Church ministers alofas will be taxed says ASG

Transcription

1 Buckle up! Fatalities CraSHES 0 24 LOCAL HIGHWAYS to date office of highway safety LOCAL HIGHWAYS to date Tri Marine International chief executive officer Renato Curto during Saturday s official inauguration of the company s Samoa Tuna Processors Inc., state-of-the art cannery plant in Atu u serving his guests in keeping with his acknowledging of standing side-by-side with STP s workers to show unity, respect and appreciation for this industry and for the employees and workers of this plant. The CEO wore an ie fai taga, as did the rest of the Tri Marine officials, in keeping with the cultural segment of the ceremony. [photo: Barry Markowitz, Jan. 24, 2015] NZwill face Tahiti in U-17 Soccer finals today B1 samoanews.com C Y M K Fesiligia Faimealelei tupe ma galuega galulolo Daily Circulation 7,000 PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA Monday, January 26, 2015 $1.00 Church ministers alofas will be taxed says ASG C Y M K CELEBRITY FISH CLEANING During Saturday s official inauguration of the company s Samoa Tuna Processors Inc., $70 million state-of-the art cannery plant in Atu u and part of the ceremony included a celebrity fish cleaning segment which took place before the celebration got underway at 12noon. The first group of four celebrities were Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga, House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale, Curto and Commerce Department director Keniseli Lafaele. All of them wore rubber-knee high boots, hair nets and coverall plastic clothing. Some 50 people all together, including several guests, watched as the first four celebrities were given hands-on instructions by STF workers on how to clean fish, before taking on the actual task. It was good taking part, and I know for a fact that this is not an easy task for our workers, Lolo told Samoa News with a smile following the celebrity event. It s a tough job and I commend all our people working in this industry. Speaking during the actual ceremony, Curto explained that we had a little symbolic event prior to the start of the program, and he called it the first fish cleaning ceremony in which standing side-by-side with STP s professional fish cleaners, several special guests showed their solidarity, respect and appreciation for this industry and for the employees and workers of this plant. (See inside for more photos and story for details of the official inauguration.) [photo: Barry Markowitz, Jan. 24, 2015] The Finale Taualuga Tihati Productions Taupou, with all the inductees and board member joining in at the close of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame 2015 induction Friday night at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel in Honolulu, which saw 700+ guests attend. Marcus Mariota accepted the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame College MVP Trophy during the event to honor this year s inductees into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame. (See sports section for more photos and details.) [Photo: Daniel K Aiono Sataraka] by Joyetter Feagaimaali i-luamanu Samoa News Reporter The Department of Treasury will be taxing the church minister s salaries or alofas, said ASG Tax Office Manager, Richard Jimmerson in an interview with Samoa News over the weekend. He told Samoa News that church ministers are considered self employed and they need to pay their dues and taxes to the American Samoa Government. Responding to Samoa News queries, Jimmerson stated that the envelopes ministers get for performing services (prayers/ sermons) are taxable. He pointed out that many don t file taxes or pay self employment tax, which means they don t support LBJ or put away Social Security money for retirement, and rely on large monetary gifts when they retire. According to Jimmerson, under Internal Revenue Service, Topic 417 Earnings for Clergy, it says that a licensed, commissioned or ordained minister is generally the common law employee of the church, denomination, sect or organization that employs him or her to provide ministerial services. He stated that there are some exceptions such as traveling evangelists who are independent contractors (self-employed) under the common law. If you are a minister performing ministerial services, all of your earnings, including wages, offerings and fees you receive for performing marriages, baptisms, funerals, etc., are subject to income tax, whether you earn the amount as an employee or self-employed person, he stated. However, how you treat expenses related to those earnings differs if you earn the income as an employee or as a self-employed person, the Tax Office Manager noted. Jimmerson said that for Social Security and Medicare tax purposes, regardless of your status under the common law, the services you perform in the exercise of your ministry are considered self-employment earnings and are generally subject to self-employment tax. According to IRS publication 517, Social Security and other Information for Members of the Clergy and Religious Workers, there are limited exceptions from self-employment tax. Samoa News reached out to the Treasurer, Ueligatone Tonumaipe a, who confirmed that this is something the tax office has been working on for sometime. Samoa News understands church ministers collect between $1,000- $10,000 a month from their alofas or money given to them by their church members, depending on the size of the congregation. The alofas also include money faifeaus receive for overseeing special events like consecrations, opening ceremonies, funerals, weddings, birthdays, etc., where an envelope is usually given to reward or honor their presence. Separate from the alofas are the collections churches receive from the congregation for church expenses, such as utilities, building maintenance, and other church programs, such as Sunday school, etc.

2 Page 2 samoa news, Monday, January 26, year-old Vailoa girl drowns in Sogi by Joyetter Feeagaimaali i-luamanu, Samoa News Reporter SAVE S NAME SUBMITTED TO FONO AS DPS COMMISSIONER Director of the Office of Fraud Prevention and Investigation (OFPI) Save Liuato Tuitele has been appointed as Commissioner of Public Safety and his name has been submitted to the Fono for approval. In his letter to the Fono, Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga asked the lawmakers to confirm Save as the next DPS Commissioner. The former Commissioner, William Haleck, who took over the post in January 2013 at the start of the Lolo Administration, left last month for the mainland and returned shortly thereafter. He met with the governor upon his return, where it was reported that he tendered his letter of resignation. Haleck confirmed with Samoa News that he has resigned for personal reasons. He had visited them over the Christmas holidays, when he reached his decision to step down. I want to spend more time with my family with how many days left in my life given to me by God, he said. In his letter to the Fono, the governor pointed out that Save was born and raised in the territory, is a graduate of Samoana High School and has held several positions in the government, including serving as a police officer for over five years. In October 1973, he was enlisted into the US Army where he spent the next 30 years, eventually rising to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer five. During his distinguished career Save focused on military law enforcement in the Military Police. He completed various trainings conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and others; he attended the Honolulu Police Academy and graduated from the University of Hawaii with a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice Management. According to Lolo, during Save s military career, he held senior administrative positions including being the Military Police Operations Officer for the CID Commands at Fort Lewis Washington, Schofield Barracks, Hawai i and Fort Hood Texas. Since Save s retirement and return to American Samoa he has worked as an Associate Judge. Lolo pointed out to the Senators that Save s resume finds him highly qualified for the position of Commissioner of Public Safety. Last week Samoa News received phone calls from police officers reporting that, although Haleck had tendered his resignation, he was still driving around in the vehicle assigned to the Commissioner. The officers said it was unclear why Haleck continued to use the vehicle when there was an Acting Commissioner already appointed. LAWMAKERS ASK SPEAKER TO LOOK INTO LAW ABOUT TINTED WINDOWS Manu a faipule, Toeina Autele has asked House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale to look into the law that prohibits dark tinted windows for vehicles. This issue was brought up during the House regular session last week when Toeina pointed out that he came across an animal that was stuck by a vehicle, and he was unable to see who was driving the vehicle because the vehicle s windows were tinted. Toeina stated that he s concerned, asking, what if this was a person struck by a vehicle who did not bother to stop, to find out the status of the person run over. Toeina indicated that this is dangerous and the Fono needs to do something about this. Savali agreed with the Manu a lawmaker, saying that there is a need to revisit this law to see what needs to be done about tinted window on vehicles. Under the local statute, the only vehicles that are banned from tinted windows are commercial vehicles, like buses and taxis, and the fine for the first offense is $50. The body of the 17-year-old girl from Vailoa who drowned in Sogi, after she was swept into the ocean by a wave was recovered several hours after the incident by the DPS- Marine Patrol. [photo: JL] by Joyetter Feagaimaali i-luamanu Samoa News Reporter A 17-year-old girl from Vailoa drowned after she and her two friends were swept into the ocean when they were struck with a wave in Sogi, say police officers, who are currently conducting further investigation in this matter. There are conflicting stories as to the account of what occurred. According to reports from authorities, police received a call last Friday afternoon from a family member informing police that his sister and two friends who were taking photos on the rocks fell into the ocean when they were struck by a wave. According to the police, the other two, a male and female, were safely recovered, however that was not the same for the young girl, who s name has not yet been made official. A Leone High School student told Samoa News that the girl was the only one who fell into the ocean while she was trying to take photos with her friends. Police officers with Marine Patrol told Samoa News that she was spotted a couple of hours after she was swept into the ocean, however it was too late when they found her. They transported her body to the wharf, where it was uplifted by the Emergency Medical Services who were on standby at the wharf. She was pronounced dead at the hospital last Friday afternoon. There have been numerous messages posted on Facebook for the young girl who died, as her sudden passing came as a shock to her family and friends. (all ANSWERs on page 14)

