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Pacific News Briefs

Eighteen finalists will be on the ballot for induction into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Class of 2018. The list includes 15 players and three coaches/contributors. See Pac Briefs for details.  [graphic: Polynesian Cultural Center]
compiled by Samoa News staff

RAISED FEES ‘UNFORTUNATE’ 

The “unfortunate” increased permit fees targeting only American Samoan born citizens entering Samoa will be addressed at the 2Samoa Talks next month in Apia. 

This is according to American Samoa Attorney General, Talauega Elesalo Ale in response to Samoa Observer questions following the increase of permit fees for U.S. nationals. 

“I am aware that Samoa is raising its fees targeting specifically U.S. nationals born in American Samoa only. 

“While I see this as unfortunate, I have no say in the matter,” said Talauega. 

According to the Press Secretary, from 9 October, 2017 the fee for a permit for up to 14 days will double to $US20; for urgent issuance the fee will be $US30 and multiple entries for 12 months will cost $US150. For U.S national overstayers there will be a new fee of $200 tala, or $US80, in addition. 

The A.S.AG reiterated that American Samoa has no control over the increased fees. 

“Samoa is an independent sovereign country and she is free to impose what ever fees she wishes to impose on travelers to her shores, even if these fees are specific to those of us born in American Samoa. 

“We have no plans to respond in kind by raising our fees against Samoa citizens.” Talauega further stated the fees, they have in place, do not target just Samoa citizens — they apply to all countries. 

“If anything we offer lower fees and special permits to Samoa citizens and try to make it easier for Samoa citizens to enter American Samoa.

“In any event, I am sure this issue will be addressed at the 2Samoa Talks next month,” said Talauega. 

[Source: Samoa Observer]

SAMOA'S AGGIE GREY'S HOTEL CHANGING HANDS

Aggie Grey's Hotel and Bungalows in Apia, Samoa has reportedly been bought by Asian investors.

The business had been run for many years by members of the Grey family after it was founded by Aggie Grey in 1933.

Our correspondent has not managed to reach the family to discuss the sale but it is known a private function was held last week to introduce the new owners.

Earlier this month the Pacific Island Forum leaders summit was held at the hotel.

The Grey family was understood to be retaining control of the Aggie Grey's Resort at Mulifanua and its hotels and resorts in French Polynesia.

[Source: RNZI]

A SOLUTION-FOCUSED APPROACH TO PACIFIC OBESITY

An Otago University study has detailed three ways to ensure good health as obesity rates among Pacific people in New Zealand and in the region are high.

Researchers interviewed and assessed 68 parents and adolescents from 30 Pacific Island families in a low socio-economic neighborhood.

Lead researcher Tasileta Teevale said the study found there were some Pacific families who have strict household rules to ensure their children receive the nutrition they need.

"They are there to have breakfast and provide breakfast and lunch for their children, they make very strict rules about having fizzy drinks, in particular being available in the home, and they also have really strict rules around limiting the TV time and electronic gaming time for their kids."

Dr. Teevale said if parents focused on those three simple things at home, their children should remain healthy.

The study, funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand, has been published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health.

[Source: RNZI]

POLYNESIAN FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES 2018 FINALISTS

HONOLULU, HI — September 21, 2017 — The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced today the 18 finalists who will be on the ballot for induction into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Class of 2018.  The list includes 15 players and three coaches/contributors.

The finalists were selected from a field of over 200 nominees by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame selection committee, which includes Coaches Dick Tomey (Chairman), Ron McBride and Dick Vermeil, past NFLPA President and Inaugural Inductee Kevin Mawae, former NFL Player and Class of 2015 Inductee Ray Schoenke, ESPN Sportscaster Neil Everett, NFL player personnel legend Gil Brandt, NFL Network writer and commentator Steve Wyche, and Honolulu Sportscaster Robert Kekaula.

“There are so many worthy candidates to choose from,” said selection committee chairman Dick Tomey.  “The committee will meet again in the coming weeks to select the five members of the Class of 2018.”

