Local News
![White Sunday 2014 [SN file photo]](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/white%20sunday%20kidssmall.jpg?itok=gSsiQuXH "White Sunday 2014 [SN file photo]")
The annual White Sunday celebration coupled with the Monday federal and local holiday (Discoverers’ Day), adds up to a three-day weekend — and a busy one at that — as residents gear up for a day dedicated to the children of American Samoa.
For lawmakers, however, they are getting an extra day off:...
![StarKist Samoa official, Taotasi Archie Soliai. [SN file photo]](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/Taotasi%20Soliai_3635_0.jpg?itok=zryGJ-pV "StarKist Samoa official, Taotasi Archie Soliai. [SN file photo]")
Because of testimony by some private sector representatives that they hadn’t had thorough discussions with Port Administration on the proposed hike in port fees and charges, the Senate Transportation/ Port Administration Committee has postponed taking complete testimonies from business members on...
![Rendering of the proposed new Fono Building. [SN file photo]](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/fono%20bldg%20rendering_15.jpg?itok=Cfhc3cND "Rendering of the proposed new Fono Building. [SN file photo]")
Because of testimonies by some private sector representatives that they hadn’t had thorough discussions with Port Administration on the proposed hike in port fees and charges, the Senate Transportation/ Port Administration Committee has postponed taking complete testimonies from business members on...
![Congresswoman Aumua Amata with philanthropist Lois Pope, and Rep. Lois Frankel. [photo: courtesy]](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/Amata%20with%20philanthropist.jpg?itok=ob6zqnYy "Congresswoman Aumua Amata with philanthropist Lois Pope, and Rep. Lois Frankel. [photo: courtesy]")
AMATA APPRECIATES INAUGURAL DAY OF HONOR FOR DISABLED VETERANS
WASHINGTON DC - Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017 - Congresswoman Aumua Amata was pleased to attend the Inaugural Commemoration of the Day of Honor for American Veterans Disabled for Life at a special ceremony near the U.S. Capitol on their...
![[Courtesy photo]](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/Midnite%20jessica.jpg?itok=44U0C0oU "[Courtesy photo]")
Support local music and musicians — in the 2Samoas — by celebrating “random acts of rhythm” during a Samoana Jazz & Arts Festival’s Midnite At the Oasis — Part III — Three’s A Charm — Fundraiser Saturday, at the Fly By Nite Bar & Bowling Alley. It’s the last one before the festival kicks...
![Port Administration director Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Poumele and ASG Property Management Office director Niumata appeared before the House Transportation/ Port Committee on Wednesday to discuss the issue regarding the selling of tugboats and barges to the Samoa government. [photo: AF]](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/claire_0911.jpg?itok=kgb1GTz_ "Port Administration director Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Poumele and ASG Property Management Office director Niumata appeared before the House Transportation/ Port Committee on Wednesday to discuss the issue regarding the selling of tugboats and barges to the Samoa government. [photo: AF]")
Port Administration director Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Poumele told House members this week that the reason why governor Lolo M. Moliga was trying to stop the sale of the two ASG tugboats and barges to Samoa, was based on different information her office received.
She said when she received...
![[photo: Outdoorhub.com]](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/ForestFirefighters%20copy.jpg?itok=v61i6V47 "[photo: Outdoorhub.com]")
Ready to see something really cool?
Forest firefighters (aka hotshots) are, as you can imagine, some of the bravest men in the world. Their job is incredibly difficult and dangerous, yet they never say “no” or “that fire’s too big.”
These Samoa hotshots also hold a secret hidden talent, but you’re...
![ASPA executive director Utu Abe Malae appeared before a Senate committee on Tuesday where he testified that there is no hike in electric rates. Utu came prepared, passing out information sheets and using visual aid — an information board (pictured) — that details ASPA charges and other issues. See story for details. [photo: FS]](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/Utu%20n%20Senate.jpg?itok=IbyDFS5w "ASPA executive director Utu Abe Malae appeared before a Senate committee on Tuesday where he testified that there is no hike in electric rates. Utu came prepared, passing out information sheets and using visual aid — an information board (pictured) — that details ASPA charges and other issues. See story for details. [photo: FS]")
Increased consumer consumption of electricity is one of the three issues American Samoa Power Authority executive director Utu Abe Malae says has resulted in some people thinking there is an electric rate hike, when none has taken place.
“We cannot implement any electric rate hike, without a public...
A Conference Committee of three members from each Fono chamber convened yesterday to debate changes the House made to the Senate version of an Administration bill seeking to make several changes to provisions of local statute pertaining to excise taxes.
The conference was called after the Senate...
![Congresswoman Aumua Amata with Chairman Chabot of Colorado. Yesterday, Amata released prepared remarks to the Small Business Committee regarding small business tax reform and American Samoa’s employers. [photo: courtesy]](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/Congresswoman%20Amata%20with%20Chairman%20Chabot%20during%20small%20business%20discussion.jpg?itok=UoFbSb7u "Congresswoman Aumua Amata with Chairman Chabot of Colorado. Yesterday, Amata released prepared remarks to the Small Business Committee regarding small business tax reform and American Samoa’s employers. [photo: courtesy]")
AMATA RELEASES STATEMENT TO COMMITTEE ON AMERICAN SAMOA SMALL BUSINESS
Congresswoman Aumua Amata released prepared remarks to the Small Business Committee regarding small business tax reform and American Samoa’s employers.
“It’s a privilege to raise awareness in Congress about American Samoa’s...