Local News
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is an original cosponsor upon introduction earlier this week of the bipartisan Veteran Service Recognition Act, with sponsor House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano (CA-39), and original cosponsors Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Jerrold...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On July 18, 2025, a distressed wife called the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) and reported that a man allegedly entered their home and assaulted her husband and cousin with a bat and a machete.
The suspect was later charged with:
Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance, a...
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting notice of $500,000 in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Justice for the American Samoa Coalition Against Domestic and Sex Violence for important services.
The grant is from the DOJ’s Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) for...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Today marks a solemn anniversary—16 years since two powerful earthquakes violently shook the waters between Samoa and American Samoa. These colossal tremors unleashed devastating tsunami waves that surged up to an astonishing 72 feet, crashing ashore with overwhelming...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The House of Representatives has finalized the budget for the American Samoa Government for Fiscal Year 2026, resulting in a reduction from the initial budget proposal.
The government initially proposed a budget of $815,392,069, representing an 11% increase over the...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On August 11, 2025, a mother called the Leone Police Substation (LPS) and reported that her daughter was allegedly assaulted by her boyfriend.
The suspect was arrested and later charged with:
Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On August 5, 2025, a woman called the Tafuna Police Substation and reported her brother for allegedly disturbing the peace — throwing rocks and harassing their elderly neighbor, who was also their aunt.
‘The suspect was later apprehended and charged with Count 1: Private...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Department of Homeland Security held a final After-Action Report (AAR) meeting, yesterday morning, September 25, 2025, for its Hurricane Lala Table Top Exercise (TTX) that had identified 15 areas for improvement in the AAR. ASDHS led the meeting which had...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On August 6, 2025, a patrol unit observed a young man who was allegedly causing a disturbance by yelling out profanities and war cries (fa’aūum) non-stop in a public place, while trying to pick a fight with random by-standers.
The suspect was apprehended and later...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On August 1, 2025, a concerned family member called the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) and reported an alleged domestic dispute between two women.
One of the women was arrested and charged with:
Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by...

![Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is pictured with Ranking Member Mark Takano — they are among the co-sponsors of the bipartisan Veteran Service Recognition Act that was introduced earlier this week. The bill would help noncitizen service members obtain legal status in the US. [courtesy photo] Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata with Ranking Member Mark Takano](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/amata_with_ranking_member_takano.jpg?itok=YVmTXRSt)


![A container washed into Pago Pago Harbor during the 2009 tsunami. [SN file photo] CONTAINER FALLING OFF DOCK](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/rainmaker_container.jpg?itok=YreDTXDL)





