Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A ‘Listening Session’ at the ASG Office of Veterans & Military Affairs, Tafuna Industrial Park, beginning at 10:00 AM is scheduled for today, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The Hawai’i VA Leadership Team will be onsite to answer questions regarding the VA Healthcare System, according to the Eni F.H. Faleomavaega VA Clinic. They invite all to join the session. 

BOARD OF ARTS COUNCIL GETS TWO NEW BOARD MEMBERS

In a memorandum, Gov. Pulaalii Nikolao Pula has appointed two news members to the Arts Council board, pursuant to Section §4.0111(b) and §4.0302 (a) of the American Samoa Code Annotated. They are Talileleia Tasi and Tamara Tialavea, who are replacing Sailimalo Terisa So'oto-Palmer and Tunatunaolupelele Maae.

According to the memo, Ms. Tasi works at the Governor's Office Communication Division and is a very active community member. As the lead choreographer for the Teine leru and Fa'atamali'i Dance Group, she is an expert in Samoan cultural attire and a strong advocate for the arts.

In addition, Ms. Tialavea is a Polynesian mixed choreographer and founder of the Ta'iala Polynesian Dance Academy, the first academy of its kind on the east side of the island. As well as her extensive dance background, she has over 10 years of experience as a secondary social studies educator.

The memo extends the governor’s a ‘Fa'afetai Lava’ to Mrs. So'oto-Palmer and Ms. Maae for taking up the challenge from their busy schedule to support the Board of Arts Council.

FIVE NEW MEMBERS APPOINTED TO THE MUSEUM BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Gov. Pulaalii Nikolao Pula has appointed 5 new members to the Jean P. Haydon  Museum Board of Trustees, pursuant to Section §17.0405 of the American Samoa Code Annotated, for terms of one year each. They are:

Korina Seiuli Lee — a cultural enthusiast, choreographer and founder of the a'ogasiva company Taupou Manaia, Korina brings a wealth of knowledge through her many years of Samoan artistry in dance and pageantry in line with cultural tradition. Her close association with the local business community will help to bring light to the struggles of the museum and the need for more active philanthropy.

Tilomai Tauilili — with a degree in anthropology and a background in grant writing, Tilomai will be a great asset to the Museum's push for additional funding opportunities available through government, philanthropic and private funders. She is currently employed as a grant writer for ASTCA.

Kuki Tuiasosopo — a gifted and respected musician, Kuki is a professor of music at the American Samoa Community College. He has written and composed music for local productions and international productions, most notably in the American Film "Next Goal Wins." His father, Pulefa'asisina Palauni, had a long and successful history with the museum's past and laid the groundwork for the establishment of both the Jean P. Haydon Museum as well as the Arts Council. Kuki will serve as Chairman of the Museum Board of Trustees.

Isabella Ah-Mu Mageo — an educator and prominent fashion designer, for over a decade. Isabella's work has been featured across the Pacific and nationally in the U.S., using her design expertise, she has been the mastermind behind many local events. Her experience will help elevate the Museum's standards especially with exhibitions and art shows.

James Himphill — Jim is our only Territorial Archivist. His decades of knowledge and dedication to his work is profound and he remains a foundational bulwark in the preservation of historical documents and events that underpin the history of our cultural existence for our posterity. He is reappointed for a term of five years.

Appreciation is extended to the previous members for their commitment to the mission of the Museum, according to the memo.