Local News
![Congresswoman Aumua Amata with Secretary Ryan Zinke. The two discussed marine monuments and the need for restored fishing access. [courtesy photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/Secretary%20Zinke%20and%20Congresswoman%20Amata.jpg?itok=uytDx5vT "Congresswoman Aumua Amata with Secretary Ryan Zinke. The two discussed marine monuments and the need for restored fishing access. [courtesy photo]")
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s recommendation that President Trump consider expanding access to fishing in certain marine monuments, a major step forward in efforts to restore fishing rights in American Samoa.
“I appreciate this recommendation...
![[SN file photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/AM%20Samoa%20HC_64.jpeg?itok=xe_tIiDI "[SN file photo]")
The jury trial of an alleged drug dealer, who was charged last year with one count each of unlawful possession of methamphetamine and unlawful distribution of methamphetamine — both felonies — began yesterday in the High Court.
Falaniko Stowers, who is also identified as a fafafine in court...
![Miss American Samoa - Matauaina Gwendolyn To’omalatai [courtesy photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/miss%20am%20sam.jpg?itok=zNfrwDYn "Miss American Samoa - Matauaina Gwendolyn To’omalatai [courtesy photo]")
Voting for Miss Pacific Islands 2017 is now open. To vote, click Like on the photo of your favorite contestant. The Contestant with the most Likes on their photo will win the award for Miss Internet. Voting closes on Friday 8th December at midnight, Fiji time.
To vote click here
Further Pageant...
![[SN file photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/AM%20Samoa%20HC_63.jpeg?itok=iDzUa41G "[SN file photo]")
OKETI POLEVIA
A woman convicted of misdemeanor stealing was released from prison yesterday to await sentencing, which is set for next Friday.
Oketi Polevia, 42, of Iliili was initially charged with stealing; however under a plea agreement with the government, the charge was amended from a felony...
![This photo by Apia-based journalist Joyetter Feagaimaali’i, provided to Samoa News for publication with permission, shows American Samoa Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga (left) shaking hands with Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, before the start of the Nov. 30th executive session of the Two Samoa Talks at the Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi Convention Center in the heart of Apia. [photo: Joyetter Feagaimaali’i]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/Lolo%20n%20Stui%204115.jpg?itok=SH_LrwrU "This photo by Apia-based journalist Joyetter Feagaimaali’i, provided to Samoa News for publication with permission, shows American Samoa Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga (left) shaking hands with Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, before the start of the Nov. 30th executive session of the Two Samoa Talks at the Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi Convention Center in the heart of Apia. [photo: Joyetter Feagaimaali’i]")
At last week’s annual Two Samoa Talks in Apia, American Samoa and Samoa agreed to further coordinate and strengthen law enforcement with regular engagement to address mutual concerns, according to the meeting communique, which notes that American Samoa raised the issue of many Samoa citizens being...
![Rendering of the proposed new Fono Building. [SN file photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/fono%20bldg%20rendering_25.jpg?itok=ts8hahS3 "Rendering of the proposed new Fono Building. [SN file photo]")
FONO APPROVES LEGISLATION AMENDING TBAS STATUTE
The Fono has officially endorsed an Administration bill that seeks to amend the Territorial Bank of American Samoa statute by deleting several provisions of the law pertaining to the bank’s “Holding Company — Territorial Bancorp Holding Company."...
![ASCC alumnus Will Spitzenberg will give the keynote address during the 67th ASCC commencement ceremony, set for Friday, December 15th, at 10 a.m. in the College gymnasium. The co-valedictorian of his 1996 ASCC graduating class, Spitzenberg went on to earn a degree in civil engineering and now serves as Chief Water Engineer for ASPA. [courtesy photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/ASCC%20Spitzenberg-%20Graduation%20Speaker.jpg?itok=6JOuVksN "ASCC alumnus Will Spitzenberg will give the keynote address during the 67th ASCC commencement ceremony, set for Friday, December 15th, at 10 a.m. in the College gymnasium. The co-valedictorian of his 1996 ASCC graduating class, Spitzenberg went on to earn a degree in civil engineering and now serves as Chief Water Engineer for ASPA. [courtesy photo]")
The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) will hold its 67th commencement ceremony on Friday, December 15th, at 10 a.m. in the College’s gymnasium. Governor Lolo M. Moliga and other dignitaries have been invited to join this semester’s celebration of the young men and women who have completed...
![Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga [SN file photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/GovLolo_0766_17.jpg?itok=B70uvN8f "Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga [SN file photo]")
Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga expressed his support in the arming police officers last week, when asked about the issue during a media press conference.
“We were at the late Leala Peter Reid’s office when police officer Det. Lt. Lusila Brown was gunned down," Lolo reminisced. "We heard the gunshots...
![[SN file photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/pago-pago-airport_4.jpeg?itok=oZle3kNP "[SN file photo]")
The contract between the American Samoa Government and Paramount Builders for the construction of the Pago Pago International Airport Apron Rehabilitation Phase 2 project, has been terminated by Chief Procurement Officer Dr. Oreta Mapu Crichton.
The termination has to do with bond issues,...
![[SN file photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/AM%20Samoa%20HC_62.jpeg?itok=sqqsHXqr "[SN file photo]")
The 45-year-old man from Samoa who was convicted of promoting prostitution told the High Court last week he believes he’s not a bad person.
John Tuupo was ordered to serve 28 months at the Territorial Correctional Facility (TCF) as a condition of his 7-year probation.
Tuupo was initially charged...