU Tusia: Akenese Ilalio Zec Vaega:1 Ua tala mai e le lagi le mamalu o le Atua Silisili Ese, ua fa aalia fo i e le vanimonimo Lona matagofie, e pei ona i ai lenei aso fou ua o tatou aulia mai i Lona alofa ma Lona agalelei. E ao ai ona o tatou fa apea ifo, Le Atua, o Oe o le Mataisau o mea uma lava, a o o matou ua na o ni auauna fa atauva a lava, afio mai ma nofo tupu i o matou loto i lenei aso, ina ia o matou lagona le loto fa amagalo, le alofa ma le loto maualalo, a o le vi iga e fo i atu lava i Lau Afio e fa avavau, fa avavau lava. Amene Ou te fa atalofa atu ma fa afeiloa i atu i le mamalu o le atunu u i lenei taeao fou, taeao manino, taeao toto a, e i ai pea le fa amoemoe, o lo o maualuga le aoina o le masina i lou soifua laulelei, a o e alo faiva i tiute ma galuega. O la tatou tala fou ua fa aigoaina Olaga Le Tumau o le a e faitau ai i le olaga o le tama ita i o Keisi Masela ma lona to alua o Loleni. O se ulugali i e na o le lua tausaga talu ona fa aipoipo ma avea o se ulugali i, ae tupu loa ma le fa alavelave ia Keisi Masela, ma na motusia ai le mafutaga mafana ma le alofa i le va o lenei ulugali i. Ae o le mea e sili ona faigata, ona e i ai le tasi e alofa fa amaoni, a o le isi, e alofa ua na o upu, ae faufau mai tua mea leaga, e manu alia ai le loto ma le mafaufau o le isi. O se tala fo i o le a e iloa ai, ua avea le tele o tupe ma le tamaoaiga, ma ala ua galo ai le alofa moni. Fai mai, o se ulugali i e va aia pea e a la uo o la uiga fiafia ma le fealofani, peita i, o lo o i ai le mea o lo o tupu i le ulugali i lenei, ma e leai se tasi na te iloa, ae ua na o le to atasi o i la ua o lo o iloaina. E moni ai le upu a le atunu u, E manino luga, ae vilivili lalo, ia po o le isi fo i upu a si o tatou atunu u, E manatua Pule, ae le manatua Fa alaeo. O le ulugali i lenei o Keisi ma Loleni e nonofo i totonuo le a ai o Philedalphia. O le galuega a Loleni, o ia o se Loia, a o Keisi, o lo o galue e fa amautu lana lava pisinisi. O Keisi Masela, e milionea ona matua, a o le i maliu lo la tama, ua uma ona saini ma fa amaumau uma e le tamaloa ia tupe ma mea uma, ma o lo o alu i luga o le igoa o Keisi. E to atasi le uso o Keisi, o le teine e igoa i a Lulu, a o Keisi e matua, atonu o le mafua aga lea na tu u ai e lo la tama mea uma i a Keisi, ona o ia e matua. E tele fo i nisi fuafuaga sa taumafai Keisi e fai mo lona uso la ititi o Lulu, peita i, o Lulu, sa alu i le aukegi fo i nei e inu ava malosi ma latou fa aaogaina fo i fuala au fa asaina. O le alofa, e tele lava ona uiga, ma ou te talitonu, ua silafia e le atunu u ae ou te le tau seluselu atu, e leai, aua ua uma ona fa amatu u mai e le Atua i o tatou loto le ituaiga alofa e tatau ona o tatou alolofa atu ai i o tatou uso a tagata. Ae ua ou fa alogo fo i i le isi fa aupuga ma tala sua a le atunu u, fai mai, O le alofa e pipilo, ia ta ilo po o le a le uiga o lea fa aupuga, ae a tatou manatua le alofa e le mavae o le Atua mo i tatou, o i ina tatou te iloa ai le uiga tonu o le upu Alofa. Tatou feiloa i i le aso a taeao mo le amataina o la tatou tala fou Olaga Le Tumau, ae ia manuia lava le alo atu o le atunu u, i faiva ma tiute o lenei aso. E faia pea samoa news, Wednesday, February 11, 2015 Page 11 New Zealand celebrating 175 years with canoes and dance WAITANGI, New Zealand (AP) Thousands of New Zealanders watched indigenous Maori dancers twirl white poi balls in a blur of motion and take to traditional canoes, or waka, in the picturesque Bay of Islands as the country celebrated its 175th anniversary over a three-day weekend. Waitangi Day, as the national day is called, is marked by protests, music, celebration and reflection. It commemorates the signing of New Zealand s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi. The agreement between British royalty and Maori chiefs gave Britain sovereignty over the fledgling nation. It also guaranteed Maori certain rights over their traditional lands and fisheries. The contents and meaning of the treaty have been hotly debated since it was signed on Feb. 6, 1840, including whether Maori ever ceded sovereignty. Different