Washington state-based Tri Marine International is supportive of a proposed federal rule that seeks to split the fishing days in the Effort Limit Area for Purse Seine (ELAPS). However, it also notes its concern about another proposed rule to require a two-month FAD closure in November and December instead of in April and May. Through a proposed rule making, the US National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) outlined how it will allocate the additional 100 fishing days for the US purse seiner fleet fishing in the region to help American Samoa’s economy and its tuna canneries. The US NMFS is also proposing to set separate limitations on fishing days for the purse seiner fleet to fish in the US exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and on the high seas areas known as the ELAPS. The proposed rule making is the result of decisions made last December by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.

I le fa'au'uga a le A'oga Maualuga a Fagaitua i le taeao o le aso Lua o le vaiaso lenei, sa maua ai le avanoa e le Fa'atonusili o A'oga Dr Ruth Matagi-Tofiga e tolaulauina ai i latou ua maua avanoa

Two females were arrested by police last week and charged with disturbing the public peace in their neighborhood.Leinara Fruean, a 23-year-old from Mapusaga and Taeaolelei Talatau, a 25-year-old from Pava’ia’i made their initial appearances in District Court last week, where Judge Pro Temp, Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde ordered them to be released on their own recognizance (OR) under certain conditions. In addition, a man who is accused of stabbing another man with a sharp object during a fight was arrested by police last week and charged with disturbing the public peace. The government is looking at filing additional charges against the defendant when police complete their investigation. Alofagia Seupule made his initial appearance before District Court Judge Pro Temp, Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde last week, and his case is now continued until next week.

The US Small Business Administration has issued more than $9 million in small interest loans to those in American Samoa impacted by Tropical Storm Gita earlier this year. And SBA reminds local residents that its Disaster Loan Outreach Center officially closes at the end of business today.