March 2009
03/25/2009 - DHR announces openings for WIA Summer Youth Program
The Department of Human Resources’ Employee Development and Training Division has slots available for the Workforce in Action (WIA) Summer Youth Program. The purpose of the program is to provide academic and occupational skills,...
03/23/2009 - Territory to observe World TB Day
American Samoa will be observing World TB Day on March 24, per a declaration by Governor Togiola Tulafono.
03/21/2009 - Governor names two appointees to the Survey Board
Governor Togiola Tulafono has appointed Fatulegae’e Mauga and Niumata Malo to the Survey Board.
03/21/2009 - Togiola appoints members of Juvenile Justice Advisory Council
Governor Togiola Tulafono recently appointed 19 individuals to the Juvenile Justice Advisory Council, each serving for a term of two years.
03/17/2009 - House of Representatives introduces legislation seeking $5 mil for off-island referral program
Seven members of the House of Representatives are sponsoring a bill seeking to allocate $5 million in order to provide appropriate funding for the off-island medical referral program. The allocation is to fund the overruns incurred for FY 2007 and 2008, as well as the remainder of FY 2009.
03/16/2009 - DOE inviting public comments on special education funding application
The American Samoa Department of Education’s Division of Special Education has for public review, its application for funding under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) with the US Department of Education.
03/15/2009 - DYWA and OSA to launch Mulumuluga-veve Project this Saturday
The Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs, in conjunction with the Office of Samoan Affairs, will launch the Mulumuluga-veve Project at Su’igaula Park (Utulei Beach) on Saturday, March 21, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
03/10/2009 - Territory awarded federal funds for emergency food and shelter national board program
American Samoa has been chosen to receive $209,475 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs. The local board will determine how the awarded funds are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs ...
03/09/2009 - Territory to get over $400K for employment programs
More than $400,000 of the US Labor Department’s share of the federal stimulus recovery package will be given to American Samoa.
03/08/2009 - Stimulus Recovery Bill to benefit local residents who receive social security
Locals who are recipients of social security benefits may qualify to receive a one-time payment from the Social Security Administration (SSA) under a provision of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, commonly referred to as the stimulus recovery bill.
03/07//2009 - ASEPA announces annual request for comments
The American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (AS-EPA) has developed the AS-EPA Nearshore Marine Water Quality Monitoring Plan that addresses the need to monitor for nonpoint source pollution in American Samoa. A main group of pollutants...
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03/05/2009 - Governor’s Office staffer appointed to federal panel
Governor Togiola Tulafono’s senior policy advisor, Dr. Oreta Togafau, has been appointed as one of seven new members of the Advisory Committee on Minority Health for the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
03/04/2009 - Local students have opportunity to get a sneak peek of health careers next month
Any local high school student interested in a career in health is eligible to apply for the Spring Health Careers Program scheduled to take place from April 23-25.
03/03/2009 - March proclaimed as American Red Cross Month in the territory
Governor Togiola Tulafono has proclaimed the month of March 2009 as American Red Cross Month in the territory.
03/02/2009 - American Samoa mourns death of traditional leader
Paramount Chief and Senator Tuitele T. Tuitele passed away peacefully at his Leone home on Sunday, March 1, less than a week before his 62nd birthday.
03/01/2009 - President Obama and Faleomavaega announce release of $1.3 million for American Samoa health center
US President Barack Obama and Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin have announced the release of $1.3 million authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, that will support one health center in American Samoa.
February 2009
02/28/2009 - Lolo Moliga given the nod as new Development Bank of American Samoa presiden
Former Senate President Lolo Moliga of Sili, Manu’a was approved unanimously by the Senate (16-0) as the new president of the Development Bank of American Samoa. Lolo replaces Senator Utu Abe Malae who resigned from the post last year to run as Governor in the general election.
02/27/2009 - Faleomavaega, Governor Togiola, and local Close-Up students witness hearing before the Natural Resources’ Subcommittee on Insular Affairs and Oceans and Wildlife
Close Up students from the Pacific territories, including American Samoa were in Washington, DC during a hearing before the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Insular Affairs and Oceans and Wildlife, where they reportedly gave an impressive performance.
02/26/2009 - Local residents qualify for tax credit under federal stimulus law
Local taxpayers will not be receiving rebate checks like last year but instead, they qualify for a tax credit, under a provision of the new federal stimulus law. The tax credit applies to tax years 2009 and 2010.
02/26/2009 -ASPA and ASEPA join forces in the fight against dengue
In an effort to rid homes and businesses of discarded tires which have become breeding grounds for the dengue-carrying mosquitoes, the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) and the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (AS-EPA) ...
02/24/2009 - Arts Council offering mini grant up to $1,000 for local schoolteachers
All local schoolteachers interested in coordinating student art projects geared towards promoting the Samoan culture and traditions can receive up to $1,000 to help fund their projects, thanks to a program available through the local Arts Council.
02/23/2009 - Remainder of DOE school bus order arrives in the territory
The Transportation Division of the Department of Education will be getting the last six of the ten school buses that are part of the school bus order funded with $1 million from the $20-million-dollar loan ...
