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Local News
Starkist Co. and its American Samoa based subsidiary Starkist Samoa Inc, will pay $6.3 million in civil penalties under an agreement reached with the federal government, over the companies’ alleged violations related to wastewater treatment and compliance matters at the cannery plant in Atu’u...
![The House Budget and Appropriations Committee held a hearing yesterday with members of the ASG task force to discuss the 7% sales tax. [photo: AF]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/house%20n%20task%20force_0596.jpg?itok=Er2zHNaL "The House Budget and Appropriations Committee held a hearing yesterday with members of the ASG task force to discuss the 7% sales tax. [photo: AF]")
While the Administration's multi-year plan is to amend existing law, and propose new revenues and repeals to improve local revenue generation for the government, Manu’a faipule, Rep. Toeaina Faufano Autele told the ASG task force yesterday that unless the government can fix the leak, ASG will...
![ASG Treasurer Uelinitone Tonumaipea [SN file photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/Tonumaipea%200686_4.jpg?itok=UxXcPm2s "ASG Treasurer Uelinitone Tonumaipea [SN file photo]")
In the past, lawmakers have made claims that the government, through the Treasury Department, hasn't been consistent in collecting the 2% wage tax, which is paid by all wage earners.
The money is earmarked, under local law, for LBJ Medical Center’s operation and the off-island referral program.
At...
![Falana’ipupu Taase Sagapolutele shaking hands with U.S Coast Guard Sector Commander from Honolulu, Capt. Michael C. Long after the DPS Deputy Commissioner received his Certificate of Recognition last week. See story for details. [photo: AF]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/USCG_0567.jpg?itok=_qH5eHpX "Falana’ipupu Taase Sagapolutele shaking hands with U.S Coast Guard Sector Commander from Honolulu, Capt. Michael C. Long after the DPS Deputy Commissioner received his Certificate of Recognition last week. See story for details. [photo: AF]")
Three police officers, as well as Commissioner Le’i Sonny Thompson, were recognized last week by officials from the US Coast Guard, who collaborated with the Dept. of Public Safety earlier this year on a case involving a fatality on a fishing vessel.
The three police officers are: Deputy...
![Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo V. Ale [SN file photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/AG%20at%20senate%200270_0.jpg?itok=5yNorYWs "Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo V. Ale [SN file photo]")
The director of Port Administration does not make the final decision on future hikes for port fees and charges but instead, such matters go through public hearings, in accordance with provision of the Administrative Procedures Act.
This is according to testimony by Attorney General Talauega...
![Education director Dr. Ruth Matagi-Tofiga [SN file photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/Matagi-Tofiga%206477_3.jpg?itok=Vl7TUW3g "Education director Dr. Ruth Matagi-Tofiga [SN file photo]")
The US Department of Education (USDOE) has approved the local Department of Education’s Consolidated Grant of more than $24 million, which is the largest federal funding source for ASDOE.
The grant money is used to pay for various expenses, including teachers.
During the ASDOE fiscal year 2018...
![Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo Ale testified last Friday before a Senate committee on an administration bill, which amends the local sex offender registry statute. See story for details. [photo: FS]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/AG%20at%20senate%200270.jpg?itok=Qu45Lnri "Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo Ale testified last Friday before a Senate committee on an administration bill, which amends the local sex offender registry statute. See story for details. [photo: FS]")
There are more than 100 sex offenders already registered under the American Samoa sex offender registry, and Sen. Muagututi’a M. Tauoa is suggesting that convicted sex offenders’ photos be made widely available to the general public, for their shameful criminal acts toward their victims, especially...
![Reps. Toeaina Faufano Autele and Veevalu Meauta L. Mageo. [photo: AF]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/Toeaina%20n%20Mageo_0506.jpg?itok=lYkzX1FP "Reps. Toeaina Faufano Autele and Veevalu Meauta L. Mageo. [photo: AF]")
Manu’a Faipule, Rep. Toeaina Faufano Autele is calling the Administration bill to propose a 1% alternative minimum business tax (AMBT), a “real business and economic development killer.”
Toeaina, an educator by profession, said the Tax Office has the right to audit businesses who are suspected of...
![Rendering of the proposed new Fono Building. [SN file photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/fono%20bldg%20rendering_1.jpg?itok=atVK3qiQ "Rendering of the proposed new Fono Building. [SN file photo]")
FONO CONFIRMS THREE NEW ASEDA BOARD MEMBERS
The Fono has officially confirmed the governor’s nomination of three new board members for the American Samoa Economic Development Authority, which Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga said plays a vital role in the government’s attempt to expedite improvement of...
![Police Commissioner Le’i Sonny Thompson's message to those involved in illegal activities: "We will come to you." See story for full details. [photo: AF]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/Lei_0413.jpg?itok=LjgF80DV "Police Commissioner Le’i Sonny Thompson's message to those involved in illegal activities: \"We will come to you.\" See story for full details. [photo: AF]")
Police Commissioner Le’i Sonny Thompson says cops are not trying to interfere with the work of Customs officers stationed at the Pago Pago International Airport, and there seems to be some confusion on what’s happening at the airport.
“There is nothing that can stop police officers from being...