![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
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.
![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.
![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.
![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
![[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.
![On December 14, 2017, National Park American Samoa rangers and University of Hawaii instructors presented highlights from the Fruit Bat Curriculum, which included an original song, a Haka and a drama featuring the Samoan legend of the native Fruit Bat. [courtesy photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/NPS%20Legend%20of%20the%20Fruit%20Bat.jpg?itok=cK-vm6ZJ "On December 14, 2017, National Park American Samoa rangers and University of Hawaii instructors presented highlights from the Fruit Bat Curriculum, which included an original song, a Haka and a drama featuring the Samoan legend of the native Fruit Bat. [courtesy photo]")
The Cabinet of the American Samoa Government had a rare treat during their December meeting this year. It was during their luncheon work meeting, which was held at the Gov. H.
![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]")
![[SN file photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/samoa_police_7.jpeg?itok=3MhQKhOF "[SN file photo]")