Feed Editor 26 Jan 2008 02:49:13 GMT News from American Samoa Government http://americansamoa.gov/rss_htm/pr2007.xml en Governor Togiola Tulafono and Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia formally announced Friday night they are seeking reelection in November. 12 May 2008 20:27:39 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/PR0805101.htm 84B62C1E-29F5-4C27-A6DC-EDAF81D490A1 Governor Togiola Tulafono has proclaimed the month of May 2008 as Mental Health Month in American Samoa. The National Mental Health Association, along with the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare and their local partners observe Mental Health Month each May to raise awareness and understanding of mental illnesses. 12 May 2008 20:27:23 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/mental_health_month.htm D13E7CEB-46E1-4507-9A56-2671CA5DD1BF The LBJ Medical Center received a loan of $5 million from the American Samoa Government five years ago and now, Governor Togiola Tulafono says he plans to submit to the Fono an Administration bill seeking to write-off or forgive the loan, in order to free up funds to pay the $9 million the hospital owes to the Medicare Program. 12 May 2008 20:27:08 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/gov_forgive_lbj_loan.htm 00DD7A5C-A1FB-4444-ACA5-5E4AC7C201FF Governor Togiola Tulafono has accepted Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sotoa Savali’s resignation. However, the name of a replacement is yet to be announced. 12 May 2008 20:26:45 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/commissioner_resignation.htm 70FFB631-2672-4195-84FC-D7847FD02276 On April 25, 2008, Governor Togiola Tulafono signed into law a bill that establishes the American Samoa’s Visitor’s Bureau (ASVB) as a semi-autonomous agency of the American Samoa Government that will promote the territory as a tourist hotspot. 9 May 2008 20:43:52 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/asvb_established.htm 2334F657-4F1B-4FD8-A492-F4D112D9E798 Legislation establishing the Notary Act of 2007 has been signed into law by Governor Togiola Tulafono. The Governor informed the Fono leadership of his approval of the measure through a letter on May 1 saying that he believes a notary public is a professional who is vital in preserving the integrity of essential documents dealing with commercial and legal transactions, among other things. 9 May 2008 20:43:24 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/notary_act.htm E76BE397-0844-4821-9BD1-339B0A3BA18F Local educators across the territory are being honored this week during National Teacher Appreciation Week, as proclaimed by Governor Togiola Tulafono. 9 May 2008 20:42:56 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/ntaw.htm F2654DD1-0D48-4580-841F-32AA6A9290A0 Newsletter in pdf format 9 May 2008 20:41:59 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/Tapuitea_current.pdf 27F544CE-96B3-41F1-A674-A497EA3FD5C7 Manu’a District Governor, Paramount Chief Tufele Li’amatua was confirmed with a 14-2 Senate vote as a new member of the LBJ Medical Center’s board of directors. 9 May 2008 20:41:56 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/lbj_tufele.htm 252DCAF4-448B-4CE4-8051-FA7EEEF0C7CF Governor Togiola Tulafono has approved and signed into law new legislation that makes it a crime for people under 21 years old to possess or consume beer or alcohol. 1 May 2008 04:44:59 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/anti_underage_drinking.htm 31A941A1-7908-4F33-8C91-E3AFC67D9814 A total of 30 people representing the Department of Public Works, Department of Public Health, as well as staff members from the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency and the American Samoa Power Authority took part in the first ever three-day cross connection control and backflow prevention training conducted by Michael Patten of the Washington Environmental Training and Research Center (WETRC) at Green River Community College in Auburn, Washington. 1 May 2008 04:43:50 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/aspa_asepa.htm 6FEE0C60-2E24-4F44-A5F9-4863573A6D76 Governor Togiola Tulafono today announced $20.4 million will be disbursed as tax stimulus rebate to eligible tax payers within two weeks. 1 May 2008 04:43:09 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/PR0804301.htm B93A7BE4-B52C-447A-B729-D9BFA6B1E250 Governor Togiola Tulafono today joined dignitaries from seven nations, military personnel, retired veterans and thousands of residents and visitors to celebrate Flag Day 2008 at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Tafuna. 1 May 2008 04:42:57 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/PR0804171.htm 2DA65052-C9EA-486F-A5C8-ED87930CA572 Governor Togiola Tulafono will be reviewing the final budget submitted to him by the organizing committee of the upcoming 10th Festival of Pacific Arts. The committee is hoping that the American Samoa Government can supplement an additional $1 million to cover the noted shortfall for a budget that is a little over $4 million. 27 Apr 2008 00:55:11 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/paf_budget.htm 6693A09B-98A8-409D-8878-7D282A57DD0E Locals who used to take advantage of the free dental services provided by the Department of Health through its Leone Dispensary will now have to pay up, due to frequent overcrowding of a clinic that only employs one dentist. 27 Apr 2008 00:54:52 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/leone_dispensary.htm 7A0597FB-1F88-496E-9F0A-766E3D8D9A87 The Department of Health has issued a statement saying that American Samoa is experiencing an increased number of children visiting the LBJ Medical Center experiencing signs and symptoms of mumps. 27 Apr 2008 00:54:35 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/mumps_monitoring.htm 321541CD-DBA1-40F2-878D-EED88C246887 The board of the American Samoa Power Authority has adopted the final version of its Interconnection and Net Energy Metering Policy which will be implemented and become effective beginning May 5, 2008. 27 Apr 2008 00:54:11 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/aspa_net_metering.htm BACA4579-0085-4AA1-89AC-4E514727F5F4 The American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency’s local piggery compliance program was recognized during the USEPA’s Pacific Southwest regional awards ceremony held in San Francisco, California earlier this month. 27 Apr 2008 00:53:51 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/piggery_compliance.htm 90F0A7D2-27FB-418B-9CDE-E62A91AF1CB4 Governor Togiola Tulafono announced during his weekend radio program that the Office of Vital Statistics is working hard to prevent fraud when it comes to combating the misuse of personal records like birth and death certificates. 27 Apr 2008 00:53:32 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/vit_stat_fraud.htm C02E4D01-A9EC-49A3-8BBE-5899B8286B28 The Fono’s special session which was called by Governor Togiola Tulafono and set to open on Monday, April 28, 2008 will include discussions on, among other things, the military voting bill and the teacher reclassification legislation. 25 Apr 2008 06:27:05 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/fono_spec_session.htm 3651985E-8DAA-4CB5-B3BF-4A0C8950AC47 The second component of the Modernization Program for the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) - the Vehicle Title and Registration System - is now up and running. 25 Apr 2008 06:26:44 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/omv_system.htm 188A3779-232D-41F4-92D3-5AE543AD829D Governor Togiola Tulafono has announced his appointment of Manu’a District Governor PC Tufele Li’amatua as a member of the LBJ Medical Center’s board of directors. 