C Y M K Local study linking tattoos and a robust immune system Le ASNOC hoping to establish first local Media Commish 3 Lali B1 THE CONVERSATION 4 21-year-old Faavale Aiga Muipu of Aua, a 2013 graduate of Samoana High School, died while visiting Washington state. She was allegedly shot by her boyfriend, who is from Aoa. [Courtesy photo] ONLINE @ SAMOANEWS.COM DAILY CIRCULATION 7,000 PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA MONDAY, JULY 10, 2017 $1.00 C Y M K ASPA dedicates its new Operations Center building AWAITING LEED PLATINUM RATING CERTIFICATION by Fili Sagapolutele Samoa News Correspondent The American Samoa Power Authority s new $4.6 million Operations Center building at its Tafuna compound is designed to be LEED platinum rating certified, using renewable energy, and ASPA executive director, Utu Abe Malae says ASPA hopes to get the certification soon, making it the second LEED platinum building in American Samoa. The dedication ceremony last Friday morning was attended by Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga, First Lady Cynthia Malala Moliga, Secretary of Samoan Affairs Mauga T. Asuega, some lawmakers, Pulu Ae Ae Jr, who represented Congresswoman Aumua Amata, traditional leaders and cabinet members. ASPA CEO OVERVIEW The ASPA CEO said local construction company, Paramount Builders Inc., was the general contractor, while Honolulu-based Lively & Associates came up with the architectural and design work. The art work was done by local artist Reggie Meredith. (In brief remarks during the program, Papali i Lauli i Alofa thanked Lolo and Utu for supporting local contractors such as Paramount for these types of projects. He said Utu raised the bar with this work and helped in moving the project forward to a successful completion. Lolo later told the audience that behind every successful story, there are people who push the wheelbarrow and swing the hammer to bring out that success. ) The new building, for which the US Federal Emergency Management Agency provided $3.73 million in funding while ASPA provided $873,000, replaces the one in Satala that was destroyed by the Sept. 29, 2009 tsunami. Utu thanked Lolo for the support in moving this project forward and also credited former Gov. Togiola Tulafono, who spearheaded this project, as well as the new Satala Power Plant commissioned last month. For the general contractor, Utu said Paramount Builders figuratively, or metaphorically and literally did all the heavy lifting. So this is a very interesting project from the design, construction, the art work, the theme, the landscaping, the conservation and recovery of resources such as surface water, the PV roof panels, the computer design roof line that does not follow conventional reef lines, so it s a bit difficult at times for the contractor to try to make this into a reality. Utu said. He said the ASPA structure will be the second platinum certified LEED building in the territory (they are hoping to get certification in a couple of months) with the first being the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency building in Utulei. A certified LEED platinum building means it meets the highest criteria for an energy efficient building. That means, netzero energy, all the energy for this building will be produced from the building itself, he explained and said the building (Continued on page 11) Fatal shooting in Washington state claims life of Aua girl by Samoa News Staff Last Tuesday, July 4th, while hundreds of Samoans in the Federal Way area of Washington state were celebrating the holiday with family and friends, cops were on the move, investigating reports of a shooting at the Club Palisades apartment complex on South Star Lake Road. According to news reports, a 23-year-old Samoan man was arrested that same day for allegedly shooting his girlfriend, a Samoan girl, who was visiting from out of state. What exactly transpired moments before the shooting is unclear. Federal Way police spokeswoman Cathy Schrock said that at about 9:50 a.m. Tuesday, officers were sent to investigate a report of a self-inflicted gunshot incident. The victim, 21, was rushed to Seattle s Harborview Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Unfortunately, she didn t make it. According to news reports, after investigating, detectives determined that the victim s boyfriend, a 23-year-old Federal Way resident, shot the victim. The suspect was then booked into the King County Jail on assault charges. However, since the victim later died as a result of the shooting, it is expected that additional more serious charges may be filed. While news reports from the Emerald City did not identify the victim or the suspect by name, dozens of posts on social media indicate that the victim is 21-year-old Faavale Aiga Muipu of Aua, a 2013 graduate of Samoana High School, and the suspect is her boyfriend, 23-year-old Chris Tavita from Aoa. Messages of condolences for Muipu s family (Continued on page 13) American Samoa Power Authority staff pose for a Samoa News photo last Friday morning before the dedication of the new $4.6 million ASPA Operations Center building in Tafuna. Lolo praised Utu, the Board, and ASPA employees for their dedicated work in moving the Territory forward in a series of steps to success. [photo: FS]
Page 2 samoa news, Monday, July 10, 2017 ASG Revenue Task Force chairman, Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo Ale, speaking at last Thursday s briefing of lawmakers on upcoming proposed measures, which would hike some taxes, but repeal others as well as update the local tax code. [photo: FS] New taxes being proposed, repealing others, updating individual income tax table by Fili Sagapolutele Samoa News Corespondents The Lolo Administration is proposing to amend existing tax laws, such as updating the current individual income tax table, which has remained the same since 2000, as well as repealing the 2% wage tax, while proposing new tax laws such as a 7% sales tax that will apply to goods but not services. The administration s proposed legislative agenda to be sent to the Fono when lawmakers convene today to start the Second Regular Session of the 35th Legislature, was revealed during a briefing of lawmakers last Thursday morning at the Fono Guest Fale. The briefing was attended by Fono leaders and several lawmakers, Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga, cabinet directors, and members of the ASG Revenue Task Force, chaired by Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo Ale who explained that the proposed amendments to current tax law, includes tax reliefs returning money to the hands of the consumer while the new proposed law will provide additional revenues for the government. Lolo told the gathering that American Samoa needs to expand its revenue base in order to depend on itself and not the federal government, which is facing its own financial woes. (See Samoa News online Friday for details), In the task force presentation, Talauega explained that the team was tasked by the governor to look at existing laws and ways to change collecting revenues, so that there is less dependence on federal money, which over the years appears to be decreasing annually. He said the task force looked at a multi-year plan to improve local revenue generation and this was also the governor s wishes, not to find a quick fix solution for just one year but a long term plan. So the task force looked at 5 to 10 years ahead for planning, Talauega said, adding that the task force identified existing laws to be amended. He said the task force looked at repealing current tax laws that are a burden on the community, such as the 2% wage tax, 5% miscellaneous excise tax, and updating the current tax table for individuals that has been frozen, or remained the same, since 2000. The task force looked at all areas to improve [ASG s] financial status, he said, adding that the proposed amendments to current laws as well as new laws were all to be submitted to the Fono by last Friday. AMENDING EXISTING LAWS The presentation included a visual show on screen of a total of 8 laws the task force proposes to amend. The top three deal with the 5% excise tax on non-carbonated sugary drinks, heavy construction equipment, and used vehicles, secondhand equipment. These excise taxes are collected by Customs at port. Talauega said the task force believes in enforcing laws when it comes to what they call sin items such as beer and cigarettes, and the task force believes there is a big problem with high blood pressure and other types of diseases in the territory and something needs to be done about imported goods such as sodas and sugary drinks, which are being widely sold, with some arguing that this is not soda, so it s good to drink them, it s juice but most of these items, the task force says, are sugary drinks. The task force is proposing to amend the 5% excise tax on non-carbonated sugary drinks to a 15-cent tax per 12-ounces. They estimate that the current 5% excise tax collects about $93,244 annually but under the proposed 15-cents, the estimated collection is $1.9 million, according to data shown at the meeting. For heavy construction equipment, (which currently provides about $55,494 in revenue on the 5% excise tax), the proposed tax is 25% with an estimated annual collection of $774,889 The task force is also proposing a 25% tax for used vehicles and secondhand equipment imported to the territory. The current 5% tax collects about $297,318 annually but under the proposed 25% tax, the annual collection is estimated at $516,957 Talauega said the task force, which includes Port Administration director Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Poumele, looked at port fees, to be amended, and many can be done through the regulation process, while others have to be submitted to the Fono for approval. According to the task force chart, port fees currently collect $4.55 million, but the proposed amendments would increase revenue by $2.55 million to $7.11 total annually. Talauega said many fees have not changed in the past 20 years. (It wasn t made clear at the presentation the specific fees to be hiked.) He added that the task force looked at tax relief for residents meaning returning money (Continued on page 10)