3 samoa news, Monday, January 26, 2015 Page 3 Senators acknowledge widespread drug problem in territory Call for mandatory drug tests of police, Customs and Immigration by Fili Sagapolutele Samoa News Correspondent Sen. Mauga Tasi Asuega described the culprit(s) who targeted police officers in two separate shootings late last year, as cowards, and he also joined a handful of senators calling for drug testing of police officers, as well as others considered law enforcement officers in American Samoa. Mauga s comments were made last week during a committee hearing which senators used to vent their frustration, as well as the public s perception of the police performance that of as lacking and not honest in carrying out their sworn duties. Several senators even publicly claimed that there is a multitude of drug sellers and users in the territory, as well as those growing marijuana, all contributing to the demise of American Samoa s future generation, and not much has been done to address these problems. The Senate Public Safety/Homeland Security Committee, chaired by Sen. Faletagoai Tuiolemotu called the hearing for a status report on the two shootings one which damaged the police substation in Leone and the other which seriously injured a police officer, who is seeking medical care in Honolulu. Witnesses who appeared at the two-hour hearing were Acting Police Commissioner Save Liuato Tuitele, Homeland Security Department director Utuali i Iuniasolua Savusa and Police Chief Tauese V. Sunia. Mauga said the two shootings did not only impact the Western District, but the entire territory, and suggested that the DPS select an elite team of the best officers and investigators to undergo training. He also suggested drug testing for all officers to deal with the growing drug problem in the territory. Mauga, in a stern voice, called the culprits in the police shootings cowards, saying that they are not Samoan, because Samoans show respect for others and said these same alleged offenders the culprit(s) don t participate in village, family or church affairs. He says DPS needs to send a clear message to the culprits and drug dealers that American Samoa will not tolerate these types of crimes, and besides police officers, he also recommends that Immigration and Customs officers also go through drug testing. Sen. Uti Petelo agreed with Mauga on drug testing of police as well as Immigration and Customs officers, saying that drugs are entering the territory through its borders and much more needs to be done to halt the illegal importation of drugs. Other senators agreed and suggested that an independent lab or individual from off-island conduct the drug tests to ensure their accuracy, and make sure they are not tampered with. Sen. Leatualevao Asifoa suggested that DPS consider looking into installing surveillance cameras which are used by other cities in the U.S. at troubled areas of the territory to help police track down suspects. He also said that police should look into asking the federal government for funding to ensure the local police force has sufficient resources to combat these problems. Manu a Sen. Nuanuaolefeagaiga Saoluaga voiced his disappointment with the alleged lack of police response to what he says are concerns by his constituents due to the drug problem in (Continued on page 6) Gov. Lolo M. Moliga cuts the ribbon officially opening the Samoa Tuna Processors Inc., $70 million state-of-the art cannery plant in Atu u, on Saturday. Tri Marine International chief executive officer Renato Curto in the background said the plant has been four years in the making and is the culmination of his lifetime work and personal quest. In his remarks, Lolo said the plant inauguration not only provides new economic benefits for the people and the territory, but it will also generate several economic opportunities for the Pacific region as well and he thanked Curto and Tri Marine. He reminded the audience that American Samoa s economic vitality has been and will continue to be the tuna canneries, and with STP our economic base is expanded, thus providing the spring-board for the expansion of reciprocal business opportunities in the private sector. (See yesterday s Samoa News online for full text of other speeches by honored guests, such as Gov. Lolo M. Moliga and New Zealand Ambassador for Pacific Island Development Shane Jones.) [photo: Barry Markowitz, Jan. 24, 2015]

4 Page 4 samoa news, Monday, January 26, 2015 by B. Chen, Samoa News Correspondent BABY MEL IS NOW HOME Baby Melchizedek (Mel) Soli was finally discharged and allowed to go home last week. This is after the infant was hospitalized for a total of 51 days, intubated about five times, underwent four surgeries, flat-lined once, had about three central lines put in at different times, endured a five-hour plane ride, and poked countless times, not including an estimated 6-8 insertions of the NG tube (feeding tube through his nose). He is definitely a lot better now, but has a road filled with valleys and hills up ahead, commented a family member, who added that Baby Mel is expected to return for another surgery next month. For now, Baby is stable enough to go home, said the family member. Please pray for our family as we care for Baby Mel. We continue to praise God for His mercy in answering our prayers and blessing us immeasurably. We thank you so very much for your prayers, love and support for our Baby Mel! After being admitted to the LBJ Medical Center late last year, Baby Mel was able to travel to Kapiolani Children s Hospital in the Aloha State on Dec. 23, where he has been undergoing extensive treatment. A family member reported that Baby Mel s test results reveal that there is brain damage that has caused loss of vision (possibly permanent), and seizures are expected regularly. He also may not be able to walk. This is a result of when he flat lined and they worked to resuscitate him (at the LBJ Medical Center), the family member said. Before heading for Hawai i, Baby Mel underwent four surgeries in less than a month at the LBJ because his abdomen was swollen and an infection was suspected. OHS RECORDS 690 CRASHES AND TWO DEATHS LAST YEAR So far this year, there have been 24 crashes and no fatalities involving a pedestrian or motorist on the territory s roads. Last year however, according to data from the DPS Office of Highway Safety, two people died in incidents that involved moving vehicles while there was a total of 690 crashes (79 resulting in personal injury and 611 causing property damage). The 690 crashes involved 1,254 vehicles, one motorcycle, 27 pedestrians, and 1,182 drivers. The DPS Office of Highway Safety aims to bring the number of crashes down, in addition to preventing unnecessary deaths on the roadways through paid media advertisements, and outreach programs to different schools, church youth groups, and organizations, spreading the word about the importance of buckling up, obeying posted signs, and driving sober. COMPLETION OF AIRPORT ROAD PROJECT DELAYED The long awaited Airport Road Project, which was set to be fully completed by mid-january 2015 will not be ready until the end of February or early March. The delay is due to the recent heavy rains. Last week, motorists experienced flooding at the Airport Road area and this is because the finished course was yet to be laid, leaving a two-inch gap that didn t allow the water to flow directly into the gutters. Workers from McConnell Dowell are coordinating with the Dept. of Public Works in getting the job done. Once completed, the final look will include four roundabouts and a new two-lane road. In addition, the road between the airport entrance looping around to the area from the Konelio Pele Army Reserve Center heading west near the McConnell Dowell office will have a completely new look. (Continued on page 15) Osini Faleatasi Inc. reserves all rights. dba Samoa News is published Monday through Saturday, except for some local and federal holidays. Please send correspondences to: OF, dba Samoa News, Box 909, Pago Pago, American Samoa Telephone at (684) Fax at (684) advertisements to [email protected] the newsroom at [email protected] 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. Tri-Marine holds official inauguration of STP cannery in Atu u Celebrity Fish Cleaning segment adds focus on its skilled work force by Fili Sagapolutele Samoa News Correspondent While the canned tuna industry is already faced with the low price of fish affecting the cost of canned tuna products and stiff competition from low wage countries the local industry is facing a new threat that Tri Marine International chief executive officer Renato Curto says will create for us a new power competitor referring to the European Union. Curto made the comments during Saturday s official inauguration of the company s Samoa Tuna Processors Inc., $70 million stateof-the art cannery plant in Atu u and part of the ceremony included a celebrity fish cleaning segment which took place before the celebration got underway at 12noon. According to the Tri Marine boss, the inauguration is an exciting day for both Tri Marine and American Samoa, adding that for him personally, the plant has been four years in the making and is the culmination of his lifetime work and personal quest. Getting the operations up and running was never easy, with many challenges along the way, he acknowledged. It took a lot of study, hard work and determination, he said, and noted that some people even questioned our intention from the beginning. He expressed special thanks to Gov. Lolo M. Moliga and the current administration for their strong support of this dream. The company is currently faced with shipping delays due to the congestion at the U.S. west coast s main ports in Los Angeles, Oakland, San Francisco and Seattle. Because of the delay in shipment of containers, the cannery plant is not yet ready to function, but the company is anxious to get everything in place, according to Curto, adding that they are looking at next month to start plant operations. (Samoa News should note that it was also due to the delay of the shipments from the West Coast that prompted Tri Marine to postpone the inauguration, which was originally set for early this month.) Curto went on to say that one of Tri- Marine s strengths is that its cannery is located in the South Pacific, which is the world s largest fishing ground. The fishing boats that are owned or contracted to Tri Marine can land their catch directly here, he said. Regarding export markets, Curto said that while its tuna product s main export with duty free excess is the U.S., there are other markets, like the European Union, which is currently undergoing free trade agreement negotiations with the U.S. He is hopeful that during these negotiations, American Samoa will be included as a qualified producer U.S. territory, so that canned tuna products produced in the territory can get free access to European markets. However, if the territory is excluded, it will create for us a new power competitor which will be added to the list of strong competitors that we already have such as countries like Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, China and Thailand with their lower costs for labor, packaging materials and energy. With the support of ASG, the company is hopeful that American Samoa is included in U.S. and EU treaty negotiations or any other U.S. free trade agreements with other countries, he said. Curto also spoke of another challenge: the price of fish. He said this was taken into account when planning the American Samoa plant, adding that the price of tuna is currently low less than half of what is was two years ago however the price of tuna is something that they cannot control. Curto noted the reason for the low price, is that there are simply too many fishing boats out there. When tuna prices are low, as you can understand, all the components, the cost of the tuna can, becomes more significant. Labor for one, and electricity, water, packaging material, he explained. According to the Tri Marine boss, the company, which has a fleet of ten U.S. flagged purse seiners based in the territory, needs more access to the fishing grounds in the region for vessels that are based here, and that access also helps StarKist Samoa. We hope that American Samoa s island neighbors will provide more access as it supports jobs and businesses in American Samoa and in other island communities, he said, noting that resource owners hold the keys to other benefits such as job creation. This is why Tri Marine has been working with nations such as Kiribati, Tokelau, Tuvalu and Cook Islands, he said, to develop mutually beneficial joint ventures connected to American Samoa and our tuna processing industry here. Regarding job creation, Curto told the audience that he fully understands the significance of new jobs the cannery will be providing. He recalled that he has heard from local leaders, especially Lolo and former Gov. Togiola, expressing the importance of creating more jobs for residents. He said that American Samoa is blessed with the infrastructure and resources that enable the company to provide jobs in the territory. (The company has said it is looking at some 1,500 new jobs when the plant is fully operational.) We are especially proud to provide jobs to a workforce that is good or better as any other and as committed as we are to make this venture a success, Curto said and thanked the many people in the government, private sector and those off island who contributed to helping the company with its local operations. Curto was generous in his recognition and thanks to former Governor Togiola Tulafono who attended the event with his wife Maryann for his vision, his support and his determination to create a new future for both American samoa and Tri Marine. Curto said he is also very grateful to former Congressman Faleomavaega Eni for his long-time unwavering support and he is hopeful that new Congresswoman Aumua Amata will offer the same support. (Aumua was represented by Pulu Ae Ae Jr., her chief of staff for the District Office in the territory). Several off island guests were also in attendance, including New Zealand Ambassador for Pacific Island Development Shane Jones; Kitty Simonds, the executive director of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council; top officials of Dongwon Industries owner of StarKist Co., and StarKist Samoa along with StarKist officials; and the managing director of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) office. (Continued on page 14)

