Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Miss American Samoa Inc. pageant is introducing the four young women who will be vying for the coveted title, this Friday evening, June 10, 2023, at the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium, in Utulei. This year’s pageant theme is “O Le Tama’ita’i Samoa ma Lona Fa’asinomaga”. 

The MASI pageant has been on hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions, and this year reintroduces the pageant to the public.

Miss American Samoa Kauhani Fuimaono has held the title since 2021, when the last MASI pageant was held. She will be crowning the new Miss MASI on Friday night.

There are four contestants this year.

Contestant #1 is Ms. Kiahna Feagaiga Safuiono Siufanua- sponsor Miss Lila’s Floral Shop; Contestant #2 is Ms. Nelda Mareko- sponsor Le Laga’ali Couture; Contestant #3 is Ms. Judy Fa’afetai Tauanu’u- sponsor Fa’atamali’i Productions; and Contestant #4 is Ms. Tatiana Tiare Tausala Tupua- sponsor ICS and family and friends. 

Preparations for the pageant have begun, where this past weekend, the contestants along with their parents and sponsors were invited to a VIP dinner hosted by the Miss American Samoa Inc. (MASI) held Saturday night at the DDW Restaurant — the event venue was sponsored by DDW- Mrs. Lei Stevens.

In addition, an awards presentation for recognition of all the sponsors who have assisted MASI each year as well as the contestant’s sponsor for this year’s pageant was held that night.

It was during the VIP dinner that the contestants picked their topics for the pre pageant interview that will be held Thursday morning at the Lee Auditorium or ‘fale laumei’, as it is known to locals.

The topics are education, drugs, environment and tourism, listed according to contestants 1 through 4. 

Each contestant will be given five minutes to present their topic, which will be the first category to be judged. 

Of note, MASI President Mrs. Meafou Imo has told Samoa News that a change in the pageant event on Friday is happening, where certain categories, not only the pre-pageant interview, will be held on Thursday at the Lee Auditorium — such as the Ava Ceremony and the Siva Samoa — allowing for the Friday evening program comprising categories that will not run ‘overlong’ for both contestants and the audience.

Throughout this week, the contestants along with the outgoing Miss American Samoa Kauhani Fuimaono, will have an activity each day leading up to the night of the pageant.

On Sunday, the contestants attended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Pava’ia’i, of which Ms. Fuimaono is a member, for a service to kick off their week-long activities. 

On May 27, 2023, the Selection of the Order of Appearance was held along with the Briefing of the contestants and their sponsors on the Rules and Regulations. 

The gold sponsors for this year’s Miss American Samoa pageant are the American Samoa Visitors Bureau, Bluesky Communications, and All Star Signs & Graphics, and silver sponsor is Talofa Inc.

There are many Alofa Mai sponsors and a list will be forthcoming.

Former Miss American Samoa Loralei Haleck Fifita and Suafaasisina Harry Pulou will emcee this year’s pageant. 

Corporate tables are priced at $1,000 — seating 6 people and general admissions tickets are $30 each. Tickets can be obtained through Faith Vaifanua, who can be reached at 258-8345.

Doors will open at 6p.m and the pageant will start at 7p.m.