Community News Briefs

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Groundbreaking for the airport expansion project was last week and marks the first phase of a $200-plus million- dollar project to build a new, upscale, and larger terminal for Pago Pago International Airport.

Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula said the parking lot expansion is another step forward in the administration’s efforts to modernize and improve critical infrastructure. In addition to the governor, lawmakers, Congresswoman Uifaatali, and airport users—witnessed the ceremony. The project will shift and extend the existing parking lot into the area where the fuel tanks were previously located, as part of the current lot will be used for the planned new terminal building.

The total cost of the parking lot project is $10 million—$8.8 million for the construction contract awarded to Paramount Construction and $1.7 million for construction management awarded to Woolpert Inc. 80% of the cost is funded by American Rescue Plan Act funds (ARPA) and 20% by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The parking lot is expected to be completed by the end of next year, after which construction of the new terminal is to begin.

NEW SAMOAN LANGUAGE PROGRAM

Governor Pulaali'i N. Pula and the Office of the Samoan Language Commission welcomed Brandi Atuatasi and her father, Samson Atuatasi to the Territory last week and recognized her for working to establish Introductory Samoan Language courses at Stanford University. Brandi, alongside her classmate Ari Pätu, played an instrumental role in advocating for the inclusion of the Samoan language at Stanford.

Motivated by a desire to deepen their connection to their culture and identity, the two students worked with the Stanford Language Center to launch Samoan language instruction in 2023. The course was successfully offered over two academic years but was paused this past year due to instructor availability. The University plans to resume the course in the upcoming academic year.

Atuatasi graduated this past spring with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Human Biology. This fall, she will begin her Master of Science in Community Health and Prevention Research at Stanford, with long-term goals of serving Samoan and Pacific Islander communities in health promotion and disease prevention.

SEARCH AND RESCUE STAFF RECOGNIZED

The Department of Search and Rescue organized a wave event in Utulei Friday morning, marking the end of a week-long celebration dedicated to honoring the service, courage, and commitment of American Samoa's Search and Rescue responders.

Under the leadership of Director Utumoe Alefosio, the department comprises three key divisions: Emergency Medical Services, Fire Services, and the Marine Patrol Division. Each division plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community, responding to emergencies with skill and efficiency.

The weeklong festivities served as an expression of gratitude and appreciation for their efforts and the vital role they play in the community's safety and security.