Archive - Feb 25, 2012 - Article (News Story)

The Trial Division of the High Court has ruled the appointment of Fa’amomoi Masaniai as Independent Prosecutor (IP) remains valid and denied Talia Fa’afetai Iaulualo's motion to dismiss his current charges.

Iaulualo, the current House Vice Speaker, is facing three counts of embezzlement for a crime he allegedly committed about four years ago when he was director of the Department of Human and Social Services (DHSS). He is currently out on bail and his criminal case was filed again in May last year, the second time IP Masaniai filed charges for this case.

The Treasury Department released a second batch of tax refunds, this week, totaling $655,000, $250,000 for local and $405,000 for the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), which is funded by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

The total to date of tax refunds released, is $1.12 million - about $429,000 in local and $696,000 for ACTC.

“This is new money for our community to help families,” said Tax Office manager Melvin Joseph.

Ill timed was the feeling by House members, including Vice Speaker Talia Fa’afetai Iaulualo, who vocalized their concerns over the administration's bill seeking $100,000 to fund a national sports team and complete a traditional Samoan ‘Faletele’ in Utulei when the LBJ Medical Center's funding issue remains unresolved.

A man, labeled by the High Court as a “Vicious Attacker”, after he attacked a woman when she refused his sexual advances was jailed for 20 months and placed on 5 years probation.

Siua Sausaulele, convicted of second degree assault, was initially charged with felonious restraint, second degree assault and public peace disturbance. He pleaded guilty to assault second degree while the government moved to dismiss the remaining charges.

Sentencing was handed down by Associate Justice Lyle L Richmond who was accompanied by Associate Judge Mamea Sala Jr.

WOMAN ALLEGEDLY HAMMERED HUSBAND 

The Department of Public Safety has placed a woman in her late 30’s at the Tafuna Correctional Facility after she allegedly struck her husband in the head with a hammer. The woman is scheduled to appear before the District Court this morning.

According to police, while the woman was getting her son ready for school she asked her husband to fetch the son’s school bag. It’s alleged the man swore profanity at the son.

“Giving love is doing, and there is always more to do.” “Randy Travis.” [Recovering Alcoholic.]

Good day to all fans of Hawkeye on this fine Presidents Day. Hawkeye and Leanor placed our Flag its place on the roof for all to see. Hawkeye for one thinks that the Stars & Stripes are the most beautiful sight to behold, streaming in a gentle breeze.

The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society held its fall 2012 induction ceremony on Friday, February 17, welcoming 16 new members who took the oath of allegiance into the nationwide organization. Family and friends of new and existing PTK members joined members of the ASCC faculty and administration for this prestigious event, held in the ASCC lecture hall.

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii— The Pearl Harbor Historic Sites has launched its new website, PearlHarborHistoricSites.org. The website features descriptions containing historical information, tour operation and other facts on all four Pearl Harbor historic sites and also includes a calendar of events, map and tips on how to plan your visit.

PETER Rockford Espiritu, the director of of the theatrical play Vaka: The birth of a Seer, was stunned by the response to the opening night show at the USP's Pacific ICT Theatre on Wednesday.

Mr Espiritu, who's also the writer and choreographer of the play, said the response was an encouragement to the theatrical industry.

"It was a stunning opening night," he said.

"It's been a long road for the production team and opening night was what we were all looking forward to. The cast and the crew rose to the occasion

HONOLULU -- More than 5,000 people applied for 175 flight attendant positions at Hawaiian Airlines, a record for the company.

Lines spilled out the doors at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, everyone eager to land a job. The interviewing process is broken up into three steps, and most of the applicants won't get a job.

Amanda Hancock flew in from Maui, hoping to follow her mother's flight attendant career.

"I've grown up flying with her. (I) love the airport, love airplanes, love people, so I thought, 'Why not take it to the sky?"' Hancock said.