samoa news, Monday, July 10, 2017 Page 3 Local study looking at possible link between tattoos and a robust immune system by Blue Chen-Fruean Samoa News Correspondent Can tattoos make you healthier? This is a question that a current study being conducted in the territory aims to answer. Dr. Michaela Howells, an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, along with Dr. Christopher D. Lynn, Associate Professor and Director of Evolutionary Studies at the University of Alabama s College of Arts and Sciences (Department of Anthropology) are in the territory spearheading a study that could prove the common Samoan belief that tattooing a certain area of the body helps alleviate things like gout and arthritis. Getting a tattoo involves an attack on the skin, said Dr. Howells in an interview with Samoa News last Friday. When a person gets a tattoo, their immune system immediately goes to work because the skin is being attacked. According to her, a small study conducted by Dr. Lynn did prove that the immune system for those who get tattooed is stronger than those without any ink work. The goal now is to conduct the same study in American Samoa. The results of Dr. Lynn s initial study was shared by over 300 news networks across the country so this is something that we take very seriously, Dr. Howells said. The initial study looked at over two dozen test subjects who had to provide saliva samples before and after getting tattooed. Dr. Howells explained that after being tattooed, the immune system of the test subjects - based on the analysis of their saliva samples - was stronger and more robust compared to before they were tattooed. Tattoo, down to the word itself, is said to be something that originated in the Samoan Islands. It is believed that the word tattoo came from the Samoan word tatau and to this day, thousands of years after legend says two girls arrived on the shores of a village in Savaii armed with tools to carry out the job, the tradition continues. Young men and women are still getting the traditional pe a and malu, quite often looked at as a rite of passage solidifying ones journey into adulthood and his/her decision to serve and eventually lead. In addition to the traditional tatau, young people have opted to get more modern body art, like sleeves and leg pieces that incorporate tribal designs and Samoan motif. CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER TEST SUBJECTS THROUGH TO JULY 28TH Tattooing is a huge part of the Samoan culture. And that s exactly what Dr. Howells believes. According to her, the research she and Dr. Lynn are conducting has to do with learning more about the Samoan culture and eventually sharing it with the world. Dr. Howells first came to the territory in 2010 and has been all over the world studying things from chimpanzees to prenatal care and most recently, the Zika outbreak. I love the Samoan culture, she shared. Her partner, Dr. Lynn, says he started getting tattooed in 1987 when he was a high school student in Indiana. In college, he took an anthropology course in body modification and became much more fascinated by tattooing practices cross-culturally. I remember reading an article then with a quote from the famous tattoo artist Lyle Tuttle, who had been tattooed all over the world, including Samoa, who said, Tattooing has always been associated with warriors; it s possible that early man figured out that men who were tattooed had a better survival rate from wounds, because a tattoo is a wound - maybe it develops the antibody system. That always stayed with me, and I wondered if it had ever been studied, Dr. Lynn told Samoa News yesterday. He continued, With only a few exceptions, the only biological studies of tattooing that have been conducted has focused on negative things like dermatological issues associated with tattooing or associations between tattooing and drug/alcohol use or teen pregnancy. There are so many things we don t know about the biological impacts and possible benefits of tattooing. Dr. Lynn, earlier this year, put out a book and authored a chapter summarizing the biological benefits of tattooing in the Southeast U.S., based on a study by him and one of his students, and compared aspects of it to football. The initial study was conducted in Alabama using a small group of mostly women. We found that having lots of tattoo experience seems to stimulate a priming or habituation effect in the immune system, Dr. Lynn said. We got a lot of press nationally for that research, which is wonderful, but the study really needs to be validated in a bigger sample with people who get more tattoos and where there are more demands on people s immune systems. Last year, Dr. Howells invited Dr. Lynn to American Samoa to work with her on a study of prenatal care, women s health, and Zika, That was when Dr. Lynn had the opportunity to see how much tattooing is still practiced here. I already knew a fair amount about Samoan tattooing from the anthropology course I had taken, but there is so much more to learn about the cultural importance and practice of Samoan tattooing. It s really exciting, he said. We know tattooing has been practiced for thousands of years around the world, but Polynesia is among the few places it wasn t eradicated by colonialism and still maintains many of its traditional aspects, he continued. Our goal is to repeat our previous study here on the island with a larger sample of more people with lots of tattoo experience and where there are greater environmental health risks. We are also paying more attention to the intersection of Samoan tattoo traditions and the impacts of globalization. Dr. Lynn concluded, Since tattooing hurts and is basically a wound, it might have health benefits. So I often compare it to exercise. When a person is out of shape and starts going to the gym, the first time they go they are tired, sore, and may even feel run down afterward. Which is how it can feel to get a tattoo. But after a person gets into the habit of working out, their body recovers more quickly, they heal faster, and they begin to feel healthier and have better immune response. We think the same thing is happening with tattooing. Tattoos are culturally moderated stressors that the body habituates to. Tattooing has been practiced for thousands of years for a variety of reasons. We might also compare tattooing to vaccinations. In fact, they have found vaccinating people using tattooing guns (without ink) may be more effective in some cases than injecting them, for the reasons I ve suggested, she said. Being part of the local study is strictly voluntary. Dr. Howells and Dr. Lynn, with the help of Chris Ausage of the American Samoa Historic Preservation Office (ASHOP), have teamed up with local tattoo artist Joseph Iosefa of Off Da Rock Tattoos in Avau to help get things moving. Iosefa has agreed to offer huge discounts on tattoo work for anyone who wants to be part of the study which is ongoing from now until July 28, after which the researchers will (Continued on page 7) NEED a Truck Toolbox? Go to NAPA! NAPA Perfect Additions truck boxes are made in the USA. High quality truck bed boxes come in a variety of options. Highly efficient aluminum models and extremely durable steel models. We cover all ranges of pickups, compact, midsize, full, and universal. 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Page 4 samoa news, Monday, July 10, 2017 THE CONVERSATION OMV RENEWAL FEES TOTAL A BIG WIN FOR THE PUBLIC by Benjamin Hampton Status Update On OMV People have reported registration renewal fees have been $41 at the OMV. Huge win for the public! However, with regard to the issuance of refunds, at this point there is no update other than to say, The ball is in the court of the OMV, DPS, and perhaps the AG s office as well. There has not been an official statement issued by any of them, and those who have gone to OMV asking for a refund have reported to us that they have been stonewalled in a number of ways. As I wrote in Monday s installment of The Conversation, this is an issue known about and circulated in the public for 5 days now vs. 40 years of status quo with the OMV, so a bit of lag time is to be expected. Granted, a minimum of 3 months passed while this was a known issue by the AG s office with OMV practices. So, moving forward, if the public wants to know an answer, persistence as a whole is a necessity. The Ongoing Conversation on OMV One reader has commented on this on-going issue with the OMV with a series of cutting/negative posts that basically said that every single one of the people involved in these departments is corrupt, and that it was impossible to get this resolved for those involved. http://www.samoanews.com/ /conversation-omv-has-been-double Firstly, I disagreed with the comments; not all of these people are corrupt and evil as inferred. But another person listed as Lady Bird commented in response to these posts something that may well be a common thought: Well Said!!!!... ehhh it s just a waste of time. Cause the big dogs are behind all of it. Thanks for the thoughts Benji ND good luck!!!thanks for taking the time and effort to reply with your comment here! My Response to This Reader : (And maybe to YOU too) I appreciate the well-wishing, but I have to take you to task on the first part of your comment. With the thinking that you ve shared here Lady Bird, any undertaking of this sort would without question be a HUGE waste of time... A defeatist mentality is what I d call it. It ll never work; I m not even going to try; they re too big, and I m too small; they re too strong, I m too weak,etc... On and on it goes... If you go into a contest, a game, or a fight already defeated in your thinking, that reality of defeat is soon to follow; no question. Every champion first had the thinking and mindset of a champion before ever achieving that status. Action follows thinking. Defeatist mentality is closely related to a VICTIM mentality, which is in sharp contrast to a VICTOR mentality. A VICTIM blames; the victim excuses their current state as being the fault of other s, their circumstances, their lack, the weather, the economy, their childhood struggles. You get the picture. The victim is STUCK, and has many reasons not to even try. A VICTOR views those same struggles the victim holds up as negative barriers, as positive and empowering. Events that were necessary to build and strengthen them, and the current circumstances as a challenge to be overcome through decisive action and persistence. The victor STRIVES and will succeed. Both are your choice, and yours alone! How do you see yourself? As a victim or a victor? Stuck or Striving? As a loser, or a winner? Are you controlled by fear, or lead by faith? What is your view of yourself? How will you choose to think? So, Lady Bird, I would both challenge and encourage you as well as anyone that agrees with you here to raise the level of your thinking. Choose the thinking of the Victor, over that of the Victim. Dare to imagine the possible, punch your fear in the face, and boldly embrace the task of tackling the problem head-on! Be courageous. Does this shift in thinking guarantee a win?!?!?!? Will we win this now open dispute for refunds from the OMV? Maybe not... But one thing is certain; if we never try, we ll never know. So, first think like a champion, like a victor, like a winner and then go for it! As we ve all heard, Nothing ventured, NOTHING gained. EVER!!! I hope this can be an encouragement to you during this period of waiting, watching, and working to get a resolution to this current scenario, as we continue THE CONVERSATION. The new $4.6 million American Samoa Power Authority Operations Center building at its Tafuna compound, which was officially dedicated last Friday morning. [photo: FS]
