Ring in the New Year with promises of renewal, reflection and hope

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In observance of the New Year holiday, Governor Pulaali’i Nikolau Pula has announced that the government will officially take two days off — Thursday, January 1, 2026 and Friday, January 2nd. However, Wednesday, while not a holiday, will be a half day, with an early release from work at 12p.m.

As per usual on a government holiday all government offices will be closed, and normal operations will be suspended. Employees of the American Samoa Government who are not required to perform essential services shall be excused from duty. Those employees whose duties are essential and are required to work on these holidays shall receive holiday compensation in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

“Government operations shall resume under normal business hours on Monday, January 5th 2026.

“The New Year marks a time of renewal, reflection, and hope as we look ahead to new opportunities and responsibilities. It is also a moment to give thanks for God’s guidance and blessings throughout the past year. Employees are encouraged to spend this time with family and loved ones, reflect on the yer past, and prepare for the year ahead with renewed purpose, unity, and commitment in serving our community.”

Governor Puaali’i extends his sincere appreciation for their continued service and dedication to the people of the Territory. “May the New Year bring you good health, success, and prosperity.

Samoa News should note that the governor is currently off island, with no return date currently announced.

The US Post Office Service will be closed New Year’s Day, returning on Friday, Jan. 2nd, as per normal federal holiday.

The Territorial Bank of American Samoa (TBAS) will close early at 12 pm, on Wednesday, December 31, 2025; on Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 it will be closed; and, it will be open on Friday, Jan. 2nd for full service.

Don’t forget American Samoa is the last “inhabited” country to ring in the New Year — if you want to see the last sunset of 2025 in the Territory, take a ride out to Poloa. On the other hand, if you want to experience the first New Year celebration in the world, you need to fly to Samoa, with the holidays experiencing some of the the busiest flight times for the inter-island airlines.

For StarKist Samoa its cannery shutdown continues for the Christmas and New Year holidays. The shutdown allows for major maintenance work and prepares the cannery for the new year, with the company slated to begin production of pet food in 2026.

With more than 80% of the cannery workforce of more than 2,000 being from Samoa, they have headed home for the holidays. The cannery did arrange for a charter of the Lady Samoa ferry to take its employees to Samoa during Christmas week. It’s unknown if a return-trip ferry has been chartered.

The company’s first day of production for 2026 is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 5th.

Usually New Year in the Territory highlights its NY Eve’s church services before the bars begin to fill to ring in the brand new year.

On New Year Day, look for family or company barbecues at the public beaches and parks. Most grocery stores will be open, with specialty stores and companies usually closing on that day, with all returning to full service on Friday.

According to the National Weather Service- Pago Pago, the weather forecast for New Year’s Day is partly cloudy, isolated showers, highs in the upper 80s, and variable winds up to 10 mph. It looks like mostly a sunny day.

From Thursday night through to Friday, its still partly cloudy however, scattered showers are forecast.

Friday night through Sunday, the weather is mostly cloudy with numerous showers — definitely expect rain throughout the weekend.

For the public’s safety, the police are continuing their Enforcement initiative that began about 2 weeks ago, marking the beginning of a focused effort to enhance road safety during the busy festive season. 

Commissioner of Public Safety Taaga Saite Moliga announced the Enforcement initiative noting the deployment of strategically placed roadblocks throughout the community to identify and evaluate drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. He noted these roadblocks would be strategically placed in response to real-time traffic patterns, focusing on high-traffic areas during peak travel periods to maximize visibility and effectiveness.

The DPS is maintaining its Holiday Enforcement program, through Saturday, January 3, 2026. 

Samoa News will have an issue tomorrow, December 31st, New Year’s eve day and will be off on Thursday, Jan 1st and Friday, Jan. 2nd, returning on Monday, Jan 5th, 2026.

Happy New Year — American Samoa. Be safe, and with God’s grace may we ring in the New Year remembering to be kind to one another.