American Samoa

Rising ocean flooding American Samoa's Aunuu

One resident, who did not want to be named said government leaders should come and see the damage for themselves.

The resident, who is a government worker, said last week the island lost power for several hours because ocean waves rolled into the area where the power generator plant is located.

Photos he took showed a road covered by rocks and debris thrown up by the sea.

The resident said people were worried about children getting caught by waves washing across the road.

American Samoa population drops

Government data released in August 2018 showed the territory's mid-year 2018 population was estimated at 59,600 - a loss of 700 people compared to July 1, 2017, while data released this week showed that the 2019 mid-year population is estimated to be 58,500.

The Statistics Division of the Department of Commerce said migration, increased mortality and a declining fertility rate were behind the drop.

The department said net natural growth increased at the lowest rate in two decades, with only 600 people added to the count this year.

Anger in American Samoa over donation to Manu Samoa

RNZ Pacific's correspondent reported that Facebook had lit up with criticism since the donation last Thursday.

One of the main complaints was that $US100,000 had been promised to the American Samoa National Olympic Committee for Team American Samoa at this month's Pacific Games, but only $US20,000 was given.

Other criticisms have included that people were still waiting for their tax refunds, there's a freeze on overtime and salary increments, and money should go to school improvements and roads, before it goes to a foreign rugby team.

North Korean 'sanction violator' arrives in American Samoa

The MV Wise Honest was stopped in Indonesia last year after it was found to be carrying coal in violation of UN sanctions.

Washington claims the 17,000 tonne ship's origin had been concealed, and it was also being used to import heavy machinery into North Korea.

The US Justice Department will investigate the ship in American Samoa's port capital of Pago Pago said the US Coast Guard's public affairs officer, Amanda Wyrick.

Seized North Korean freighter heading to American Samoa

The Wise Honest is a 17,000 tonne cargo ship which was stopped in Indonesia last year after it was found to be carrying coal in violation of UN sanctions.

On Thursday, the Justice Department asked a federal judge to give the US ownership of the vessel through a civil forfeiture action - the same process for seizing planes or boats used by drug smugglers.

The Justice Department said the US was entitled to take the action because payments to maintain and equip the vessel were made through American banks.

American Samoans to be kept out of school if not vaccinated

In December a two month old child from New Zealand was admitted to LBJ Hospital with symptoms of the disease.

The Department of Health is driving a campaign to promote immunisation after recent cases were recorded in the Northland region of New Zealand

Medical Director Joseph Tufa said parents should make sure their children are protected from the potentially deadly disease.

The department has asked parents to provide proof that their children have received the meningococcal vaccine and booster shot.

Tongan sought by US police arrested in American Samoa

Samoa News has reported that Paul Harman, sought in Washington for the alleged rape of an underage girl 13 years ago, was arrested last Friday in Pago Pago by the American Samoa Department of Homeland Security.

Mr Harman appeared yesterday in the High Court of American Samoa. He has been remanded in local custody until another hearing next Wednesday, after which he is likely to be extradited to Washington.

Mr Harman had lived in American Samoa some years ago but it wasn't until he applied for a permit to re-enter American Samoa that a warrant for his arrest was activated.

Crystal meth found in American Samoa hospital mail

KHJ News reports seven packages which tested positive for crystal methamphetamine, or ice, were found in the LBJ mail earlier this week.

The packages were addressed to various divisions of the hospital including the nursing division, the Tafuna Health Center and the Department of Health.

Hospital CEO, Faumuina John Faumuina, said one package was delivered by the Procurement Department to the Nursing Department, who returned it saying "they were not aware of such an order."

Hawaiki cable lands in American Samoa

The fibre optic cable, a branch of the system running from the United States to New Zealand, landed via the vessel Responder which was anchored offshore laying the cable to the Fogagogo landing station.

Speaking at the cable landing ceremony on Saturday, Hawaiki CEO Remi Galasso said it would provide strategic infrastructure for American Samoa and make it one of the most connected territories in the Pacific.

President Trump declares disaster in American Samoa

The approval will activate federal resources and assistance programmes for American Samoa, including relief packages and financial aid.

The governor, Lolo Matalasi Moliga, said the details of the declaration would be made public "soon."

As many as 500 people are still living in emergency shelters in American Samoa, three weeks after Gita swept across the islands causing extensive damage.

Frustration has been mounting among residents regarding the emergency response.