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6 Page 6 samoa news, Monday, January 26, 2015 STATE OF THE UNION In Washington, there are not many occasions of British-style pageantry, pomp and circumstance, however, the quadrennial Presidential Inaugural is an exception and so is the annual State of the Union address that the President delivers in the House chamber before the Members of the House and Senate. The audience also includes the President s cabinet, the Supreme Court, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the diplomatic corps. Each Member of the House receives one ticket for a guest to be seated in the balcony. I took my daughter Kirsten. Since Samoa News already covered the substance of President Obama s remarks, I am not going to summarize them here nor am I either going to praise or criticize the speech. Perhaps one might think that as a member of the Republican National Committee, I should be attacking the President reflexively but in my role as an RNC member promoting the election of more Republicans, I do not believe I have to attack Democrats to achieve that objective. Nor do I want to critique the speech as your Member of Congress. I am in the process of building friendships in both parties to accomplish our goals, not erect barriers. Sometimes in the past I think we may have punched above our weight by trying to join a national partisan chorus and received very little in return for it. Suffice it to say that I applaud the goals of many of the proposals the President made (who can be against tuition-free community college education?) but worry about how they will be funded. Tax increases are not in the cards, I don t want to see us borrow more from China and I certainly don t want to see money shifted from current programs to fund new ones since we might be negatively impacted. Enough said about that. What I am trying to do in this space that Samoa News has graciously provided me is to give you a little of the flavor of what happens behind the scenes on State of the Union (SOTU) Day. Having been on House Leadership Staff for ten years, I am familiar with the process but only as a staffer on a day such as this: always from the outside looking in. From the inside, it looks much different. First, the Secret Service pretty much shuts down the Capitol Building in late afternoon so they can do a security sweep to make sure there are no bombs or other devices that might endanger the President. After that process was completed Republican Members were invited to a buffet dinner in the Majority Leader s office and I imagine the Minority Leader has something similar for her Members, although her office is much smaller but, then again, she has fewer members to accommodate. On the way to the House Chamber, we stopped by the Lincoln Room in Majority Whip Steve Scalise s suite for some dessert. Besides the convenience of not having to have a meal elsewhere before making our way to the Chamber, occasions like this always provide additional opportunities to raise American Samoa s profile and to get better acquainted with my colleagues. Happily, my tablemate was Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL), the chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee, on which I serve. We had a good chat that was timely, because the first meeting of the Committee was the following day, and I had the opportunity to tell him that veterans constitute almost 10 percent of our population a fact that will stick in his mind and a point I made again the following day during my opening statement at our hearing before questioning the VA deputy secretary. Dinner and dessert finished, I parted ways with my daughter, who went up to the gallery to watch the proceedings while I entered the chamber by the middle door, which is the door the President uses when he makes his grand entrance just before speech time. Even though it was still an hour before speech time, I wanted to situate myself and found there already were about 30 members standing along both sides of the center aisle all the way down from the door to the well of the House. The media has given this group the name Aisle Hogs because they tend to be many of the same Members every year who position themselves to be able to shake hands with the President (and be seen on national television in the process) and the other dignitaries who precede him to special seating in the front rows. I decided not to do that because, as a courtesy to give my Democratic colleagues the first opportunity to greet a President of their own party when he comes to their home. Besides, I understand Members need to show up several hours in advance to stake out and hold an aisle seat and I did not want to devote all that time to being there just to get a center aisle seat. I just wanted to be as close to the front as possible even if it was not near the aisle. As it turned out, I was invited to take one of the front rows anyway and was seated directly behind Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), the House Ways and Means Committee chairman. Among other things of interest to American Samoa, Paul s committee has jurisdiction over legislation that provides tax breaks to our canneries, so it does not hurt for me to get to know him better. Even though I had not planned it, I was close enough to the center aisle to be able to briefly shake hands with the President as he strode by. He spotted the gardenia in my hair and my puletasi and greeted me with aloha when I shook his hand and said, Talofa Mr. President! Nisi o le aufaigaluega a le Samoa Tuna Processors Inc., i le aso Toanai, lea sa tatala aloaia ai le vaega o le kamupani e gaosi ai apa o le tuna mo le auina atu i fafo. [ata: FS] Amata was able to briefly shake hands with the President as he strode by. [courtesy photo] Those who watched the almost 90-minute speech on television would have noticed that on many occasions when he delivered applause lines, Democrats gave him standing ovations while Republicans sat silently. This is standard, and when a Republican President gives a SOTU address, the roles are reversed. It is most obvious when the Vice President, a Democrat, stands to applaud, while the Republican Speaker remains seated. Both men are seated directly behind the President and are highly visible to television viewers. Afterwards, the President retraced his steps down the center aisle, where he once again encountered the Aisle Hogs, many of whom presented their copies of his speech to be autographed. Once he completed his remarks, I did not hang around. Rather, I joined other members at the nearby Capitol Hill Club to watch Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) deliver the Republican Response to the President s address. Except right on the floor where Member photography is not permitted, I was able to get photographs that I put into an album you can view on my Facebook Page, if you are a Facebook friend of mine. If you missed the speech, you can watch it on a computer at C-SPAN.org. Whenever the camera in the back balcony is taking a long shot of the President speaking, you can spot me in the right hand corner of the screen by looking for my gardenia. It was a terrific evening and I am going to look forward to doing it again next year. House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale (left) got a good handle in the fish cleaning process. Savali took part in the celebrity fish cleaning segment of Saturday s inauguration of the company s Samoa Tuna Processors Inc., cannery operation in Atu u. His assisted by a cannery employee. [photo: FS] Island drug problem Continued from page 3 the Manu a islands. He claims that police have been contacted, but DPS officials only travel to Manu a and then return to Tutuila with no outcome of any investigation. Nothing is done for the concerns of Manu a. Still no suspect, no arrest, he said in a booming voice and then urged Save to do something about the drug problem in Manu a before the situation gets worse. In addressing Nuanuaolefeagaiga s concerns as well as other senators who are not happy with police performance when it comes to expediting investigations followed by arrests, Save told the committee in a calm voice that it s easy for police officers to arrest individuals involved in any case, including drug cases, but there has to be solid evidence to back up such a case. Save says all necessary and required evidence, including witness testimonies, are needed before any case is sent to the Attorney General s Office recommending prosecution. He asked senators and the public for patience as police continue their investigations into drug cases, especially the case involving the two police shooting incidents last year, which he has appointed a task force to focus their attention upon.