25 Apr 2008 06:26:26 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/tufele_lbjboard.htm 385FA7AA-7DB2-4375-B7A7-6285060B7976 A public hearing has been set for Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at the Special Education Building in Fagaalu from 4:30pm-6:30pm, where local residents are invited to provide input regarding Special Education policies and procedures. 25 Apr 2008 06:26:06 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/spec_ed.htm B981F535-E609-4EA9-963E-0205F9DB53AE newsletter pdf 25 Apr 2008 06:11:24 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/Tapuitea_current.pdf 8DA7C489-792F-4F9F-B030-4528D567D7FF If everything goes as planned, the territory should be connected to fiber optic cable by December. Governor Togiola Tulafono announced during his weekend radio program that a deposit has been made for the fiber optic cable deal and a ship date has been scheduled for later this year in November. 23 Apr 2008 20:07:11 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/fiber_yearend.htm 2D8F10D7-35BC-4BAD-9A3B-4EDBEFD4885E The United States Environmental Protection Agency released yesterday their 2008 progress report for the Pacific South West Region (Region IX), which covers western states and Pacific territories including American Samoa. 23 Apr 2008 20:06:44 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/epa_rewater.htm A5A112AC-3D8A-4288-A926-7628BEDC3036 Governor Togiola Tulafono recently began sending out federal tax incentive proposals to Congressional members, in an effort to provide benefits not only for the local canneries, but also current and new businesses looking to operate in the territory. 19 Apr 2008 23:38:41 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/fed_tax_incentives.htm C7EDB0B3-AC45-40C0-ACDB-976873761365 Governor Togiola Tulafono has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the American Samoa Government and Information Technologies American Samoa (InfoTech), a company that has been planning to open a call center operation in American Samoa for over two years. 19 Apr 2008 23:38:25 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/infotech.htm 74583DFE-F410-40AF-9DEF-2A9C764C2785 World renowned muralist Wyland has completed the Whaling Wall on the north end of the Executive Office Building in Utulei. The mural, called “Ai O Le Tai,” was dedicated on Saturday, April 12, 2008 in the presence of government leaders, local artists, and members of the general public. 19 Apr 2008 23:38:03 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/wyland.htm ACED083D-B0ED-435B-82DF-1189AE5290E4 newsletter pdf 16 Apr 2008 21:03:40 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/Tapuitea080411.pdf A16EE75E-E52F-47EF-8A79-AFEC5E92A985 Newsletter pdf 16 Apr 2008 20:59:58 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/Tapuitea_current.pdf CBBD18D6-DF61-49AA-A6A8-7FB1EDF997D5 Governor Togiola Tulafono today extended an invitation to the general public to attend a Flag Day Week Concert with the U.S. Marine Forces Pacific Band this Wednesday from 7pm to 8pm at “Ai o le Tai” Wyland Mural at the Executive Office Building lawn in Utulei. 15 Apr 2008 02:58:25 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/PR0804141.htm CD381420-EA07-4281-AAD0-9E331C4808E6 Governor Togiola Tulafono is making good on his promise to help preserve the environment and fight against global warming through a directive that requires departments and agencies to take steps in reducing the emission of green house gases. 15 Apr 2008 02:58:06 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/glob_warm.htm 845E0FF7-3099-412B-87DD-A2B355EDB43D The U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF) held a public meeting in Washington D.C. at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History on February 27, 2008 where the USCRTF celebrated the International Year of the Reef 2008, as well as the ten-year anniversary of the formation of the Task Force. 15 Apr 2008 02:57:47 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/uscrtf.htm 2376A219-21D5-4B83-AE04-26DA6AB9F442 The Statistics Division of the Department of Commerce has released the local Consumer Price Index (CPI) for this quarter, which reveals the addition of four new groups to the CPI starting with the first quarter of 2008 index. 15 Apr 2008 02:57:15 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/quarterly_cpi.htm 48642224-C986-426B-ADA9-59DFA9621278 Governor Togiola Tulafono and Infotech today signed a memorandum of understanding to build a major call center in American Samoa. 14 Apr 2008 06:16:19 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/PR0804121.htm 53E2D371-D169-4B8E-B6E6-852F0EB5A7F5 The artist Wyland arrived last night and will be diving in the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary (FBNMS) today for inspiration for Executive Office Building mural. 9 Apr 2008 01:04:07 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/PR0804071.htm F8C010A0-2BC4-4938-BB0D-5F92FED272F3 Governor Togiola and First Lady Mary Tulafono attended the American Red Cross Ball held on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at the Governor H. Rex Lee Auditorium in Utulei. 8 Apr 2008 10:06:57 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/redcross_ball.htm 8C912432-AC7F-4D27-A57A-A5A4E95FD2FB A Senate legislation calling for the creation of an Economic Development Fund to be administered by the Development Bank of American Samoa has been routed to Governor Togiola Tulafono for his review, after the legislation got approval from both Fono chambers. 8 Apr 2008 10:06:34 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/ed_fund.htm 275A9D26-C782-40ED-994E-8E317F10DC0D Governor Togiola Tulafono has proclaimed April as National Child Abuse and Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Month in the territory, and he urges all residents of American Samoa to “join in the vital task of protecting our children and young people from harm.” 8 Apr 2008 10:05:57 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/child_abuse_prevention.htm 4B8EC4A9-DE07-435E-91C1-7860FDFC04AC Over 450 new music CDs are now available to members of the general public at the Feleti Barstow Public Library in Utulei. The donated CD collection includes a variety of artists and different styles of music that caters to every taste. 8 Apr 2008 01:31:43 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/library_cds.htm EB8683B1-C162-42F6-9E92-267BD6549158 The Governor’s appointment of High Chief Save Liuato Tuitele of Leone as an Associate Judge in the High Court of American Samoa was approved by the Senate with a 16-1 vote. 8 Apr 2008 01:31:20 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/save_confirmed.htm 597883DA-06D3-45A2-A816-6EB00FED7814 The Senate passed during a special Saturday session a piece of legislation that provides absentee registration for American Samoa military members who want to register as qualified electors and cast ballots in the gubernatorial election and the race for the House of Representatives. 8 Apr 2008 01:30:58 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/senate_aproves_milvote.htm 7D91ED0A-2328-4989-B7B8-B8F3ADD8A0A9 All operations of the Department of Public Works will relocate permanently to Tafuna by the end of this year. 8 Apr 2008 01:30:41 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/dpw_relocates.htm 0D0A7E52-635B-49F2-B873-A3357BF77446 The CPA firm of Holsinger & Associates from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania conducted a financial audit for year ending December 31, 2007 for the Development Bank of American Samoa, and the end result was DBAS earning a “clean or unqualified opinion.”In addition to the huge allowance for bad loans, the accounting is more conservative than in was four years ago, meaning that income interest from delinquent loans of 90 days is no longer counted. 