samoa news, Monday, July 10, 2017 Page 5 Work hours reduction rolled back for those earning less or up to $30K by Fili Sagapolutele Samoa News Correspondent Several government employees, whose salaries are paid by local revenues, are now exempt from the reduction of working hours policy, and are returning to a full 80-hour pay period. At a meeting last Thursday at the Fono Guest Fale, where the ASG Revenue Task Force made a presentation to several lawmakers on proposed revenue measures to be sent to the Fono for approval, Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga revealed that he has given approval for employees making $30,000 or less a year to return to the full 80-hour pay period. The reduction in working hours from 80 to 70 hours per pay period went into effect in mid April this year. Those exempted from the policy, include medical professionals, classroom instructors, and contract workers. However, employees whose salaries are paid by federal funds, were added early last month to the list of exempted employees. During a cabinet meeting three weeks ago, the governor reiterated that he and Lt. Gov. Lemanu Palepoi Sialega Mauga will review the policy at the end of the third quarter which was June 30th and make adjustments if necessary to the reduction in work hours. In a July 5th memo, Human Resources Department director Eseneiaso J. Liu informed cabinet members of executive departments and offices that the Governor has authorized ASG employees earning $20,000.01 $30,000 annually to return to 80 hours of work in pay period #15 (the next ASG pay period which is this week). The memo also revealed that the government has already rolled back the reduction of hours for employees earning $20,000 annually or less. Liu reminded directors that these employees have been authorized by the governor to return to a full 80-hours of work in pay period #14. Liu requested cabinet directors to inform supervisors to adjust the work schedules for these specific employees accordingly. Time keepers and personnel managers were also requested to be informed of this new directive so that timecard submissions for the upcoming pay periods accurately reflect the adjustments in permissible work hours, Liu said. We invite you to express our sincere appreciation to your employees for their patience and diligence as we work through these challenging times, she concluded. As previously reported by Samoa News, the reduction in hours includes all cabinet directors and both the governor and lieutenant governor opted to join this policy. Salaries of cabinet directors along with other political appointees are set by the governor, while the salaries of the governor and lieutenant governor are set by law. Samoa News notes that it looks like these salaries are still on the reduced hours work schedule, with only those earning up to $30,000 annually and less, now back on an 80-hour per payroll schedule. Focus groups of employees and employers looking into the concept of funeral expenses insurance. See story on Page 6. [courtesy photo]
Page 6 samoa news, Monday, July 10, 2017 Funeral expenses insurance potential Department of Human and Social Services Government of American Samoa Utulei, American Samoa 96799 TEMPORARY JOB OPPORTUNITIES The Departments of Human and Social Services (DHSS) and Health (DOH) are collaborating to conduct a hybrid survey in July 2017 to gather health information that includes behavioral and mental health questions and non-communicable disease questions for baseline data so we may better understand the health needs of our community. The survey will be conducted using household interviews with adults 18 years of age and older between the hours of 1 pm and 8 pm. Our target is to survey 3,500 households on the islands of Tutuila, Aunu u and Manu a. We are currently recruiting for the following temporary, part-time positions for the survey. Interested applicants must pick up an application form from the DHSS Special Projects and Community Assistance Division located on the second floor of the Children, Families and Behavioral Health Services Building (CFBHS) between the ASWIC and the old Election Office buildings in Utulei on the main road. Please submit completed applications along with a copy of your birth certificate, Social Security card, a valid picture Identification (e.g., Driver s License, Passport, etc.) and a copy of your Immigration ID card if you are not a US citizen or US National. Deadline to receive applications is 3 pm, Friday, July 14, 2017. Please contact Ms. Tu umafua Maiava or Mr. Wilfredo Tuiasosopo at 633-2696 or 633-0315. JOB DURATION NO. POSTS AGE QUALIFICATIONS Survey Supervisors Advance Mapping Enumerator/ Interviewer Enumerator/ Interviewer 4-5 months 1.5 months 4-5 months 4-5 months 2 10 15 15 20 and older 18 and older 18 and older 18 and older Associate Degree Must have Management Skills Speak and write in English and Samoan Must have a drivers license Must be a US citizen, US national or a legal resident of American Samoa authorized by the Immigration Board to work in the Territory High School Diploma Speak and write in English and Samoan Must have good PR Skills Must be able to walk in the villages Must have a Drivers License Must be a US citizen, US national or a legal resident of American Samoa authorized by the Immigration Board to work in the Territory High School Diploma Speak and write in English and Samoan Must have good PR Skills Must be able to walk in the villages Basic Computer Skills Must be a US citizen, US national or a legal resident of American Samoa authorized by the Immigration Board to work in the Territory High School diploma 1 year of Nursing or Medical Assistant Experience Must have good Public Relations Skills Must be able to walk in the villages Basic Computer Skills Must have a Drivers License Must be a US citizen, US national or a legal resident of American Samoa authorized by the Immigration Board to work in the Territory exists in Samoa Apia, Samoa 6th July 2017 Affordability and trust in the organization providing the insurance are the two main priorities highlighted by Samoans as being important to them when deciding to purchase funeral expenses insurance. These were the findings of two focus group sessions organized by the Regional Disaster Resilience in the Pacific Small Island Developing States (RESPAC) and the Pacific Financial Inclusion Program (PFIP) in Samoa last week where the idea of funeral expenses insurance was investigated. The separate focus groups of employees and employers looked at the concept of funeral expenses insurance. The responses helped organizers to better understand the need for this type of coverage, what it should cover, how it should be priced and the best way of marketing and distributing the product. Participants agreed that funeral expenses insurance would be an attractive insurance product that they would be willing to take up as it would help them deal with the high cost of funeral expenses. Funeral Expenses Insurance pays out a fixed sum of money on the passing of an insured person. The money is paid out to a named beneficiary, for example the spouse of the deceased, and the money can be used for any purpose. Typically, the insurance is available to any adult, irrespective of their employment status, gender or location in the country. The cost of the insurance depends on the amount of insurance that is purchased. Amit Garg, the Samoabased PFIP Financial Inclusion Specialist explained, We know that dealing with the high costs of funerals can be an added burden on families at these stressful and emotional times and that many people take out loans either from formal licensed institutions or from informal lenders, often at high rates of interest to deal with funeral expenses. We think that it is important that this specialized insurance should be looked at to see if it can help to ease these added financial burdens, and provide some peace of mind at these times. PFIP Regional Inclusive Insurance Specialist, Michael Carr added, Funeral expenses insurance is available in some Pacific countries already and if insurance providers in Samoa can find a way to make this available on a commercially sustainable basis then it can have clear potential to boost insurance penetration rates. Comments from the focus groups shows that designing an insurance product that gives clear customer value, that is easy to understand, that is affordable and that is available from a reputable institution would be bought, especially if paying for the insurance could be done by a range of family members in country, or those working overseas. He added that there were a lot of factors to get right if a new insurance product is to be successful, including its fit within the cultural context, appropriate sales channels, efficient administration, fair and prompt claims payouts and reaching sufficient scale. Insurance providers have an opportunity to see if this type of insurance can be made a reality in Samoa. ABOUT PFIP PFIP is a Pacific-wide programme that has helped 1.5 million low-income Pacific islanders gain access to financial services and financial education. It achieves these results by funding innovation with financial services and delivery channels, supporting policy and regulatory initiatives, and empowering consumers. PFIP operates from the UNDP Pacific Office in Suva, Fiji and has offices in Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Solomon Islands. It is jointly administered by the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and receives funding from the Australian Government, the European Union and the New Zealand Government. ABOUT RESPAC The Regional Disaster Resilience in the Pacific Small Island Developing States (RESPAC) is a UNDP-Russia funded partnership that works with partners, the private sector and governments to strengthen climate early warning systems and climate monitoring capacity, enhance preparedness and planning mechanisms and tools to manage disaster recovery processes, and increase the use of financial instruments to manage and share disaster related risk and fund post disaster recovery efforts.t
