Search for all words Search for any word Search Titles only

CLICK HERE to see more comments.

Dec 24 2005: Wishing everybodie MERRY X-MAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR...TO MY WONDERFUL PARENTS AND SISTERS/BROTHERS I LOVE YOU ALL.....THANKS (Valeai Gogo - Faleasao, Manu'a)

Dec 23 2005: I'm loving this site! It's probably been around forever and I'm only just now discovering it, lol. Anyhow, just a quick note - I wanted to wish all my fellow Manukans out there a very happy and prosperous holiday season!!! Take care and God bless! Love always~ (Muaiao Moliga - American Samoa)

Dec 18 2005: The people of the islands are lucky - they have what we all want paradise. Does anyone know Michael Gurr, he has a beach resort in Western Samoa. Thanks. (Becky Hartselle - Rockledge, Florida)

Dec 13 2005: Mahalo and Talofa to all the Manukans out there. (Ano Tauala - Luma, Ta'u, Manu'a)

Nov 30 2005: I wanted to say hello and talofa to all my homies in Olosega. I know it's been a while since we haven't been together, but I'll be there X-Mas and hope to see ya'll. Much Manu'a love, Mary (Maria Faiai - Olosega)

Nov 20 2005: I would like to give out big kudos to Senate President Lolo M. Moliga for his efforts in helping our people of Manu'a. FA'AFETAI. (Lele - Manu'a)

Nov 07 2005:

(QUOTE) Jan 24, 2005: Don't agree with the Manu'a District Governor choice

It is with great astonishment I write to express my disappointment with the choosing of Tufele as Manu'a's District Governor. My opinion is not based on my relation to the titles involved, but more so on the qualifications of the two who hold the Galea'i and Tufele titles. I am also very concerned and suspicious of how the selection process was carried out.

There are those who have commented on this being an issue of "kupe" [sic] and "pule". With your permission I offer some clarity on these issues. Firstly, how can kupe be an issue when Manu'a is and has always been neglected by the American Samoa Government? How much of ASG budget goes to Manu'a? Very little. How much of the money collected, by Tufele in the last ten years, from the Atu'u land actually went to the Manu'a people? None. The salary for the District Governor position, it really isn't worth the trouble.

Regarding "pule" - Galea'i is the only Fa'atui and the only Fa'asuaga of Fitiuta. Therefore is the highest-ranking matai in Fitiuta. That is the foundation of Fitiuta and it will never change. Tufele on the other hand is an addition to what used to be the Tolufale (3 houses) that comprised of Moaali'itele, Tauiliili, and Poumele - now referred to as the Faleifa (4 houses). The story of how Tufele came to Manu'a begins with accounts of a young boy who was a "drifter" from Atafu (na fa'atafea mai le atu Atafu). The boy was encountered by Te'i, who took him in and gave him the duties of preparing food (sua). Whenever Te'i was hungry, he would send a pigeon to the boy's quarters as a call to prepare the food. The pigeon would nestle within the thatched ceiling of the fale and flap its wings to catch the boy's attention - hence the term "tufelefele". From this term, the boy was named Tufele. Tufele served Te'i so well that he (Te'i) wanted to find a place for him (Tufele) in the echelon of matais. An attempt at placing him along side of Galea'i was refused for he (Tufele) was not of the chosen (tofiga - honors given by Tuimanu'a Lelologatele to his sons Galea'i and Sotoa). The request for a place in the Tolufale was accepted and Tufele has been part of the Faleifa ever since. So remember, in Fitiuta, Galea'i is "pule". Tufele - well, he was a servant.

The recent decision by Manu'a District Council to select Tufele is very suspicious. As reported, the council met in Atu'u, and their selection of Tufele was accepted by Togiola. Who called that meeting? I doubt it was Galea'i. Who attended the meeting? Probably just Tufele, Sotoa, Fofo, Atiulagi, and a few others - yes Togiola supporters. What happened to the signed documents approving the selection of Galea'i by the Fitiuta Council, as reported back in December? The Manu'a District gave the matter of selection to the Fitiuta Council to decide on the District Governorship. A decision was made and forwarded to Togiola. But Togiola decides to approve the decision of a meeting that was neither called by the sitting District Governor, nor attended by most of the Manu'a District Council. That brings the validity of that decision into question.