versions in Maori and English meant different things. For the past 25 years, New Zealand s government has been compensating Maori tribes that have brought grievances under the provisions of the treaty. I think it s a day to reflect, said Te Ururoa Flavell, the Minister of Maori Development. Reflect on where we are as a nation in Reflect on the dreams and aspirations of our people 175 years ago. He said the treaty is not just about Maori but is about the relationship between all New Zealanders. Each year, the tiny town of Waitangi in the far north of the country hosts a popular festival on the grounds where the treaty was signed. Some groups perform traditional Maori dance, or kapa haka, while others paddle. Festival goers are treated to the aroma of fried bread and barbecued seafood delicacies like mussel fritters. Protests are a feature of Waitangi Day. However, this year s protests did not cause any disruptions. The country s politicians have been targeted in the past, but Prime Minister John Key was able to walk onto the Te Tii Marae, a revered Maori gathering place, and talk in a meeting house. Key said statistics show that many aspects of life for Maori are improving, whether the measure is longevity or school participation. He said the financial settlements made to tribes were noted by other nations that last year voted in favor of New Zealand taking a temporary seat on the U.N. Security Council. Quite a lot of countries who had studied New Zealand congratulated us on our indigenous rights and, as part of that, what we were doing around treaty settlements, Key said. I think for some countries it was one of the reasons they voted for us.

12 Page 12 samoa news, Wednesday, February 11, 2015 PR governor seeks a new value-added tax Alijah Baqui, a two-time Territorial Science Fair Elementary Division winner, has entered another possible winner this year: How can levers, pulleys and other small gadgets be useful? The Science Fair opened yesterday at the Fale Laumei in Utulei. [photo: Leua Aiono Frost] NEWS IN BRIEF Additionally, even if the plaintiffs had standing, White said a Fourth Amendment claim would have to be dismissed to protect secret information that would damage national security if released. He granted partial summary judgment for the government. Obama seeks $2 billion in private dollars for clean energy WASHINGTON (AP) President Barack Obama is setting a goal of raising $2 billion from the private sector for investments in clean energy. The White House says it s launching a Clean Energy Investment Initiative as part of the Obama administration s effort to address climate change. The Energy Department will solicit investments from philanthropists and investors concerned about climate change. The aim is to spur development of technologies and energy sources that are low in carbon dioxide pollution, such as solar panels, wind power, fuel cells and advanced batteries. The White House will also host a Clean Energy Investment Summit this spring. Arrest made in theft of Mark twain plaque from NY gravesite ELMIRA, N.Y. (AP) A 32-year-old man has been charged with stealing a bronze likeness of author Mark Twain from a cemetery in upstate New York. Elmira police held a news conference Tuesday to announce the arrest of Daniel Ruland. Police say they acted on a tip Friday night and recovered the missing plaque from a vehicle leaving Ruland s Elmira residence. The 17-by-17-inch plaque was reported missing from a granite monument at Twain s gravesite on Jan. 2. Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, grew up in Hannibal, Missouri. He summered for 20 years at Quarry Farm in Elmira and is buried in the family plot of his wife, Olivia Langdon. 3 Navy rear admirals reprimanded in corruption scandal SAN DIEGO (AP) Three Navy rear admirals linked to a massive bribery scandal that cost the government at least $20 million have been reprimanded but will not face criminal charges, the Navy announced Tuesday. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus issued secretarial letters of censure to Michael Miller, Terry Kraft and David Pimpo, a Navy statement said. The letters are considered career-ending reprimands. The three are seeking retirement and the letters could affect their benefits. The three showed poor judgment and a failure of leadership by improperly accepting gifts from a prohibited source while they were deployed on the USS Ronald Reagan in , the Navy said. Continued from page 9 Unmanned spaceship splashes down near Southern California LOS ANGELES (AP) An unmanned Dragon spaceship splashed back to Earth on Tuesday after a successful supply run to the International Space Station but its owners were forced to scrub the launch of an important weather satellite on the other side of the continent. The Dragon parachuted into the Pacific west of Mexico s Baja Peninsula at 4:45 p.m., according to Hawthorne, California-based SpaceX. The capsule flew 5,000 pounds of groceries and belated Christmas presents to the space station last month. The station s astronauts had been awaiting supplies since a ship from another company was destroyed in an October launch explosion. The landing came about 90 minutes after SpaceX scrubbed the planned launch of a weather satellite called the Deep Space Climate Observatory from Cape Canaveral in Florida. Israeli busted for drugs after leaving CV in bag with stash JERUSALEM (AP) An Israeli man looking for a job may need to add drug dealer to his resume. Or, perhaps: No more Mr. Niceguy. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld says officers arrested the 27-year-old from central Israel after finding his CV in a bag along with 350 packets of an illegal drug. Rosenfeld said on Tuesday that the man was shocked when police knocked on his door and asked how they found him. Police say the resume described him as responsible and serious and said he had a background in security. The drug, called Mr. Niceguy, is a synthetic substance that users say has narcotic effects. It was outlawed in Israel about a year ago following reports of its negative effects. Police found the resume and drugs in an impounded car. 2 deer stuck together; police use stun gun to free 1 SHOREWOOD, Minn. (AP) Police in Minnesota used a stun gun to free a live buck that was stuck to a dead deer. South Lake Minnetonka Police were called to the strange sight at a home in Shorewood in the Twin Cities area on Sunday morning. The antlers of the two bucks were locked together. One deer was dead and the other was thrashing around, trying to break free. After assessing the situation, officers shocked the live deer with a Taser as residents helped quickly saw off one of its antlers. The deer ran off after coming to. Patrol officer Ricky Syhre tells the Star Tribune the bucks probably were stuck together for hours. The officers spoke with wildlife agencies about how they might safely untangle the bucks. SAN JUAN (AP) Puerto Rico s governor is introducing legislation Thursday calling for a new 16 percent value-added tax as part of a tax overhaul intended to boost government revenue in the U.S. territory mired in a deep economic recession. Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla provided only limited details on the plan during a brief message that aired Tuesday night. He did not disclose the amount of the value-added tax, but an official who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter said it would be 16 percent. We currently have a tax system that penalizes work and productivity while encouraging evasion, Garcia said. It is inefficient and unfair. Income tax revenues are the government s main source of income, and Garcia noted that many professionals including doctors, lawyers and engineers report a net income of some $16,500. The government is estimated to take in about 56 percent of tax revenues that it should be collecting, losing some $800 million annually. If approved, Garcia s measure would eliminate the territory s sales-and-use tax and a gross receipts tax in favor of a value-added tax. He said some items, such as certain types of food, prescription medicine