NEWSROOM: 23 March - 05 April 2008

Faleomavaega to preside over U.S House of Representatives tomorrow
05 April 2008 - Source: Office of Congressman Faleomavaega

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that for the first time in American Samoa's history and in the history of the U.S. Congress, American Samoa's Delegate will preside over the U.S. House of Representatives in the Committee of the Whole. Faleomavaega will preside at approximately noon tomorrow and C-Span will provide full coverage.

"I am deeply humbled and honored to represent the people of American Samoa on this historic occasion," Faleomavaega said. "When the Democrats took control of Congress in 2006, one of the first things the Democratic leadership did was to make sure that the people from the
Territories were recognized more fully for the contributions and sacrifices they make for our nation."

"Our people serve our country with honor and distinction. Our military men and women fight and die to preserve our freedom. Yet, in the entire history of the U.S. Congress, when Republicans have been in power, they have never allowed Delegates from the Territories to preside over the
Committee of the Whole House on behalf of the people they represent."

"I appreciate and commend Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and our Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, for standing up for us, and making it possible for Delegates to represent our people in the way they deserve to be represented. The only other time Delegates were given this high honor to preside was in 1993 in the 103rd Congress when Democrats also controlled the House."

"In 1993, Congress went out of session before all Delegates could have this opportunity. This time, Speaker Pelosi chose to allow Delegates to preside in order of their seniority, and this meant American Samoa was first in line for this historic event."

"However, according to the Speaker's office, a Member of Congress cannot preside over the Committee of the Whole when bills from their committees are being debated on the Floor. Today, bills from the Foreign Affairs Committee were being considered by the House and, since I am a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and I
switched days."

"Tomorrow, I will preside over the Committee of the Whole House for and on behalf of the people of American Samoa. Again, I am humbled to represent our people on this historic occasion."

"In recognition of this occasion, let us not forget our military men and women and their families who sacrifice so much for our grateful nation.

In gratitude of God's goodness, let us also pray for their safe return," Faleomavaega concluded.
 

ASCC Phi Theta Kappa Inducts New Members for spring 2008
03 April 2008 - Source: ASCC Press Officer

The Alpha Epsilon Mu Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) held its induction ceremony this past Friday evening to induct its new members for the spring 2008 semester. Family and friends of the new and current PTK members joined ASCC administrators and faculty for an intimate ceremony in the College’s new lecture hall to induct 8 of the “best and brightest” into the prestigious Honor Society.

Guest speaker Dr. Lina Galea’i-Scanlan, director of the College’s Teacher Education Program, focused on the evening’s theme of “Power Beyond Measure”. Mrs. Galea’i-Scanlan shared a number of anecdotes from her own experiences in college, and reminded the PTK students that success results from the right balance between discipline and passion. Next, the eight inductees took the oath to uphold the values of the PTK, and performed the ceremonial lighting of candles representing the mythical Greek “flame of knowledge”. With the induction ritual complete, ASCC President Dr. Seth Galea’i, Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Irene Helsham, and Dean of Student Services Dr. Emilia Le’i joined the families and friends of the inductees to congratulate them on their inclusion into the prestigious PTK.

Phi Theta Kappa recognizes and encourages excellence in scholarship among associate degree students. The Greek words Phi Theta Kappa mean wisdom (Phi), aspiration (Theta) and purity (Kappa). The society bases its programs on its four hallmarks: scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship. The society provides more than $35 million worth of scholarships annually to students nationwide. Each member is automatically nominated for inclusion in the prestigious National Dean’s List, and is also enrolled in the PTK Transfer Database, which links senior institutions across the nation offering scholarships to PTK members.

Every semester, PTK advisors Tafaimamao Tua-Tupuola, Randall Baker, Elvis Zodiacal, Mark Mageo and Jim Sutherland review the ASCC Dean’s List and other relevant data to determine which students qualify for the membership in the Society. Candidates must have taken at least 12 credits, passed their English 150, English 151 and Math 90 classes, and have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Qualifying students receive an invitation to join PTK, and most of those invited readily accept the offer.

PRESENT MEMBERS: Ana-Alicia Alvarado, Ana-Stacia Alvarado, Gwendolyn Emmsley, Grace Faataitai, Tautasi Falanai, Mile Farani, Francis Galuvao, Jerome Grey, Daniel Helsham, Aaron Lin (Vice President), Tautalamaiaso Auau, Eleitino Loi-on, EmmaDora Maez, Laura Maez, Donna Rae Mallari (Secretary/Treasurer), Tupou Sia, Krystal Soa (President), Valentine Talamoni, Carleen Tamapolu, Rhonda Tuia, Faamamali Ualesa.