I will not beat around the bush - so let me just say that aside from Tufele, Fofo had a hand in this for it is his nature. There should be a law in American Samoa prohibiting anyone who has committed federal offenses from holding a matai title and from taking part in the functions of the government politically and culturally. It should be called the "Fofo Law."

I am, however, very surprised that a Judge of the courts took part in the meeting in Atu'u knowing that, by due process, a selection was made in December and documents were signed in support of that decision. Atiu, as a judge of the courts you should have been the voice of reason. You of all people should have questioned the validity of the Atu'u meeting. Atiu, you have proven your character to be of undignified standard that is a disgrace to the integrity of the judgeship you hold. You should be dismissed from the courts immediately.

The logic maybe that since the term of District Governor's position ceased at the end of the year, Galea'i had no right to call a meeting. This brings Sotoa into the picture for he is the Secretary of Samoan Affairs. As they say, "Oute ofo i lou le alofa!" Masalo ua galo ia oe le osiaiga a Galea'i aua lena itu o le aiga. Have you forgotten that Sotoa and Galea'i are brothers? I now see why you never have the full support of the Sotoa clan behind you. Sotoa, you have turned your back on the one person who spoke very highly of you and supported you as a uso.

Finally, did Togiola really choose not to intercede in the process? Or was that a guileless attempt at separating himself from the whole issue. No guts! He'd have my respect had he just turned down the decision of the Fitiuta Council and appointed Tufele himself. That is within the law - a law that should be changed. Instead, Togiola is hiding behind the Manu'a Council. So much for your promise eloquently put, "My dear American Samoa. I pledge to you the continuation of all other government services to our people with the highest degree of integrity."

Manu'a, how can you trust Tufele's statement that he will continue Galea'i's work when he was the one constantly making attempts at stopping Galea'i's Manu'a Initiative that hopes to bring better health-care alternatives to Manu'a? How can you trust Tufele who, for almost 10 years, has collected money from the Atu'u land leases on behalf of the Manu'a people and kept it for his personal gain? In the years Tufele was District Governor what did he do for Manu'a? As Lt. Governor what did he do for Manu'a? Will the case brought against him by the people of Manu'a be dismissed now that he is District Governor? Will Togiola just sweep that under the rug? - that dust is just piling up governor. How will you remedy the now damaged relationship between Fitiuta and the Manu'a Councils - like we really needed another? Wasn't the Faletolu enough?

The worst part is while all this is going on Manu'a suffers! When will you guys get it right?

Pomasame@yahoo.com

I just wanted to say.. I really loved this person.. whoever he/she is.. Posame, all I could say is, "Ia lava pea le onosa'i ma tau ina alofa le Atua, foa'i atu pea mafaufauga lelei ia te oe! and hopefully shed some light on our Manu'a issues.. or is it drama? But, I'd have to say;... "WELL SAID".. and you sound like a very educated person and I'd have to agree with you on the "TUFELEFELE ISSUE".. Ia thank you for writing that down.. I'm glad that there are some people out there from my motherland that aren't scared to tell the truth! And yes my Manu'a people, that is the truth! Posame speaks the truth, I think our generation deserves to know the truth! It's true, it's all about personal gain (Tufele's personal gain) Don't get me wrong, The Galea'i, Tufele, Te'i blood runs in my vein! Ua tiga fo'i mata, tiga taliga, I grew up in Fitiuta, and ever since Tufele Lia Jr. got the Tufele title, this on going war of "fia pule", saying he's the ali'i sili of Fitiuta started.. And the saga continues! Ia e mafua mai fo'i i le tautala sa'o o matai o Fitiuta! Tufele needs to be put in his place "a servant" Tufelefele not TUFELE! O a'u lava lenei o le ki ma le tatala ... Yes, Tufele it was my ancestors that gave you that title! E tiga lava na e iloa ae lemafai lava, ua sa'o ai le tala masani fo'i lea; E avatu fo'i le lole e mitimiti ae e te tago fo'i ai... Ia fuafua mai o lea e fuafua atu! Fa'amalulu atu fo'i i le mamalu o le atunu'u pe afai fo'i ua i ai se upu ua sasi, ia malu ave i fale lou finagalo. O nai sa'afiafiga mo le manuia o si o tatou atunu'u.. Ia manuia le faigamalo a Tutuila ma Manu'a, fa'apea fo'i le Afioga i lena Muaiao, le vaimagalo, le se'etaluma, le ilamutu o puapuaga, aemaise le alofioamoa (but right, o le fa'alagiga laea o le Ma'opu ia Te'i) ae laea ua e fia mimita ai! E le'o sau Folasa fo'i .. O le folasa a "Galea'i".... Fa'asoifuaina le mamalu o le Manu'atele! (Liualevaiosina - Fitiuta, Manu'a)

