Archive - Feb 27, 2012 - Article (News Story)

The 2011-2012 American Samoa High School Athletic Association (ASHSAA) wrestling season concluded last Saturday at Samoana High School with their championships, that saw the reign of the ‘Warrior’ come to an end. The new ASHSAA wrestling champions, the Leone Lions, led by head coach Zena Iese, were able to walk away with this year’s championships, as they won in convincing style, with the nearest team (2nd place Nu’uuli Voc-Tech Wildcats), 20 points behind.

Our policymakers (Administration and Fono), in a haste to address the immediate cash flow needs of LBJ, decided to kill two birds with one stone — thus attempted to address the long term financing needs of LBJ as well.

The Senate last Friday approved a concurrent resolution requesting Congressman Faleomavaega Eni to initiate a thorough and complete Congressional review of all issues presented by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s proposed expansion of Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary (FBNMS), adding five new areas.

Lt. Gov. Faoa A. Sunia is the chairman of a three-member Governor’s Committee appointed by Gov. Togiola Tulafono to work with the LBJ Medical Center board of directors to ensure that all issues outlined in the agreement between the administration and the hospital are addressed.

The federal court in Washington D.C. has granted Mine S. Pase’s motion to continue sentencing until later in May because, among other things, her defense attorney requires traveling to American Samoa to discuss sentencing issues with the defendant, who is released on her own recognizance.

Pase, the 62-year old sister of Lt. Gov. Faoa Aitofele Sunia, pled guilty last November to one count of  conspiracy to steal more than $325,000 in AmeriCorps grant funds, which were provided to the American Samoa Special Services Commission (ASSSC).

Dr. Salu Hunkin-Finau officially announced last Saturday morning to a group of family and friends, who were joined by a handful of journalists, that she is a candidate for governor in the 2012 gubernatorial race.

Those who lost loved ones in Leone during the September 2009 tsunami were joined by the Leone Village Council, government officials, families and friends of the eleven victims to dedicate the Leone Healing Garden over the weekend.

February 27, 2012 — Aumua Amata has congratulated CSM Charles Tobin of Pago Pago and Lotopa, Samoa on the occasion of his Change of Responsibility ceremony at 1st Sustainment Command (Theater) HQ at Fort Bragg NC on Friday, March 2.

Tobin will take over from CSM Danfert J. Espinal who is retiring.

On Tuesday, February 21, the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) sponsored a public forum on the proposed draft management plan for Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary (FBNMS). FBNMD is co-managed by the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (OMNS), a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the American Samoa Department of Commerce (ASDOC).

TRIO FACE DRUG CHARGES

Two men and a woman are each facing a single charge of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, marijuana. Hefa Pahe, Vaoeli Lafoa’i Jr and Talaese Keiana are scheduled to appear before the District Court on Monday, and are being held on bail of $20,000 each.