02/12/2009 - DOC to submit request to HUD for reprogramming of CDBG funding
Director of Commerce Faleseu Eliu Paopao has issued a public notice advising the community that a request will be submitted to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to reprogram ...
02/11/2009 - Registration dates announced for this year’s Flag Day Festival
It’s that time of year again! The American Samoa Council on Arts, Culture, and Humanities will be sponsoring the 36th Annual Flag Day Performing Arts Festival at the Pavilion - Malaeoletalu, Fagatogo on April 13-15.
02/10/2009 - Procurement and Voc Rehab team up to help physically challenged young people
The Procurement Office and Office of Vocational Rehabilitation have joined forces to offer a program that places high school students who are emotionally and physically challenged into a working environment like the ASG so they can get a jump start on a career through the development of job skills.
02/09/2009 - USDA releases preliminary report for local WIC program funding
Preliminary figures from the United States Department of Agriculture reveal that for fiscal year (FY) 2008, American Samoa received $5.4 million for ‘food costs’ for the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program which is administered locally by the Department of Human and Social Services.
02/08/2009 - DYWA looking for local artist to produce official office logo
The Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs (DYWA) is inviting all local artists and members of the general public, especially youth and women, to participate in designing the department’s official logo.
02/07/2009 -DYWA to offer rehabilitation program for teen mothers
The Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs will begin offering the Teen Pregnancy Rehabilitation Program on February 20 from 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. at a location yet to be announced.
02/06/2009 - Governor explains problem with school bus fumes
Governor Togiola Tulafono says the black ball of smoke and fumes being emitted from some of the new school buses recently purchased by the Department of Education are not manufacturing problems but instead, are a result of ...
02/05/2009 - Money is now available for educational and environmental projects
The Governor’s Coral Reef Advisory Group (CRAG) is encouraging local teachers to apply for the Teachers Challenge Award, which allows educators who are interested in creating unique classroom education projects with a marine science and coral ecosystem theme to do so without having to use personal funds.
02/04/2009 -Voc Rehab staff undergo training to better assist residents with disabilities
Vocational Rehabilitation Office Manager Apisa Pete Galea'i and his staff took part in a staff development training today at the Goat Island Cafe conference room at Sadie's By the Sea in Utulei.
02/02/2009 - DPS gets grant to improve DUI enforcement
The Department of Public Safety has been awarded a sub-grant of approximately $44,000 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Office of Highway Safety to purchase equipment that will be primarily used for the enforcement of laws pertaining to Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and other traffic infractions.
02/01/2009 - February is “Parental Involvement in Education Month”
Governor Togiola Tulafono has proclaimed February as “Parental Involvement in Education Month,” and he encourages all parents and guardians to be active participants in their child’s education to positively impact their ...
January 2009
01-29 Construction of women’s quarters at the Tafuna Correctional Facility complete
Governor Togiola Tulafono joined Acting Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety Tuaolo M. Fruean to dedicate the new women's quarters at the Tafuna Correctional Facility today.
01/26/2009 - PC Tufele Li’amatua sworn in as Secretary of Samoan Affairs
Former Manu’a District Governor PC Tufele Li’amatua was officially sworn in as the Secretary of Samoan Affairs/Director of the Department of Local Government this morning during a brief ceremony held at the Governor’s Office on the third floor...
01/26/2009 - Five ASG directors sworn in during brief ceremony at the Governor’s Office
American Samoa Government directors that were recently confirmed by the Fono took the oath of office administered by Governor Togiola Tulafono today during a brief ceremony held at the Governor’s Office.
01/25/2009 - ASG vessels heading for Hawaii to undergo inspections
The government-owned MV Sili will be towing the MV Manu’atele to the Aloha State on January 30 to undergo major repairs and inspections to be conducted by the United States Coast Guard and the American Bureau of Shipping.
01/22/2009 -Velega Savali Jr. sworn in as senator for Manu’a District #2
The membership of the Senate for the current Legislature is now complete, after former ASG Treasurer Velega Savali Jr. was sworn in to occupy the seat for Manu’a District #2.
01-20 Dr. Claire Tuia Poumele confirmed by the Fono, will remain DOE director
Director of Education Dr. Claire Tuia Poumele has been confirmed by both chambers of the local Legislature, meaning she will continue to serve as DOE director for the next four years.
01-19 Governor Togiola is the first head of government to own a hybrid vehicle
Local residents used to seeing the Governor and First Lady being driven around in a big black sport utility vehicle are not aware that the Chief Executive is now being transported in a hybrid vehicle, a Toyota Prius.
01-18 USDHS releases over $600K in communication grant funding for American Samoa
The US Department of Homeland Security (ESDHS) is immediately releasing more than $600,000 in communications grant funding for the territory, in what is being considered a reward for the territory’s “significant” improvement ...