Sep 04 2005: I want to say hi and faamalo to all the manukans, especially to the class of '98. God bless... (Tevai Mauga - Santa Ana, Ca)

Sep 04 2005: Just to say Hi and Fa'amalo to all the Manukans on the line and especially to the Class of '98. God bless... (Fili Mataia - Santa Ana, Ca)

Jul 19 2005: Ok, first of all, I'm really soorry pe a fa'apea ua tiga se loto se isi i nei mau tala ua la'u atu i luga ole site. But, this is for Cindarella. Hei U. I know ur family and u know mine. So therefore we don't have to say things and talk like this to each other cos o tagata e iai toto Manu'a e le taua'i misa. Maybe e ave sese e oe la'u tala i le isi a'u message, pau lava la'u tala na fai atu. Aua le tau a'i mimisa i laia mea o fanau ma faletalimalo. Coz I'm tellin u the truth, my family in Manu'a we don't have one, so therefore u have to calm down ur nerves and stay cool. OK. A fa'apea ete fia misa mai ia te a'u i uiga o faletalimalo ma isi mea, e sese le tagata lea e te taua'imisa ai. Or, maybe o le isi tai laea e te fai mai ai. But, all I'm sayin - o tagata Manu'a mao'i lava, e share latou fanua. So, a faapea e iai se tou faletalimalo i Manu'a i Ta'u, then I'm happy for you. So, therefore, I'm not mad or anything, coz e leai se reason e ita ai fua a'u. Pau la'u fautuaga i tagata Manu'a maoi ia i luga ole site, aua le taua'imisa i laia mea. But, girl, u gotta chill and relax ur nerves coz u don't know what u r talking about. So, have a good day and God bless, so long. I'll give u my real name so maybe u change when u come back up hea, coz I know u and ur family ok. Love always. Manu'a for life and for real. (TAI FILIMAUA - Ta'u, Manu'a)

Jul 08 2005: I'd like to say wassupers, to all my people from Manu'a. Jesus is still number one..does anybody have any pictures of what Manu'a looks like today? If u do, post it on the internet...anyways I'm out. I'm from WHITE CENTER, Seattle, WA peace.... (Ala Tuliau - Seattle, Wa; originally from Ta'u)

Jul 08 2005: Yes...Yes...Yes...Mz. Snow White, let me straight pat you on the side of your head...oops...no!!! L-E-T...M-E...T-A-L-K...T-O...Y-O-U...C-L-E-A-R-L-Y...A-S...P-O-S-S-I-B-L-E!!!! First of all you stated that "First you insult my speech and now you are insulting my intelligent." Well, that is what you get when you want to play with fire, YOU GET BURNED. Obviously, you replied [to me] in your recent comments that "Honey, that was a METAPHOR, I hope you know what a METAPHOR." Hmmm...Look who's talking now...wow!!!. BE CAREFUL OF WHAT YOU SAY ON THE NET...BECAUSE THEY BACKFIRE AT YOU. OHH!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! You finally found out that you are entitled to your own opinions...How long did it take you to figure this one out? By the way, I make a whole lot of sense in my comments because I'm arguing accorrdingly to my opinions. Well, as you said, "an opinion I am entitled to make." Another thing, knock some sense in your wordings because the "I would be the perfect governor for our little prey island..." is consider a part of a persuasion speech [IF THAT IS HOW YOU WANT TO PUT IT] with a whole lot of nonsense ideas that is supporting/ persuading such a nonsense topic, although it is not that important cause you ain't running for any specific elections. Anyways, please stop the wannabe humorous because for sure you ain't. Yeah!!! a metaphor laughing at your own self, silly me. Another thing Sourcream, I am always prepare to communicate with any angels anywhere, hopefully you are one of them...don't get your hopes all high now...hahaha!!! Likewise, you stated that "don't be so uptight because your family is prestigious as you said" well, Peeswee, Sticksugar, ain't nobody being UPTIGHT...PLEASE GO BACK AND READ MY COMMENTS. I CLEARLY stated "other prestigious families" and with that comment "GO FIGURE". By the way, where did you get the idea that I am related to them ...wait...wait..wait did you think was it because of the letter "F" that I placed in my name in my recent comments or you just thought that my comments were too strong for you to handle, then, obviously, you assumed such an ill thought out concusion? And to answer your question "Oh may I ask, Why is your family so prestigious as you so angrily try to defend on the the Net?" If you just want to know what I think, then, here it is: THEY ARE PRESTIGIOUS BECAUSE THEY ARE GOOD PEOPLE...that is what I think. But, if you are not satisfied with my answer, then I would prefer that you would go and ask them personally...your house is a walking distance from their house, you should try it sometime. And don't worry...ain't nobody is going to tell you anything later...YOU JUST AIN'T WORTH A SEC.!!!hahaha!!!...Well, as you C-L-E-A-R-L-Y have written "Don't Worry, Be Happy!!!" And with that, I would totally agree with you when you tell yourself to don't cry because you do sound silly on the net. PEACE OUT...SEND MY LOVE TO YOUR FAMILY. (TAI FILO - TAU, MANUA)