samoa news, Monday, July 10, 2017 Page 7 (l-r) Chris Ausage of ASHPO, Joseph Iosefa of Off Da Rock Tattoos, Dr. Christopher Lynn, and Dr. Michaela Howells are teaming up to get local volunteers to participate in a study that could show a link between tattooing and a strong immune system. See story for full details. [photo: BC] Tattoos depart the territory. Volunteer test subjects will only need to provide a spit sample before and after they get tattooed. Continued from page 3 The study is approved by the LBJ Institutional Review Board and appointments can be made by calling 252-8384. American Samoa Government OFFICE OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Thoreau stamp to be dedicated on 200th birthday CONCORD, Mass. (AP) Henry David Thoreau is being honored on the 200th anniversary of his birth. The U.S. Postal Service says it plans to hold a special dedication of the recently released stamp of the 19th century American philosopher and naturalist Wednesday at his birthplace in Concord, Massachusetts. Concord Postmaster Ray White and officials from the Thoreau Farm and Birthplace will highlight Thoreau s personal example of simple living, his criticism of materialism and the timeless questions he raises about the place of the individual in society. Thoreau is the writer of the memoir Walden and the essay Civil Disobedience. The stamp image comes from an oil-on-panel painting of Thoreau s face based on an 1856 daguerreotype by Benjamin Maxham. It also includes his signature and a branch of sumac leaves. PUBLIC AUCTION The Office of Property Management announces its Public Auction of various items. Items that are declared as survey items by different Government Department/Agencies at AS IS BASIS. Items such as: vehicles, stake trucks, boats, jet skies, convention ovens, office equipments, and many more. The public is invited for viewing starting July 10 to July 12, 2017 from 9:00 am to 3:30 p.m. WHERE: Tafuna, Office of Property Management WHEN: Thursday, July 13, 2017 TIME: 8:30 AM Bid forms are available at the Office of Property Management, Tafuna during normal working hours starting July 10 to July 12, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. All bids shall be sealed and include 10% of the bidding price when you submit your bid. All BIDS are to be turned in to Poleen Natia Asalele Asst. Chief on July 13, 2017 no later than 11:30 am Closing Date and Time: Opening Date and Time: July 13, 2017-11:30 AM July 13, 2017-12:00 (NOON) BIDDERS ARE WELCOME TO WITNESS THE OPENING OF BIDS For additional information contact: Jeralin Fa auila Logoai Survey Supervisor @ 699-6505/733-0311 or 699-6537 Fa afetai tele, Malo L. Niumata CPMO
Page 8 samoa news, Monday, July 10, 2017 Spider-Man slings $117 million debut and Sony rejoices Samoan tattoo artist Fred Frost based out of Salt Lake City, Utah going to work on one of hundreds of people who showed up to get inked during the Northwest Tatau Festival held in Washington state last weekend. [photo: Blue Chen Fruean] NEW YORK (AP) Spider-Man: Homecoming swung past expectations, opening with an estimated $117 million in North America and giving a Sony Pictures a much needed hit. Homecoming was one of the biggest tests yet for the notion that domestic moviegoers are growing weary of sequels and reboots and suffering so-called franchise fatigue. Homecoming kicks off the third Spider-Man iteration in the last 15 years, and the second reboot since 2014 s The Amazing Spider-Man, with Andrew Garfield. But Sony has kept Spider- Man airborne. For Homecoming, the studio returned to Spider-Man s teenage roots, casting Tom Holland in the part. Critics and audiences responded, with many calling Jon Watts iteration one of the best Spider-Man films. Sony also, for the first time, partnered with Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios to produce the film and rope Homecoming into Marvel s wider cinematic universe. Robert Downey Jr. s Tony Stark/Iron Man appears as Spider-Man s mentor, and Michael Keaton plays the villain Vulture. Those ingredients, along with a marketing effort that appealed to young moviegoers, pushed Homecoming to the best Spider-Man debut since 2007 s Spider-Man 3. The film, made for about $175 million, also grossed $140 million internationally over the weekend. It s a triumphant return for Spider-Man, said Josh Greenstein, Sony Pictures president of worldwide marketing and distribution. It s an incredible win for Sony, for our partners at Marvel and Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal, who produced it. Even though there have been other Spider-Man movies, this film feels fresh and new and different and special, and I think that s what s really resonating with audiences right now, added Greenstein. Sony has struggled in the years since the infamous cyber hack of 2014, after which Tom Rothman eventually replaced Pascal as studio chief. (Pascal has since turned to producing, including this and future Spider-Man installments.) Box-office disappointments like the Dan Brown adaptation Inferno, Ang Lee s high-frame-rate gambit Billy Lynn s Long Halftime Walk and the cultural flashpoint Ghostbusters have dotted its lineup. But now, Sony has arguably the two biggest hits in the land: one a smartly recycled franchise, the other a quick and quirky original. Edgar Wright s acclaimed action-musical Baby Driver slid just 38 percent in its second week, coming in third with $12.8 million. The movie, which cost $34 million to produce, has already earned $56.9 million domestically. Last week s top film, Despicable Me 3, dropped to second with $34 million. As good as the news was for Sony, the weekend s results also proved a modern-day movie maxim: No one does franchise-building better than Marvel. Spider-Man is one of three major summer hits thus far, following the Marvel- Disney sequel Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 and the Warner Bros.-D.C. Comics release Wonder Woman. C Y C Y M K M K
samoa news, Monday, July 10, 2017 Page 9 C Y M K DPW FINALLY CLEANS STAGNANT WATER POND IN FRONT OF HOPE HOUSE AREA In the photo on the left, taken late morning Wednesday, July 5, and provided by a local resident to Samoa News, workers from Public Works are seen in knee-deep water, cleaning the drainage system that has been clogged for several months, causing stagnant water at this secondary road, fronting the Holy Family Cemetery and Hope House, as well as other nearby homes. The resident witnessed DPW s vacuum truck hauling away water from the area, before this photo was taken. The next day, Thursday, July 6, the road was finally clear of stagnant water, which became a river when it rained. As of yesterday, Sunday, the road was free of the stagnant pond, which was used by frogs since last December as a gathering place. In the photo on the right, Samoa News observed around 9:30a.m. last Friday, July 7, the DPW crew along with the vacuum truck, working on completing drainage work of the secondary road. Samoa News reported in its June 30th edition the long standing problem with this road and Hope House board member, Larry Sanitoa on behalf of Bishop Peter Brown and other residents reached out to McDonnell Dowell for help. McDonnell Dowell s new American Samoa Country Manager Lee Stewart agreed to help, as a community project for the company, as they have done in the past. Responding to Samoa News inquiries, Sanitoa said he had not received communication from DPW about the crew being sent to work on this road, but he was in the process of sending a thank you letter, on behalf of Bishop Brown and Hope House, to DPW for their work. Samoa News understands that McDonnell Dowell is still keen on providing this community service to clean and drain water on this road, as well as working on long term solutions. While the water is now gone, one observer who visited the road told Samoa News, Friday afternoon that the soakage drainage on the road is still full of muddy slush stuff. Nearby residents are hopeful that the road won t flood again when it rains, but are in wait-and-see mode. [Left photo: Courtesy; Right photo: FS] C Y M K
Page 10 samoa news, Monday, July 10, 2017 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY NEWS REPORTER Samoa News is looking for a news writer that has a natural curiosity about our local community and is willing to report accurately for our newspaper readers. The successful applicant must possess bi-lingual, Samoan and English, speaking and/or writing skills. They must be able to meet daily deadlines and if needed, to work weekends. Access to computer, camera and vehicle is a definite advantage. Call Samoa News at 633-5599 for an appointment to interview. First Lady Cynthia Malala Moliga cutting the ribbon during the official dedication ceremony of the American Samoa Power Authority s new $4.6 million Operations Center building at its Tafuna compound last Friday morning. [photo: FS] We re Here For You! AMERICAN SAMOA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER SBDC SEMINAR SCHEDULE The American Samoa Small Business Development Center will be offering the following seminars to all interested individuals and organizations: 1. Grant Writing Seminar July 6-7, 2017 5-7 pm $40 2. Business Start Up Seminar July 18-21, 2017 5-7 pm $40 3. Grant Writing Seminar August 1-2, 2017 5-7 pm $40 4. Business Start Up Seminar August 15-18, 2017 5-7 pm $40 These are non-college credit training seminars designed to educate individuals who wish to start a business, or those who are already in business but need assistance in the areas being covered or for people who seek self-improvement. A Certificate of Completion will be awarded to the participants on the last day of the seminar. Companies or individuals may register now with an SBDC representative by calling 699-4830 or 699-4834. Location: SBDC, M1 Building Instructor: Dr. Herbert Thweatt Contact: Catherine Balauro or Tala Pua 699-4830 or 699-4834 FREE COUNSELING Our confidential business consulting services are free of charge to our clients whose gross revenue is less than $20 million. Your Small Business Resource Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the American Samoa Business Development Center was created as a result of an American Samoa Community College (ASCC) and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) partnership. Neither SBA Funding nor that from ASCC is an endorsement of any products, opinion or services. SBA and ASCC programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.as-sbdc.org New taxes being proposed back to the people. One such example, is to repeal the 2% wage tax that is paid by all wage earners in the territory. The task force estimates that $3 million is collected annually on the wage tax, which all goes to the LBJ Medical Center. Another tax relief, identified by the task force, is gradually updating the income tax table starting in 2018, over a five-year period. The task force estimates a loss of $4 million in revenue by 2023 when the entire