and public education, would not be taxed. The overhaul also would provide tax breaks for more than 850,000 people, with income tax not applied to the first $40,000 earned by individuals or $80,000 for a couple. Currently, those making between $26,000 and nearly $43,000 pay $980 plus 14 percent on income above $26,000. In addition, the overhaul would provide for those earning up to $35,000 to be reimbursed three times a year for some purchase taxes paid. Those earning $20,000 or less would be fully reimbursed. It will be easier to regulate this type of system because the responsibility no longer falls on the shoulders of more than one million taxpayers, but rather on those who import goods, Garcia said, adding that some 220 companies import 75 percent of goods brought into Puerto Rico. Opposition legislators complained that the governor s 10-minute speech did not provide many details of his plan, and they warned that a value-added tax would hurt the already struggling economy. A value-added tax is applied at every stage of a product s manufacture, distribution and sale, while a sales tax is applied only when a product is sold. Officials have said the tax overhaul could generate some $700 million at a time when Puerto Rico s government is struggling to reduce $73 billion in public debt in a stagnant economy with an unemployment rate hovering above 13 percent. Garcia s plan was unveiled just a few days after a federal court threw new uncertainties into the government s efforts to get its debt under control. The court ruled Puerto Rico s recent debtrestructuring law unconstitutional. The law aimed to relieve pressure on debt-ridden public corporations by giving them a path to bankruptcy for the first time, an option that would give the agencies some leverage in negotiating with bondholders and unions. Economist Charles Blitzer, a former World Bank and IMF official, said in a phone interview that while many countries have embraced value-added taxes, it is unclear how much money this will generate for Puerto Rico in the near term. FONO BRIEFS Continued from page 7 toward the repayment of bonds until the bonds, together with applicable interest, are fully paid and discharged. HOUSE VERSION OF the CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP BILL APPROVED BY SENATE The Legislature has given their full support to an administration bill which regulates the ability of corporations to sponsor foreigners to work in American Samoa. The final approval came Monday from the Senate after endorsing the House version of the measure. The Senate version was approved last week and is now pending in the House. Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga says current immigration laws are vague and provide minimal direction on the sponsorship of foreigners by corporations. He says this has led to the sponsorship by corporations in a manner that is inconsistent with the revised constitution of American Samoa. Under the proposed changes, any corporation authorized to do business in American Samoa must be certified by the Attorney General to sponsor foreigners after meeting certain requirements, which include an established record of financial responsibility; proof of timely payment of local taxes, fees and other government assessments; and good corporate citizenship. Additionally, no corporation may sponsor a foreigner who has any control or interest in the sponsoring corporation. Such persons includes investors, shareholders, directors and officers of any corporation. Under the approved amendments, individual partnership businesses are no longer allowed to sponsor foreigners. Additionally, sponsorship cannot no longer be transferred from one employer to the next. Once signed into law by the governor, the bill becomes effective 60 days after the end of the current regular session.

13 samoa news, Wednesday, February 11, 2015 Page 13 PH: STORE HOURS for Feb.16: 8am-2pm *Excludes Sale and lumberyard items, Bank & Mortgage loans, USDA/DBAS projects or Charge Accounts, etc. Restrictions apply, see store for details.