Jul 07 2005: I really don't have that much to say but for my brother and our hero who is station in Oklahoma right now may the lord be with you. Love all the way from Tau the Moliga Family. Never forget that dad is watching over you and he is also very proud of you and all your accomplishments. To everyone that are currently present in this forum take it easy and god bless. (Kahea - Ta'u)

Jul 06 2005: wooo, wooo, Mr. Tai, slow down Sugar, I am entitle to say and state what ever opinion I have, but it seems like you are the one who got jealous. First you insult me of my speech and now you are insulting my intellegent. If you THINK you are smart, than try make some sense on your comments because so far you are only argueing with me over an opinion I am entitle to.... Anyways, I was Not debating or making any persuasive speech,in which you try to say that I am (rhetorically).....Honey, I was only stating an opinion using figure of speech to make it short and humorous and that is a metaphor. So Honey, Sweepee, Sugarstick, I am Not jeolous of you or your family or anyone. If you go on the net, be prepare to communicate with angels all around the world, don't be so uptight because your family is prestigious as you said!!!and express yourself in a Manner Way, I thought Prestigious people don't ack selfish and foolish like you. Oh may I ask, Why is your family so prestigious as you so angrily try to defend on the Net? You can tell me that later cause us people have jobs to attend to, anyways, you should reLax, take a fart, shake your hands and pull some nose hairs....Don't Worry, Be Happy!!! "SWEET LOVE! SWEET LINES! SWEET LIFE!" Shakespeare...Oh Don't cry, you sound Silly on the Net>>>> Check you later ALIKATER, he, he, he, he, he (Cinderella - Luma, Manu'a)

Jun 23 2005: Just wanted to give you guys praise for this site. It is very interesting and cool all at the same time also to my mom who hails from Aga'e and is currently in Samoa right now..Mrs. Maili Laupati..I love you mom and miss you lots..Waiting and praying for your return and also everyone misses you in Washington. Also Happy Belated Fathers Day to all and to my dad Risati M. Laupati in Tacoma Washington Love you POP..And CONGRATS to all of the 2005 Graduates. (Annette Laupati - San Francisco, Ca)

Jun 19 2005: I WOULD LIKE TO SAY HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO MY DAD...FESUIAI.LEULUAI..DAD FAAFETAI I LE ATUA UA AULIA MAI E OE LENEI ASO FAAPITOA MO OE LE TAMA...E LEAI SAU MEALOFA OUTE TOTOGIINA AI MEA UMA SA E FAIA MO AU...AE PAU O LE IA MANUIA LAVA LE ASO O TAMA...ALOFA PEA LE ATUA FAATASI PEA MA OE AO E OLA AI I LENEI LALOLAGI...INA IA UMI AI PEA LA TATOU MAFUTAGA...FAAFETAI MO LAPATAIGA...FAAFETAI MO FAUTUAGA...LENEI UA MANUIA AI MATOU LE FANAU...MANUIA LE ASO O TAMA...MAI LAU FANAU O....FLORENCE MERCIER, ALICE LEULUAI,AVIATA LEULUAI,MILA MAO,SAUAO LEULUAI,KALEB AVIATA LEULUAI...MA IVA LEULUAI...HAPPY FATHERS DAY...DAD...WE LOVE U...SO MUCH... (Teinesegaula - Lakewood, Wa)