8 Apr 2008 01:30:09 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/dbas_audit_opinion.htm 6F817A0E-661F-489C-B03D-FE19ED7E540F Newsletter pdf 5 Apr 2008 23:21:09 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/Tapuitea_current.pdf F67771EF-DF2B-4E21-8FE9-C9A7B1E4DFF3 Governor Togiola Tulafono today announced that world-renowned ocean artist Wyland will arrive Sunday to paint wall mural at the Executive Office Building. 4 Apr 2008 00:59:57 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/PR0804021.htm E27C2F4C-F34F-4A84-AF91-773D96BB204A PAGO PAGO, Tuesday April 1, 2008- Throughout April and May of this year, researchers contracted by the American Samoa Humane Society (ASHS) will be conducting a dog population study on Tutuila Island. The study aims to document the number of dogs observable along public roads in highly populated areas in the central and western districts, as well as in some small and mid-sized villages in both the eastern and western districts. The researchers will gather data on the sex, age, and general health status of dogs they encounter during the study. 2 Apr 2008 22:45:34 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/humane.htm 3283FA9C-5B9E-4B5E-B797-83B55CB855ED The Department of Human and Social Services has opened the doors of its new Pua Center in Nu’uuli. The Pua center is for clients enrolled in the Day Treatment Program which was transferred to DHSS after it was sub-granted to the LBJ for two decades. 2 Apr 2008 22:45:21 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/puacenter.htm D7826882-98D3-4AE4-8ACE-4382F0D979BD Governor Togiola Tulafono has appointed Save Liuato Tuitele of Leone as an Associate Judge for the High Court of American Samoa. Save is a retired Chief Warrant Officer in the US Army. 1 Apr 2008 00:44:42 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/save.htm 0ED173FD-0C86-4A4F-94D8-1AB4C825FA8D President of the Development Bank of American Samoa Utu Abe Malae has confirmed that DBAS was recently awarded two separate grants from the Department of Interior. According to Utu, DBAS was awarded $80,000 for the design of energy efficient and durable, affordable homes, and another $27,000 is to help with institutional strengthening of the bank; in particular, to pay for the participation of the bank in regional, national, and international advocacy or trade organizations. 1 Apr 2008 00:44:14 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/dbas_2grants.htm B92A44F6-D636-4A51-BD96-CF7D0762B99F Head of the Finance and Administration Division of the Department of Public Works Ms. Fipe Leiataua has finally retired after dedicating more than 30 years of service to the American Samoa Government. 1 Apr 2008 00:43:38 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/fipe.htm C3748DEA-A081-4EDA-B041-60A1A7CDBD7E President of the Development Bank of American Samoa Utu Abe Malae said that a total of 55 people applied for the Easter Home Renovation Loan Program. 1 Apr 2008 00:45:12 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/dbas_easter.htm AC3F6671-C9D0-4BB9-8097-E63D05C4D80C The Pacific Basin Development Council (PBDC) office in Honolulu has informed Governor Togiola Tulafono of Ms. Taui’ilelagi Langkilde-Fernando’s selection as PBDC Fellow for summer 2008. Taui will begin her PBDC assignment in Mid-May. 1 Apr 2008 00:43:02 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/taui.htm 72B30CEB-8655-4321-9672-7C408F923E77 The Feleti Barstow Public Library is offering for the first time ever, an introductory to Windows “Excel” computer class. The course will introduce participating students to basic skills like how to input information on to the spreadsheet, and introduction to different formulas. 1 Apr 2008 00:42:48 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/excel.htm CA96247C-8071-453F-8414-E3DC8FC6265C After years of having to manually write paper citations and tickets during traffic accidents, officers from the Department of Public Safety can now electronically report and collect data on car accidents for both private and commercial vehicles, thanks to the new Traffic Record Crash System which was unveiled yesterday morning. 1 Apr 2008 00:42:34 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/crash_system.htm 5FB9262B-DA07-46A0-A9F0-6D72C7BB63C9 Governor Togiola Tulafono today spent the second day on Rose Island observing different birds and turtle nests, and also dug up the buried 1920 monument. 29 Mar 2008 02:34:56 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/PR0803121.htm D8F60B17-F970-451F-AA01-5019BEAB1731 Governor Togiola Tulafono and Department of Commerce deputy director Lelei Peau recently returned to the territory after joining scientists on board the Hi’ialakai on a trip to the Rose Atoll, the seventh of the American Samoa Islands. 28 Mar 2008 07:50:15 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/rose_return.htm 704ED249-3331-4CCE-86CF-E65034A40B51 The Monthly Financial Overview Report for local funds for February 2008 submitted by ASG Treasurer Gaea Perefoti Failautusi to Governor Togiola Tulafono shows that while overall expenditures exceeded revenues for that month, about half of ASG departments, agencies, and funding sources managed to decrease their spending compared to the same time last year. 28 Mar 2008 07:10:14 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/savings.htm 8CB93861-81E9-40F3-A811-1634EA20E0EE The American Samoa Government raked in $4,757,170 in February 2008, increasing the cash collection of local funds by $600,000 compared to the same time last year. 28 Mar 2008 07:09:58 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/collects_more.htm 5BA2C62D-9714-4EC2-AB97-477A6472E73E A proposed measure that establishes an Alternate Research Commission to study and evaluate alternative energy sources has been introduced in the local Legislature. 28 Mar 2008 07:09:37 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/altenergy.htm 9ACB6BBF-3BDF-4E13-8840-15BEE74E39B7 While tinted windows, fancy decals, and colorful dashboard and windshield decorations have become a trend of unique personalization for local owners of private vehicles, such additions and enhancements violate local laws pertaining to commercial vehicles and anyone found to be in violation will be slapped with a citation. 28 Mar 2008 07:09:18 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/mcsap.htm 47492CBC-A3A5-4756-9343-86E5885421BF Governor Togiola Tulafono today returned to Tutuila after a 4-day trip to visit Rose Island for the first time on the NOAA ship Hi’ialakai. 28 Mar 2008 05:20:11 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/PR0803131.htm F813344C-643D-43D4-8023-0092FCDDC9E4 During his weekend radio program this morning, Governor Togiola Tulafono expressed his support of having each village build and maintain their own schools. 23 Mar 2008 02:33:46 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/village_build_schools.htm 2768A47B-8C38-4906-B2B4-648176A6CD20 A female caller on Governor Togiola’s weekend radio program this morning again raised the issue regarding the status of Lt. Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia, whom some members of the community have suggested should step down or be removed from his current position. 23 Mar 2008 02:33:17 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/defend_rights.htm 2AE57330-2FFB-4E1D-91F1-708E38CFE123 The Department of Education’s E-Rate Program has secured funding for the current year, after the administrator of the E-Rate Program, Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), approved the release of $777,240 to cover the E-Rate services provided by Blue Sky Communications for DOE for the current funding year (Year 10). 