7 samoa news, Monday, January 26, 2015 Page 7 Commerce Department director Keniseli Lafaele (right) took part in the celebrity fish cleaning segment of Saturday s innguration of Tri Marine International s Samoa Tuna Processors Inc., cannery operation in Atu u. Three cannery employees (looking on) and assisted the DOC director in how to clean and process a fish. [ata: FS] 1. Taken 3... (PG-13) Liam Neeson, Forest Whitaker 2. Selma... (PG-13) David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo 3. Into the Woods...(PG) Anna Kendrick, Meryl Streep 4. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies... (PG-13) Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman 5. Unbroken... (PG-13) Jack O Connell, Takamasa Ishihara 6. Imitation Game... (PG-13) Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley 7. Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb...(PG) Ben Stiller, Robin Williams 8. Annie...(PG) Quvenzhane Wallis, Cameron Diaz 9. The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death... (PG-13) Helen McCrory, Jeremy Irvine 10. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1... (PG-13) Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson 2015 King Features Synd., Inc. King Features Weekly Service January 19, 2015 NOTICE To All Origin Energy Customers, We are happy to announce that there will be a 10% decrease in the retail price of LPGas effective on the 29th of January As always Origin is committed to passing on savings to its gas customers. We wish to thank all of our customers and the community for their continued patronage. LPGas the cheaper, cleaner and environmentally friendly fuel. American Samoa Government ELECTION OFFICE PUBLIC NOTICE TO: Voters and Candidates for Representative District No. 6, Sua No. 2 FROM:Chief Election Officer RE: 2015 Special Election for Representative District No. 6, Sua No. 2 Management Origin Energy A.S. On January 20, 2015, pursuant to Article II, Section 13 of the Revised Constitution of American Samoa, the Governor of American Samoa called for a special election to fill the vacancy in the Office of Representative for District No. 6 to the House of Representatives. In accordance therewith, on Friday, March 20, 2015 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., a special election shall be held at designated polling places for the Office of Representative for District No. 6, for a term that will commence immediately and expire on January 3, This also serves as notice that candidate nomination petition forms and materials for the special election are now available for pick up at the Election Office in Tafuna. In addition, candidate nomination petitions must be filed with the Election Office no later than 4:30p.m. on Friday, February 6, Voter registration for Representative District No. 6 is currently open and will close at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, Also, please be informed that the Election Office is now accepting requests for outside absentee ballots for uniformed service voters, overseas voters and students attending institutions of learning outside of American Samoa. The last day to request an outside absentee ballot is 4:30p.m. on March 5, To request an outside absentee ballot, please go online to the Election Office website at and download and complete form EO-08 (Request for Absentee Ballot). Uniformed Services voters and overseas voters (outside of the US and Territories) may instead use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to request an absentee ballot. Upon completion and certification of your request form, please submit the same by fax to (684) , address to [email protected] or postal mail address to Election Office, P.O. Box 3970, Pago Pago, AS Should you have any questions, please call the Election Office at TUAOLO M. F. FRU EAN

8 Page 8 samoa news, Monday, January 26, 2015 C Y M K A traditional sua was presented, which included the presentation of one of the larger fine mats, during the Samoa Tuna Processors/TriMarine Cannery Inauguration ceremonies and festivities, in Satala, Tutuila, American Samoa. [photo: Barry Markowitz, Jan. 24, 2015] C Y M K

9 samoa news, Monday, January 26, 2015 Page 9 In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather A Great Leader and Servant of God Rev. Tele a Ve a Faleali i Sunrise: June 25, 1937 ~ Sunset: January 8, 2015 C Y M K I have fought the good fight, I have finished the face, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4: 7 "Ua ou tau le taua lelei, ua i'u ia te a'u le tausinioga, ua ou taofi i le fa'atuatua." 2 Timoteo 4:7 C Y M K FUNERAL PROGRAM Tuesday, January 27, 2015 FAMILY 5:30pm 7:30pm CCCAS Matu u & Faganeanea Olafou Church Thursday, January 29, :00am FUNERAL SERVICES CCCAS Matu u & Faganeanea Olafou Church Friday, January 30, :00am FINAL SERVICE Burial will be at Afo residence in Faganeanea You re Always in Our Hearts Tepora Falealii Ituautuua Tele'a Falealii Jr & Suafa Tuilagi Falealii - Tautaialii, Loralina, Fogaolo'ula, Etelemeaenonofoaiilemaotaolo'utama (ET) (AK), Itumalo III, Ulualepapa Sepulona II, Anthonly T amaolevainiu Fautua Lepopole Tulele Laolagi & Laura Falealii Laolagi - Malolefoua Laolagi Tupua & Zaries Tupua, Olafou Laolagi & Onolina Laolagi, Analei & James Jackson, Jason Laolagi, Pula Laolagi, Faaee Laolani (Lauralei Tupua, James Jackson, Michael Laolagi, OJ Laolagi) Alan Surkes & Paulena Falealii Surkes - Ave, Alena & Nathan Lemaga Polone Savea & Meritiana Falealii Savea - Fua James Savea & Bervernica Thompson Savea, Laura Tua & Usitai Tua, Kananafou Savea, Daphne Rosie Savea, Malaga, Tofa Savea (Ken Savea, MJ Savea, Itumalo Savea, Sina Tua, Titus Savea) Rev. Mika Falealii & Saupuni Aiava Falealii - Reuben, Benjamin, Moe, Amata, Faafetai & Faamanu Sepulona Falealii & Kapua Falealii - Haahea & Mahea Falealii, Hauoli, Haaloha, Hepuakea, Ha'iola Mareta Falealii Tele'a James Falealii Jr AK Vagana Saili & Ekueta Saili (Salome & Isaako) Taumafai Uta'i Tiula Siliva Lance Uta'i HIGH CHIEF AFO & SA-AFO FAMILY of Faganeanea

