Samoa News Feed

Another domestic violence case lands in District Court

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A 34-year-old man who was arrested by
police last week and held at the Territorial Correctional Facility
(TCF) for one night for allegedly assaulting his wife, made his
initial appearance in District Court last Wednesday morning where
Judge Fiti Sunia ordered that he...<Read More>

Marriage age closer to being raised in American Samoa

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa bill to raise the
marriage age for women from 14 to 18 has passed its second reading in
the House of Representatives. The chairman of the House Judiciary
Committee said the bill had already been discussed in hearings in the
last session. There was no...<Read More>

Man found breaking and entering pleads to attempted burglary

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The 28-year-old man who was accused of
breaking into a house has admitted to the allegations against him. Ron
Albert Mauga, who has been in custody since he was arrested last year,
was originally charged with 1st degree burglary and resisting arrest;
however, under a...<Read More>

Lawyer says victim was a woman, not a child — asks that his client not register as sex offender

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man who spent 10 months in jail for
touching a woman's breast in a sexual manner is now free. Samasoni
Leama was released from the Territorial Correctional Facility (TCF) on
Wednesday, after his sentence was handed down by Acting Associate
Justice Elvis P. Patea. Leama...<Read More>

Man who assaulted his wife in front of his son says he's sorry — gets probation 

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The 35-year-old man accused of assaulting
his wife while he was extremely intoxicated has told the court he is
sorry for his actions. The defendant was initially charged with 3rd
degree assault, public peace disturbance, and endangering the welfare
of a child - all...<Read More>

FONO REPORT — THE HOUSE

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The FY 2019 budget is the top priority on
the agenda as the Fono reconvened this week following a three-week mid
session recess. Many issues were raised by faipule during the first
week House members returned to work after a recess that was taken to
preserve session days...<Read More>

George Reid passes away in California, service is Aug. 18

Clovis, CALIFORNIA — George Henry Charles Reid, seen here with his
wife, Bobby, a well known member of the local community, passed away
on July 31, 2018 after a prolonged illness — with his wife and family
by his bedside, at Clovis Community Medical Center. George was 72
years old. He will be...<Read More>

American Samoa firefighters — a Type 2 hand crew serving in California

Redding, CALIFORNIA — A look at the terrain in the forest were fire
fighters from American Samoa (a Type 2 hand crew) are helping to
contain a fire in Redding, California. They are seen taking a pause
here, while the smoke continues to choke the skies above. Malo Lava
from Calfironia and Stay safe...<Read More>

ASTCA 3rd Quarter Performance Report: Cash flow a challenge

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa TeleCommunications
Authority (ASTCA) is confident that the Hawaiki submarine cable system
going live last month will "help with our cash flow situation." Cost
of the American Samoa branching unit was $29 million. This is
according to an ASTCA Aug. 4th...<Read More>

Samasoni Leama pleads to lesser charge in sex case

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The 48-year-old man who was accused of
touching a woman's breast in a sexual manner has admitted to the
charge against him. Samasoni Leama was initially charged with
attempted rape and 1st degree sexual abuse, both class C felonies,
punishable by a jail term of not more...<Read More>