Opinion
We are in the midst of the mid-term elections. Unfortunately, incumbents and some candidates are career politicians accustomed to making promises without consequence. We, as voters, have enabled this through a selective memory - we have allowed their lies to be repeated at every election. In this...
Dear Editor,
In American Samoa, we speak often of the importance of family. But honoring families must mean more than praising their love and sacrifice. It must also mean listening to those who provide care every day and helping them carry the weight of that responsibility.
The invitation to...
Samoa News apologizes to its readers for its erroneous reporting of numbers concerning the Office Expense allowance that lawmakers receive to reportedly do their legislative work, in the Tuesday, October 6, 2026 article titled, “Final review of Fono furniture and fixtures held just ahead of Friday’...
Local news outlets have reported that the House-approved Fiscal Year 2027 budget reduced the Governor’s proposed Medicaid subsidy from $6 million to $3 million — a 50 percent reduction.
As the budget moves toward final approval, this decision deserves urgent reconsideration and a clear explanation...
Dear Editor,
There is a familiar, good-natured contention that people from Manu‘a are especially smart. Ask someone from Ofu, and they may tell you that Ofu produces the smartest of them all. Our good Doc, Iotamo Saleapaga, was a proud son of Ofu — and he certainly gave his people something to...
Aua, AMERICAN SAMOA — The family of Bishop Fomai Amituanai Sr. announces his peaceful passing on August 11, 2026, at Providence Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska, after a courageous battle with Stage 4 Stomach Cancer. He was surrounded by his beloved wife, family, and friends.
He was born to Aiava...
Dear Editor:
American Samoa urgently needs greater transparency and legislative action regarding Medicaid funding for elderly residents and persons with disabilities.
CMS has approved Personal Care and Home Health Aide Services for Medicaid-eligible residents. These services can help people who...
Dear Editor,
Recent headlines have focused considerable attention on ASTCA, its Board of Directors and its relationship with the Governor and Fono. There is another ASTCA matter that deserves public attention, and this one does not involve politics.
It involves federal telecommunications law....
September 10, 2026.
Dear Governor Pula:
I write as a resident of American Samoa, to respectfully submit formal comments for your 60-day review of BOEM's Proposed Leasing Notice (PLN) for PACM-1.
At the outset, I want to state my position clearly: I maintain a firm NO position on deep- sea...
Koror — (9/3/26) Following Tuesday's primary in Massachusetts, I woke up to the news that the voters gave a resounding vote of confidence to 80-year-old Senator Ed Markey, along with two long serving House members.
All had younger challengers running against them and ignoring the value of...