23 Mar 2008 02:32:54 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/erate_funding.htm 6D83B3D7-5AD5-4440-9B45-3552FB8A5883 The Senate has approved the House version of the Administration's bill – The Tourism Development Act of 2008 – which calls for the establishment of the American Samoa Visitor's Bureau (ASVB) as a semi autonomous agency of the government. The bill now awaits the Governor’s approval, after which the legislation goes into effect immediately. 23 Mar 2008 02:32:12 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/tourism_bureau.htm 0B8C87AE-7BD3-4931-9845-B1C5BC842044 The Federal Highway Administration does not have funds to pay for a temporary fix of the Nu’uuli-Airport Road. This specific project is set to undergo major reconstruction next year and even if the road was resurfaced, it would be a complete waste of time and money because the entire area would have to be dug up again next year when the reconstruction project begins. 21 Mar 2008 22:09:14 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/airport_road.htm 599021BB-1AE0-4A02-8BD5-A748226327F5 Last September, Governor Togiola Tulafono signed into law legislation appropriating $120K to purchase four new police vehicles to assist local police officers in performing their “critical duties” of serving and protecting the community. 21 Mar 2008 22:02:16 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/gov_police_vehicles.htm ADDD0F9A-EE00-49A1-957E-EFCC4A6297B5 Get ready to see an assortment of colorful campaign signs with messages of support and well wishes for this year’s candidates running in the gubernatorial race and the election for the House of Representatives, as a proposed bill calling for a ban on campaign signs has been rejected in the Fono. 21 Mar 2008 22:02:04 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/sign_ban.htm 4199DF0F-EC20-4D10-B0E5-150FB665A396 Members of the Senate have approved by unanimous vote the Administration’s appointments to the Board of Registration of Professional Surveyors. The appointees were named in a March 6, 2008 general memorandum from Lt. Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia. 21 Mar 2008 22:01:38 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/pro_survey.htm F7EE1576-79AB-4452-8579-6EF4E05D0FC1 The American Samoa Disaster Relief Office (ASDRO) has applied to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Funding. 21 Mar 2008 22:01:15 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/hazard_funding.htm 768744D5-3734-47C7-B5ED-09DC292DC1EA The American Samoa local board for the emergency food and shelter program has been awarded federal funds under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program, and today is the deadline for applications from any interested organizations. 21 Mar 2008 22:00:54 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/emergency_food.htm B96113DB-D083-40D5-BE0E-5E87616CF250 The Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources, along with the Department of Commerce and the National Marine Sanctuary Program, came together to host an insightful two-day workshop to share information on ways to lessen the likelihood of marine alien species being introduced in the territory. 21 Mar 2008 22:00:35 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/marine_alien.htm 82C62B74-7082-4927-A171-C152B8782CDD Both the Senate and the House of Representatives will be conducting separate hearings to hear testimony from Chief Election Officer Soliai Tuipine regarding the Administration’s proposed bill calling for absentee military voting. 21 Mar 2008 21:59:44 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/mil_voting.htm CE4B3000-9363-4ACB-BD12-42E66E4A8DDE The traditional art of weaving ‘afa (sennit) using fibers from large coconut husks is being revived through a program spearheaded by the Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs (DYWA) and its director Leiataua Leuga Turner. 19 Mar 2008 21:47:26 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/dywa.htm ED61F31F-940A-46DA-A866-E27F0987BDEC Chief Executive Officer and general counsel of the American Samoa Power Authority, r. Michael Keyser said today that ASPA management has been working very hard to reduce the costs of electricity, adding that if he were to name his top three priorities, this issue would be at the top of his list. 19 Mar 2008 21:47:00 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/aspa_reduce.htm 95FC12BA-D06B-46E3-A987-F889A2412716 On behalf of the territory’s only hospital, Chief Executive Officer of the LBJ Medical Center Patricia Tindall presented a generous donation of ten hospital beds to Department of Health director Uto’ofili Asofaafetai Maga. 19 Mar 2008 21:46:31 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/lbj_donates.htm 7F4B3CCC-0D23-49AE-969E-5F911187F845 Governor Togiola Tulafono arrived this morning at Rose Atoll, after a 17 hour trip on the NOAA ship - Hi’ialakai from Pago Pago. 18 Mar 2008 04:14:45 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/rose_day1.htm C24F91E0-F3A2-448B-93E3-42D3BAA4D5C9 Governor Togiola Tulafono has appointed seven members to the newly created Territorial Boxing Commission. The announcement was made through a general memorandum dated March 10. 17 Mar 2008 20:52:03 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/boxing_commission.htm 787F81D1-D426-4515-8732-02ED6DBAC743 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has announced that the last two tsunami detection buoys have been installed, completing the US tsunami warning network. 17 Mar 2008 20:51:37 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/tsunami_detection_buoys.htm 3A66F718-3C70-4F17-A886-71E5CE06B66E The LBJ Medical Center Board is giving doctors an extension to sit and pass the USMLE test by requiring non-US certified physicians to pass at least one part of the three-part US Medical Licensing Examination by the end of this year. 17 Mar 2008 20:51:12 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/usmle_extension.htm E9A76443-6BA2-407A-B54C-38B587B5BCFA Scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) were accompanied by Governor Togiola Tulafono on board the marine science research ship, the Hi’ialakai, during a cooperative study trip to the Rose Atoll (Nu’uomanu). 13 Mar 2008 22:50:20 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/rose_trip.htm 36BC3E98-737C-40E3-B93A-6249607ED44D Senator Salanoa Soli Aumoeualogo has introduced legislation seeking to dissolve the American Samoa Power Authority and returning its assets and operations to the Executive Branch for the creation of the American Samoa Utility Department. 13 Mar 2008 22:50:02 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/aspa_disolve.htm CE50489A-0754-4BF7-98EE-8F5DE803491D The Administration bill calling for the appropriation of $147,320 to pay a 2006 judgment in a lawsuit filed against the LBJ Medical Center and the American Samoa Government has been introduced in the both the Senate and the House of Representatives. 13 Mar 2008 22:49:43 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/lbj_judgement.htm B18B84D7-6BFB-49C0-837E-06E9F2CF5FDD Governor Togiola Tulafono announced during his weekend radio program that he plans to establish a commission or committee whose goal will be looking for ways to reduce electricity costs, including alternative energy like wind, solar power, and the use of ocean waves. 13 Mar 2008 22:49:25 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/reduce_electricity_costs.htm B64DF5DB-E301-4DD5-9A18-80883A8CAE49 Thanks to the federally funded Gear Up American Samoa program, a total of 68 laptops have been placed in different elementary schools across the territory. 