April 2021
More tax refunds released Thursday — Not April Fool’s joke
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — ASG Treasurer Malemo Tausaga, in a brief statement yesterday afternoon, announced that the sixth batch of tax refunds — more than $750,00 — is scheduled for rel
Amata proposes bill to ease path to citizenship for U.S. Nationals who desire it
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata has introduced a bill in the 117th Congress that would enable any U.S. National who wishes to do so to convert to U.S.
High Court needs more information from TCF in Kelemete and Isaia cases
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Chief Justice Michael Kruse has issued subpoenas for the TCF Warden and the Watch Commander who was on duty on Feb. 17, 2021, to appear in court on Apr.
Pacific community included in anti-Asian violence measures
Washington, D.C. — The Biden administration has announced measures to respond to rising anti-Asian violence in the United States.
Applications for energy program funding now open to U.S. territories
WASHINGTON — The U.S.
Biden plan to conserve more ocean habitat worries Pacific fishing interests
Construction in Fagaima draws questions from residents
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A new warehouse on a lot — once grassy and empty — across from the Ave o le Fetuao Methodist Church in Fagaima has raised concerns from nearby residents and others.
Task Force updates policies for repat flights and border protection
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The COVID-19 Task Force continues to discuss ways to improve processes for repatriation flights as well as implement new policies aimed at protecting American S
Govt leaders gather in Ofu photo & caption
Port Administration Department photo taken at Ofu island late last week shows Port Administration director, Christopher King (at podium front) speaking to a gathering, which includes Gov.


![Even before the official announcement came from Malemo, word have already spread late yesterday morning, through the coconut wireless and other means of communications, that refunds checks will be distributed today. [SN file photo] ASG Treasurer Malemo Tausaga](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/treasurer_malemo-tausaga-e1554187171392-o5rmz2t95ew2x8gxgnu2xdljl5ljwb3bmmw83mkhgc_3.jpg?itok=HisabEPT)
![If enacted by Congress and approved by President Biden, U.S. Nationals at their option would be able to convert to Citizenship and, if living in the states or District of Columbia, be able to vote in presidential elections and hold certain federal jobs that require citizenship to obtain security clearances. [SN file photo] Amata with Capitol building in the background](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/amata_with_capitol_in_background_4.jpg?itok=BZrAZJkN)
![The front gate to the Territorial Correctional Facility (TCF) with its huge wall that the court says apparently isn't keeping out drugs. [photo by AF] TCF gate and wall](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/tcf_new_wall_0134.jpg?itok=iNuKkO05)


![Longtime Wespac Executive Director Kitty Simonds on new federal conservation initiative: “We don’t need any advice but we can give advice. We have lots of advice.” [photo: Nick Grube/Civil Beat] Longtime Wespac Executive Director Kitty Simonds](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/kitty_simonds.jpeg?itok=nscYSf9r)
![This recent courtesy photo shared with Samoa News shows the ongoing construction of a new warehouse on a lot — once grassy and empty — across from the Ave o le Fetuao Methodist Church in Fagaima that has raised concerns from nearby residents and others. [courtesy photo] frame of new warehouse in a field](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/wrehouse-4633.jpg?itok=YIrmx5ve)
![Fifteen residents of American Samoa who were repatriated from Apia on March 28th are currently in quarantine at the alternative care facility ACF #2 at the Tafuna Health Center. Also quarantined were four personnel from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), who also arrived on March 28th to conduct annual navigational aid recertification. The group departed the next day (March 29) without exposure or incident. Several other flight requests are still pending or recently submitted to the Task Force for approval. [SN file photo] Members of the task force](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/covid-19_press_conference_0490_2.jpg?itok=SyK-hyzH)