10 Page 10 samoa news, Monday, January 26, 2015 Le VUI: Mana omia pea pisinisi lotoifale tautua Faletupe Hawaii tusia Ausage Fausia E ui o lea ua tu lalata mai le taimi e fa amuta ai le auaunaga a le lala o le Faletupe a Hawaii i Amerika Samoa, peita i na taua e le afioga i le tama ita i faipule ia Vui Florence Tuaumu- Saulo, o se tasi fo i o tina faipisinisi i le atunu u, o lo o mana omia pea e le to atele o le aufaipisinisi le tautua a le faletupe, mo le fa atinoina o auauanaga tau pisinisi i fafo atu o le teritori. O le mataupu i le tula i ese atu o le faletupe a Hawaii atoa ai ma le manatu e toe tu u tasi atu i ai se talosaga ina ia nofo mai, na fa atula i e le afiog i le ali i faipule mai le itumalo o Manu a #1 ia Vesi Talalelei Tautanu Saunoa Vesi e fa apea, e ui na te le o iloaina tu ugatala ua mae a ona faia e le malo ma le faletupe o Hawaii, peita i o lona talitonuga, e tatau lava ona toe tu u tasi atu i ai se talosaga i le faletupe ina ia toe fa aauau pea lana tautua mo Amerika Samoa. O lea saunoaga na lagolagoina e ni isi o sui o le maota e aofia ai Fatulegae e Palepoi Mauga ma Vui. Na taua e Fatulegae e ma Vui lo la lagolagoina o fuafuaga a le ali i kovana ma le faigamalo e fa atula i se isi faletupe fou e sui tulaga i le faletupe a Hawaii o le a tula i ese, peita i o le itu o lo o la mana omia e tatau ona manino, pe gafatia e le faletupe fou lea ona fa atino auaunaga o lo o fa atupe e le faletupe a Hawaii e aofia ai teugatupe i fafo. Ou te fa afetai i le ali i kovana ia Lolo Matalasi Moliga ma le tofa ua a e ina ia fa avae se faletupe fou mo tagata o le atunu u, ae i lo u taofi, e mana omia tele e le aufaipisinisi le tautua a le faletupe a Hawai i, o le saunoaga lea a Vui i luma o le maota, ma ia talosagaina ai se avanoa e o o atu ai sui o le faletupe a Hawaii e feiloa i ma le maota, ma se i fa ailoa sa o atu le tulaga o le latou tautua i le atunu u, ae afea tonu le aso lea ua latou fuafua e malaga ese ai ma Amerika Samoa, ae pe mafai fo i ona latou toe nonofo tasi mai se i tau fa amautu muamua le faletupe fou lea ua galulue le malo e fa atula i. Na fa afetaia fo i e Vui fuafuaga a le ali i kovana ma le faigamalo e fa atula i le faletupe fou e pei ona fuafua i ai, ae sa ia taua fo i i luma o le maota le tatau lea ona manino mai le tulaga o le tupe a le malo e $1 miliona lea o lo o i se faletupe i Vietnam, ina ne i tula i ese le faletupe a Hawai i ae lei toe maua mai lea vaega tupe a le malo. O se tasi o mataupu o lo o aofia i mataupu na fa ailoa e Lolo i ta ita i o le Fono e mana omia ona latou galulue fa atasi e fa amautu, o le toe aveeseina mai lea o le tupe a le malo e silia i le $1 miliona o lo o i totonu o se faletupe i Vietnam. Na fa afetaia e le Fofoga Fetalai ia Savali Talavou Ale finagalo fa aalia o afioga i faipule e tusa ai o le mataupu i le faletupe a Hawai i, atoa ai ma le lagolagoina o se taumafaiga a le kovana ma le faigamalo e fa atula i se faletupe fou, peita i na saunoa Savali, e leai se ma a e le i fulia e le malo i taumafaiga ina ia fa atumauina pea le tautua a le faletupe a Hawai i i le atunu u, ae o le fa aiuga ua taunu u i ai, e tula i ese lava Lali le faletupe. O le masina o Iuni 2015 na fa ailoa e Savali i le maota, o le taimi lea ua fa atulagaina e fa amuta aloaia ai loa le tautua a le faletupe a Hawai i i le teritori, o le taimi fo i lea o lo o fuafua le faigamalo e tatau ona o o atu i ai ua fa atula i le faletupe fou lea o le a fa aigoaina o le American Samoa Territorial Bank. Ma ua fautuaina e Savali le komiti o le Tamaoaiga a le maota lea o lo o i lalo o le ta ita iga a le afioga i le ali i faipule ia Larry Sanitoa, ina ia faia gaioiga uma e mafai ona fai ina ia fa amautu ai tulaga o mataupu uma o lo o finagalo i ai afioga i faipule, e pei o le fa amalamalamaina lea o ituaiga tautua e mafai e le faletupe fou lea ua faia mo le atunuu ma pisinisi, tulaga i le $1miliona o lo o teu i Vietnam, atoa ai ma le mau atugaluga i auala e mafai ai ona fesoasoani le faletupe fou lenei i le aufaipisinisi. O le aso Lua o le vaiaso nei lea ua fa atulaga e faia ai le iloiloga a le komiti o le Tamaoaiga, mo le talanoaina o le pili na talosagaina e le ali i kovana, e fa avae ai se faletupe fou mo Amerika Samoa. Feso ota i mai i le tusitala ia [email protected] Le afioga i le tama ita i faipule mai le Itumalo o Tualauta ia Vui Florence Tuaumu-Saulo. [ata: AF] Fesiligia Faimealelei tupe ma galuega galulolo 2009 tusia Ausage Fausia Le afioga i le ali i faipule mai Aua ia Faimealelei Anthony Fu e Allen. [ata: AF] O se tasi o mataupu na aofia i le iloiloga a le maota o sui ma le Matagaluega o Galuega Lautele a le malo i le vaiaso na te a nei, o tulaga i tupe ma galuega o le galulolo o le 2009 o lo o totoe e le i mae a, lea na fesili i ai le afioga i le ali i faipule mai Aua ia Faimealelei Anthony Fu e Allen. E le gata sa fesiligia e Faimealelei le aofa i o le tupe mo galuega o le galulolo na tu uina atu i le Ofisa o Galuega Lautele a le malo, ae sa ia fesiligia fo i le aofa i o le tupe ua alu i galuega ua mae a, ma le tupe o lo o totoe mo galuega e le i mae a. Saunoa le sui fa atonusili o le Ofisa o Galuega Lautele ia Fa alavai Taase e fa apea, e ui e le o mautu mai le aofa i o galuega o le galulolo o lo o totoe e le i mae a, ona e le i mae a ona fai tauofoga ma tusia ata o ni isi o galuega, peita i e silia i le $10 miliona le tau atoa o galuega o lo o totoe. E tele galuega na amata fuafua mai i le taimi na mae a ai le galulolo e o o mai lava i le taimi nei e le i fa atinoina, e pei ona fesiligia e faipule ina ua mae a ona fa amanino e le susuga a Taase. O ni isi o nei galuega e aofia ai le fa aleleia o auala, fausiaina o auvai ma taligalu, atoa ai ma le fa aleleia o auala tua o lo o uia e nuu ma itumalo eseese. Na fa aleo e ni isi o faipule o latou finagalo fa asea i le umi tele o fa atali itumalo mo le fausiaina o galuega nei o le galulolo, a o lenei lava ua silia i le lima tausaga talu ona tuana i le galulolo. Saunoa le faipule fou mai le itumalo o Manu a #1 ia Vesi Talalelei Tautanu e fa apea, o le fa afitauli numera tasi ua maitauina o lo o mafua ai ona telegese le fa atinoina o galuega a le malo, e le gata e le o lava mea faigaluega e fa atino ai galuega, ae tuai fo i ona taunu u mai mea e fa atino ai galuega. Ina ia mautinoa e saogalemu tagata o le atunu u pe a toe tula i mai se isi galulolo i le lumana i, na talosagaina ai e Vesi le tatau lea ona fa aleleia auala tua o lo o fa aaoga e nu u e ui ai i taimi e tutupu ai faalavelave fa alenatura i le atunu u. O inivesi lelei lea ma aoga mo le malo o Amerika Samoa, o le fausia lea ma fa aleleia auala tua ina ia mautinoa e malu puipuia soifua o ona tagata, aemaise lava i nuu ma itumalo e tu matafaga, o le saunoaga lea a Vesi i molimau. Na fa amanino e le susuga a Ta ase i le maota o sui e fa apea, o lo o silafia e le matagaluega tulaga fa aletonu o lo o tula i mai i auala ma manaoga eseese i totonu o le atunu u, peita i o le fa afitauli numera tasi o lo o fetaia i ma le malo, o le leai lea o se vaega tupe e fa atino ai galuega o lo o talosaga mai ai nu u ma itumalo taitasi. Sa ia molimau e faapea e na o le ta i $4 miliona tala o lo o maua mai e le malo i le polokalama o auala a le fetarale i tausaga ta itasi. O isi galuega tetele mo auala, taligalu ma auvai o lo o taumafai le malo e fa atino e pei ona saunoa Ta ase, e aofia ai le alu atu i Lauli i e o o i Fagaitua i le itu i Sasa e, fa apea ai Futiga e o o atu i Leone i le itu i Sisifo. O le galuega i Failolo e o o atu i Afao lea e silia i le $1 miliona lona tau aofa i, e le o toe mamao ae mae a loa gaioiga o lo o fa agasolo ae amata loa le galuega. O le galuega o le auala i le falema i i Fagaalu lea ua fa amoemoe e soso o, pe a mae a le galuega o le auala i le malae va alele. I luma o le maota maualuga i le vaiaso na te a nei, na tula i ai le afioga i le ali i senatoa ia Tuiasina S. Esera ma talosaga i le komiti o galuega a le senate, e silasila toto a i le tulaga pagatia ua i ai auala i so o se vaega o le atunu u. Saunoa le ali i senatoa e fa apea, e le mafai e le malo ona fa atupe vaega o ta avale a tagata o le atunu u o lo o leaga pea i le tele o aso, ona o tulaga fa aletonu o auala, e le gata i le omoomo ma le lau leaga, ae a o o foi i le po e tau le iloa laina o lo o vaelua tutusa ai itu e lua o le auala. O le aso Tofi o le vaiaso nei lea ua fa atulaga e faia ai le iloiloga a le maota maualuga ma le pulega a le Ofisa o Galuega Lautele a le malo, ona o fa asea ma faitioga e tusa ai o tulaga fa aletonu o lo o i ai auala i le atunu u.