13 Mar 2008 22:49:01 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/school_laptops.htm 44E62F0F-BBC4-42BF-BA42-09935AEE6CF9 Governor Togiola Tulafono has requested that the procedures implemented by immigration officials at the Honolulu International Airport be reviewed in detail and revised, if necessary, to ensure that situations similar to that which took the life of Baby Futi earlier this year are avoided. 13 Mar 2008 22:47:49 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/hnl_immigration.htm 29911B17-3AA3-4D73-8EC0-E571970457E7 Lt. Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia has approved the $500K appropriation to purchase a new computer system network for the Land Grant program at the American Samoa Community College. 11 Mar 2008 06:46:42 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/landgrant_500k.htm 2426BD54-A3DA-4DB5-A090-12415D01B2E0 During his recent trip to Washington DC to testify before the US Senate on the impact of the minimum wage bill on the economy of American Samoa, Governor Togiola Tulafono was able to share his views on certain issues affecting the territory, including cabotage. 11 Mar 2008 06:46:14 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/cabotage.htm 5CB21C69-0FDD-44EC-B439-AF3E821E40FD Governor Togiola Tulafono told the members of the US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources last month that changing federal policy with little regard to the impact on the territory has crippled efforts to start new businesses in American Samoa. 11 Mar 2008 06:45:57 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/fed_policies.htm 323277F2-65ED-41B5-896A-4A47AAF7D3B6 The service at the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program administered under the Department of Human and Social Services (DHSS) is expected to undergo a tremendous upgrade later this year after the installation of a brand new computer system that will take the program out to the community. 11 Mar 2008 06:45:32 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/wic_computer.htm 21C64C37-8042-4421-BE8C-8A594CECABD3 Governor Togiola Tulafono today joined NOAA scientists on a cooperative study trip to Rose Atoll (Nu’uomanu) on the ship, Hi’ialakai. 11 Mar 2008 06:27:55 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/PR0803101.htm 04D5C65C-8AC3-47A4-AE03-EB75A3A8C438 Governor Togiola Tulafono and First Lady Mary Ann arrived tonight from Honolulu after 7 weeks off island for medical treatment. 10 Mar 2008 18:57:04 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/0803061.htm 50E48732-AC93-40E7-838F-D41089E62D4B Australian High Commissioner in Samoa - Matt Anderson and Lt. Commander Mark Taylor of the Royal Australian Navy ship, HMAS Childers, paid a courtesy call on the Governor today. 9 Mar 2008 04:31:13 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/PR0802081.htm D5BF3369-CA38-4585-9649-EE1BC1991635 While it has been customary to see a plethora of colorful campaign signs during election year, this year may be different if the Fono passes a proposed legislation seeking to ban the display of campaign signs. 7 Mar 2008 18:50:08 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/campaign_signs.htm C955ADCB-E481-4100-94AC-9A5948D3EF6C In addition to a tax incentive proposal, Governor Togiola Tulafono has submitted to the members of the US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, the American Samoa Territorial Employment Program Incentive which takes the form of a non-refundable tax credit that can be used to reduce the income taxes a person may owe to the American Samoa Government. 7 Mar 2008 18:49:49 GMT 5A65B293-5CF6-4372-88C0-5A37E3C9AD2E March 31 is the deadline to apply for the State Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) competition. The CIG program is designed to stimulate development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. 7 Mar 2008 18:49:31 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/conservation_grants.htm 2CC72B78-7388-4517-BA33-E0118BB2E9A6 Governor Togiola Tulafono has submitted a tax incentive proposal which he believes would provide incentives for job creation and economic activity in American Samoa. 7 Mar 2008 18:49:03 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/tax_incentives.htm 624F5404-0B0D-4130-85F3-8C147817FA50 Newsletter pdf 6 Mar 2008 21:24:38 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/Tapuitea_current.pdf B8EC9790-44A9-423D-A850-D5E98C5F9633 Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia today announced a prayer service will be held this Friday to offer thanksgiving for the safe return of Governor Togiola Tulafono, who will arrive this Thursday night from Honolulu. 6 Mar 2008 01:30:23 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/PR0803051.htm E39E9C3A-7318-476E-ACC4-EEFB7BD232E4 Governor Togiola Tulafono says that American Samoa has enjoyed a fairly healthy economic growth over the last 30 years. However, with the new federal minimum wage law in place, the territory faces losing the canneries and nearly 8,000 jobs – something he says “would wipe out most of that past growth.” 3 Mar 2008 02:48:21 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/gov_minwage.htm D4EA5D31-E81D-4ED8-9E8E-5E6E8A4C9FDA All adults 18 years old and older with little or no basic computer skills can get a crash course in introductory computer courses at the Feleti Barstow Public Library. 3 Mar 2008 02:47:44 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/adult_computer.htm 512CFED7-CA4A-4452-B62E-7DD0F9AD992A The Department of Health has issued a measles alert for American Samoa. The alert comes after two cases of measles were reported in the Aloha State. 3 Mar 2008 02:47:21 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/measles.htm 262D2E1C-B771-4AAA-AF37-1BB95E7021F2 Lt. Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia has proclaimed March as American Red Cross month in the territory. “I commend the good work of the American Samoa Red Cross chapter, and I strongly encourage all citizens who are able to donate to the Red Cross,” Ipulasi said. 2 Mar 2008 01:45:44 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/redcrossmonth.htm 32F17664-08A6-46BA-ABBE-247A200227A1 Lt. Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia has proclaimed March as National Nutrition Month in the territory. 2 Mar 2008 01:45:23 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/national_nutrition.htm 69A8DC70-1455-4805-92AF-2A5D57167E18 Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia has proclaimed March as American Red Cross Month. 2 Mar 2008 01:45:02 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/0802292.htm 8051A882-B38E-42F4-AE17-4FC0015CC708 Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia today opened the new PX (Post Exchange) in the compound of the old Fiatele Taulago Te’o U.S. Army Reserve Center in Tafuna. 1 Mar 2008 20:37:18 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/newpx.htm 1D6E0CA0-AA37-4A25-9295-E1952B6D5BEA Governor Togiola Tulafono is scheduled to return to the territory on Thursday, March 6 after undergoing successful medical treatment in Honolulu and attending a series of meetings in Washington DC. 28 Feb 2008 19:57:49 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/gov_inDC.htm C009ACEB-49C7-44C4-8C4B-1032F3F59E58 Governor Togiola Tulafono is in Washington DC to attend several meetings and functions, including the federal Interagency Group on Insular Areas (IGIA) meeting chaired by Interior Secretary Pulelei’ite Dirk Kempthorne. 28 Feb 2008 19:57:28 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/gov_unsular_meeting.htm 7DF7D1C4-9390-4BB9-94F0-E239EBA6FCD0 Chief Procurement Officer Laau M. Seui has issued a public notice inviting local residents to a public sale set to take place at the Procurement Office compound in Tafuna on Friday, March 7 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. 