tax table is updated and to be in line with the federal tax table. While ASG estimates a $4 million loss in updating the tax table, Talauega said, if you look at another side, that s $4 million given back to the hands of the public to spend. The task force is also proposing to amend the excise tax on beer, which is currently 190% of the value but the new amendment would be 35% per 12-ounces. The last proposed amendment is to repeal the 5% miscellaneous tax, which is outlined in the law and applies to imported goods that are not specified in the law. Talauega said the task force believes this tax should be removed, but not all at one time, so it will be repealed over a period of time staring in 2019. He said it s estimated that ASG gets about $7.2 million annually on the miscellaneous tax, so the task force has agreed to removing it gradually through 2022 PROPOSED NEW TAX LAW Talauega presented to lawmakers the proposed tax laws that he said will further strengthen ASG s financial status. For example, the Limited Liability Corporation (or LLC) bill, which the task force estimates will collect about $641,000 annually. Another new proposal is the 7% sales tax, which Talauega Continued from page 2 said will apply to goods purchased but not services with the task force estimating a collection of about $24.1 million from. According to the task force, the language of the sales tax bill would repeal the 2% wage tax by Dec. 31, 2019 or sooner, depending on the sales tax performance. (Samoa News notes that a similar 7% sales tax taxing goods but not services was introduced early last year by House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale, but the measure never made it out of committee for a floor vote and therefore was automatically defeated. Some political observers believed the measure didn t move forward in 2016, because it was election year.) The task force is also proposing the 1% alternative minimum business tax or AMBT bill, which is estimated to collect about $2.3 million annually and the estimate is based on historical data over a 3-year period. Over the 3-year period, on average, only 13% of corporate tax filers paid over 1% income tax of gross revenue, leaving 87% paying less than 1% on the adjusted gross income. The last proposal, which can be made by the executive branch and does not require legislative approval, deals with the $1 per transaction for payroll deductions. Talauega said the $1 is paid by the vendor or the bank who seeks payroll deduction from an ASG employee, and not paid by the ASG employee. ASG is estimated to collect $558,000 on this proposal, which the government is looking to implement next month. All the proposed new revenue measures are estimated to collect $27.59 million annually. Samoa News will report later this week on other issues from the task force presentation.
ASPA Continued from page 1 uses a renewable energy solar panel PV system, and collects rain water or rain water harvesting which means we collect the water from the roof and use it for landscaping and to flush the commodes. With the new building, the challenge for us [now] is behavior modification, said Utu to some laughter from the audience, which included representatives of companies who played a role in the project, such as Lively & Associates and its subcontractor, Lyons Associates. We re always trying to work on behavior modification. What does that require? We move into this building, you have to change the way you behave, he said. It s not the same old, same old. You cannot be drinking coffee walking around the rooms on top of a carpet. This is a tropical area. Humidity is high. Once any kind of nutrient, etc. food, drinks falls on that carpet, then all the little tiny critters attack and start growing. Pretty soon, the place will look a mess and will smell bad. We have to change the behavior. so that s just an example, he said. (Before those who attended the dedication ceremony were given a chance to tour the building, everyone was told to remove their shoes and leave them outside before entering the facility. Based on what Samoa News observed everyone did just that.) We also realize that another lesson learned is that government cannot do everything for us. We have to work together private sector, government, our own people we have to do things ourselves, Utu said. For example, during the course of the project, ASPA ran into a deficit... or a shortage of cash. And we had to pitch in, try to figure out a way to make this project happen, he said. One time the project just came to a complete stop, the ASPA CEO said but didn t elaborate further. Samoa News last summer reported that ASPA issued a stop order on the building, as FEMA sought clarification on several issues relating to the building s cost and construction. Utu told Samoa News at the time that when new grantor representatives take over from previous ones, we have to re-justify decisions that were made. Fortunately, we are able to retrieve the cogent reasons for those decisions. Until the issues have been clarified, FEMA is declining to process drawdowns for the building. At Friday s dedication ceremony, Utu spoke about the importance of technology, saying that it s not just one technology, [but] many technologies the electricity, the water, the waste water system, the sanitation all of these are connected and linked to ICT, information and control technology. He said that the new building has controls that allow you to look up at the monitor and it will tell you how we re doing, are we doing well or not doing so well. Utu thanked the many people involved in getting the project completed. GOVERNOR S SPECIAL REMARKS ASPA operations in the past years have taken a series of successful steps, taking the territory to the next level of service to the public, said Gov. Lolo during his special remarks. Lolo started his remarks by quoting Mark Twain, who defined the word success as a series of successful steps in life and every time we take a step forward, it is taking a step towards success. What we have seen in the operation of ASPA in the last many years, is a series of successful steps that take our country to the next level of service, Lolo said, crediting the leadership of Utu, board chairman Fonoti Perelini Perelini, and the ASPA board. First Lady Cynthia Malala Moliga was given the honor of cutting the ribbon. Lolo expressed appreciation to ASPA s staff for their hard work, saying that he is pretty sure there will be more successes in the future for ASPA. He thanked the board, saying, I know many times I have taken you beyond your capacity to perform. I have crossed the line in terms of responsibilities. Many times my expectations are unreal. One recent major accomplishment cited by the governor, is renewable energy projects for the Manu a islands. Lolo asked the board to push forward with our agenda that within the next three to four years, [or] five to six years [at] the most Tutuila [l-r] Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga, ASPA board chairman Fonoti Perelini Perelini and ASPA board member Solip Hong, last Friday morning at the dedication of the $4.6 million ASPA Operations Center building in Tafuna. [photo: FS] island will be at least 80% powered by renewable energy. That s the challenge I have given Fonoti and the board to work towards, Lolo told the audience I know there are a lot of setbacks, sometimes they are unreal, but the bottom line is to take our country to where our people can live happily in the future. The governor shared that many times he has talked Utu into helping with other areas of government and sometimes I take Utu out of his core responsibility with the board, just to find help in other areas of government and Utu never says no. Every time I ask Utu to help, he will step up to help. So I ask the board to understand; where we come in, we share and we collaborate in this government to make sure we get the best service for our people, he said. ASPA BOARD CHAIR Responding to the governor s challenge for renewable energy for Tutuila island, Fonoti said he believes Lolo has made the challenge at least three times; and noted that ASPA has completed Manu a and it s now Tutuila s turn. Besides Fonoti, other board members present were Isabel Hudson and Solip Hong. The other two board members are off island. The new building will house Utu s office, accounting, procurement, purchasing and customer service, according to Fonoti, who added that the ASPA office at Pago Plaza will remain open to serve residents on the east side of Tutuila. samoa news, Monday, July 10, 2017 Page 11 Dempsey Pacific s principal civil engineer, Ty Dempsey (left) and Paramount Builders Inc., president, Papali i Lauli i Alofa, last Friday morning at the dedication of the new $4.6 million ASPA Operations Center building in Tafuna. Paramount was the main general contractor for the project while Dempsey was the civil engineer for Lyons & Associates, the subcontractor to Lively & Associates who did the architectural and civil work. [photo: FS] American Samoa Government DEPARTMENT of COMMERCE Public Notice COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS Program Year (PY) 2017 Annual Action Plan Draft The American Samoa Government (ASG) invites public comments on the PY2017 Annual Action Plan (AAP) Draft as mandated in the provisions of 24 CFR &91.200 and 91.220 (b). Public comments are invited for a 30-day period commencing on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 to Friday, May 5, 2017. The draft is available at the Department of Commerce, 2nd floor of the A.P. Lutali Executive Office Building. A public meeting to accept verbal and written comments on the PY2017 AAP Draft will be held at the Department of Commerce Conference Room on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at 4:30 p.m. Translation into and out of Native Language (Samoan) that is widely spoken will be provided at the meeting. The Community Planning and Development (CPD) Programs of American Samoa complies with 24 CFR & 91.220 (1) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Individuals with disabilities who may need auxiliary aids, services, or special modifications to participate in the public meeting or to comment on the AAP Draft should contact the HUD CPD Coordinator, Petti Matila at the following address. Written comments on the Public review draft may be sent to: Petti T. Matila, HUD CPD Coordinator Office of the Governor A.P. Lutali Executive Office Building, 3rd Floor Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799 Office: (684) 633-5155 ext. 226 Fax: (684) 633-4195 E-mail: peti.matila@doc.as Comments must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 5, 2017. If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact Petti T. Matila at 633-5155 ext. 226.