11 samoa news, Monday, January 26, 2015 Page 11 tusia Ausage Fausia TAUNU U FONO TOFIGA KOVANA MO SAVE O le vaiaso na te a nei na taunu u ai i le fono faitulafono tofiga a le ali i kovana, mo le afioga a Save Liuato A. Tuitele e avea ai o ia ma komesina o le matagaluega o Leoleo a le malo. Na taua e le ali i kovana ia Lolo Matalasi Moliga i se vaega o lana tusi sa tu uina atu i ta ita i o le Fono e fa apea, ua ia tofia Save e avea ma komesina o leoleo, e sui tulaga i le komesina sa i ai ua fa amavae, le susuga William E. Haleck. O Save na soifua a e i le atunu u, lea na a oa oina ma fa au u mai ai o ia i le aoga maualuga a Samoana, sosoo ai loa ma le avea ma leoleo a le malo mo tausaga e lima, ao le i malaga atu ma tautua i vaega au a le malo tele o Amerika i le 1973 mo le silia i le 30 tausaga. E tele agava a sa ausia e Save ao tautua i le militeri, e pei o aoaoga sa faia e sui o le Feterale mo suesuega i fualaau oona, aemaise ai auala eseese e fa atino ai galuega fa aleoleo, ma ia umia ai le tulaga maualuga o le Chief Warrant Officer Five i totonu o le vaega au. Sa galue fo i o ia i le vaega o leoleo su esu e a le militeli i Fort Lewis, Uosigitone, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii atoa ai ma Texas, o ia o se ta ita i, ma toe taliu mai ai loa i le atunu u ina ua malolo litaea, ma tofia ai e avea ma Fa aasino Lagolago. Sa gaue fo i o ia o se Fa atonu o Aoaoga mo le Ofisa o Leoleo mo le tolu ma le afa tausaga, o lo o avea fo i o ia ma Fa atonusili o le Ofisa e Puipuia ma Su esu eina faiga tau fa asese fa asaga i le malo. FESILIGIA TULAFONO FA ATAPULA A AI FA APOGISA TIOATA FA AVALE Ua toe talosagaina e ni isi o faipule i le maota o sui le fofoga fetalai ia Savali Talavou Ale, ina ia toe silasila i le tulafono lea e fa atapula a ai le malosi o le fa apogisa o tioata o ta avale i le atunu u, ina ia mautinoa o lo o fa amalosia e le vaega fa amalosi tulafono lea fo i tulafono, ma taofia ai ni isi o fa alavelave o lo o tutupu mai i le atunu u. O ni isi o mataupu na mafua ai ona toe fesiligia lenei tulafono, o le saogalemu o tagata ma leoleo i fa alavelave e pei ona tutupu mai, atoa ai ma le fa atamaia ai o meaola i luga o le alatele. Na taua e le afioga i le alii faipule ia Toeaina Faufano Autele e fa apea, o le vaiaso na te a nei na ia molimauina ai se meaola (tulou) ua mate i luga o le alatele ina ua so a e se ta avale, ae o le fa afitauli na tula i mai, e le i mafai ona iloa atu poo ai le ave ta avale ona e pogisa uma tioata o le ta avale. Na taua e le ali i faipule mai le itumalo o Manu a #2 lona aga i atu ma si i le meaola ua mate ae fa ata atia i tafatafa o le auala, e fa atali ai i latou o lo o fa atinoina galuega mo le fa amamaina o tafaala latou te fa atinoina le galuega. O popolega o le ali i faipule ana fa apea nei o se tagata soifua lea na a afia, e le iloa se gaioiga e fai pe ana faapea e sola ese le ta avale na mafua ai le fa alavelave. O le finagalo o le ali i faipule, e tatau lava ona fa amalosia tulafono nei ina ia mautinoa ai, o lo o puipuia le saogalemu o tagata faapea ai meaola i so o se taimi. MANA OMIA MANU A SE FESOASOANI TULAGA FEMALAGAIGA O le vaiaso na te a nei na fa aleo ai e le sui faipule fou mai le itumalo o Manu a #1 ia Vesi Talalelei Tautanu se talosaga i luma o le maota o sui, ina ia alofagia e le malo se fesoasoani mo tagata Manu a i tulaga tau femalagaaiga, ona o lo o nofo fa atali pea le itumalo i se tulaga ua o o i ai le tautua a le MV Sili. E ui e le fou lenei mataupu i luma o le maota o sui, peita i na saunoa le ali i faipule ia Vesi e fa apea, e tatau lava ona fa aleo pea le talosaga a lona itumalo, ina ia silafia ai pea e le fono faitulafono ma le malo tulaga pagatia o lo o fetaia i pea ma tagata Manu a. Saunoa le ali i faipule e fa apea, ua silia i le tolu vaiaso o nonofo fa atali pea Manu a i se tala, pe toe malaga le MV Sili pe leai, ona o lo o i ai uta ma fa amomoli o lo o fia ave i le itumalo, aemaise ai fo i oloa ma nai fanau ma tagata matututa. Ua talosagaina e le fofoga fetalai ia Savali Talavou Ale le komiti o fela uaiga ma uafu a le maota, ina ia fesiligia le malo i le fa afitauli e pei ona fetaia i ma Manu a. Feso ota i mai i le tusitala ia [email protected] AMERICAN SAMOA POWER AUTHORITY Materials Management Office AMERICAN SAMOA POWER AUTHORITY Materials Management Office PO Box PPB, Pago Pago American Samoa Phone No: (684) Fax No: (684) INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) IFB No: ASPA ESD.WATER Date & Time Due: January 30, 2015 Issuance Date: January 2, 2015 No later than 2:00 p.m. local time The American Samoa Power Authority issues a Invitation For Bids (IFB) to invite qualified firms to submit sealed bids for the: Construction of the Aunu u Reverse Osmosis Unit Building Submission An Original and five copies of the Bid Submittal must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked: Construction of the Aunu u Reverse Osmosis Unit Building Submissions are to be sent to the following address and will be received until 2:00 p.m. (local time), Friday, January 30, 2015: Materials Management Office American Samoa Power Authority Pago Pago, American Samoa Attn: Nancy Tinitali-Mauga, Procurement Manager Any bid submittals received after the aforementioned date and time will not be accepted under any circumstances. Late submissions will not be opened or considered and will be determined as being non - responsive. Document The IFB package outlining the requirements is available at The Materials Management Office at ASPA s Tafuna Compound and may also be obtained from our Website: Pre-Bid Meeting A one-time pre-bid meeting will be held on January 7, 2015, 9:00 a.m. at the Materials Management Office conference room located at ASPA s Tafuna Compound. Right of Rejection The American Samoa Power Authority reserves the right to reject any and/or all bid submittals and to waive any irregularities and/or informalities in the submitted bid submittals that are not in the be st interests of the American Samoa Power Authority or the public. Approved for Issuance: Utu Abe Malae, Executive Director PO Box PPB, Pago Pago American Samoa Phone No: (684) Fax No: (684) REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) RFP No: ASPA Closing Date & Time: February 26, 2015 Issuance Date: January 22, 2015 No later than 2:00 p.m. local time The American Samoa Power Authority issues a Request For Proposals (RFP) to invite qualified firms to submit formal, written proposals for the: Water Plumbing Services Submission An Original and five copies of the Proposal must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked: RFP No. ASPA Water Plumbing Services. Submissions are to be sent to the following address and will be received until 2:00 p.m. (local time), Thursday, February 26, 2015: Materials Management Office American Samoa Power Authority Pago Pago, American Samoa Attn: Nancy Tinitali-Mauga, Procurement Manager Any proposal received after the aforementioned date and time will not be accepted under any circumstances. Late submissions will not be opened or considered and will be determined as being non - responsive. Document The RFP package outlining the proposal requirements is available at The Materials Management Office at ASPA s Tafuna Compound and may also be obtained from our Website: Pre-Bid Meeting A one-time pre-bid meeting will be held on Monday, February 2, 2015, 9:00 a.m. at the Materials Management Office conference room located at ASPA s Tafuna compound. Right of Rejection The American Samoa Power Authority reserves the right to reject any and/or all proposals and to waiv e any irregularities and/or informalities in the submitted proposals that are not in the best interest s of the American Samoa Power Authority or the public. Approved for Issuance: Utu Abe Malae, Executive Director