14 Page 14 samoa news, Wednesday, February 11, 2015 Senate/Charter Bank bill Continued from page 1 Galeai commended the governor for coming up with a solution to address local banking needs, but recommended that if the Fono is going to support this proposal, all efforts should be in place to ensure the protection of consumers. Because the governor is the bank any good or bad coming out out this venture falls squarely on the governor s shoulders, he said, and questioned the need to give the board compensation, when its members include two directors and the lieutenant governor all of whom receive high salaries in their ASG jobs. While supportive of the bill, Galeai asked senators not to rush into a decision on the bill until all aspects of the legislation have been fully reviewed. Additionally, he urged the senators not to be pushed into making a decision, similar to what happened in the House, with their version of the bill being rushed through. This is a major and important piece of legislation that should require thorough review. Don t rush a decision because of what the administration wants, Galeai said and Senate President Gaoteote Tofau agreed. However, Gaoteote said, the most critical issue is that American Samoa needs another bank, but it s important that the Senate has a full understanding of the bill before approving the Charter Bank legislation. He pointed out that the committee has already held two hearings on the measure and the House did the same before approving their version of the bill which they sent to the Senate. He also agreed with the House amendment that the bank s chief executive officer should be an ex officio board member, with no vote in the decision making of the board. Gaoteote suggested further amendments dealing with the bank board, for all seven members to be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Legislature. He said specific names in the bill to be board members such as Commerce Department director, ASG Treasurer and Lieutenant Governor should be deleted, along with the CEO. He said in his proposed amendment, all qualified members of the community would be allowed to serve on the board. Gaoteote said it s been two years since American Samoa has been waiting for another bank to fill the void that will be left when BoH departs the territory. He also stressed again that American Samoa needs a second bank. Sen. Magalei Logovi i gave his recommendation, in which the Retirement Fund account shouldn t be banked with the Charter Bank because it s in conflict with the Retirement Fund law. There were many senators who supported the need to have a second bank but at the same time, want to make sure that the bank will be successful going forward. It was also suggested that the committee work with representatives from the administration to review any proposed amendments so that any changes made to the bill are agreed upon by both sides. Letters of support in Kruse case call for Continued from page 1 Such collateral consequences will more than adequately deter others from committing such acts, and also validate respect for the law, particularly when combined here with the massive restitution order that is forthcoming, and the Kruses obvious loss of prestige, position, and reputation without the need for the Kruses to also serve a prison sentence beyond... other consequences, the defense argued in the sentencing memo. John Kruse, who is also the government s chief procurement officer, entered a guilty plea, along with his wife last Thursday in federal court, for converting federal funds nearly $400,000 of Section 1602 money for their personal and business use. Each was sentenced to 48 months probation and eight months home confinement. Total restitution of $399, is to be paid to the victim, which is the U.S. Treasury Department, according to court documents. According to the plea agreement, the defendants admitted that they used federal funds from Section 1602 to cover personal loan payments, mortgage payments for a condominium in Hawai i, wire transfers on behalf of their beverage importing company and other personal and professional expenses unrelated to the federal program. LETTERS OF SUPPORT In their sentencing memorandums, attorneys for the Kruses also included letters of character support from local and off island individuals