Page 12 samoa news, Monday, July 10, 2017 LAND COMMISSION NOTICE is hereby given that FAGAIMA MILOVALE SOLAITA of TAFUNA, American Samoa, has executed a LEASE AGREEMENT to a certain parcel of land commonly known as ALATUTU I which is situated in the village of TAFUNA, in the County of TUALAUTA, WESTERN District, Island of Tutuila, American Samoa. Said LEASE AGREEMENT is now on file with the Territorial Registrar to be forwarded to the Governor respecting his approval or disapproval thereof according to the laws of American Samoa. Said instrument names TULI SAMUEL FRUEAN as LESSEE. Any person who wish, may file his objection in writing with the Secretary of the Land Commission before the 25TH day of JULY, 2017. It should be noted that any objection must clearly state the grounds therefor. POSTED: MAY 26, 2017 thru JULY 25, 2017 SIGNED: Taito S.B. White, Territorial Registrar KOMISI O LAU ELE ELE O LE FA ASALALAUGA lenei ua faia ona o FAGIMA MILOVALE SOLAITA ole nu u o TAFUNA, Amerika Samoa, ua ia faia se FEAGAIGA LISI, i se fanua ua lauiloa o ALA- TUTU I, e i le nu u o TAFUNA i le itumalo o TUALAUTA, Falelima i SISIFO ole Motu o TUTUILA Amerika Samoa. O lea FEAGAIGA LISI ua i ai nei i teuga pepa ale Resitara o Amerika Samoa e fia auina atu ile Kovana Sili mo sana fa amaoniga e tusa ai ma le Tulafono a Amerika Samoa. O lea mata upu o lo o ta ua ai TULI SAMUEL FRUEAN. A iai se tasi e fia fa atu i ese i lea mata upu, ia fa aulufaleina mai sa na fa atu iesega tusitusia ile Failautusi o lea Komisi ae le i o o ile aso 25 o IULAI, 2017. Ia manatua, o fa atu iesega uma lava ia tusitusia manino mai ala uma e fa atu iese ai. 06/09 & 07/10/17 Employment Opportunity ZS Development Inc is looking for a CASHIER & STOCK CLERK. Please send resume to PO Box 983036 or 731-5933 MOSOOI BUSINESS CENTER New Commercial Building located in Tafuna adjacent to the Tradewinds Hotel now available for LEASE. We welcome the private sector and/or government agencies. First and second floor units are available. For more information please inquire at: mosooibctr@gmail.com. Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action American Samoa Government OFFICE OF PROCUREMENT Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders took the fight against a Republican health care overhaul to a key lawmaker s home state on Sunday, urging West Virginia s GOP senator to resist pressure from any last-minute deal making aimed at rescuing the legislation. Speaking to supporters in Morgantown, West Virginia, Sanders said Senate GOP leaders are desperate to swing deals to win enough support for their plan to replace much of Democrat Barack Obama s health care law. He urged Sen. Shelley Moore Capito to dig in against those efforts. I say to Senator Capito: Please do not fall for that old trick, Sanders said. This legislation is fatally flawed and no small tweak here or there will undo the massive damage that this legislation will do to our country. Sanders portrayed the GOP health care bill as particularly harmful to West Virginia, and said Capito s opposition to the measure would make all of the difference in helping ensure its defeat. Capito s office later responded that her position on the health care debate won t be swayed by the Vermont senator. Sen. Capito will do what is INVITATION FOR BIDS IFB-075-2017 Issuance Date: July 3, 2017 Closing Date: July 10, 2017 No later than 2:00 p.m. (local time) 1. INVITATION Sealed bids are invited from qualified firms for the Demolition of the Fono Building located in the village of Fagatogo. 2. RECEIPT & OPENING OF BIDS Sealed bids will be received by the Chief Procurement Officer, American Samoa Government, Tafuna, American Samoa 96799, until 2:00 p.m. (local time), July 10, 2017 at which time and place the sealed bids will be publicly opened and read. 3. MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE A MANDATORY Pre-Bid Meeting will be held on July 6, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the Fono Building site in Fagatogo. Bids will not be accepted from bidders who are not present at the pre-bid meeting. 4. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS Electronic copies of contract documents, including Plans and Scope of Work can be examined or obtained from the Office of Procurement during regular business hours free of charge. 5. The American Samoa Government reserves the right not to accept the lowest or any bid. 6. The American Samoa Government reserves the right to waive any informality in bidding as may be in the best interest of American Samoa Government. Sanders urges West Virginian to oppose GOP health plan DR. ORETA MAPU CRICHTON Chief Procurement Officer best for West Virginians, her office said in a statement. In fact, Sen. Sanders didn t need to travel to West Virginia to try and influence her position. He could meet with her during the several weeks when the Senate is in session to discuss the issue, but has never reached out. Sanders, an independent and former presidential candidate who caucuses with Democrats, ventured into a stronghold for President Donald Trump in making his case against the GOP health care bill. His appearance came as Congress prepares to reconvene after its July 4 recess. Sanders acknowledged that Obama s signature health care law is far from perfect, but said Congress should focus on improving it, not destroying it. Trump, who carried West Virginia by 42 points in last November s election, has been outspoken in wanting to repeal and replace Obama s health care law. But West Virginia is also one of the poorest and sickest states in the country, relying heavily on Obama s 2010 WARD, Colo. (AP) A teen staffer at a Colorado camp fought off a bear after waking up Sunday to find the animal biting his head and trying to drag him away. The 19-year-old woke up at around 4 a.m. to a crunching sound with his head inside the mouth of the bear, which was trying to pull him out of his sleeping bag as he slept outside at Glacier View Ranch 48 miles (77 kilometers) northwest of Denver, Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokeswoman Jennifer Churchill said. The teen punched and hit it and other staffers who were sleeping nearby yelled and swatted at the bear, which eventually left, she said. The staffer, identified only as Dylan, was treated briefly at a hospital and released. The teen told KMGH-TV that the bear dragged him ten to 12 feet before he was able to free himself. The crunching noise, I guess, was the teeth scraping against the skull as it dug in, said the teen, who teaches wilderness survival at the camp owned by the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh Day Adventists. Dylan and the other staffers were near teepees where 12- and 13-year-old campers were sleeping. None of them were hurt. health overhaul. Capito played a role in halting the GOP health care plan before the holiday recess. She was among at least a dozen Republican senators who publicly opposed or expressed qualms about it, forcing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to abruptly postpone a vote. The bill would fail if just three of 52 Republicans vote no, since all Democrats oppose it. Sanders condemned the secretive, backroom process used by Republican leaders to craft their health care bill, and said it would throw millions of people off their health coverage for the sake of massive tax breaks for the wealthy. He invoked Capito s name again when condemning the bill as deeply immoral. n Sen. Capito, in America we are not supposed to be taking from the most vulnerable people in our country from the children, from the elderly, from the disabled, from the sick and the poor in order to give massive tax breaks to billionaires, he said. Teen bit in head by bear wakes up to crunching sound Black bears aren t usually aggressive but have attacked several people in the West in recent weeks. A woman and her dogs were attacked on Tuesday after they apparently surprised an adult bear and her cub in a huckleberry patch in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Last month, black bears killed two people in Alaska in separate attacks. Sixteen-year-old Patrick Jack Cooper of Anchorage was killed after he got lost and veered off a trail during a mountain race south of Anchorage. Mine contract worker Erin Johnson of Anchorage died and her coworker was injured in a mauling about 275 miles northeast of Anchorage. Black bears will defend their young and have been known to paw and bite tents with food inside. After the Colorado attack wildlife officers did not find any food that would have attracted the bear so they have set bear traps in the area and plan to continue a search for the bear with scent dogs on Monday. The bear s behavior was so atypical that any bear found in the traps in the next few days will likely be euthanized and officials will test later to see if it was the same bear involved in the attack using DNA evidence, Churchill said.