12 Page 12 samoa news, Monday, January 26, 2015 O se vaaiga i sui o le kamupani o le Samoa Tuna Processors Inc., i le taimi o faaaloaloga i le aso To ana i ua te a, ina ua tatala aloaia le vaega o le kamupani e gaosi ai apa o le tuna mo le auina atu i fafo. [ata: FS] Tusia: Akenese Ilalio Zec Vaega: 144 Fa aalofa atu i lou alafa i mai i le manuia i lenei taeao fou, i le alofa ma le agalelei o lo tatou Matai oi le lagi. E i ai pea le fa amoemoe, o lo o aoina le masina i le soifua laulelei o le atunu u, ae alo maia, o le a toe fa aauau atu la tatou tala mo lenei aso. Ae ia manuia le alo faiva o le atunu u i feau ma galuega o le a feagai ai i lenei aso. Na muta mai la tatou tala ina ua suiga malie mea uma o le aiga, o lea la ua fai nei le fa atasitasiga a Salamasina ma nai ona tuagane ma o latou ta it oalua, ae ua misi lava e le lo omatua si ona tuagane matua o Paulo fa apea ma si ona to alua o Eseta, ae tainane fo i o si ona to alua Palagi o Larry. O le afiafi lava lea na fa ate ia ai le aiga ina ua alu atu le ta avale a le tama ita i o Vaitimaleata, ae ua o atu ma le tama. Na motusia vave lava le ta ina o le meatuligi a Sila, ae tilotilo mai i fafo i le savavali atu a Vaitimaleata ma le tama. Na iloa mamao mai lava e le toeaina o Sila le alu atu a le ta avale a Vaitimaleata, o lea na muto fa atopetope ai loa le taina o le meakuligi, ae o lo o alu lava kitala a Petelo ma Eteuati, fa apea ma le aufaipese a Sala ma lo omatutua fa ataulaitu o Su e, Tupu ma Lisi. Na i u lava ina tu a e i luga Sila ma savali mai i fafo, ona ua fai si umi o tu pea le ta avale, ua lagona le popole o le toeaina, ne i te i ua oso se ma i si ona tei, ae e le o iloa atu. Ae ina ua latalata atu i ai Sila, na matala mai ai loa le faitoto a, ma oso mai i fafo se tama e matua u lalelei lava i le va ai. Ua tu nei Sila ma tilotilo atu i le tama, e tino lelei, e fa asasa o lona faitino, e pa epa e e pei lava o Vaitimaleata. Ua le mautonu le toeaina i lea taimi, ae na matala nei le faitoto a ma oso mai i fafo le tama ita i, ma ata mai i le tuagane o lona tina. O le fa ili lea na fai nei, ae maise ai o tagata na o ane e fa alogologo, ua na o le mata i mai nei o le mea lea ua tupu. Na fesili Salamasina i a Petelo, po o le a le mea ua taofi ai fua le fa ili. Na a apa ane nei le tama ma u u le lima o le tuafafine e to atasi e auau i ai si ona tama, a o soifua, Sala, o Vaitimaleata lea ua sau. Na feliuliua i nei le lo omatua ua le mautonu, Petelo, o ai, o Ata, oi ta fe fe, talofa e, i si a u tama po o le a le mea ua sau ai nei ua pogisa, o fea o i ai? Na tu a e nei i luga le lo omatua o Lisi, ma savali ane ma nofo i talane o Salamasina ma milimili lona tua, Sala, aua e te popole, a lae e talatalanoa mai Vaitimaleata ma Sila, o lea ua savavali mai i le fale. Lisi, talofa e, i si a u tama, pe ua ma i fua i le sau i le mea mamao, o fea o i ai, fai i ai e sau. Ua tilotilo ane nei tuagane o Salamasina i le lo omatua, ua o la iloa lelei lava, e ese le auau o Salamasina i si ana tama lea, le teine o Vaitimaleata. Na tu tu a e nei i luga Eteuati ma Falaniko ma savavali loa i fafo. E taunu u ane, o lo o fai pea le talatalanoaga a Vaitimaleata ma le tuagane o lona tina, a o lea o lo o tu pea le tama, ma fetilotilofa i solo ona mata i le to atele o le aiga o Vaitimaleata, aemaise ai ua mautu mea uma e nonofo ai. E taunu u ane Eteuati ma Falaniko, ua ma ea ona fai tala a Vaitimaleata ma le tuagane o lona tina, o lea na toe savavali fa atasi mai ai loa i totonu. Na fiu Sila e tau vaovao toeai ina, ae ua la a atu lava le tagata latou velo atu lona lima i si tama e mana o e fa atalofa. Ua ata le tama ma lulu ane i ai lona, ma fa apea ane, Talofa lava. E fa alogo mai Eteuati ma Falaniko e tau le matala le fa asamoa a si ali i. Na liliu mai nei i tua Sila ma fai ane i ona uso, Se o maia, matua i lua faitatala tele, o e fai ni lua mu umu u ma ni lua papa se i tilotilo atu i ai le tama. Ua alu nei le tali e, ae tali mai Falaniko, ia o lou manatu lava e fa ama ima i nei tagata, ma te fia iloa fo i e ma ua ia le au o le paipa, e pei lava e i ai se mea na ou va ai ai i le tama lenei, a Vaitimaleata, e sa o a u. Ua ata le teine ma a apa atu lona lima ua u u mai le lima o lana uo, ua ata ane i ai le tama, ma punou ifo us sogi i a Vaitimaleata. E faia pea... saunia: Leua Aiono Frost TAUVAGA SIPELA O UPU PERETANIA - A OGA TULAGA LUA O lo o fa asalalauina atu fa alaua itele ata o i latou ua manumalo mai a oga tulaga lua taitasi, ae ua fa aulu atu nei o latou suafa i le tauvaga Sipela e faia ia Fepuari 18, O le kamupani a le McDonald s o lo o avea ma major sponsor o lenei faamoemoe. Ua ala fa ailo atu lenei tauvaga, ona ua i ai ni tauvaga laiti fa ata ita i e mafai ona fa amasani atu ai fo i le au manumalo mai latou a oga, ina ia tapena ai lou ola tauva pe a o o atu ina lutaluta le tai o faiva i le sailiga o le sui e manumalo mai le teritori ma autova a atu e tauva i le tauvaga sipela a le Iunaite Setete o Amerika atoa. Ua fa ailoa mai o nei fa ata ita iga fa amasani a le fanau e faia ia Fepuari 12, ma Fepuari 17 i le 3:00i le afiafi seia o o i i le itula e 4:00 i le afiafi i le Ofisa o DOE - Teacher Quality Office, Tasi Street i le Paka Liona. TOE FAALELEIA AUAUNAGA A LE KVZK TV O lo ua tatau ona toe fa aleleia le so otaga o le auaunaga a le KVZK TV ma tatou motu i le Manu atele ona ua mae a tapena e ;le faletelevise i Utulei le fa aleleiga o lana auaunaga sa motusia mo sina vaitaimi. Pe afai e atoatoa uma le fuafuaga ua mae a galuea ina nei, ua tatau ona toe maimoa le atunu u i a tatou polokalama o le Alaata PBS i le fa aiuga o le vaiaso na te a nei, se tala lea mai le fa atonu Fagafaga Daniel Langkilde. E tusa ai ma se tala na mua i lomia i le Samoa News, sa fa ailoa atu ai, o se motusia o le eletise ia Ianuari 5, 2015 na fa aletonu uma ai alaata o le faletelevise, peita i, ina ua toe ola mai le eletise i lea lava po, sa mu ai nisi o so otaga o le satelite e pu e ai ata o le PBS. Ua mae a feso ota i le KVZK TV ma le PBS, aua o i latou na o lo o sapalaia mai masini fa asatelite ma ua fa ailoa mai, o lo o ua mae a meli mai masini mo omia e le malaga a le va alele i le fa ai uga o le vaiaso na tuanai nei. Ua ma ea o o atu le vasega o inisinia a le KVZK e sailia le mafuaga tonu ua motusia ai fo i ma alaata i Manu a. Ua faailoa mai, o le motusia fo i o le ea malulu i le potu o lo o tu u ai le masini so otaga fa apitoa mo fa asalalauga sa afaina ai le masini ma ua le toe ola ai. Ua mae a toe fa aola lelei lea ea malulu, ma ua toe fa aola fo i le masini, o lo o lelei lava. Peita i o aiga fo i sa fa asea mai ona e le o au atu fa asalalauga i lo latou fale, ua sailia ma iloa patino ai, e ao ina faia se latou enetena i fafo o le fale. TALOSAGA POLENISIA SE ISI PEMITA MO MALAGA I MANU A Ona e le o toe mautu mai lava se isi kamupani va alele Amerika e mafai ona tautuaina le va o Tutuila ma le Manu atele, o lea ua toe fa aulu ai fo i le talosaga a le kamupani va alele a le Polenisia, latou te fa atinoa lea auaunaga. O le pemita o lo o galue ai nei le Polenisia mo Manu a e mae a ia Ianuari 30, peita i, ma o le aso 16 Ianuari i le tausaga nei, ua toe fa aulu ai fo i e le Polenisia le talosaga i le fetarale mo le isi 30 aso. Ua matauina le mana omia tele o lea tautua, ua iloga e i ai ni malaga fa afuase i mo le aumaia o gasegase i Manu a e va aia le falema i i Tutuila ma e siliga ma le selau malaga na fa atautaia e le Polenisia ia Novema ma Tesema mo Manu a.

13 samoa news, Monday, January 26, 2015 Page 13 HURRICANE SEASON TAU AFA November to April / Novema e o o atu ia Aperila Wind speed and matching terminology during hurricane forecast in American Samoa. Take note that American Samoa and Independent Samoa now has different forecasting when it comes to hurricanes. For example: American Samoa s Tropical Storm starts when wind speed is at MPH, where Independent Samoa starts its Category 1 or Cat-1 at the same wind speed. Take note of this graph as an aid to assist you in the event of a forecasted hurricane. O saoasaoa o savili ma upu ua fa aaogaina i Amerika Samoa i taimi o tala o le tau. Ia utagia mai ona ua iai nei ese esega o fa asalalauga o le tala o le tau i Amerika Samoa ma Samoa tu to atasi i taimi o Afa. O se fa ata ita iga: E amata Matagi Malolosi i Amerika Samoa pe a le saoasaoa o savili, a o Samoa tu to atasi e amata ai lo latou Afa numera-1. Fa aaoga lenei tapenaga e fesoasoani ai ia te oe i taimi o tala o le tau. For more information visit us on Facebook at or call (ASDHS) / (NWS) A message from ASDHS-TEMCO and NOAA NWS

14 Page 14 samoa news, Monday, January 26, 2015 TIOLA S CREATION We are relocating from Faga alu to the Lumana i Building in Fagatogo - 1st Floor. REOPENING - Tuesday, Jan 20th 7:30am - 7:00 pm COME VISIT US! Tafaoga i Matafaga? SASA E: Fagasa-Fagalea Fagasa-Fagatele Aua Stream Afono Vatia Lauli i Alega Beach Alega Stream $2 Beach, Avaio Auto Fagaitua Sailele Masausi Masefau Alofau Amouli Aoa Aganoa Auasi Harbor Eastern Utumea Alao Tula Onenoa TUTOTONU : Pala Lagoon, Nu uuli Pala Lagoon Spring, Nu uuli Coconut Point, Nu uuli Avau Fatumafuti Utulei, DDW Utulei Beach Fagatogo Stream SISIFO : Amanave Western Utumea Asili Leone Pala Taputimu (Leala) Beach Maliu Mai Beach Maliu Mai Swimming Hole For more information: http//portal.epa.as.gov/beaches/ Lapata iga mo Matafaga: Ianuari 20, 2015 Samoa Tuna Processors Inc., workers at table one inside the company s cannery facility took a brief to smile for Samoa News before returning to work at last Saturday s inauguration of STP s new cannery plant, which is owned by Tri Marine International. [photo: FS] Tri-Marine holds official inauguration Continued from page 4 In closing, Curto said the risks and challenges facing us remain ultimately with the consumer [who] will decide the future of this plant and the level of production we will be able to have. He added that Tri Marine can help consumers by producing good quality products from sustainably caught fish in the most cost-efficient way while proclaiming proudly, this is a product of American Samoa. With your help we will succeed. He closed by thanking the people of American Samoa for always being so nice and kind to us and making us feel like we are at home. In his special remarks during the opening, Governor Lolo expressed his appreciation to officials of the Pacific region who attended the ceremony, saying that there is no doubt in my mind that your help is very much needed with respect to allowing fishing vessels supplying fish to our canneries to fish within your exclusive economic zones. I look forward to collaborating with you on regional issues and programs that will foster the generation of mutually economic benefits and economic opportunity for our respective people, he said. See yesterday s Samoa News online for full text of other speeches by honored guests, such as Gov. Lolo M. Moliga and New Zealand Ambassador for Pacific Island Development Shane Jones. Ofisa o le Puipuia o le Si osi omaga i Amerika Samoa (AS-EPA) Facial SPA ASIAN MASSAGE CENTER Samoa Tuna Processors Inc., choir made up of company employees sang hymn during Saturday s inauguration ceremony of the cannery plant in Atu u. [photo: FS] Shiatsu Reflexology Oil Massage COMBINATION $45 for 60 minutes Location: Beside Brenda s Photoshop in Nuuuli Phone no: Business Hours: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

