Gus Hannemann and I spoke frequently about the needs and opportunities for Manua people. My last visit with Gus was at a Christmas Party two weeks ago... and again he shared his perspective of Governor Moliga's passion to help them in their unique economic and geographic remoteness.

Having been to Manua over 30 years for pleasure and CNN (Super Cyclone Olaf), it made my past Savai’i lifestyle seem almost downtown Beverly Hills. I could usually leave Savai’i when I wanted, enjoy the unique Savai’i pride that made it almost independent of Apia... which is similar — but magnified by Treaty, I guess Manu’a has a distinct strongly unique affiliation relationship with mother USA. Tufele F. Li’a in the past, and very recently Representative Vesi Talaleilei Fautanu Jr. shared with me similar perspectives about their love for Manu’a.

Transportation is the huge elephant in the room anytime anyone advocates for Manu’a. While Polynesian Airlines has a Jones Act exemption, I wonder why the same does not exist for the Samoa Shipping Corporation to service Manu’a for the Territory. The welfare of Manuans trumps any cabotage/Jones Act political nonsense.

Riding the va'a from Mulifanua, Upolu to Salelologa, Savai’i is much like the Mainland trains. It’s air conditioned comfortable, roomier than coach in a jet, got a free Disney Geek Comedy movie about Nerds and Divas, got Samoa Star Search 2012, and at the end of the ride everyone stayed onboard to watch a rerun of the All Blacks Haka prior to their test versus England.

Funny, back in the old days, the Western Samoa Shipping Corporation sailors looked more like pirates. Today, they have orange safety vests, and look and act extremely professional. A wonderful improvement that would be a nice temporary fix for Manu’a til the new boat from Washington arrives. That ship is for reals right, not just a rumor?

Talk about solutions... while everyone should chip in common sense cost effective ideas to help Manu’a…. how about petitioning the US Postal Service to put a substation in Nuuuli or Tafuna. Why should everyone in the Western District want to waste gas, time, and contribute to traffic nightmares to go to town for their mail and packages? This is absurd.

In most of rural America they even put substations in commercial stores to save on overhead, and facilitate convenience. Neil's Ace Hardware Post Office Substation? Or Laufou Shopping Center Post Office Substation? Or CBT… It’s not that hard to figure out a place and ask Congresswoman Amata and her local chief of staff  Ae Ae to get it done. We Coolios think they can and will — if you ask.