samoa news, Monday, July 10, 2017 Page 13 Cardinal returns to Australia to face sexual assault charges SYDNEY (AP) The most senior Vatican cleric to ever be charged in the Roman Catholic Church sex abuse scandal returned to Australia on Monday to stand trial in his home state on charges alleging he sexually assaulted multiple people years ago. Cardinal George Pell, Pope Francis top financial adviser, avoided waiting media when he arrived at Sydney Airport on a flight from Singapore. He had declined to comment in Singapore over the weekend as he made his way home from Rome. The 76-year-old cleric is due to appear in a court in the Victoria state capital Melbourne on July 26 on what Victoria Police described as multiple counts of historical sexual assault offenses meaning crimes that generally occurred years ago. There is no statute of limitations on such crimes in Australia. Police said there were multiple complainants, but have released no other details. When police announced the charges last month, Pell vowed to fight the allegations, saying: The whole idea of sexual abuse is abhorrent to me. On Monday, the Sydney archdiocese said the cardinal had made multiple stops on his journey to Australia to avoid Fatal shooting have flooded her Facebook page since the news of her passing last week. Her friends and family members describe her as a loving person who always smiled and was filled with positive energy. They call her a strong woman, strong believer, whose life story is special. A post from one of her relatives reads: You left us with a smile on your face and I will forever cherish the memories. To our families and friends, let s not point fingers and start blaming people; but learn from what happened. Your life story was special, Vale. The media is flooded with love and joy from your friends who became family. Aoa residents who know the suspect and his family are in disbelief, saying it s hard for them to accept the reports and only God knows what happened that day. A relative of the victim wrote, To Chris, you are in our long-haul flights, based on the advice of his doctors. Last year, Pell said he was too ill to make the long flight back to his home country to testify before a government inquiry into how the Catholic Church and other institutions have responded to child sex abuse allegations. When he was told of the charges by Victoria Police, Cardinal Pell said in Rome he totally rejected the allegations, was completely innocent of the charges and would return to Australia to vigorously defend himself and clear his name, the archdiocese said in a statement. Cardinal Pell will not be making further comment other than to say he is grateful for the numerous messages of support he continues to receive. Pell has taken a leave of absence to fight the charges in Australia and has said he intends to return to the Vatican to continue his work as a prefect of the church s economy ministry. The pope thanked Pell for his honest work and collaboration, and said he would wait for Australian justice to run its course before making a judgment himself. For years, Pell has faced allegations that he mishandled cases of clergy abuse as archbishop of Melbourne and, later, Sydney. Continued from page 1 prayers. Know that Vale will always love you. It s not easy that you have to go through this, but you are family. We love you bro. One of the couple s long time friends, who didn t want to be identified because they were both my friends told Samoa News that the couple always seemed happy when they were together. I would never think something like this would happen, said the couple s mutual friend who lives in the territory and knew Muipu and Tavita before they moved off island. I still can t believe that this has happened but it is what it is, and all we can do is pray for Vale s family and Chris as well. As of press time, no new updates on the case could be obtained by Samoa News but those who knew the young couple are still in shock, saying they will await the outcome of a full police investigation before drawing any conclusions. This still frame from video provided by KMGH-TV shows a teen staffer at a Colorado camp, who gave only his first name, Dylan, describing how he fought off a bear after waking up to find the animal biting his head and trying to drag him away at the camp near Ward, Colo., Sunday, July 9, 2017. The 19-year-old was awakened around 4 a.m. to a crunching sound with his head inside the mouth of the bear, which was trying to pull him out of his sleeping bag as he slept outside at the camp 48 miles (77 kilometers) northwest of Denver. (KMGH-TV via AP) AMERICAN SAMOA COMMUNITY COLLEGE INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) RE-BID IFB No. Re-Bid ASCC# 005-2017 Due Date and Time: July 24, 2017 Date of Issuance: July 5, 2017 No Later than 2:00p.m. Local Time The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) issues an Invitation for Bids (IFB) from qualified firms to submit bids for the following: FURNITURE, FURNISHINGS AND EQUIPMENT (FF&E) FOR ASCC NEW MULTIPURPOSE CENTER BUILDING SUBMISSION: An original and one (1) copy of the Invitation for Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked: ASCC IFB#004-2017 Furniture, Furnishings & Equipment for new Multipurpose Building Bids are to be sent or email to the following address and will be received no later than 2:00p.m. Local Time; Monday, July 24, 2017: ASCC Procurement Office Mapusaga Campus, Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799 Attn: Jessie Su esu e, Procurement Officer Email: j.suesue@amsamoa.edu Any bids received after the aforementioned date and time will not be accepted under any circumstances. Late submissions will not be opened and will be determined as being nonresponsive. DOCUMENTS: The IFB complete package detailing requirements is available at the ASCC Procurement Office, Mapusaga Campus during normal working hours and may also be obtained by emailing j.suesue@amsamoa.edu RIGHT OF REJECTION: The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids and to waive any irregularities and/or informalities in the submitted bid proposals that are not in the best interest of the college or the public. Approved for Issuance by; Dr. Rosevonne Makaiwi Pato President, American Samoa Community College (ASCC)
Page 14 samoa news, Monday, July 10, 2017 2 GOP senators suggest bill to repeal health care law dead $80 Daily Rate *NEW* $120 Daily 2013 Hyundai Sonata Automatic (Red Car) 2015 Kia Sedona Automatic O&O INC. CAR RENTAL PO Box 3897, Pago Pago, AS 96799 Located in Nu uuli (O&O Inc. Wholesale) $90 Daily Rate $90 Daily Rate 2016 Toyota Corolla Automatic (White Car) 2010 Toyota Tundra Automatic (White Truck) Contact Information: Jiin Jang (258-4563) or Tafa Leaupepe Office: 699-4484 Fax: 699-2307 Email: Rentals@ooeinc.com in the Pago Plaza - across from ASPA office. COME AND HAVE YOUR HAIR DONE BY PROFESSIONAL HAIR STYLISTS: Veronica & Mali Call for an appointment or stop by and see us!! Veronica is also a trained barber Tuesday - Saturday 9am to 4pm 633-0774 Mondays (Appointments Only) WASHINGTON (AP) The initial GOP bill to repeal and replace the nation s health law is probably dead and President Donald Trump s proposal to just repeal it appears to be a non-starter, two moderate Republican senators indicated Sunday as their party scrambled to salvage faltering legislation. We don t know what the plan is, said Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La. Clearly, the draft plan is dead. Is the serious rewrite plan dead? I don t know. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said it may now be time for Republicans to come up with a new proposal with support from Democrats. I think my view is it s probably going to be dead, McCain said of the GOP bill. If Democrats are included, he said, it doesn t mean they control it. It means they can have amendments considered. And even when they lose, then they re part of the process. That s what democracy is supposed to be all about. Signaling his pessimism as well, Sen. Chuck Grassley wrote on Twitter late Saturday that Republicans will lose their Senate majority if they don t pass health care legislation. The Iowa Republican said the party should be ashamed that it hasn t been able to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. WE WONT BE ASHAMED WE WILL GO FROM MAJORITY TO MINORITY, he tweeted. The White House, anxious for a legislative victory on health care, insisted that it fully expects a GOP repeal and replace bill to pass in the coming weeks that will fulfill Trump s pledge to end Obamacare. Democrats have ruled out negotiating with Republicans unless they work to fix the law, not repeal it. Whether it d be before August recess or during August recess, the president expects the Senate to fulfill the promises it made to the American people, said White House chief of staff Reince Priebus. Trump used Twitter Sunday afternoon to urge Republicans to follow through on their pledge to get rid of the health care law pushed by his predecessor. For years, even as a civilian, I listened as Republicans pushed the Repeal and Replace of ObamaCare. Now they finally have their chance!, Trump said in a tweet. At least 10 GOP senators have expressed