Regional
Apia, SAMOA — Samoa's Ombudsman, Maiava Iulai Toma, has warned that banning Facebook in Samoa would affect freedom of speech guarantees in the Constitution.
The Samoa Observer reports the Office of the Ombudsman issued a statement saying the move, suggested by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele...
Apia, SAMOA — The Samoan government has extended its Covid-19 State of Emergency until 30 August.
The government statement said the current State of Emergency Orders would remain in place except for one amendment.
In regards to social gatherings, ceremonies for the bestowal of matai titles are now...
Honolulu, HAWAII — Hurricane Douglas made a dangerously close pass north of the island chain Sunday into Monday, leaving residents tired but grateful.
In the hours leading up to the anticipated impacts, leaders preached readiness to residents.
“The storm is actually passing very close to the...
Napier, NEW ZEALAND — A man’s been jailed for 11 years for luring vulnerable people here from Samoa over more than two decades in New Zealand’s first slavery case.
Joseph Matamata was found guilty in March of 13 charges of dealing with slaves and 10 of human trafficking.
His convictions are the...
Apia, SAMOA — Samoa's Minister of Police and Prisons says he wants to bring back corporal punishment for rapists.
Tialavea Tionisio Hunt told the Samoa Observer newspaper he was sickened by incidents of rape and sexual abuse against women and children.
He said corporal punishment would serve as a...
Honolulu, HAWAII — Maui County is now under a hurricane warning as Douglas closes in on the islands early Sunday.
Meanwhile, Kauai and Oahu are also under a hurricane warning.
With it, its bringing the threat of damaging winds, flooding rains, and large surf at a time when the islands are...
Apia, SAMOA — The Samoa government’s plan to ban Facebook ahead of the General Election next year is not only “dangerous” it encroaches on fundamental human rights around freedom of speech.
So warns a Social Media expert when her opinion was sought on reports that Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’...
Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA — COVID-19 has taken an especially steep toll on communities of color. In LA County, the vast majority of cases and deaths are among Latinos. However, the highest rate of infection among any racial or ethnic group is taking place among LA’s Pacific Islander community. They’...
Honolulu, HAWAII — A tropical storm watch has been issued for Kauai County on Saturday morning as Hurricane Douglas continued to barrel towards the state, bringing the threat of strong winds, drenching rain and big surf to the islands this weekend.
A tropical storm warning was also issued late...
Honlulu, HAWAII — Hurricane Douglas is continuing to strengthen as it barrels toward the Central Pacific and could move over or near portions of the state over the weekend.
While the forecast track is still subject to change, forecasters say that Hawaii residents should prepare now for the threat...