28 Feb 2008 19:57:09 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/procurement_sale.htm 18D21EA0-B8B5-427F-AE7D-B70DE8B05B54 The American Samoa Government made off with close to $15,000 after hundreds of items that were surveyed and listed by different government departments and agencies as being old and in poor condition were auctioned off by the Office of Property Management last month. 28 Feb 2008 19:56:44 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/auction15k.htm 0B206E0E-4B0C-4924-B886-CDC89B219AA2 Governor Togiola Tulafonotoday attended the federal Interagency Group on Insular Areas (IGIA) meeting chaired by Secretary of the Interior “Pulelei’ite” Dirk Kempthorne. 27 Feb 2008 09:20:55 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/insular_areas_meet.htm 6502BDD5-F7D5-4F04-83B4-819B7E4C36FF Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia today welcomed the participants of the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) Enforcement and Compliance Training at the Convention Center in Utulei. 27 Feb 2008 07:35:52 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/asepa_env_comp.htm 242F1F89-6372-4B20-8C93-38AE768D898F Governor Togiola Tulafono and First Lady Mary Ann joined other governors and spouses at the White House on Sunday for a state dinner hosted by President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. 26 Feb 2008 23:09:27 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/gov_wh_dinner.htm 42CB4C1B-65F6-41BB-A571-CA7417CB0886 Governor Togiola Tulafono today joined the nation's governors to kick-off a celebration commemorating the National Governors Association's (NGA) 100th anniversary in Washington DC. 26 Feb 2008 23:09:03 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/nga100.htm A8172204-250A-4282-929B-85FF89527BEE The official statement of the American Samoa Government was made known by Lt. Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia when he appeared at the minimum wage field hearing of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs held at the Governor H. Rex Lee Auditorium today. 26 Feb 2008 03:50:36 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/minwage_impact.htm B35AB184-9076-49FA-93C3-5DD6702E52C3 The American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency will be hosting the “Enforcement and Compliance Training” in collaboration with the USEPA Office of Criminal Enforcement, Forensics, and Training (OCEFT) – Criminal Investigation Division (CID), at the Fagatele Bay Convention Center on February 25-28, 2008. 26 Feb 2008 03:50:14 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/asepa_compliance.htm 58C013C5-7082-4641-BFE3-A87038EFA999 The United States Environmental Protection Agency has reported that overall, American Samoa has the least amount of toxic releases of any US state or territory, meaning that the territory ranks the lowest in total releases from 56 states and territories. 26 Feb 2008 03:49:53 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/usepa_lowtoxic.htm B6C24BD4-4D46-499B-B0B9-31A8DA3FB9EF Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia officially welcomed Congresswoman Donna Christensen of the U.S. Virgin Islands to American Samoa in a brief ceremony at the airport tonight. 26 Feb 2008 02:30:24 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/lt_welcomes_christensen.htm DDA1A8C7-C143-4E19-9E1E-B418AFAC1DB5 Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia today announced that Governor Togiola Tulafono arrived this morning in Washington DC to attend meetings, which include the National Governors Association (NGA) Winter Meeting. 26 Feb 2008 01:07:54 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/gov_in_dc.htm 5DE06E94-8EAB-46F5-8D4A-CF358E583E08 The Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL) has issued a statement announcing the acceptance of applications for the annual Pacific Teacher Scholarships (2008-2009). 24 Feb 2008 23:21:56 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/prel_teacher_scholarships.htm C6A7EF6D-732F-451D-BAD8-C5121B1171D3 The local impact of the federal minimum wage law has made its way to Washington DC and the issue is set to be discussed on February 28 before the US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. 24 Feb 2008 23:21:40 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/minwage_impact.htm 994D8405-0B3A-4585-A99A-6ABADA4A958A Lt. Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia has announced that the invitation calling on local residents to submit designs for the territorial quarter netted a total of 55 submissions. 24 Feb 2008 23:21:23 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/quarter_submissions.htm C71ABA60-449C-4114-892C-5FA32544F61A Proud residents, Fono representatives, and officials from the American Samoa Power Authority were able to witness the official opening of the new cement road in Fagasa that was designed and constructed by ASPA. 24 Feb 2008 23:21:09 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/aspa_newroad.htm DC1F9128-3C64-4D78-B530-84C4AF4E22A6 The American Samoa Power Authority intends to adopt interconnection and net energy metering laws (“the Policy”) to be codified in the American Samoa Administrative Code (ASAC) on or about March 11, 2008. 24 Feb 2008 23:20:43 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/aspa_notice.htm C7AF9FBB-8491-45EE-A4AC-568C5DABCC88 The Board of Higher Education, which oversees the American Samoa Community College, is currently advertising the ASCC president post. 24 Feb 2008 23:20:23 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/looking_for_new_ascc_pres.htm A6E2AC40-9612-44AF-912C-93846AC8D464 Motorists and pedestrians can now enjoy a smoother ride and a more pleasant stroll in Taputimu village, thanks to the successful completion of the 5,000-foot two-lane loop road that veers off the main village road heading seaward. 24 Feb 2008 23:20:00 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/taputimu_road.htm 5A54DA52-30BD-4178-94A7-80C99DE405EA Lt. Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia has announced the selection of 23-year-old Petti Tagipo Matila as intern to U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI) in Washington DC. Matila is currently employed as an administrative assistant for the US Department of Interior’s local field office. 24 Feb 2008 23:19:42 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/intern_selected.htm 002948E4-04DD-4D8C-9A3B-D5CBE819B3FA The Shoreline Protection Project in Vatia is finally completed, with Lt. Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia presiding over the official but brief dedication ceremony that was well attended by Vatia residents and government officials on Feb. 13 24 Feb 2008 23:18:11 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/vatia_seawall.htm 7CACE010-E0C0-452E-B193-23C1B9112214 Manager of the DPS Office of Motor Vehicles and wife of Acting Governor Fepulea’i Afa Ripley, Mrs. Marie Ripley, cut the ceremonial ribbon which officially marked the opening of the new lecture hall at the American Samoa Community College in Mapusaga earlier this month. 24 Feb 2008 23:17:15 GMT E52BB9F7-E620-414E-8F4B-767400776056 Over 250 pieces of artwork prepared by the territory’s youngest artists are currently on display at the Jean P. Haydon Museum in Fagatogo as part of American Samoa’s annual Children’s Art Show. 24 Feb 2008 23:16:55 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/kids_art.htm 31DFDAB4-8A10-4BAF-A894-36C45A227904 After garnering unanimous confirmation from both the Senate and the House of Representatives, Gaea Perefoti Failautusi is now the new Treasurer for the American Samoa Government, replacing former ASG Treasurer Velega Savali who was terminated by Governor Togiola Tulafono last month. 