all asking the court for leniency instead of jail time. For example, Pastor Donald O. Kruse of Cornerstone Assembly of God, said that his brother John is forthright and very honest. He noted that while John and Elaine have pled guilty to the offense, I still value their relationship and still believe in them. Please your honor have mercy on them. Tiva Kruse-Thomas described John as a caring brother and adamant about doing things right. He is quite the perfectionist. He believes in hard work and I can vouch for this because I used to work under John when he ran our family business, she wrote. She also wrote a separate letter for Elaine, who she described as one of the most honest and diligent women I ve ever come across and also a hard worker. The couple s son, Johann Kruse shared with the court how hard his parents work and the guidance he received from them, saying he also depends on them. My only wish... is to see our family become stronger again after this is over. I humbly ask your honor to please have mercy on my parents, they are truly sorry for what they have done. They are good parents and outstanding citizens, he said. Dr. Fred J. Uhrle Jr. described his brother-in-law John as a conscientious, trustworthy and dignified man who has made a mistake in understanding and managing the 1602 funds He is not a threat to society and I humbly ask that he not be taken away from his family and village, depriving them of a valuable member of society. In a separate letter Dr. Uhrle said, Elaine does not take, but always gives of her self, not only to friends and family but also to her community adding that the charges against her are definitely not in keeping with her character and not at all something she would do knowingly. Vincent Giles Kruse tells the court his uncle John and auntie Elaine signed a plea agreement, in order to accept responsibility for their role in breaking federal law. He also says that he believes the community would benefit if the couple is given probation to continue working in order to support the family. Vincent Kruse also revealed his professional dealings with John Kruse, saying that he was the attorney assigned to the Procurement Office. (Vincent Kruse is an assistant attorney general with the Attorney Genera s Office.) There were separate letters from Elaine s siblings including one from Dr. Stanley Gurr Jr., who describe his sister as a kind, honest, loving and respectful person and that her heart is always in the right place. Elaine s other siblings spoke of how she cared for their parents, and other family members. She is the eldest sister and has watched over her siblings and cared for us in our youth and still does not hesitate to help any of us, even now, said one sibling. In asking for no jail term, defense attorneys in their sentencing memos pointed out that the Kruses have no criminal history, will not re-offend again, and probation will allow them to make restitution to the federal government. Mrs. Kruse s attorney says the defendant is not a wealthy woman and it was her financial difficulties that landed her in court. The defense points out that Mrs. Kruse s family and friends have implored the Court to exercise leniency and impose a sentence that will allow her to return to them and to society and with all the years of her life left, to continue the good works for which she is known. SUPERVISION OF PRO- BATION CONDITIONS Court records show that the federal office of probation in Honolulu will oversee the supervision of the probation for the defendants and that the U.S. Marshals Service has been directed to make and pay for travel arrangements and other expenditures to enable the Kruses to return to the territory. Regarding the eight months home detention, the defendants are restricted to their residence at all times except for employment, education, religious service, attorney visits, or other activities as pre approved by the Probation Office. The defendants are also restricted to their residence every day during that home detention period from 10p.m. to 6a.m., which may be enforced by telephone confirmation methods. The Kruses are to provide the Probation Office their income tax returns, authorization for release of credit information and information about any business or finance in which they have a control or interest until