Local News
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — It’s fautasi season, and the newest longboat to be christened has already turned heads and stirred real excitement. Die‑hard Manulele Tausala fans from Nu‘uuli erupted with pride as the Lowrider II, with unmistakable authority, glided across Pago Pago Harbor in a smooth...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In a recent press release, Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata emphasizes Congress’s intent that $3 million go to American Samoa Community College (ASCC) out of the yearly ASG Operations Fund from the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA), which receives funds for American Samoa...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On February 26, 2026, the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) received a phone call from a person who reported an alleged domestic disturbance that escalated into violence at a residence in the village of Pavaiai.
Agalelei Fono, was later arrested and charged with:
Count 1:...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On March 1, 2026, the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) received a call from a man who alleged that Saumani Semi threatened a couple of people with a knife.
The suspect was later charged with:
Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance, a class C misdemeanor punishable by...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Senate delivered an eyebrow-raising rejection last Wednesday to Jansen Poyer, a locally educated engineer with nearly two decades of aerospace experience, who had been nominated to serve on the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) Board.
Poyer, a Fagaitua High...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The 39th Legislature has moved to initiate legal action against the Pula and Pulu administration, asserting that the executive branch violated the Fiscal Year 2026 budget law by continuing to pay salaries for unconfirmed department directors.
Lawmakers had deliberately...
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is thanking American Samoa’s DHS employees, who have worked for weeks without pay due to the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during legislative and policy disputes in Washington. President Trump has announced an emergency pay...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On February 26, 2026, at approximately 9:10 p.m., the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) received a call from a woman reporting a domestic disturbance at her family residence.
The reporter informed authorities that her uncle, identified as Penita Togafau, was intoxicated and...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On February 23, 2026, a woman contacted the local authorities and reported that Tau Fonoti allegedly entered her home unlawfully and caused a peace disturbance.
The suspect was later arrested and charged with:
Count 1: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class C...
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata on Wednesday presided for part of a legislative hearing that examined 12 new Veterans’ bills, the first step in their legislative process through the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) following introduction. Note this group of bills is...

![Nuʻuuli High Chief Soliai Tuipine Fuimaono performs the christening of the new Manulele Tausala Lowrider II, cracking a young coconut against the hull during last Tuesday’s dedication ceremony in Utulei. “May you glide on the sea with God,” Soliai declared dramatically. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau] Christening of the new Manulele Tausala Lowrider II](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/img_5283.jpg?itok=5T44uSHa)
![ASCC educators and congressional staff posed for a group photo at the college campus. Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is emphasizing Congress’s intent that $3 million go to American Samoa Community College (ASCC) out of the yearly ASG Operations Fund from the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA), which receives $29 million for American Samoa from Congress through Interior Appropriations. [courtesy photo] Amata with ASCC group](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/amata_group_picture_at_ascc_.jpg?itok=asgkYI7s)


![Jasen Poyer’s strong qualifications for the position were emphasized by Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean after he openly acknowledged reviewing his résumé, making the final vote even more unexpected. [SN photo] Jasen Poyer](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/jansen_poyer.jpeg?itok=cABq6tOK)




![The Wednesday, March 25th hearing examined 12 bills covering a wide range of issues, all aimed at strengthening accountability, improving care, and ensuring VA delivers on its commitments to those who served. [courtesy photo] The Wednesday, March 25th hearing](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/amata_presiding_over_veterans_legislative_hearing_on_wednesday.jpg?itok=AL19SzZ1)