01-17 Magalei Logovi’i confirmed as new ASG Treasurer
Former Budget Office director Magalei Logovi’i who was appointed by Governor Togiola Tulafono to serve as Treasurer for the American Samoa Government has received unanimous confirmation from both the Senate and the House
01/16/09 ASPA schedules town hall meeting to discuss comprehensive rate study
The American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) will present the draft findings of their comprehensive rate study for electric, water, wastewater, and solid waste rates during a “town hall” meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 20 at the Goat Island Café ...
01/15/09 Senate standing committees for 31st Legislature approved
Senate President Gaoteote Palaie Tofau presented to the members of the Senate the list of standing committees, their chairs and members, all of which have been approved by the Fono’s upper chamber.
01-13 Swearing-in ceremony for local officials held at Samoan Affairs
Governors for the Eastern, Western, and Manu’a Districts were sworn into office today by Associate Judge Logoai Siaki during a brief ceremony at the Office of Samoan Affairs in Utulei.
01-13 History is made in the House of Representatives, each faipule chairs a standing committee
Returning Speaker of the House Savali Talavou Ale made good on his announcement that he wants the new legislature to work together in peace by increasing the number of standing committees so that each faipule, a few of whom are first-time lawmakers, chairs a committee.
01-11 Deadline for Democratic National Committee internship applications is January 15
Chairman of the local Democratic Party Fagafaga Daniel Langkilde is requesting essays from students interested in applying for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) internship.
01-09 Boat owners reminded to renew registrations for the new year
Acting Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety Filifaatali M. Fuiava has issued a public notice informing all boat owners that vessel registration and renewal as required by local laws for 2009 began on the first day of January ...
01-07 PC Tufele Li’amatua appointed as Secretary of Samoan Affairs
Governor Togiola Tulafono has appointed Paramount Chief Tufele Fa'ato'ia Li'amatua as Secretary of Samoan Affairs, replacing PC Mauga Tasi Asuega.
01-05 US President Bush designates Rose Atoll as Marine National Monument
Governor Togiola Tulafono’s wish to designate the Rose Atoll as a marine national monument has been granted after US President George Bush named the Rose Atoll one of the new Marine National Monuments...
01-03 College scholarships now available for students with parents with disabilities
Through the Looking Glass (TLG) has announced that there are new scholarships specifically for high school seniors and college students who have parents with disabilities
01-02 Nearly a year later, new 2009 American Samoa quarter design announced
The United States Mint has advised Governor Togiola Tulafono that the American Samoa quarter is one of the six new designs for the 25-cent coin that will be issued this year to honor the District of Columbia and the five US territories...
01-01 Governor signs bill giving each of the territory’s three districts $1 million
The three districts of American Samoa (Eastern, Western, Manu’a) will each receive $1 million for capital improvement projects.
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December 2008
12-31 Territory allocated $600K for driver’s license security program
An allocation of $600,000 for FY 2009 is available for American Samoa for the Driver’s License Security Grant Program under the US Department of Homeland Security.
12-30 USDOJ releases updated statistics on FY 08 grant programs
The US Department of Justice has released updated statistics on two grant programs that were awarded to American Samoa and other US jurisdictions in fiscal year 2008. The USDOJ is now accepting applications...
12-28 DPS Chief of Police Leseiau completes CCRM Course in Honolulu
Police Chief Vaitoelau Tiamo Laumoli, a senior law enforcement officer with the Department of Public Safety graduated from the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies “Comprehensive Crisis...
12-26 Local Dept. of Education names winners of first annual Health Challenge
Elementary Schools from across the territory were represented by talented young students during the first annual Health Challenge hosted by the local Department of Education late last month at the Tafuna High School cafeteria.
12-25 LBJ Hospital offering financial assistance programs for residents and non-residents
If you didn’t already know, the LBJ Tropical Medical Center provides a sliding scale discount rate for all medical services for non-residents only. (This excludes pharmacy services).
12-24 District Court will not renew permits for commercial drivers with outstanding fines and bench warrants
The District Court of American Samoa has issued a notice advising all commercial drivers that their permits will expire on December 31, 2008 and as part of the permit renewal process, commercial drivers will be required to obtain a copy of their driver’s record from the District Court’s Violation’s Bureau.
12-23 DOE central office project breaks ground, set for completion August ‘09
The Department of Education’s central office in Utulei is expected to be fully completed and ready for occupancy by August 2009. Governor Togiola Tulafono said breaking ground for the new DOE office is a sign of ...
12-23 ASPA awarded grant of $1.4 million to connect western district villages to public water system
The American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) has been awarded a grant of $1.43 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to connect the outlying villages of Fagali’i, Malota, and Fagamalo to ...
12-18 ASPA will take over house-to-house solid waste collection beginning next year
The American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) will begin house-to-house solid waste (or garbage) collection for residential homes beginning Jan. 2, 2009.
12-17 Gov. Togiola writes to Congress in support of AS tax incentive package
Governor Togiola Tulafono has sent a request to Congressional leaders requesting that American Samoa be included in any economic recovery legislation that is considered in the near future.
12-15 ASPA and SPA enter into solar energy data sharing agreement
A data-sharing agreement between the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) and South Pacific Academy (SPA) was recently finalized, laying the groundwork for a ten-year solar energy project between the two entities. |