SPRING 2008 INDUCTEES: Edgar Apulu, Danielle Chrichton, Faaloua Faaloua, Leiema Hunt, Ramona Lalaga, Eugenia Lutali, Tamara Toilolo, Tracey Sene.

For more information about the nationwide activities of Phi Theta Kappa, visit their website at: www.ptk.org
 

New sales effort for American Samoa’s Rainmaker Hotel
01 April 2008 - Source: Radio New Zealand International

The American Samoa Development Corporation is again asking for offers to buy or lease the Rainmaker Hotel property as a fall back plan in case Niu Technology Inc. doesn’t pull through with its financing.

Niu Technology Inc is technically in default of its 40-year lease agreement after failing to make the first payment due in December.

Utu Abe Malae, who is the vice chair of ASDC, says the board has bent over backwards for the company, allowing it more time to get financing.

However he says they must make alternative plans and with Niu Technology Inc being in default they can ask for new offers.

Utu says that three companies: one local, one from Australia and one from the US mainland have expressed interest in the Rainmaker Hotel property.
 

Prosecutors in American Samoa point to sharp increase in crime
30 March 2008 - Source: Radio New Zealand International

In American Samoa, government prosecutors say there has been a a sharp increase in crimes committed by young people who are under the influence of alcohol.

The Assistant Attorney General, Faamomoi Masaniai, says in the last year about 90% of crime involving minors was committed while they were drunk.

He says the law does not provide any punishment for people under 21 who drink alcohol, something he hopes lawmakers will address:

“There is not any form of punishment that a juvenille would receive if they were to possess or consume alcohol and unfortunately if there is no actual enforcement type affect that the government can take to prevent juvenilles from actually holding alcohol or consuming alcohol.”
 

Flights resume on American Samoa’s Manua
28 March 2008 - Source: Radio New Zealand International

In American Samoa, Inter Island Air resumed flights to Ofu, Manua.

The airline put flights on hold after broken glass and logs were left strewn on the runway on Saturday.

Port Director Matagi Ray McMoore inspected the Ofu airport and instructed Port Administration personnel on steps to take to avoid a repeat of what happened.

The staff was told to physically check the condition of the airport before every flight landing.

He said having the Ofu airport fenced in would improve security as dogs congregating around the runway was a safety concern.
 

Meet ASCC’s New Marine Science Instructor
26 March 2008 - Source: ASCC Press Release

Marine Science instructor Lauren McKinnon Wetzell, who joined the faculty at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) this semester, brings with her a wealth of experience in the ocean sciences, earned through years not only in the classroom and the sea itself, but also in the area of technological development. “I’ve tried a little bit of everything,” she says, “but my research has always related to coastal geomorphology and oceanography, followed by my post-graduate employment in the advancement and implementation of sensor technologies.”

Wetzell spent her childhood in Richmond, VA, about as far away from the ocean as one can get, but a visit to Sea World in Orlando, FL, at age 11 changed her perception of the sea and its inhabitants. “The Shamu show people, who interacted with killer whales, really amazed me,” she remembers. “Seeing them made me want to serve as a veterinarian for whales and dolphins. After that, I really wanted to move to the coast and go to college, but my parents didn’t want me to live so far away.” Her parents eventually relented, and Wetzell entered the marine science program at Coastal Carolina University (CCU), but she soon re-evaluated her original goal of a career as a veterinarian. “I worked 10 hours a week with the Center for Marine and Wetland Studies, monitoring coastal processes. Around the same time, I also taught myself how to surf, which led me to pay closer attention to the physical parameters involved in wave generation. These combined experiences reshaped my interest from marine biology to coastal geomorphology.”

After completing her Bachelor of Science degree at CCU, Wetzell attended the University of South Florida, where, for her graduate thesis, she worked on a pilot project for the U.S. Geological Survey National Assessment Extreme Storm Impact Study. As Wetzell describes it, “My pilot study had to do with facilitating storm prediction by integrating physical and geological oceanographic information into Graphic Information System applications, and also using deep water wave measurements, nearshore wave models, and coastal topographic surveys to hind cast hurricane impacts. Basically, the research tested a model that could determine which areas had more vulnerability than others to over wash (inundation with sand and water) during hurricanes or cyclones.”

