FAUTASI christened
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The highly anticipated fautasi from the village of Alao, often described as the "new kid on the block" and a standout member of the newest generation of cutting-edge, state-of-the-art fautasi, was officially christened and launched for its maiden voyage last Friday.
The...
High Chief Satele A. Lili'o (center), flanked by Faga Fiti Sunia (right) and Tauese Va'a Sunia, with TCF Warden Palaita Tusipasi Suiaunoa (in the background), during the Christening Ceremony of the new fautasi Alao last Friday. Read details in today's issue. [photo: Asi Andrew Fa'asau]
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On Saturday morning, March 16, 2024, the village of Iliili dedicated their new fautasi shed and christened their new fautasi in a formal cultural ceremony.The ceremony began with a formal greeting and was followed by a sauniga lotu, with prayers, blessings and a sermon...

![(L-R) Soliai Tuipine Fuimaono, Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean, Senator Fano Frank Shimasaki, and DPS Commissioner Ta'aga Saite Moliga closely examine the newly christened fautasi “Alao” during the ceremony held last Friday. Measuring an impressive 104 feet in length and weighing 1,200 kg (26,000 lbs), the fautasi is designed to accommodate 37 rowers along with the captain. Sliding seats enable rowers to utilize their legs by moving their bodies back and forth on wheeled seats for enhanced power and efficiency. The new ‘closed’ top design has been likened to a ‘kayak’ design boat. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau] (L-R) Soliai Tuipine Fuimaono, Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean, Senator Fano Frank Shimasaki, and DPS Commissioner Ta'aga Saite Moliga](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/img_1442.jpg?itok=FXDf-S0d)

![First Lady Mrs. Ella F. Mauga officially cut the ribbon, dedicating the new shed, and the new fautasi — Lupelele — was christened by Fathers Petelo Auva’a and Pio Afu. [Samoa News photos] First Lady cuts ribbon](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/lupelele_ribbon_cutting_.jpg?itok=1Hkiiny1)