Local News
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On September 24, 2026, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”) commenced an additional mapping expedition aboard NOAA ship Okeanos Explorer focused on unexplored deepwater regions near American Samoa. The expedition follows NOAA’s recently completed...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Pulaali'i Nikolao Pula has signed the Fiscal Year 2027 budget bill into law on October 1, 2026, allowing government operations to continue into the new fiscal year. However, he exercised his constitutional line-item veto authority to remove several...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — An environmental group in American Samoa is taking legal action against the United States government over its [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/749226/pacific-voices-condemn-us-plan... plans for deep-sea mining near the territory.
Fa'asao Amerika Samoa and the...
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata gave remarks Tuesday for the Interagency Group on Insular Affairs (IGIA) held virtually with the Department of the Interior (DOI) and other federal agencies, stating opposition to seabed mining.
“At this time, the biggest concern for the people of...
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting notice of $343,065 in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Justice for the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sex Violence.
“Congratulations once again to Fuatino Jennifer Tofaeono and everyone involved through the...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Chamber of Commerce announces that Shalidiloya Faavaoga of South Pacific Academy will represent American Samoa at the 2026 National Civics Bee® Championship on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Shalidiloya earned second place in...
ASGERF Board members
by Asi Andrew Fa'asauandrew@samoanews.comThe Senate has decided to postpone further consideration of legislation that would convert the American Samoa Government's more than $30 million debt to the American Samoa Government Employees Retirement Fund (ASGERF) into a formal loan...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Senate has temporarily set aside legislation that would formally establish the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) in territorial law, delaying final action on the measure until a future legislative session.
The House-approved bill was scheduled for...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — While the American Samoa Government's growing debt to the American Samoa Government Employees Retirement Fund has sparked criticism from some members of the public, government officials point out that the obligation stems from ASG's responsibility to match employee...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On September 13, 2026, a woman contacted the local authorities and reported that she was assaulted by a man later identified as Lopi Mani. The alleged early morning assault left the woman with serious burn injuries and facial bruising.
The suspect, was later charged...