24 Feb 2008 23:16:39 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/new_treasurer.htm 4972FBE7-38B5-43DE-B4FB-3A8C5D5237D4 Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia today appeared at minimum wage field hearing of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs at Fale Laumei in Utulei. 23 Feb 2008 21:48:29 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/minwage_hearing.htm A00DD0A3-F507-4781-9F3B-8155344E997E Newsletter in pdf 22 Feb 2008 06:35:25 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/tap_08.htm 9638DCFB-53EF-456F-A05A-4970E98C8E06 A bill seeking an approval to purchase a computer networking system for the Land Grant at the American Samoa Community College has been unanimously approved by the House of Representatives. The Senate is yet to make their decision. 20 Feb 2008 19:47:22 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/landgrant_computer_approved.htm AA248F38-45CA-49BD-A97F-CAF6ACF07262 EFFECTIVE MONDAY, FEB. 11, 2008, the Systems Advancement and Family Assistance Branch of the Social Services Division, including CHILD CARE, DATA SYSTEMS, FINANCE & SPF SIG units, will be located at the Lumana’i Building, upstairs from the Post Office in rooms LB# 117 & 118. For more information, please call 633-2696/633-7506 20 Feb 2008 19:47:02 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/dhss_relocation.htm 2D228125-0513-4400-B120-8F361D8FC15A A half dozen members of the House of Representatives are supporting a proposed bill calling for the Attorney General of the American Samoa Government to be elected, instead of appointed by the Governor as is the current practice. 20 Feb 2008 19:46:45 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/ag_elected.htm 01FE7DD8-3F28-4D28-BA90-3EBDF654B755 Lt. Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia submitted to the Fono earlier this month the ‘Advance Directive Bill,’ a measure that recognizes and validates the wishes of individuals regarding their own health care under local laws. 20 Feb 2008 19:46:09 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/advance_directive.htm 9DCDCF56-6886-430F-A572-DC8C10D8802A Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia announces 55 submissions of designs for a Territorial Quarter (25 cent coin), were received by the Office of the Governor. 20 Feb 2008 19:05:24 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/quarter_submissions.htm 0F17B381-AE19-4FBB-B353-6EAFE1BB7B09 Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia departed the Territory on Sunday night to visit Governor Togiola Tulafono and attend a retirement fund investors meeting in Honolulu. Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi has appointed Attorney General Fepulea’i Afa Ripley as Acting Governor. 20 Feb 2008 02:36:55 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/lt_to_hnl.htm 3F85BA33-04E6-480F-BBC3-882941FDE92A Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia dedicated the completion of the Taputimu Village Loop Road at a ceremony today. 17 Feb 2008 21:17:08 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/taputimu_loop.htm C8D63DF8-4CC7-4547-AFDD-4D6DBADF397A Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia today welcomed German cruise liner “Amadea” on its very first visit to American Samoa. 17 Feb 2008 03:56:33 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/amadea.htm 2370DA9E-AF61-4253-96CD-D0420FD04D09 Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia today announced the selection of Ms. Petti Tagipo Matila, 23, as Intern to U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI) in Washington DC. 17 Feb 2008 03:56:09 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/inouye_intern.htm 59C86883-12A2-4D22-9008-48B2B5471F6A Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia today dedicated the completion of the Shoreline Protection Project in Vatia. 14 Feb 2008 23:32:08 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/vatia_seawall.htm FDEEDE51-D426-401C-A39F-40D959EF39A4 Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia returned to the Territory on Sunday night from Honolulu after visiting with Governor Togiola Tulafono, who is making great progress in his recovery. 14 Feb 2008 23:31:50 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/gov_recup_well.htm 24B1C18E-51C2-4E61-B0F7-8428EC6F69D8 Newsletter in pdf 14 Feb 2008 22:52:50 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/Tapuitea_current.pdf 5705B308-EE65-4BB4-BEA0-AA39A9E43F21 The American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (AS-EPA) and the Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) are proposing to amend the “Safe Drinking Water” regulations. 14 Feb 2008 22:51:53 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/safe_water.htm 92F00B09-7504-4306-898B-B9DEDCE2F91D It seems like all the prayers and support for Governor Togiola Tulafono have paid off, as the Chief Executive has been released from the hospital and, according to Lt. Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia, is “recuperating well.” 14 Feb 2008 22:51:31 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/gov_recup_well.htm 9C790A2C-2DD4-4D03-9F52-C8B08CB52955 After garnering unanimous confirmation from both the Senate and the House of Representatives, Gaea Perefoti Failautusi is now the new Treasurer for the American Samoa Government, replacing former ASG Treasurer Velega Savali who was terminated by Governor Togiola Tulafono last month. 14 Feb 2008 22:51:12 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/new_treasurer.htm 3BFAB698-5627-4D27-B5E5-7129184433B0 Lt. Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia has proclaimed the month of February as Children’s Dental Health Month throughout the territory. 14 Feb 2008 22:50:33 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/dent_health_month.htm 281F4A77-F98C-4595-B4DF-431B4D9ADE8F Motorists who have made it a habit to overtake school buses could face jail time and a hefty fine if a proposed bill calling for such penalties gets approval from the Fono. 14 Feb 2008 22:49:15 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/on_overtaking_school_buses.htm B62C0D68-BD76-4CB1-A328-DE426B4C95C9 The Governor’s Minimum Wage Task Force has submitted a report that recommends an end to the escalating clause, saying that its continuance “will cause additional capital outlay in wage levels within all industries across the board in American Samoa.” 14 Feb 2008 22:48:09 GMT 3B2A62C1-986F-4C2C-A181-11A09102EB67 Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia returned to the Territory on Sunday night from Honolulu after visiting with Governor Togiola Tulafono, who is making great progress in his recovery. 13 Feb 2008 21:18:22 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/gov_recup_well.htm 07AD84E9-282A-4C0C-BD3C-872ACB6AB5AD Governor Togiola Tulafono has been discharged from Straub Hospital in Honolulu and is now reported to be recovering well. 11 Feb 2008 20:09:11 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/gov_released.htm 6444735B-AA44-4293-8FBF-12DD585DBEC4 American Samoa will get an increase of more than $200K from the Department of Interior’s budget for fiscal year (FY) 2009. This is according to the DOI’s FY 2009 budget proposal which was released in Washington on Monday, Feb. 4 11 Feb 2008 20:08:47 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/doi_increase.htm D49BFCC3-52D1-4978-9B68-6655F487C622 Officers from the Compliance Unit of the Department of Human and Social Services will be out conducting mandatory inspections of different stores around the territory, to ensure that vendors are selling tobacco products in accordance with the law. 11 Feb 2008 20:08:16 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/tobacco_law.htm 368C61CC-0F28-4EEA-9F7B-FA6ED0CEC293 Weekly Newsletter pdf 7 Feb 2008 20:31:11 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/Tapuitea_current.pdf 4C41F0CC-52A0-4C93-A303-F847921B5876 Acting Governor Fepulea’i Afa Ripley today joined government and church leaders for the second annual Territorial Prayer Breakfast. 