December 2017
![Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi [SN file photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/samoaPM_26.jpg?itok=ldwgDIeT "Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi [SN file photo]")
Emergency bill extends exemption protecting commercial fishing vessels
![EPA's discharge permit rule “was written so broadly that it penalizes Alaska’s fisherman for simply washing fish guts off their decks.." -- Alaska senator Lisa Murkowski. [Photo courtesy of Murkowski's office].](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/2017-12-21%281%29-526x390.png?itok=UpLLpkOD "EPA's discharge permit rule “was written so broadly that it penalizes Alaska’s fisherman for simply washing fish guts off their decks..\" -- Alaska senator Lisa Murkowski. [Photo courtesy of Murkowski's office].")
The US Congress has passed emergency legislation to protect commercial fishing vessels and vessels of less than 79 feet from being required by the Environmental Protection Agency to maintain incide
Bank of Hawaii increases minimum wage levels for employees
HONOLULU, HAWAII — Bank of Hawaii announced on Friday that it is increasing its minimum wage level to $15 per hour effective Jan. 1, 2018. The current level is $12 per hour.
Two of Samoa's escaped prisoners remain on the run
![Aniseko Vaelei and Uili Manuleleua. [Samoa Observer]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/two%20still%20on%20the%20run.jpg?itok=7-G6t5mg "Aniseko Vaelei and Uili Manuleleua. [Samoa Observer]")
Two escaped prisoners, considered extremely dangerous, are still on the run.
The Police are urging members of the public to look out for Aniseko Vaelei and Uili Manuleleua.
Tala I Vaifanua
[ata: SN]
FA'AAOGA SIM CARD BLUE SKY AMERIKA SAMOA I SAMOA
Samoa court upholds next Malietoa paramount title holder
![Papalii Faamausili Moli Malietoa - in the middle with the tie. [Photo: RNZI/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/Papalii_Faamausili_Moli_Malietoa_middle_wearing_a_tie_with_his_daughter_next_to_him_and_some_of_his_family_after_the_Lands_and_Titles_court_.jpg?itok=u00YyCuB)
Samoa's Lands and Titles court has ruled in favour of the Malietoa paramount title holder chosen earlier this year.
![Congresswoman Amata appreciates hearing from constituents on issues (such as CHIP funding) that are important to you. This was a town hall in October. [courtesy photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/Amata%20Town%20Hall%21.jpg?itok=ITqoFu7K "Congresswoman Amata appreciates hearing from constituents on issues (such as CHIP funding) that are important to you. This was a town hall in October. [courtesy photo]")
ASG workers get early payday
![Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga [SN file photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/Gov%20Lolo%202833%20web_7.jpg?itok=adnoZDxP "Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga [SN file photo]")
American Samoa government workers are getting an early Christmas gift — by way of their paychecks — because Monday is Christmas Day 2017, where American Samoa joins Christians around the world to c
![[SN file photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/samoa_police_7.jpeg?itok=3MhQKhOF "[SN file photo]")
Rotary Club of Pago Pago donates $2500 to Shriners Travel Fund
![[photo: courtesy]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/Rotary%20donates%20to%20Shriners_2128.jpg?itok=Hq60u1BG "[photo: courtesy]")
As has been their usual practice, the Rotary Club of Pago Pago donated $2,500 to the Shriners Children's Travel Fund earlier this week.