Jun 11 2005: We are entitled under certain rights bounded by our Constitution, which also includes the Freedom of Speech. However, a wise man is distinguished by his demenor to express his or her opinions with sheer respect and dignity in respective to their counterparts. If not, he or she is pure non-sense!!!... Peace (Maze - Manu'a)

May 29 2005: I WOULD LIKE TO SAY CONGRADULATION TO PENIAMINA SEFO, MAIMAUALOFA GOGO,KRYSTAL TALI AND VICTOR TAAGA, VAVAO SUALOA AND ALL THE CLASS OF 2005 FROM MANUA HIGH SCHOOL. CONGRADULATION TO YOU ALL. KEEP UP THE SEGAULA PRIDE. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER DO NOT FORGET THE HOME OF THE SEGAULA WHERE YOU FIRST LEARN THAT THERE IS A VAST WORLD OUT THERE THAT NEED TO BE EXPLORE... SEGAULA ALL THE WAY....BOOYAHHH (Vanda - Falesao)

May 25 2005: Wow, alot of bull!@# here and there. Well, my issue is about the governor of Manu'a. I think I would be the perfect governor for our little prey island. I think it's time for men to step down and do there duty to take care of the women. A lady is more wiser, patient, sophisticated, powerful and strong hearted. True our bones are weak but our mind/brain is very strong...... You see, the ones who works for the ASG representing Manu'a or not. These are the people are in good hands with Uncle Sam and these men knows how to play there cards in a selfish way....You see, my ways, I would let Uncle Sam visit all the families that resides on the island, that is by creating alot of social activities for all the ages, and most of all, the facilities. It doesn't take $100,000.00 to fix-up a building, $1,000.00 is good enough but our men doesn't see it that way, if the money to'o small, it goes in the their pocket, that is how dull men thinks but they don't know, one penny can buy you ten pair of shoes, yeah, think about that! Oh, Ta'u people should try and fix-up the Malaetele as a village project because that is where the True Faletolu meeting should be held but No, No, No, Not at the Filoiali'i faletalimalo... ha-ha-ha (Cinderella - Luma, Ta'u, Manu'a)

May 25 2005: Goes out to the class of 2004 love you all (Iva Leuluai - Faleasao)

Apr 29 2005: My regards to the Tuialuuluu family. God bless you all. (Sylvia - Manu'a)

Apr 11 2005: I just want to say hi to my family in vaiusu and they will always be in my prayers (Felolini Naunau - Samoa)

Feb 17 2005: My Hopes and Prayers For my family out there in faleasao "Pele Gogo" and family. Also to everyone else there who's going through this as well. I pray ya'll are okay. Alofa Tele from yo' afatasi teine. (Tricia - Honolulu, Ha)

Feb 16 2005: Sending my prayers to all my friends and family in Samoa who are facing with Hurricane Olaf. (Maze - Ta'u, Manu'a)

Feb 16 2005: Watz up my niggahs, just joking...i just wanna say hi to my family Vaiolo's family (Saiupolu - Oakland, Ca)

Jan 24 2005: Don't agree with the Manu'a District Governor choice  It is with great astonishment I write to express my disappointment with the choosing of Tufele as Manu'a's District Governor. My opinion is not based on my relation to the titles involved, but more so on the qualifications of the two who hold the Galea'i and Tufele titles. I am also very concerned and suspicious of how the selection process was carried out.

There are those who have commented on this being an issue of "kupe" [sic] and "pule". With your permission I offer some clarity on these issues. Firstly, how can kupe be an issue when Manu'a is and has always been neglected by the American Samoa Government? How much of ASG budget goes to Manu'a? Very little. How much of the money collected, by Tufele in the last ten years, from the Atu'u land actually went to the Manu'a people? None. The salary for the District Governor position, it really isn't worth the trouble.