all restitution is satisfied. Regarding restitution obligation, court documents say the defendants shall immediately pay the restitution; however, the Kruses shall pay the balance of restitution owed of no less than $150 each month and provide verification to the Probation Office. On financial restrictions, the defendants are prohibited from incurring new credit charges, opening additional lines of credit, or negotiating or consummating any financial contracts without the approval of the Probation Office. Samoa News understands the couple is still off island but are planning to return soon. in the meantime, Gov. Lolo M. Moliga has said until he is officially notified of John Kruse s conviction he is doing nothing about the directorship Kruse holds with the government, as Chief Procurement Officer. Lolo told Samoa News last week, that upon formal notification, he will then turn the issue over to his chief counsel for review on the matter. (See Samoa News story in Feb. 06, 2015 issue.

15 Galea i: E le taitai manuia Mai itulau 1 naga fa a faletupe i le teritori. E ui i le fesiligia e le Fono Faitulafono o taumafaiga a le kovana ma le faigamalo e fa atula i se faletupe fou mo le atunu u, na taua e Galea i e fa apea, o le matafaioi tonu lena na mafua ai ona fa atauto sui o le Fono Faitulafono, e le gata latou te fau tulafono, ae ia galulue fo i e saili ni auala e manuia ai le atunu u. Na fa ai u le saunoaga a Galea i i lona fautuaina lea o le ta ita ifono o le komiti o le Paketi a le maota maualuga ia Laolagi Fonoti Savali Vaeao ma le maota atoa, ina ia fa aauau pea sailiiliga mae ae a a le maota i le mataupu lenei, ina ia fa avae ai se fa aiuga mautu e manuia ai le atunu u, ae aua ne i faia pei o le mea na tula i mai i le maota o sui, o le vave pasia lea o le latou tulafono ina ua una i mai tua e isi tagata. E lelei le tulafono ua talosagaina e le ali i kovana, pau la tatou galuega e fai, o le va ava ai i auala e fa aleleia atili ma teuteu ai ina ia mautinoa e puipuia ai le atunu u ma le malo i le lumana i, o le vaega mulimuli lea o le saunoaga a Galea i na lagolagoina e le peresetene o le Senate ia Gaoteote Palaie Tofau. Saunoa Gaoteote e faapea, ua matua mana omia lava e le atunu u se isi faletupe e tali mai i manaoga ua fetuleni mai i le taimi nei, pau lona taofi, e tatau ona malamalama muamua le Fono ma le atunu u a o le i fa atuina le Faletupe o lo o fesiligia, ina ia mautinoa e leai se ma a e le i fulia, e leai fo i se fesili e le i tali Le afioga i le ali i Senatoa ia Galea i M. Tu ufuli. [ata: AF] mai ai le faigamalo. Na taua fo i e Gaoteote le tele o vaega o le mataupu lenei o lo o popole ma tu u fesili ai lona manatu, peita i e le mafai ona malamalama ma maua tali o nei mau fesili, pe afai e le talanoa ma fetufaa i le maota ma sui o le malo o lo o afua mai ai lenei tulafono. I le fa aiuga o lana saunoaga, e le gata sa ia talosagaina le tatau lea ona toe aami le Komiti Fa afoe o le Pone ina ia oo mai e toe tali i ni isi o mataupu o lo o fia malamalama i ai le Fono, ae sa ia fa aleoina fo i ni isi o suiga na te silafia e talafeagai mo le tulafono. O ni isi o suiga na taua e Gaoteote e tatau ona faia i le tulafono, e le gata sa ia taua lona lagolagoina o suiga a le maota o sui, ina ia aveese le aia e palota ai le Pulesili o le faletupe, a ia aveese uma fo i le gagana o lo o taua i totonu o le tulafono, lea e fa apea mai ai, o totino e to afitu o le Komiti Fa afoe a le Faletupe e tofia e le kovana e aofia ai le Lutena Kovana, Teutupe, Fa atonusili o le Matagaluega o Alamanuia a le malo, fa apea ai ma sui e to afa e filifili mai e le kovana mai le atunu u lautele ma fa amaonia e le fono faitulafono. O le finagalo o Gaoteote, ia aveese tulaga e pei o le lutena kovana, teutupe ma le fa atonusili o le matagaluega o alamanuia a le malo, ae tu u i ai le fa aupuga, o totino e to afitu o le komiti e tofia mai e le kovana ma fa amaonia e le fono faitulafono, ona o le agaga, ia aua ne i saisaitia na o sui o le malo e mafai ona avea ma totino o le komiti fa afoe o le faletupe, a ia tatala le avanoa i le lautelega o le atunu u e silafia e le kovana o lo o i ai le agava a e avea ai ma totino o le komiti fa afoe o le faletupe. O le isi suiga sa talosagaina e le afioga i le ali i senatoa ia Magalei Logovi i, ia aveese mai fo i i totonu o vaega tupe a le malo o le a tu uina atu