15 samoa news, Monday, January 26, 2015 Page 15 COMMUNITY BRIEFS Continued from page 4 CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK The local Diocese of Samoa Pago Pago joined the United States and the rest of the US territories in celebrating Catholic Education Week which kicked off yesterday with a special mass held at Fatuoaiga at 4 p.m. The local Catholic education system includes five schools. Special honorary guests who were invited to attend the mass included Governor Lolo Moliga, Director of Education Vaitinasa Dr. Salu Hunkin-Finau, and members of the Catholic Education board. Catholic Education Week is an annual event that stresses the importance of providing quality education and enhances the role of the Catholic faith in the process. POLICE VEHICLES TO BE EQUIPPED WITH LAPTOPS If everything goes as planned, traffic patrol vehicles for the Dept. of Public Safety will be equipped with laptops, to be used for collecting important data that will play a crucial role in the compiling of traffic records. Femi Bajamo, a contractor from Ledgelight Technologies is on island to tie up some loose ends and get everything going. The project includes connecting the correct departments and agencies together, specifically those involved in the territory s traffic safety system. The group includes the Dept. of Public Works (road infrastructure), the Dept. of Health, the High Court of American Samoa, and the Dept. of Public Safety. The territory is currently in a good place as far as data collection involving traffic safety. Information gathered from accidents, crashes, and deaths that involve motor vehicles or pedestrians are submitted to the US Dept. of Transportation s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which fully funds the local DPS Office of Highway Safety. TWO CRUISE SHIPS SET TO CALL INTO PORT THIS WEEK American Samoa will play host this Friday, January 30, when the Marina Oceania Cruise arrives in the territory. The next day, Saturday, January 31, the Mariner Seven Seas Regent Cruise will dock at the local port, bringing with her up to 700 passengers and a crew of 445. A total of 18 cruise ships are expected to visit the territory this year between January and October. In addition to the two that will arrive this week, another two cruise ships will visit American Samoa next month, three in March, one in April, two in May, two in August, and six in October. DOH OFFERING FREE FLU VACCINES Nurses from the Dept. of Health are out and about at different sites around the island, administering free flu shots from now until June. This past Saturday, Samoa News came across three DOH stands one at the Fagaalu Park, one in the Laufou Shopping Center, and another in front of Neil s ACE Home Center in Malaeimi. Everyone is encouraged to get their flu shots, as the recent outbreak has affected hundreds of locals, including young children and the elderly population. (Samoa News was told, if you had a flu shot last year find out when, there s a 12-month span for the flu shot come in and get one if the 12-month period has passed.) Local residents are being urged to take advantage of the free flu shots from the DOH but those who should not get vaccinated include people who have severe, life-threatening allergies, those who are not feeling well, and residents who ever had Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). The flu is caused by influenza viruses that spread mainly through coughing, sneezing, and close contact. Flu vaccinations are recommended every year, although some children between 6 months and 8 years old may need two doses during the year. More information on the flu shots and where you can get vaccinated can be obtained by calling the DOH Immunization Program at /8465. Each year in January, Hamburg Sud holds an annual Customer Appreciation event to say thanks to their many customers, and celebrate the New Year. This past Thursday, Jan. 22 their yearly celebration was held poolside at the Tradewinds Hotel. It was a memorable evening, as local Hamburg Sud Area Representative, Isabel Hudson (r) was able to introduce Ms. Alice Marlowe to the local business community. Marlow is Hamburg Sud s new Asst. Vice President, South Seas. [photo: tlh] T.K TILO LIGHTHOUSE BIBLE COLLEGE A non-denominational Institution SPRING SEMESTER 2015 COURSE TITLE: DAYS: TIME: INSTRUCTOR: Old Testament Overview Monday 5:30 pm 7:00 pm Rev. Dr. Rudolph Tilo Pentateuch Monday 5:30 pm 7:00 pm Rev. Fusifou Mauigoa Foundations of Faith Tuesday 5:30 pm 7:00 pm Rev. Ted Leiato New Testament Overview Tuesday 6:30 pm 8:00 pm Rev. Telea Ioane Systematic Theology Thursday 5:30 pm 7:00 pm Rev. Dr. Jerry Jones Pneumatology Thursday 5:30 pm 7:00 pm Evan. Rachel Leiato Preparation for Ministry Friday 5:30 pm 7:00 pm Rev. Enesi Enesi Evangelism Friday 5:30 pm 7:00 pm Rev. Dr. Sosene Leau Registration: January Classes begin on Monday, January 26, 2015 Contact: Office: Rachel Leiato ( ) or Rev. Enesi ( ),

16 Page 16 samoa news, Monday, January 26, 2015 TUIGA for Sale! For more information, please call Lupe at Presents by Fili Sagapolutele Samoa News Correspondent A federal judge in Alaska has declared as complex and unusual the U.S. Justice Department case against an American Samoa accused of making false tax claims against the U.S. government by using tax forms from people residing in American Samoa who are not entitled to tax refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Gleason at the federal court in Anchorage also rescheduled for later this year the federal case against Pepe Anetipa, who was charged 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 WST350 for the first room and get a second night for WST175! Call Scott on or to [email protected] Federal judge declares Anetipa tax case complex and unusual Saturday February 14th - 7pm - 10pm Live Entertainment - 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. OPEN BAR ALL NIGHT. Local residents involved may have something to worry about early last month under a 28 count indictment for making false, fictitious, and fraudulent claims against the government. Federal prosecutors allege that Anetipa filed falsified tax returns claiming total refunds of at least $202,859. More than a week ago, Anetipa s attorney, Assistant Federal Defender Jamie McGrady filed a motion seeking the court to declare the case complex and unusual under federal law. She argued that discovery consists of over 8,000 pages. Additionally, the defendant resides in Kent, Washington, and additional time will be necessary to arrange for lengthy meetings to review the large volume of discovery. The court set a hearing for Jan. 22. However, on Jan. 21, the defense filed a new motion, which was immediately granted by the court, to appear telephonically from her home in the city of Kent, instead of a personal appearance for the Jan. 22 hearing. McGrady argued that travel from Washington to Alaska requires at least one overnight stay and at present, Anetipa is indigent and cannot afford to purchase transportation from Washington to Alaska. Appearing telephonically will conserve economic resources the defense further argued. Court documents states that during the Jan. 22 hearing, the court granted the defense motion to declare the case complex and unusual and the original trial date of Feb. 9 has been reset for May 29. A pre trial conference is now set for May 18. The 28 counts against the defendant are for the 28 people from American Samoa, whose tax records and information was used by Anetipa to prepare and file false tax returns with the IRS. Anetipa s case comes at the start of the 2014 tax season in American Samoa, with local government officials again reminding tax payers not to file taxes in the U.S. because they do not qualify, as long as their income was earned while employed in the territory. The case has also became a victory for some local residents, who contacted Samoa News, saying that they have held firm to warnings over the years not to file taxes in the U.S. despite being tempted by family members or friends who filed taxes in the U.S., and who received huge amounts of tax refunds. I have known people, some of them from my church, who told me I was stupid for not filing off island, and listening to phony warnings by the government over the years not to file taxes in the U.S, said one of the callers to Samoa News. With the case against Anetipa, I feel vindicated, and those who filed off island are now scared as to what will happen to them, and if they will be targeted by the feds to get their money back. At least three callers to Samoa News said they knew of Anetipa and people associated with her who had provided Anetipa with local tax information, including the W2 tax records to file taxes in the U.S. BACKGROUND Samoa News reported on Feb. 14, 2014, that then Treasurer Dr. Falema o Phil M. Pili was issuing a stern warning to members of the public who were filling taxes off island its illegal. The announcement was made during the Cabinet meeting Thursday morning at the ASCC Lecture Hall. Pili said they have consulted with the governor on this serious issue. We are experiencing a very serious issue with our tax filling this year, as right this time last year we had taken in six- seven thousand tax fillings, yet right now we have received only 2,000 tax returns. He also stated they had set up people from the tax office over at the canneries, yet they had to close it down, because hardly anyone was filling. Pili said, This is because people are filling off island to take advantage of the EIC Earned Income Credit it s dangerous and wrong, and the consequences are very severe, whoever is helping our people to file off island they need to stop. He reiterated that the territory s people will be faced with severe consequences once the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) comes down here to conduct an investigation. During the cabinet meeting, Director of the Department of Homeland Security, Utuali i Iuniasolua Savusa noted his investigators have been working with the IRS to track down people who have been filling off island. The federal indictment is just the tip of the iceberg, said former local Tax Office manager Melvin Joseph, who is currently the Treasury s tax consultant. It was during Joseph s tenure as Tax Manager when the issue of local residents filing taxes off island first surfaced several years ago. C Y C Y M K M K