opposition to the initial bill drafted by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. Republicans hold a 52-48 majority and Democrats stand united against the bill, meaning that just three GOP defections will doom it. The weeklong July 4 recess only raised more doubts among senators as many heard from constituents angry about the GOP bill and the prospect of rising premiums. McConnell last week said he would introduce a fresh bill in about a week scuttling and replacing much of former President Barack Obama s health care law. But McConnell also acknowledged that if the broader effort fails, he may turn to a smaller bill with quick help for insurers and consumers and negotiate with Democrats. Cassidy, an uncommitted senator who encountered upset voters this month at a Baton Rouge town hall, rated the chances of Republicans passing broader legislation in the next three weeks at 50-50. He cited questions about the impact on coverage and cost in a revised conservative plan being circulated by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas. Cruz s plan, which aims to lower premiums for healthy people, has drawn support from the White House and some conservatives in the House, which would have to approve any modified bill passed by the Senate. But his proposal has limited appeal to Republican moderates such as Grassley, who told Iowa Public Radio that it may be subterfuge to get around pre-existing conditions. Cruz on Sunday sought to dismiss Grassley s criticism as a hoax being pushed by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, insisting that people will be able to get the coverage they need at an affordable price. Cruz cast his plan as a compromise to unify the party on a GOP health bill. When it comes to repealing Obamacare, what I think is critical is that Republicans, we ve got to honor the promise we made to the voters that millions of Americans are hurting under Obamacare, Cruz said. Cassidy cautioned that if senators are unable to reach agreement by the end of July then a repeal-only bill would be a non-starter.
samoa news, Monday, July 10, 2017 Page 15 Thousands flee wildfires burning in the US and Canada OROVILLE, Calif. (AP) Wildfires barreled across the baking landscape of the western U.S. and Canada, destroying a smattering of homes, forcing thousands to flee and temporarily trapping children and counselors at a California campground. Here s a look at the wildfires blackening the West. CALIFORTTVNIA Two major wildfires in California have sent nearly 8,000 people fleeing to safety. About 4,000 people evacuated and another 7,400 were told to prepare to leave their homes as fire swept through grassy foothills in the Sierra Nevada, about 60 miles north of Sacramento, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said Sunday. The fire burned nearly 8 square miles (20 sq. kilometers), destroyed at least 10 structures and damaged critical infrastructure, leading Governor Jerry Brown to declare a state of emergency to provide assistance to local authorities. Fire spokeswoman Mary Ann Aldrich said additional homes were destroyed overnight. An inspection team is trying to determine the extent of the damage. The area burning was about 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of Oroville, where spillways in the nation s tallest dam began crumbling from heavy rains this winter and led to temporary evacuation orders for 200,000 residents downstream. In Southern California, at least 3,500 people evacuated as two fires exploded in size at separate ends of Santa Barbara County and a third one threatened homes near a town in San Luis Obispo County. One of the fires grew to 12 square miles (31 square kilometers), traversing a mountain range and heading south toward coastal Goleta. There was minimal containment and flames shut down State Route 154, which is expected to remain closed for days. At least 20 structures burned, but officials didn t say if they were homes. Sarah Gustafson, who moved from Washington to California seven months ago, was out running errands when she saw the pillar of smoke rising near her home. She rushed to retrieve her six cats and then spent the night at a Red Cross shelter. It was terrifying, she told the Los Angeles Times. The sky was orange and black, you could see flames up on the ridge. About 90 children and 50 counselors were stuck Saturday at the Circle V Ranch and had to take shelter until they could be safely evacuated. Buildings have burned but officials weren t yet sure if they were homes. Crews were also using an air attack against another blaze about 50 miles north that exploded in size to 37.5 square miles (97 square kilometers). About 200 rural homes east of Santa Maria were evacuated after the fire broke out Saturday and was fed by dry gusts. Some of the firefighters working to contain that blaze were sent to nearby San Luis Obispo county when a fire broke out Sunday and threatened numerous structures near the town of Santa Margarita. Officials said the fire burned at least 200 acres. ELSEWHERE IN THE WEST Firefighters have been able to build containment lines around about half the wildfire that forced the evacuation of hundreds of people near Breckenridge, Colorado. The fire has not spread since it broke out Wednesday and was still less than a square mile (about one-third square kilometer) Sunday. In rural Arizona, fire officials say three homes were among 10 buildings that were burned. The wildfire there has led to the evacuation of the entire town of Dudleyville, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) southeast of Phoenix. A wildfire burning in near Summer Lake in south-central Oregon has destroyed a hunting cabin and an outbuilding. And in Nevada, fire officials have ordered evacuations for a wildfire that is near the same area where another blaze has already burned for days. BRITISH COLUMBIA Firefighters were contending with more than 200 wildfires burning in British Columbia that had destroyed dozens of buildings, including several homes and two airport hangars. The three biggest fires, which ranged in size from 5 to 8 square miles (14 to 20 square kilometers), had forced thousands of people to flee. We are just, in many ways, at the beginning of the worst part of the fire season and we watch the weather, we watch the wind, and we pray for rain, outgoing Premier Christy Clark told reporters in Kamloops. Rob Schweizer, manager of the Kamloops Fire Centre, said it had been an unprecedented 24 hours. We probably haven t seen this sort of activity that involves so many residences and people in the history of the province of B.C., he said. Tufuga ta tatau Su a Suluape Peter and his team tapping away at the au on one of the brave males who got their pe a during the Northwest Tatau Festival held during the June 30-July 2 weekend in Tacoma, WA [photo: Blue Chen Fruean] LBJ TROPICAL MEDICAL CENTER DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The Department of Human Resources is accepting applications for the following position. Job Title: RESPIRATORY THERAPY TECH (2) Department: Cardiopulmonary Services Reports to: Manager Salary: $ 11,387.00 - $ 12,975.00 Summary: This is the entry level. The employee works in a learning capacity performing a range of respiratory therapy technician assignments under close supervision. Able to perform clerical and clinical tasks and reports to the Manager/Clinical Coordinator. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: It is the responsibility of the Respiratory Technician to perform his/her duties as prescribed in a professional manner. Nebulizes, suctions, and collects sputum using naso-tracheal suction catheter Performs a respiratory assessment by listening to lung sounds Sets up, operates and adjust oxygen therapy equipment and humidifiers Performs electrocardiograms and arterial blood gases Places monitors, and removes patients from ventilators according to physician orders Assists in ordering, maintaining and monitoring inventory of supplies and equipment needed to administer respiratory therapy treatment Disassembles, cleans, and sterilizes respiratory therapy equipment according to policies and procedures Able to read and understand physician orders prior to the initiation of any respiratory therapy order and for precisely following physician orders pertaining to respiratory therapy Reports to his/her Supervisor, the physician and nursing personnel his/her assessments of changes on patient s condition or response to respiratory treatments as appropriate Responsible for documentations of all care performed on patients pertaining to respiratory therapy. Restocks respiratory therapy equipment on the wards and clinics Performs related work as assigned Minimum Qualifications/Requirements Associate of Science Degree and preferably on Allied Health Valid and Current BLS Certification Physically and mentally capable to perform assigned duties Must have good communication and technical skills Committed to supporting hospital mission and core values Deadline for filing applications with the LBJ Office of Human Resources will be at July 21, 4:00 pm. Application forms are available at the Office of Human Resources.
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