American Samoa

Tsunami advisory lifted in American Samoa

Tsunami warnings were in place for much of the Pacific following yesterday's massive 8.3 earthquake in Chile.

The earthquake has claimed at least 11 lives in Chile.

The Pacific Tsunami warning Centre has now advised that there is no further tsunami threat for American Samoa as a result of the massive earthquake in Chile.

However residents have been advised to be observant and exercise normal caution if you are in or near the ocean.

Hospital bill for world's smallest man shocks chief

Known as the smallest man on earth Mr Dangi died in the LBJ's intensive care unit after being admitted with pneumonia nearly two weeks ago.

American Samoa Governor Lolo Moliga and the chief executive of the LBJ hospital, Taufetee John Faumuina Jr, agreed to the reduction.

Pulu says he was astounded when presented with the hospital bill for Mr Dangi of US$6,953.

He said it was insulting to get such an exorbitant bill and he could not believe the charges for the ICU are more than US$1,000 a day for foreigners.

Text book seller wants American Samoa debt paid

Vaitinasa says these are debts from a few years ago and a representative from the company is arriving next week for meetings with Department to discuss them.

She says their indications are the debt is about $US80,000, not the more than $US100,000 claimed by the company.

Vaitinasa says the lack of text books is not a major problem, with teachers more and more relying on computers and other resources.

There's $US877,500 in the Department's proposed 2016 annual budget for text books.

American Samoa wharf upgrade contract awarded

The service wharf for vessels ploughing between the territory's islands was built in the 1950s and was beginning to collapse after years of wear and tear.

The US$8.4 million upgrade is funded by the federal government.

American Samoa holds funeral for world's smallest man

Chandra Bahadur Dangi, who is also known as Prince Chandra, died in hospital in Pago Pago last week, aged 75.

The Guinness Book of World Records says Mr Dangi was the shortest man on earth at 54.6 centimetres in height.

The Nepalese national was in the territory as part of Bruno's Magic Circus.

The ringmaster, Tupai Bruno Loyale, says Mr Dangi was a simple man with a big heart.

Sport: Football World Cup Qualifiers to kick off in Oceania

Tonga, American Samoa, Samoa and Cook Islands are all in Nuku'alofa, vying for one spot in next year's Oceania Nations Cup.

Samoa prevailed when the same teams met in Apia four years ago but head coach Phineas Young says the squad has a new look after being ovehauled in recent years.

Warning over American Samoa wage hike proposal

American Samoa's governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga has proposed increasing the local minimum wage on condition the US Congress provide a federal subsidy to support the rise.

The minimum wage in the territory is set to rise by 50 cents in September, following a three year wage freeze.

StarKist's fish cannery in Pago Pago is one of the territory's biggest employers.

Next tier of Pacific rugby nations Oceania Cup

Cook Islands won the biennial event two years ago but will not defend their title, choosing to focus their limited resources on November's Olympic Sevens Qualifier.

Newcomers American Samoa open proceedings against Solomon Islands at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, followed by hosts Papua New Guinea against Tahiti, in the first round of matches.

The General Manager of Rugby PNG, Frank Genia, says pride and silverware aren't the only things on up for grabs.

American Samoa considers drug testing public servants

Previous bills for such a requirement have been quickly defeated.

A new bill before the territorial House of Representatives would require government employees, elected officials and independent contractors to submit to drug testing, to be administered by the Human Resources Department.

The measure's preamble says the tests are needed to ensure and enhance the quality of the public service and to maintain the public's trust.

Meeting called over American Samoa minimum wage hike

Next week's meeting comes a month before the next federally-mandated 50-cent wage hike comes into effect.

The two canneries, the Chamber of Commerce and Cabinet Director as well as the Legislature have all been invited to attend.

The canneries and the Chamber oppose the wage increase.

Lolo earlier said he wants to see a wage hike, but his administration is still concerned about the impact on the fish canneries, which are the territory's largest private employers.