Regarding "pule" - Galea'i is the only Fa'atui and the only Fa'asuaga of Fitiuta. Therefore is the highest-ranking matai in Fitiuta. That is the foundation of Fitiuta and it will never change. Tufele on the other hand is an addition to what used to be the Tolufale (3 houses) that comprised of Moaali'itele, Tauiliili, and Poumele - now referred to as the Faleifa (4 houses). The story of how Tufele came to Manu'a begins with accounts of a young boy who was a "drifter" from Atafu (na fa'atafea mai le atu Atafu). The boy was encountered by Te'i, who took him in and gave him the duties of preparing food (sua). Whenever Te'i was hungry, he would send a pigeon to the boy's quarters as a call to prepare the food. The pigeon would nestle within the thatched ceiling of the fale and flap its wings to catch the boy's attention - hence the term "tufelefele". From this term, the boy was named Tufele. Tufele served Te'i so well that he (Te'i) wanted to find a place for him (Tufele) in the echelon of matais. An attempt at placing him along side of Galea'i was refused for he (Tufele) was not of the chosen (tofiga - honors given by Tuimanu'a Lelologatele to his sons Galea'i and Sotoa). The request for a place in the Tolufale was accepted and Tufele has been part of the Faleifa ever since. So remember, in Fitiuta, Galea'i is "pule". Tufele - well, he was a servant.

The recent decision by Manu'a District Council to select Tufele is very suspicious. As reported, the council met in Atu'u, and their selection of Tufele was accepted by Togiola. Who called that meeting? I doubt it was Galea'i. Who attended the meeting? Probably just Tufele, Sotoa, Fofo, Atiulagi, and a few others - yes Togiola supporters. What happened to the signed documents approving the selection of Galea'i by the Fitiuta Council, as reported back in December? The Manu'a District gave the matter of selection to the Fitiuta Council to decide on the District Governorship. A decision was made and forwarded to Togiola. But Togiola decides to approve the decision of a meeting that was neither called by the sitting District Governor, nor attended by most of the Manu'a District Council. That brings the validity of that decision into question.

I will not beat around the bush - so let me just say that aside from Tufele, Fofo had a hand in this for it is his nature. There should be a law in American Samoa prohibiting anyone who has committed federal offenses from holding a matai title and from taking part in the functions of the government politically and culturally. It should be called the "Fofo Law."

I am, however, very surprised that a Judge of the courts took part in the meeting in Atu'u knowing that, by due process, a selection was made in December and documents were signed in support of that decision. Atiu, as a judge of the courts you should have been the voice of reason. You of all people should have questioned the validity of the Atu'u meeting. Atiu, you have proven your character to be of undignified standard that is a disgrace to the integrity of the judgeship you hold. You should be dismissed from the courts immediately.

The logic maybe that since the term of District Governor's position ceased at the end of the year, Galea'i had no right to call a meeting. This brings Sotoa into the picture for he is the Secretary of Samoan Affairs. As they say, "Oute ofo i lou le alofa!" Masalo ua galo ia oe le osiaiga a Galea'i aua lena itu o le aiga. Have you forgotten that Sotoa and Galea'i are brothers? I now see why you never have the full support of the Sotoa clan behind you. Sotoa, you have turned your back on the one person who spoke very highly of you and supported you as a uso.

Finally, did Togiola really choose not to intercede in the process? Or was that a guileless attempt at separating himself from the whole issue. No guts! He'd have my respect had he just turned down the decision of the Fitiuta Council and appointed Tufele himself. That is within the law - a law that should be changed. Instead, Togiola is hiding behind the Manu'a Council. So much for your promise eloquently put, "My dear American Samoa. I pledge to you the continuation of all other government services to our people with the highest degree of integrity."

Manu'a, how can you trust Tufele's statement that he will continue Galea'i's work when he was the one constantly making attempts at stopping Galea'i's Manu'a Initiative that hopes to bring better health-care alternatives to Manu'a? How can you trust Tufele who, for almost 10 years, has collected money from the Atu'u land leases on behalf of the Manu'a people and kept it for his personal gain? In the years Tufele was District Governor what did he do for Manu'a? As Lt. Governor what did he do for Manu'a? Will the case brought against him by the people of Manu'a be dismissed now that he is District Governor? Will Togiola just sweep that under the rug? - that dust is just piling up governor. How will you remedy the now damaged relationship between Fitiuta and the Manu'a Councils - like we really needed another? Wasn't the Faletolu enough?

