HEADLINES FOR JULY 2007 |
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Lee Auditorium Renovations Almost Complete
July 30, 2007 - By the time the territory hosts the 2008 Pacific Festival, the multi-million dollar renovations to the Lee Auditorium will be complete and the finish work will be nothing less than breathtaking.
Fletcher Construction is staying on top of the much needed renovation project which includes the installation of more modern upgrades and most notably, new roofing and a sign at the entrance that reads:“Governor H. Rex Lee Auditorium.” [read more]
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DPW holds hearing to discuss $16 mil TTIP money
July 30, 2007 - Only three people attended the public hearing that took place on Monday, July 30 at the Public Works conference room to discuss the $16 million awarded for
2006-2008 under the Territory Transportation Improvement Program (TTIP).
They are Ituau Malosi representatives Taotasi Archie Soliai and Mary Lauagaia Taufete’e, and Levu Solaita. [read more]
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New drivers licenses issued to comply with Real ID standards
July 29, 2007 - Of the approximately 8,000 licensed drivers in the territory, over 1600 have applied and received their new drivers licenses.
The new drivers license program, which was launched to comply with emerging Real ID standards, was unveiled on June 15, 2007. [read more] |
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Arts Council Teaches Traditional Arts
July 29, 2007 - Over 100 youngsters received a crash course in, among other things, traditional Samoan weaving and dancing during the nearly month-long 2007 Children’s Culture Maintenance Summer Program which was held at the Jean P. Hayden Museum in Fagatogo from July 2-27.
For more than three weeks, youngsters from across the territory experienced the art of making siapo (tapa), wood carving, Samoan dancing, elei processing, story telling, and singing. [read more] |
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Monthly Fono spending detailed in Treasury's report to Gov. Togiola
July 28, 2007 - Monthly financial overview reports for local funds submitted from the Treasury Department to Governor Togiola Tulafono reveals that the monthly expenditures for the local Legislature, on average, are constantly dwindling on the half-million-dollar mark.
In June 2007, the Fono spent a total of $530,357, which is an increase from the $470,554 it expended the same time last year. [read more] |
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Confirmed cases of dengue fever still increasing
July 27, 2007 - In a span of ten days, between July 17-27, the Department of Health confirmed 3 more cases of dengue fever, bringing the total number of infected victims to 66 this year so far.
Of the total number, 38 (27 males and 11 females), are under 30 [read more] |
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ASG spending down nearly $2 million compared to last two years
July 27, 2007 - June 2007, the American Samoa Government had reduced its spending by millions compared to the same time in the past two years.
Based on the Treasury Department’s June Financial Overview Report (local funds), the total expenditures for June 2007 was only $5,070,199, down significantly from $6,918,062 in June 2006 and $8,027,804 in June 2005. [read more] |
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Treasury overview report reveals drop in collections for June
July 26, 2007 - The Treasury Department’s Financial Overview report (local funds) for the month of June reveals that for every dollar ($1) received, approximately $1.06 was spent.
A copy of the report, along with supporting documents, has already been submitted to Governor Togiola Tulafono.
In summary, the actual revenue collected was
$4,800,645 but [read more] |
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DOH offers free summer camp for local youngsters, hopeful to include Manu’a next year
July 25, 2007 - While some young people spent their summer vacation off island, in summer school, or just hanging out at home, close to 100 youngsters participated in the first ever Healthy Kids Summer Camp program hosted by the Department of Health at the Convention Center in Utulei.
The camp lasted three days, July 24-27, with each day dedicated to educating kids from the eastern, central, and western districts, respectively. [read more] |
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Road resurfacing for west side set to begin next week
July 24, 2007 - The pre-construction conference regarding the resurfacing project for the main road from Avau to the main airport intersection is complete, and the Notice to Proceed (NTP) for the job is scheduled to be issued some time next week.
The resurfacing will begin in Avau where Phase V ends and will extend towards the airport intersection in front of the Express Electronics Building. This means that the main highway heading westward from the Fire Station in Fagatogo all the way up to the airport intersection will be pothole-free, resulting in [read more] |
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Dengue fever cases reach 63, outreach programs in the works
July 22, 2007 - The local Department of Health and its epidemiology team are spearheading efforts to combat the spread of dengue fever, a potentially fatal communicable disease that has infected a total of 63 locals this year, as of July 17.
Of that number, 23 people, (15 adults and 8 children), were hospitalized, while the other 40 were treated on an outpatient basis. [read more] |
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Ta’u Dispensary project delayed but Segaula and DOH continue to serve Manu’a residents
July 16, 2007 - Pregnant women who live in the Manu’a Islands no longer have to pay over $100 for travel just to keep up with their prenatal appointments as the service is now available to them.
Expectant mothers generally start off with monthly visits that eventually become bi-weekly, then weekly, as they near their due date. [read more] |
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Senate confirms Matagi as Port director, House yet to vote
July 15, 2007 - The Senate believes that former House Speaker Matagi Ray Mailo McMoore is the right person to take over as Port Administration director and this was evident with a unanimous vote of 17-0 on July 10.
Matagi’s position will be official once the House of Representatives confirms his appointment. Matagi’s confirmation is expected to be one of the agendas on the House calendar when the Fono reconvenes in August. [read more] |
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FHwA funds new culverts for Atuu/Leloaloa under Emergency Recovery Program
July 15, 2007 - Three years after Tropical Cyclone Heta brought flooding and caused devastating damage all across the territory, repair work under the Emergency Recovery
(ER) program are now underway and nearing completion.
Funding for the ER projects is available from the Federal Highway Administration (FHwA).
Contractors McConnell Dowell have taken the first step by installing new culverts in Atu’u and Leloaloa, in areas that routinely flood and are problematic [read more] |
Roadway excavation issues referred to the AG’s Office
July 4, 2007 - Department of Public Works director Taeaotui Punaofo Tilei has forwarded to the Attorney General’s Office his concerns regarding roadway excavation for underground utility repair by the American Samoa Power Authority. Taeaotui is requesting that the Attorney General take legal action in the matter as according to him, ASPA officials have failed to offer any response or explanation on what the semiautonomous agency plans to do to repair roadway areas that [read more] |
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