The extensive involvement of technology in her graduate thesis served as an indication that after college Wetzell’s career would lead not only into teaching, but also into the areas of the research, development and marketing of the technological instruments so crucial for ocean studies. She subsequently taught at St. Petersburg College in Florida and Palomar Community College in San Diego, CA, then spent two years as a research associate for the University of South Florida-based chapter of the Alliance for Coastal Technologies. Further opportunities in the field of ocean study technology found Wetzell working as a sales engineer with Teledyne R D Instruments, and later as an applications engineer for Sontek/YSI, Inc., both enterprises based in San Diego. When she needed a break from researching and supporting ocean sensor technology, Wetzell could re-connect with the ocean itself through her part-time job as a surf instructor with a company in the nearby city of La Jolla called Surf Diva.

“My post-graduate employment experiences have allowed me to apply my ideals for education and outreach in various capacities,” Wetzell reflects. “I’ve spent most of my time serving as a link between researchers and the scientific and non-scientific community.” An interest in providing that link in a fresh environment led Wetzell to ASCC, where she hopes to “motivate and inspire” her students. “So much of our livelihood depends upon the sustainability of our oceans, yet related problems such as global warming, increased intensity cyclones, over-fishing, and the degradation of water quality have only recently captured the public’s attention. Marine science explores these issues and tries to offer solutions. Consequently, we need passionate and motivated students now more than ever for the field.”

Asked about her first impressions of American Samoa, Wetzell praised the warm climate and impressive natural beauty of Tutuila, but described her favorite part of her new home as “the people”. “I hear lots of laughing and see lots of smiling faces,” she says. “From my experiences living in different places, the people can always make or break the living situation. So I feel very grateful to find most of the people I interact with so upbeat and positive.”

For more information on marine science and other ASCC programs, visit the College’s website at: www.amsamoa.edu
 

Pago Pago Moving Forward On Fiber Optic Cable Project
24 March 2008 - Source: Pacific Magazine

A new company called Cable Enterprise would be set up to promote, fund, plan and operate the Pac Rim East fiber optic communications cable that will link American Samoa to the rest of the world, according to a copy of the Letter of Intent and Agreement submitted to the territorial House of Representatives this week.

Cable Enterprise’s partners are New Zealand’s telephone company Telecom New Zealand; U.S. investor group Elandia Inc., which owns local telecom provider Blue Sky Communications, and U.S. finance company Merchant Capital, according to a copy of the letter of intent received by Pacific Magazine.

American Samoa Gov. Togiola Tulafono signed the letter with the company partners in August last year and a copy was given to the House. Togiola said last year that the American Samoa Government (ASG) would acquire one third ownership of the company and it would advance $9 million over the next three years to assist in financing the fiber optic project.

According to the letter, the territorial government and Cable Enterprise have begun negotiations to acquire the Pac Rim East under sea fiber optic cable and for the redeployment of the cable from American Samoa to the Hawaiian island of Oahu, as well as the conditions of post-redeployment operation, maintenance and marketing of the cable.

The letter of intent described the redeployment cable as the American Samoa to Hawaii Cable, or ASH-Cable. The parties have agreed to a business model, referred to as the “single purpose entity” or SPE and will be organized under the laws of Delaware as a limited liability company. A copy of the letter was also provided to the House of Representatives.

According to the letter, Cable Enterprise, on behalf of SPE, and with the assistance of the territorial government, will arrange financing that will fund the acquisition of the cable, the necessary landfall stations plus the physical relocation and redeployment of the cable for $18 million.

The letter says that funding for portions of the fiber optic cable project will be arranged through the issuance of revenue bonds in the approximate principal amount of $11.6 million. The bonds, to be repaid over a 12-year period through 2020, will be secured and repaid from revenues generated by the company that will own the cable, prior to any distributions to equity holders.

It also says that the territorial government’s $9 million share in the project will be made in three annual installments with the first due Dec. 1, 2007. The other two payments of $3 million are due in December 2008 and 2009. (The U.S. Department of Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs budget for fiscal 2008 includes $3 million for the fiber optic cable, while the other $3 million will come from the $20 million loan the territorial government received from the local government employees Retirement Fund.)

The letter also provides that the SPE will enter into agreements for the maintenance, operation, management and marketing of the cable system and that the terms of the agreement “must be commercially reasonable.”

It also states that a portion of the cable system’s transmission capacity will be available for lease at standard rates to be published by SPE in accordance with all applicable governmental laws and regulations to all entities licensed to provide telecommunications services within American Samoa.

According to the business model, Samoa will utilize a portion of the fiber optic cable. However, no connections may be made unless and until all required governmental agreements and permits are obtained.
 

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