The worst part is while all this is going on Manu'a suffers! When will you guys get it right? (Pomasame@yahoo.com)

Jan 01 2005: HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MANU'AS OUT THERE. STAY ALIVE IN 05. (Lele)

Jun 08 2004: What is going on with Manu'a's air transportation? I've learned that Manu'a is still having problem with air and also ocean transportation. And how long this problem has been going on? No permanent solution just band-aide fixed it if you will, for now and make it as a political issue this election year. People of Manu'a at home and abroad should demand to the governor and elected officials from Manu'a to do something about this problem. Manu'a stop being so complacent in issues that affect your lively hood and your future. Demand to the governor and the Representative to Congress, use your vote as a bargain chip. Vote them out if they won't performed. This problem should have been solved already, maybe they are stock holders for the Polynesian airlines. I am very disappointed in prolonging this problem. Something should be done long time ago... (Foua Taaga - Bremerton, Wa)

May 18 2004: I like to add to Mr. Harwood's comments about not allowing foreign nationals to settle in American Samoa. We shouldn't get ourselves into the ugly business of deciding who should stay in our islands and who should not. Immigrants travel to another country to make things better for themselves. Following that logic, one can only assume that they will make things better for people around them as well. We, Samoans, are immigrants to many countries around the world and plenty of us will testify to the many positive contributions we have given to those countries. However, the point that I believe Mr. Harwood is trying to make is that American Samoa needs population control. But the local economy to include the tuna industry can more than provide for all 60,000 people. There is no mass starvation going on in AS so I'd say we are doing pretty good. I would also say that we have plenty of economic options to develop our lands to accomodate a population that is twice its current number. But the scary thing is that everything as it is now depends on the viability of the tuna industry. As we all know, the tuna industry only survives in AS because of our territory's exemption from U.S. tariffs on tuna processed outside of the Continental U.S. That makes tuna unreliable and all the more necessary to phase out. One way of doing this is to allow the tuna industry to import cheap tuna loins from other countries like the Marshall Islands and Thailand. Jobs will be lost here, but this forces us to change when we otherwise would not even try. Mr. Harwood makes a good point saying that the ASG needs to support family planning. It's alot harder to go out from behind your desk and lead people on how to responsibly raise a family than it is to sign laws on top of that same desk limiting immigration. We don't need more laws; we need more leadership. Thank you, (Talifaitasi Satele - Vailoa)

Mar 16 2004: Just a brief comment on "Are women ready to lead" Or maybe we can take it further as "Are American Samoa women ready to lead?" Absolutely! This is the 21st century, and women from Manu'a and Tutuila have graduated from institutions of higher learning and are major players within federal and local governments. It is hard for Samoa to realize the potential for those qualify individuals because we all know how the system works in American Samoa. It is not what you know, but who you know. In addition, does Manu'a allowed women to become Matai in the Faleulas? Yeah? that is kind a tough isn't it? Certainly a challenge for me as a Manu'an woman. But, it could be done. Or maybe. (Foua Taaga Tuala - Bremerton, Wa)

Mar 04 2004: I don't much to say. I was just passing by. However my parents are originally from Manu'a. Thank you for the opportunity. (Elaine - Oceanside, Ca)

Dec 29 2003: All I can say is that the people of Manu'a should wake up and smell the ko-ko samoa. Who is to blamed when fatige and lack of social communicaton is spreading throughout the island. They don't do anything anymore but sleep all day and bingo all night and that is not life! What we need in Manu'a is a leader, a knowledge, educated, sophisticated, enthuciatic leader. For eg. If I was the Governor of Manu'a, I will promote small societies in villages. The government of Samoa would not spend a cent for it, each youth can raised there own money. Also, Teen groups, they will promote peerpressure and stop alot of negative pressure going on. Our Schools, all the teachers should be certified Bachelor Degree teachers. For any damages at facilities, I will make sure my voice will be heard in council,not because I needed money for a fa'alavelave. The Clinics (Dispansery) should be open and operated 24 hours, especially, a nurse should be on duty. Police academy, in Manu'a we don't need 10 officers, too many officers and no crime been reported, still there is always fighting, gambling, and speeding and etc. but no reports. And of course our small little M&O, and ASPA, you see, who ever is supervisor for aspa and m&o, their sons and relatives are the ones they hire for the job. That is a No, No, I will make sure everyone gets a chance of applying for a job. I will only need two officers for each villages and make sure those officers make at least three or four reports a month. There is alot of things to promote the well-living on our island but we're just to'o stupid and scared to face the fact. And I'm sorry, that is the fact! With these societies, they can do things like weaving mats, sew, create, make anything, and of course their money will be worth spending instead of speading it on bingo for someone elses profit. I was borned and raised in Ta'u, and it really makes me mad when I heard from back home that everything our ancestors had work for is gone. Well, I am the one who will not be blinded by these lack of value. I will fight and make sure something is heard of, for everyone who is blood Manu'a. Thank you!! (Cinderella - Ta'u village)

More...