Local News
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — More tax refunds are scheduled to be released today and according to Treasury, the fastest way to get your refund when your name comes up is by direct deposit.
This second refund batch covers those who filed their taxes on April 20. Refunds will continue to be released...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On May 28, 2026, police responded to a reported domestic disturbance in Vaitogi after receiving a call from a man who alleged that a relative was threatening him with a machete.
The suspect was arrested and charged with:
Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In May 2026, Gov. Pulaali'i Nikolao Pula announced that the Land Use Permit process has been streamlined to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
According to the memorandum, dated May 19, guidelines have been established to prevent unauthorized developments...
UTULEI, American Samoa — The American Samoa Department of Commerce's Wetlands Program hosted a Wetlands Appreciation and Recognition Event on the evening of May 29th, bringing together government leaders, community partners, educators, students, and environmental advocates to honor those dedicated...
HONOLULU — The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will hold its 207th meeting June 9–11, 2026, at the Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center in American Samoa to discuss major fishery issues affecting the territory and the wider Pacific.
A key focus will be South Pacific albacore tuna, an...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The status of the Fagaima Road Project and the Tualauta Mitigation Project can be characterized as being on a “slow crawl” as they go through each stage that will eventually allow the the projects to happen — just don’t hold your breathe.
The projects plan to control...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Basic Food Index (BFI) for American Samoa has reported a decline of 1.1% for the month of May 2026. One of the most significant drops is the price of eggs, which has decreased by 15.2%. This month, the average cost of eggs is $1.96, the lowest price recorded since...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On May 31, 2026, a concerned mother called the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) and reported that her older son, Etisone Fa’asua had allegedly assaulted his younger 18-year-old brother.
The suspect was later arrested and charged with:
Count 1 & 2: Assault in the Third...
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting progress for American Samoa’s federal nutrition support in 2027, which is set at $12.2 million in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027, H.R. 8646.
Under this...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On May 24, 2026, a victim of an alleged domestic dispute called the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) and reported that she was allegedly assaulted by her cousin, Keneti Sionesini.
The suspect was later arrested and charged with:
Count 1: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a...




![Special recognition was given to individuals who have become strong voices for wetlands preservation during the DoC Wetlands Appreciation and Recognition Event held on May 29, 2026. Each recipient — Wetland Champion — received a commemorative plaque and a canvas illustrating the locations of wetlands across American Samoa, symbolizing the community's appreciation for their dedication to environmental stewardship. [ASG photo] wetlands award](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/doc_wetlands_dinner_2.jpg?itok=KFo83cE1)
![Aerial view of the longline F/V America leaving Pago Pago Harbor in American Samoa. The longline fleet plays a vital role in the territory's economy and contributes to the region's sustainable pelagic fisheries. [Photo: Edgar Feliciano] Aerial view of the longline F/V America](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/f_v_america_leaving_pago_harbor.png?itok=SYT6G17l)