“We congratulate the Class of 2018 finalists,” said Jesse Sapolu, chairman and co-founder. “Each finalist has made a significant impact on the game of football and is an inspiration within the Polynesian community.”

Five inductees (four players and one coach/contributor) will be announced on October 10, 2017.  They will be honored during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend and during the Polynesian Bowl on January 19 & 20, 2018.

CLASS OF 2018 PLAYER FINALISTS
 
Tony Banks (QB) Michigan State, Pro: NFL (STL, BAL, DAL, WAS, HOU) 9 years, Samoan ancestry

Herman “Buddy” Pi`ikei Clark (OL) Oregon State, Pro: NFL (CHI) 4 years, Hawaiian ancestry

David Dixon (G) Arizona State, Pro: (MIN) 13 years, Maori ancestry

Malcom Floyd (WR) Wyoming; Pro (SAN) 10 years, Samoan ancestry

Chris Kemoeatu (G) Utah; Pro (PIT) 7 years, Tongan ancestry

Ma'ake Tu`amelie Kemoeatu (DT) Utah, Pro: NFL (BAL, CAR, WAS) 9 years, Tongan ancestry

Alapati “Al” Noga (DL) Hawai’i, Pro: NFL (MIN, WAS, IND) 7 years, Samoan ancestry

Falaniko “Niko” Noga (LB) Hawai’i, Pro: NFL (AZ, DET) 8 years, Samoan ancestry

Joe Fagaone Salave'a (DL) Arizona, Pro: NFL (TEN, BAL, SD, WAS) 8 years, Samoan ancestry

Dan Saleaumua (DT) Arizona State, Pro: NFL (DET, KC, SEA) 12 years, Samoan ancestry

Mosiula Mea'alofa "Lofa" Tatupu (LB) USC, Pro: NFL (SEA) 6 years, Samoan ancestry

Apisaloma “Pisa” Tinoisamoa (LB) Hawai`i; Pro (STL, CHI) 8 years, Samoan ancestry

Manu'ula “Manu” Asovalu Tuiasosopo (DL) UCLA, Pro: NFL (SEA, SF) 8 years, Samoan ancestry

Marques Tavita Tuiasosopo (QB) Washington, Pro: NFL (OAK, NYJ) 8 years, Samoan ancestry

Kimo von Oelhoffen (DL) Boise State, Pro: NFL (CIN, PIT, NYJ, PHI) 14 years, Hawaiian ancestry
 
CLASS OF 2018 COACH & CONTRIBUTOR FINALISTS
 
Bob Apisa (FB/HB) Michigan State, First Samoan named as an All-American, Samoan ancestry

Thomas Ka’auwai Ka’ulukukui, Former Head Football Coach at University of Hawai’i, Hawaiian ancestry

Charlie Wedemeyer, Former Head Football Coach, Los Gatos High School (CA), Hawaiian ancestry


About the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame

The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame honors Polynesia’s greatest players, coaches and contributors. It also serves as a resource for Polynesian football history, supports cultural and educational programs, including the award of nearly $200,000 in college scholarships. Founded in 2013 by Super Bowl champions Jesse Sapolu (Chairman) and Ma’a Tanuvasa (Vice-Chairman), other board members include Troy Polamalu, Vai Sikahema, June Jones and Reno Mahe.

Each January, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week features several events including the Polynesian Bowl, Celebration Dinner and Enshrinement Ceremony attracting thousands of people. It is one of the premier Polynesian events in the world.

Its permanent home is located at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawaiʻi.

SAMOA NPF TO PAY UP

Samoa's Court of Appeal has reinstated compensation of $US1million dollars in a case against the government's National Provident Fund, dating back to 2004.

Apia Construction and Engineering has been fighting a legal battle against the NPF for 13 years.

The court upheld a decision by an arbitrator that the NPF had unlawfully ended the company's contract to build a food court in Apia.

The Appeal Court also ruled that the NPF must pay legal costs of $US 50,000.

The Court accepted the appellant's legal argument that the Supreme Court, which put aside the award after the respondent had sought further legal proceedings, had no jurisdiction to deal with the arbitrator's decision.

[Source: RNZI]