7 Feb 2008 05:10:02 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/prayer_break_today.htm 66F0F6AE-2E1B-4672-98F7-7C08C4B18E3D Acting Governor Fepulea’i Afa Ripley today announced that Governor Togiola Tulafono was discharged from Straub Hospital in Honolulu on Monday night. 7 Feb 2008 05:09:42 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/gov_discharged_straub.htm 8B023F3F-8A89-495C-B6CF-4F29C9EDC392 By the end of 2007, the American Samoa Government managed to bank over $2 million in local funds. As a matter of fact, for the month of December, ASG collected approximately $7,638,668 in local funds, which was actually $1.5 million more than the budgeted revenue of $6,131,917. 7 Feb 2008 05:08:56 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/ASG07close.htm 603A4871-05C3-4792-BC67-8AAD74215969 The Senate has approved a bill that amends the law which created the $20-million-dollar loan. The amended bill includes three projects that are not listed in the original legislation that created the loan which was approved by both the Fono and Governor Togiola Tulafono last year. 7 Feb 2008 05:08:34 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/3projects.htm BECB330A-C324-4A3C-8DE4-86E82FCF3E4A When 2007 came to a close, the American Samoa Government recorded expenditures amounting to $4,972,892 which is a big decrease in spending compared to the same time in the two previous years. 7 Feb 2008 05:08:13 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/asg_drops_spending.htm BB145362-A755-4CD7-BB85-55851E719FCD The American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) wishes to inform the residents of American Samoa about the hazards associated with water system cross-connections and piping system backflow potential, which are two key concepts in maintaining a community-wide potable water distribution system. 7 Feb 2008 00:36:26 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/asepa_potable.htm CBFC4485-F84F-4433-BE7C-871B7382B42D The Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources has completed a draft of the Community-Based Fisheries Management Program regulations. The document is available for public review, and comments are welcomed until February 25, 2008 at 4 p.m. 7 Feb 2008 00:36:04 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/dmwp_fisheries.htm 92D588E7-3C8F-415F-9AFE-CA298034AC6E Lt. Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia has appointed ASG Attorney General Fepulea’i Afa Ripley as Acting Governor. In a general memorandum announcing the appointment, Ipulasi said this means Fepulea’i “shall act as Governor” until either he or Governor Togiola Tulafono returns to the territory. 1 Feb 2008 22:51:29 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/lt_departs.htm 50FC776E-CD78-4155-AE63-970F1AD40F8F From now until Feb. 8, all groups interested in performing for the 35th Annual Flag Day Performing Arts Festival can sign up and register at the Jean P. Hayden Museum in Fagatogo. 1 Feb 2008 22:51:09 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/fday_registration.htm A4B8A800-78EF-42B5-87D4-439F437883E2 The visual arts subcommittee for the 10th Pacific Festival of the Arts will be hosting a local aiga bus competition scheduled to take place Feb. 18, the holiday marking George Washington’s birthday. 1 Feb 2008 22:50:49 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/bus_competition.htm 19AF24ED-5854-412E-BF44-673A1828871F Nearly $1 million worth of tax refund checks were released this past Monday, in the first batch of refunds that will be issued during this year’s tax filing season. 1 Feb 2008 22:49:58 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/tax_refunds.htm BD4103B2-B762-462F-9E72-50FE90BE6AAD President of the Development Bank of American Samoa Utu Abe Malae explained that in 2007, DBAS took in $3 million dollars worth of applications “but will only be able to fund (really ‘provide services’ for) about $750K of those applications. 1 Feb 2008 19:36:38 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/hud_corrected.htm 51F2DEC8-6241-44B5-BE45-E24B48BEDA07 President of the Development Bank of American Samoa Utu Abe Malae explained that in 2007, DBAS took in $3 million dollars worth of applications “but will only be able to fund (really ‘provide services’ for) about $750K of those applications. 1 Feb 2008 19:36:05 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/hud_corrected.htm 99CB782E-3A08-4CD5-9C7B-2E3E990759AF The Development Bank of American Samoa recently received a total of $172,500 worth of grant funds from the US Department of Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs. 1 Feb 2008 04:20:23 GMT 319F3924-C4DA-46A5-B432-818129F54B5D Various miscellaneous items like old computers, chairs, desks, and printers will be auctioned off by the Office of Property Management on Thursday, February 7, 2008 beginning at 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. 1 Feb 2008 04:20:05 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/auction.htm F63917F9-A7E9-451B-A4D1-422C98D87E06 With Flag Day less than 3 months away, the Office of Samoan Affairs is ahead of its game, already announcing its plans and preparations for entertainment, activities, and sporting events to mark the territory’s birthday. 1 Feb 2008 04:19:47 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/flagday_planning.htm E05EE991-2413-4E59-BE77-7AA96C498BC7 American Samoa’s very own Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary is among 14 United States sites to be included on a new US World Heritage Tentative List. Popular US World Heritage sites include Yellowstone National Park, the Everglades, and the Statue of Liberty. 1 Feb 2008 04:19:16 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/fagatele_heritage.htm 36353F97-C07D-41C2-9105-8FEF7035A1EA Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia has appointed Attorney General Fepulea’i Afa Ripley as Acting Governor when he travels tonight to Honolulu to visit Governor Togiola Tulafono at Straub Hospital, and then continue on to Washington DC for a meeting. 1 Feb 2008 04:18:22 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/news08/lt_visit_gov.htm B5CF83DA-FF93-46FB-A0FB-F5F884442802 Former president of the American Samoa Community College Dr. Adele Satele-Galea’i has been honored by the upper chamber of the local Legislature through an approved concurrent resolution that commends and honors her work as both a public servant and local educator. 1 Feb 2008 03:46:24 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/satele_honored.htm FBFF423B-2603-48FA-9235-3224CB756088 (Local Democratic Party to select delegates for National Convention) This year, American Samoa will play a bigger role than it ever has, in deciding who will be the democratic presidential candidate for the US presidency race. 1 Feb 2008 03:45:50 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/delegate_vote.htm 76279AC0-5F8E-453C-A337-DBF6480F3546 The temporary Farmer’s Market officially opened today with a brief ceremony led by Acting Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia and attended by Pago Pago village officials including Secretary of Samoan Affairs PC Mauga Tasi Asuega, Rep. Fiasili Puni Haleck, and HC Asuega Faamamata Lauvai. 1 Feb 2008 03:38:32 GMT http://americansamoa.gov/tap08/temp_mkt.htm 3CAAC856-367B-416C-BA09-CEE7FA741214