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Community News Briefs

This Samoa News file photo shows Luki Te'etai Tuitasi and the crew from Public Works are preparing the area in front of the Jean P. Hayden Museum, for the construction of a new 2-story structure that will provide more storage, office and display space for the Jean P. Hayden Museum.  [SN file photo]
compiled by Samoa News staff

SPECIAL ELECTION DIST.#5, SUA#1 NEXT TUESDAY

Chief election officer, Uiagalelei Dr. Lealo Uiagalelei issued a reminder yesterday to all registered electors of House of Representatives District# 5, Sua#1, that next week Tuesday, Oct. 24th is the Special Election, with polls open for 12 hours starting at 6a.m.

“Results thereafter of the election will be known immediately,” he said, adding that it will also be broadcast on state run-KVZK-TV that evening.

Certified candidates for the special election are: Fialupe Felila Fiaui Lutu; Ketesemane Meaole; Laloniu P . Maloa; Tuialo Faalae Lauatuaa Tunu- popo; Tuifagalilo P. Vele; and Uele Fale S. Uele.

“Voters of the district are reminded to go out to the polls and exercise their right to elect their faipule. It’s good for our democracy and our Samoan way of life,” he said, adding that the total number of registered voters stands at 635 and there are three polling stations.

For local absentee voters, or local residents who will not be able to go to the polls that day, only six have cast ballots so far.

Oct. 10 was the deadline to request off island absentee ballots - for those in the military or attending college or universities - but Uiagalelei said there are no requests for off island absentee ballots.

To ensure a smooth and peaceful special election, village pulenu’u will be working closely with election officials at the polling stations, as well as at the Election Office.

PROPOSED MUSEUM EXTENSION PROJECT

Once the plans for the proposed extension of the Jean P . Hayden Museum in Fagatogo are finalized, work will commence. Historic Preservation Officer David Herdrich told Samoa News yesterday that the plans for the extension are being drawn up by the Department of Public Works — which will also be carrying out the construction job — and once the governor gives the approval, work will begin. In addition to a new two- story extension, Herdrich said the interior of the existing structure — which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places — will be refurbished.

The museum’s designation as a Historic Place means efforts are taken to preserve the exterior of the building; however, restoration of the interior is permitted. Governor Lolo Mata- lasi Moliga met last week with officials from Public Works, the museum Board, and also the AS Historic Preservation Office to discuss the project, which has already started with the demolition of the old bathroom and storage rooms and leveling the site. The job will be paid for with ‘special projects’ funding, although ASHPO, the Department of Commerce and other agencies are looking for grant funding sources.

When asked for an evaluation of the museum, Herdrich said, “structurally, it’s fine, it’s in good shape,” adding that the outside needs to be spruced up — power washed and painted.

He said the windows on the interior are boarded up to create wall space for exhibits but once the renovation is complete, the windows will be opened up because additional exhibit space will be available.

“This will make the building look a lot nicer,” Herdrich added.

He said an inventory of the collection would be taken because things will be moved and temporarily stored elsewhere once the project commences.

“It’s great that the governor is taking this on,”Herdrich said. “It’s long overdue.”

FIVE MORE CRUISE SHIPS FOR REMAINDER OF 2017

Last week, the territory’s population increased by over 5,000 — for two days, Oct. 10 and 11 — when two cruise ships, the Maasdam, and Noordam, called into port.

There wasn’t a lot of money to be made, as tourists didn’t spend much to buy handicrafts and souvenirs. One business owner told Samoa News that it was ‘slow’ and the same reports were received from business owners at other islands where the cruise ships made stops before heading to Pago Pago.

This Sunday, Oct. 22, the Emerald Princess is set to arrive at 10 a.m. with a passenger/ crew count of 4,872.

Businesses are not expected to be open, as Sunday is usually a day of rest for the territory’s people. Bus tours and visits to certain beaches are on the agenda.

The Norwegian Jewel, making its maiden voyage, was scheduled to arrive on Oct. 30 but the American Samoa Visitors Bureau has announced that the ship will be arriving a day later, on Halloween, Oct. 31.

One cruise ship, the Regatta, is scheduled to dock at the Fagatogo wharf on Nov. 25, bringing with her 803 passengers and 372 crew members.

Two cruise ships — the Amsterdam and Maasdam — are set to arrive in the territory on December 7 and 10, respectively.