Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula announces that the MV Manu’atele ferry is operational again and ready to resume service to the Manu’a Islands today after being out of service for several weeks.

The temporary suspension allowed for essential repairs and maintenance. With the work now complete, the ferry is once again prepared to provide transportation for passengers, cargo, and services between Tutuila and Manu’a.

The Governor’s Office played an active role in supporting these efforts, helping to align resources and maintain momentum toward restoring service. Close coordination across various departments with vessels was facilitated to ensure multiple avenues of transportation were available. Now that the Manu’atele is ready to set sail, services have been directed to standby to expedite transport of passengers to Manu’a this week. 

“The people of Manu’a rely on the MV Manu’atele, and restoring this service has been a priority,” said Governor Pula. “I want to thank our teams for their dedication and coordination in completing these repairs, and I appreciate the patience shown during this time. We are pleased to have the ferry back in service, ready to serve our communities once again.”

The administration remains committed to strengthening reliable inter-island transportation and will continue to support initiatives that improve connectivity between the islands of American Samoa. For additional information on schedules and services, please contact the Port Administration of American Samoa.

(Source: ASG)

FIRST DAY OF TURNING IN 2025 TAX RETURNS

April 21, 2026 — Before 3 pm Monday more than 1,000 tax returns had been turned in at the DWYA Center in Tafuna. Monday was when the Tax Office started accepting 2025 tax returns.

People started lining up before 4 am and around 8 am the line had stretched around the building. Some in the crowd were still wishing that Tax Office staff would assist them in filing their taxes. The crowd had thinned out by 1 pm.

Three Tax Office staffers were checking and stamping the returns and filers were done in a matter of minutes.

The DWYA Center at Tafuna and the one in Pago Pago have been designated as drop off locations.

Acting Treasurer Carri Lee Magalei-Tulafono issued notice on Monday that there will be no expediting of tax refunds.

And the DYWA Tafuna and Pago Pago centers were drop off locations only, not filing stations.

No information has been provided on when the first tax refund checks would be issued.

(Source: talanei.com)

BILL REQUIRES REVENUES LEFTOVER FROM BOND REPAYMENT TO REVERT TO GENERAL FUND

April 20, 2026 — Before the 3rd Regular Session of the 39th Legislature ended last Wednesday, a bill was introduced  to ensure that revenues left over from the repayment of bonds for the American Samoa Economic Development Authority revert to the General Fund and be available for appropriation by the Fono.

ASEDA issued its Series 2015 and Series 2018 bonds to finance essential public projects and support the economic development needs of the territory.

Portions of these bond obligations have already been retired through scheduled amortization while other portions remain outstanding and continue to require dedicated revenue streams for timely repayment.

The bill states that the Legislature finds it necessary to reaffirm and clarify the dedication of revenues until all remaining ASEDA bond obligations are fully satisfied.  And to ensure that upon full repayment, such revenues revert to the General Fund for appropriation in support of the public welfare.

The bill is sponsored by Senator Magalei Logovii, a member of the ASEDA Board.

(Source: talanei.com)