Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Pulaali’i N. Pula announced on Nov. 26, 2025, in a memorandum,  recess appointments of all members of the 8-member board of directors of the Feleti Barstow Public Library, effective immediately. Appointments are “subject to nomination and confirmation by the Legislature at it next regular session…”

They are:

Dr. Maefau Mary Taufete’e — DOE Director — 4-year term

Lance Głodowski — DOE Representative — 4-year term

Dr. Ernie Seiuli — ASCC Representative — 4-year term

Faailoa Seui Afalava — ASCC Representative — 4-year term

Salote Aoelua- Fanene — Business Representative — 4-year term

Lance Te’i — Business Representative — 4-year term

Aitofi Lomu — At Large Representative — 2-year term

David Addison — At Large Representative — 2-year term

US POST OFFICE JANITOR EXTRADITED TO CALIFORNIA FOR DRUGS

Loki Lotovale, who was a janitor for the Fagatogo Post Office has been extradited to California for the importation of drugs.

He faces two counts of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, four counts of money laundering and criminal forfeiture.

Lotovale made his initial appearance in the Honolulu Federal District Court last month, and was then taken to California where he will be tried in the federal court of Eastern District of California.

He is being held without bail.

According to Talanei.com, court filings allege that between September 21, 2020 through to July 12, 2024, the defendants conspired and agreed with each other and with persons both known and unknown to the grand jury, to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

It’s also alleged that on or about February 6, 2024, in the the county of Sacramento, they did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of the same mixture containing methamphetamine.

On the money laundering charges, it’s alleged that beginning at an unknown date but no later than on or about September 21, 2020 continuing through on or about July 12, 2024 in the county of Sacramento, they knowingly conspired and agreed with each other and with persons both known and unknown to the grand jury to conduct financial transactions affecting interstate and foreign commerce.

These transactions involved the proceeds of specific unlawful activity — distribution of controlled substances. The affidavit identifies four different occasions from February to November of 2023 that Lotovale through Western Union wire transfers sent money to bank accounts at Wells Fargo Bank, Golden One Credit Union, F&M Bank and JP Morgan Chase Bank. The wire transfers totaled $28,000.

ASG AUCTION OF VEHICLES FROM CHINA POSTPONED

The Customs Division of Treasury issued the following notice regarding the public auction of vehicles from China:

“We respectfully give notice of the postponement of the public auction of vehicles that has been scheduled for November 24, 2025. This delay follows a court order directing the Customs Division to temporarily suspend the auction until all related legal matters have been fully addressed. We recognize that this postponement may have caused inconvenience to individuals and businesses preparing to participate.

“However, compliance with the court’s directive is necessary to ensure transparency, fairness, and full compliance with the rule of law. The Customs Division is working in close coordination with the Attorney General’s Office to resolve this matter in the High Court concerning the 47 foreign vehicles. No monetary transactions will occur during this period. A formal announcement with further updates is anticipated after December 23, 2025.

“We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to bring this issue to a proper and lawful conclusion.

“Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 633-5656 or 252-3332.”

The High Court issued a stop order in November, halting the ASG’s vehicle bid auction in response to to a complaint filed by importers of the vehicles — Aileen Inc. doing business as Tuanaitai’s Car Rental, Taumafai Inc., Minrongda Inc., Moana Pacific Inc., AAA LLC., and Loving Star Enterprises.

Two major points in the complaint are:

The companies received clearance and permission from ASG to import the vehicles, but upon arrival the vehicles were seized by Customs; and,

The notice of seizure cited under ASCA section 27.1042(a) is defective, as it must include a list of the items seized, the law(s) violated, the violators options and the customs’ contact location and telephone number and advising that the goods will be forfeited, which it did not.

The plaintiffs asked that the defective notices of seizure be quashed and declared null and void.

It also asked the court to examine the plaintiffs application for a writ of seizure and grant said writ requiring the court marshal to seize the plaintiffs automobiles from defendants and deliver than back to the plaintiffs.

The plaintiffs also sought a temporary restraining order enjoining defendants from auctioning off, selling and from destroying or damaging any of the automobiles pending further order of the court.

Chief Justice Michael Kruse in his ruling said the court declined to issue a writ of seizure as requested by the plaintiffs without a hearing, and ordered a hearing of the plaintiffs’ application for writ of seizure be provisionally set for December 23, 2025, where the parties should also be prepared to discuss any applicable federal laws.

(talanei.com)

AMERICAN SAMOA’S SECURES $37.56 MILLION IN BEAD FUNDING

In November 2025, the Office of the Governor was pleased to announce that American Samoa's Final Proposal under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program has been officially approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

This landmark announcement places American Samoa among the first round of states and territories nationwide to receive approval under this crucial federal program, joining 17 other states and territories whose final proposals have been sanctioned.

This approval secures a historic allocation of $37.56 million in BEAD funding for American Samoa.

This federal investment is dedicated to expanding broadband access, improving connectivity in underserved villages, and ensuring residents and businesses have access to fast, reliable, and affordable high-speed internet.

The funds mark a major milestone in strengthening the territory’s digital foundation and access to high-speed broadband. The BEAD last -mile projects are projected to help upgrade broadband services to over 6,000 homes and community anchor institutions across the territory. These improvements will build upon the foundation established by the BLAST program, which connected underground fiber to every home.

The approval of the Final Proposal was the culmination of focused federal engagement and advocacy by Governor Pulaali‘i and American Samoa Governmental leaders, which began in February 2025 when he attended the National Governors Association (NGA) Winter Meeting to raise the specific needs of remote and island jurisdictions.

The proposal was developed and submitted through the Broadband Coordination, Opportunities, Redevelopment, and Deployment (BCORD) Office within the Department of Commerce. The BCORD Office will now oversee all implementation, compliance, and reporting requirements, continuing to work closely with ASTCA and partner agencies to ensure that broadband infrastructure in American Samoa is resilient, secure, and prepared for the future.

With funding now secured, American Samoa will begin the next phase of broadband deployment. BCORD will continue to provide updates on deployment timelines, project phases, and community engagement opportunities as implementation moves forward.

(ASG media release)