i lalo o vaega tupe e fa amau ai tupe o pone ia tupe a le litaea. E talitonu Magalei, ua mae a ona i ai le tulafono o lo o puipuia ai tupe o le litaea, ina ne i avea le tulafono fou lea ma itu e fete ena i ai ma le tulafono o lo o i ai. Ae i le finagalo o le afioga i le ali i senatoa ia Gaea Perefoti Failautusi, sa ia matua teena ai lona lagolagoina o le fa atuina o se faletupe e le malo, a ia tu u pea le avanoa i pisinisi tua latou te fa afoeina ai le fa avaeina o se faletupe i le atunu u. O le itula e 8:30 i le taeao nei lea ua pasia e le komiti e toe faia ai le isi a latou iloiloga ma le komiti a le Pone, mo le talanoaina lava o le mataup e fa atatau i le faletupe fou o lo o fuafua le malo e fa atula i. Feso ota i mai i le tusitala ia ausage@samoanews.com Fa a-saeanisi fanau Mai itulau 1 O le tama ita i o Reneueta Mayer Level 7 o Alofau Elementary sa ia fa atinoa le galuega: O a vai inu e tele ai le acid? I mea sa ia fa ailo ua iloa ane ai, o le apainu o le Sprite e tele i le acid ma le Vinegar suavaia. O Alijah Baqui mai Peteli Academy, Level 8, ua ia fa aalia lana poloketi: Fa aaoga Polokaka, Lever, ma isi mea faigaluega laiti e fa atino ai galuega e si i i luga! O ia lenei o lo o tausaili, pe mata e toe manumalo lana galuega fa atino i lenei tausaga, aua e fa alua ona ia maua le tulaga muamua i ana poloketi o le tausaga o vasega 6 - Malosi aga mai le Geothermal, sa ia fa aalia ai le aoga ma tulaga e le aoga ai. O lana poloketi o le Water Rocket i lana vasega fitu na toe manumalo fo i i lana gategory. Lea ua se e mai i le vaega o Masini, pe mata e a mai lana taumafaiga. O lo o matua tele le sosia o lenei galuega fa atino a le fanau, ma e silia ma le 100 poloketi sa maimoaina i totonu o le maota i lea taeao. samoa news, Wednesday, February 11, 2015 Page 15 O se va aiga lea i se tasi o vaega o poloketi o lo o ua fa aalia ai galuega fa atino fa asaeanisi a le fanau a oga elementary i le teritori atoa i le fale Laumei i Utulei ananafi. [ata: Leua Aiono Frost] American Samoa Government OFFICE OF PROCUREMENT INVITATION FOR BIDS IFB Issuance Date: February 04, 2015 Closing Date: March 06, 2015 No later than 2:00 p.m. (local time) 1.INVITATION Sealed bids are invited from qualified contractors for the ServiceW harf Rehabilitation Rebid located in the village of Fagatogo, Territory of American Samoa. 2. RECEIPT & OPENING OF BIDS Sealed bids will be received by the Chief Procurement Officer, American Samoa Government, Tafuna, American Samoa 96799, until 2:00 p.m. (local time) Friday, March 6, 2015 at which time and place the sealed bids will be publicly opened and read. 2.PRE-BID CONFERENCE A MANDATORY Pre-Bid Meeting/Site Visit will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. at the Department of Port Administration Conference Room in Fagatogo. Bids will not be accepted from bidders who are not present at the pre-bid conference. 4.CONTRACTD OCUMENTS An electronic copy of the Invitation For Bids (IFB), including plans and specifications, are available to be ed. 5. The American Samoa Government reserves the right not to accept the lowest or any bid. 6. The American Samoa Government reserves the right to waive any informalities in bidding as may be in the best interest of American Samoa Government. Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action TIAOTALAGA J.E. KRUSE Chief Procurement Officer

16 Page 16 samoa news, Wednesday, February 11, 2015 In Loving Memory of A DEAR FATHER, GRANDFATHER, BROTHER AND UNCLE Saiasi Pepa P. Fuata, Jr. Sunrise: January 28,1948 ~ Sunset: January 21, 2015 C Y M K So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice and no one will take your joy from you. (John 16: 22) Married to the Late Vaialofi J. Leasau Fuata (2006) Children: Omar Fesuia i Fuata & Po omai DeLeon Guerrero Evelyn D. Fuata Neth & Mitchon M. Neth Norbert Clarence Fuata & Marie K. Sione Leon Keneti Fuata & Donna T. Jennings Walter Rudolph Taufusi Fuata Grandchildren: Gweneviere V. Neth, Genevieve N. Neth, Givannah F. Neth, Mitchon R. F. Neth, II, Payton D. Fuata, Aylannah K. Fuata, Leon K. Fuata, Jr., Rudy F.L. Fuata Parents: (Late) HTC Pepa Fuata, Sr. and (Late) Vaigaoali i Patea Fuata Siblings: Pasilika Tialavea, Suemalo E. Fuata, Va asaumamao I. Fuata Memorial Services THURSDAY, February 12, :00am Ata o le Manuia, CCCAS Amouli, Am. Samoa C Y M K