Local News
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Fire Division's response to the series of fires that broke out across American Samoa in July was scrutinized by the Senate Public Safety Committee at its hearing last Wednesday.
Senate Vice President Magalei Logovii said reports showed that in several incidents, fire...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula is proposing a significant bill aimed at addressing the rising concerns associated with the increasing number of foreign workers in the territory.
His proposition specifically calls for a moratorium on the special provisions clause within...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The tax refund distribution that was originally scheduled for release yesterday, Thursday, July 30, 2026, was postponed due to unexpected delays in receiving reimbursement funds from the U.S. Treasury. In a previous announcement made last week, the Department of Treasury...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Samoa Observer has confirmed that Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula has arrived in Samoa, accompanied by First Lady Lois Pula, and their delegation.
The delegation arrived at Faleolo International Airport on Thursday, July 30, and was welcomed by Samoa’s Prime Minister...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In the 1970’s, a small retail store — Ho-Ching Annesley, Inc. — in American Samoa — sold foodstuffs, but was well-known locally for selling affordable plates, bowls, cups & saucers. The Crown Lynn pottery was brought in by the company from New Zealand, in a container...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — When Vivian Legaloimoe Ho Ching was named first runner-up in the 2026 Miss American Samoa contest, she added another remarkable achievement to a journey already defined by service, leadership and dedication to her community.
A recent graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Senate voted yesterday to approve a concurrent resolution proclaiming that Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula’s recent executive order moving the Department of Corrections back under the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is not valid and has no legal effect.
The...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Government is currently proposing significant changes to its contribution rate to the Retirement Fund, aiming to adjust it to 8% for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027.
In his letter addressed to the Senate President, Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula on Tuesday reaffirmed that his administration has formally requested the establishment of a permanent United States Coast Guard station in American Samoa, including the deployment of Coast Guard cutters and personnel to operate from Pago...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A crew member on a revamped Samoa Airways aircraft was injured after it veered off the runway while landing at Fitiuta Airport in American Samoa.
Initial reports indicated that the DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft encountered strong crosswinds during its final approach and...



![Pulaali'i Nikolao Pula, Governor of American Samoa, First Lady Lois Pula, and their delegation arriving at Faleolo International Airport in Samoa Thursday morning. They were welcomed by Samoa’s Prime Minister. [Facebook photo] Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula and First Lady](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/gov_first_lady_arrive.jpg?itok=NMYVTwJq)
![[photo: RNZ/ Braydon Priest] CROWN LYNN PLATE](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/crown_lynn_plate_1.png?itok=PjPLfnwl)
![“My journey has always been about giving back to the community that has shaped me,” said Vivian Legaloimoe Ho Ching. “Earning my MSW while remaining in American Samoa allowed me to stay connected to my culture and grow as a professional.” She is the first American Samoa resident to earn a UH online social work degree. [photo: UH News] Vivian Legaloimoe Ho Ching](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/manoa-social-work-grad.jpeg?itok=tH4CAvZK)



![The DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft encountered strong cross winds during its final approach and landing on Wednesday morning, Samoa Airways said in a statement. [Photo: Manu'atele Community Worldwide] Samoa Airways plane](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/air_crash_photo.jpeg?itok=QRyJERra)