Local News
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata welcomes the House Natural Resources Committee’s unanimous passage of a bipartisan bill she cosponsored, H.R. 3858, the Sport Fish Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety, and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2025.
Introduced by Congresswoman Debbie...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Several Senators voiced strong concern over remarks made by the Governor’s Chief Legal Counsel, Barry Fundt, during last Thursday morning’s hearing on a bill addressing the role of government employees serving on boards and commissions.
The proposed legislation,...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On May 22, 2025, a distressed father contacted the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) regarding his son who allegedly threatened him with a machete and tried to chase him out of his own home.
The suspect fled the scene but was later charged with:
Count 1: Private Peace...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On June 3, 2025, a concerned customer called the Leone Police Substation (LPS) to report two men allegedly causing a disturbance at the Foma’i Plaza.
The two men were apprehended and later charged with Count 1: Public Peace Disturbance, a class B misdemeanor punishable...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — If you had to describe corals in one word, what would it be? Maybe “colorful,” “amazing,” or “vibrant” come to mind?
One word that definitely suits them is “powerhouse.” Corals do a lot for the ocean—and for us. They provide coastal protection for communities, habitat...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — During Tuesday’s session, Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean highlighted several pressing challenges facing the Territory. He urged senators to give each issue thoughtful consideration, conduct thorough investigations into the relevant circumstances, and work together...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In his final letter to the editor about the status of the American Samoa Government Employees Retirement Fund (ASGERF), “Encore: Proof of Decay at ASGERF”, Fuiavailili Keniseli Lafaele in part writes:
“At the May 2022 board meeting in Las Vegas, a Fono member questioned...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — As originally published in Samoa News, on June 12, 2025 the U.S. Department of the Interior announced its intent to publish a Request for Information and Interest (RFI) for commercial leasing for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) seabed critical minerals offshore American...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A July 15, letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth from Rep. James Comer, chairman of the House Committee on Oversite and Government Reform has requested a staff- level briefing as soon as possible but no later than July 22, 2025, to discuss how Dept. of Defense (DOD)...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On May 27, 2025, the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) received a call regarding a young man who was allegedly causing a disturbance and assaulting his father by throwing rocks at him.
The suspect was later arrested and charged with:
Count 1: Assault in the Third Degree (...


![Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde and the Governor’s Chief Legal Counsel, Barry Fundt testified in last Thursday morning’s hearing on a bill addressing the role of government employees serving on boards and commissions. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau] Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde and the Governor’s Chief Legal Counsel, Barry Fundt](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/img_2968.jpg?itok=5sR-83lQ)


![NOAA Fisheries held multiple meetings to engage with communities during the critical habitat designation process. This meeting was held on Tutuila in American Samoa. [photo: NOAA Fisheries] NOAA fisheries meeting](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/fisheries_community_meeting_on_corals.jpg?itok=RIjpB1RV)
![Senate President Tuaolo has drawn attention to the growing number of vehicles imported from China, noting a surge in rental cars across the island. Pictured are rental cars at the O&O store in Nu'uuli parked near the main road. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau] rental cars parked along main road](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/9407.jpg?itok=rKCgIvlX)



