Welcome to the Office of Samoan Affairs
This website is supported by Grant Number 90ZD0009 from the Office of Family Assistance within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Family Assistance.
Headquarters: 454 E. Carson Plaza Dr. #109, Carson, CA 90746
Sacramento Main Office 2255 Watt Ave., Suite 385 Sacramento, CA 9582
Sacramento Satellite Office 11779 Bagota Way Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
June V. Pouesi, Executive Director
Dear Friends and Families,
I extend my warmest love to each of you during these challenging times. In our nation and especially here in California, we continue to face significant hardships that test our resilience and unity. In the true spirit of Alofa, we stand strong together, drawing strength from our faith, cultural values, and family support.
Trials remind us that no one walks alone. Our Pacific Island communities, along with all who call California home, have shown remarkable courage. Whether navigating housing, employment, health, or daily struggles, know that your endurance inspires us all. Hold fast to hope, lean on one another, and remember that brighter days are built through our unwavering faith.
The Office of Samoan Affairs remains fully committed to serving you. If you or your loved ones need assistance—be it with resources, counseling, employment support, or simply a listening ear—please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here for you, always.
Finally, I offer my deepest thanks to our Chairwoman Talalelei Misa for her kind leadership, our dedicated fiscal officer, Anita Mondares, and to our devoted staff for their tireless hard work and dedication to uplifting our communities every single day. Your service makes a profound difference.
Fa’afetai tele and blessings to all.
Pacific Community
Our Community
Regional Pacific
As global oil supplies teeter on the brink from Middle East turmoil, Pacific leaders issued a desperate SOS. The Pacific Islands Forum invoked the powerful Biketawa Declaration, triggering emergency coordination across the region. Nations are now racing to stockpile fuel, slash consumption, and shield their fragile economies from crippling shortages that could paralyze transport, power, and food supplies.
In Vanuatu, island leaders delivered a fiery Tassiriki Call, sounding the alarm for an immediate global treaty to ban new fossil fuel projects. Facing existential threats from rising seas and energy chaos, they warned the world: the Pacific will not quietly sink while big powers keep burning.
Samoa
Savai’i erupted in rugby glory as its schools delivered a stunning masterclass at the 2026 National Sevens Tournament, sweeping nearly every title in a dominant display of raw talent and island pride that left rivals in awe.
Samoa is fighting back against isolation with bold ambition: two brand-new international aircraft are racing toward delivery by the end of 2026, promising a lifeline for tourism and trade in a region desperate for stronger connections.
American Samoa
In a high-stakes address, Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula painted a picture of urgent progress and lingering peril — hailing infrastructure wins and energy fixes while warning of the tough battles still ahead for the territory’s future.
Deep beneath the waves off American Samoa, scientists unveiled haunting first images of massive mineral nodules — a striking discovery from NOAA’s 2026 expedition that could reshape the underwater frontier and spark fierce resource debates.
Cinderella story in football: American Samoa’s women’s team exploded up the FIFA rankings, rocketing 17 places to No. 120 — their strongest position in years — after a thrilling run that ignited national pride.
Tonga
A dengue fever emergency exploded across Tonga after an April 17 declaration. With 28 confirmed cases — mostly young boys aged 11-14 — racing through Tongatapu and Ha’apai, hospitals are on edge as authorities scramble to contain the outbreak before it spirals further.
Tonga’s prisons are bursting at the seams. A surge in drug crimes has pushed Hu’atolitoli Prison into crisis overcrowding, forcing officials into a desperate fight against both crime and collapsing rehabilitation systems.
Fiji
Terror struck when Category 3 Cyclone Vaianu slammed Fiji on April 7-8, unleashing ferocious winds, torrential floods, and chaos that displaced thousands and left communities reeling from widespread destruction.
Heartbreak in Nausori: A raging house fire on April 23 claimed the lives of five family members in a horrifying tragedy that has shaken the nation and ignited urgent calls for fire safety reform.
With fuel prices threatening to explode, Fiji’s government launched an emergency $56 million lifeline, slashing budgets elsewhere to shield citizens from the looming energy storm.
ECONOMY: Samoa
HEALTH CONCERNS
Samoa Strengthens Border Security with New K9 Unit
- Samoa’s border security and law enforcement capabilities have been strengthened with the addition of a new narcotics detection dog, Willow.
The induction marks a vital step in enhancing Samoa’s operational capacity to combat drug trafficking and other illicit activities.
The detector dogs, including Willow, are purpose-bred from proven bloodlines, ensuring they possess the reliability, development, and capabilities essential for detection work.
The combination of high-quality training and carefully selected dogs ensures Samoa’s K9 unit meets international standards in detection and enforcement.
The induction event last Friday also recognized Customs Officer Robert Pitoitua and Constable Miracle Malaefono, who have now been certified as narcotics detector dog handlers.
The detector dogs initiative comes under the collaborative efforts of the New Zealand Police and Customs Pacific Detective Dog Programme, supported by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Aid Programme, which facilitated specialized training and provision of highly trained detection dogs.
Group Photo of K9 Unit Induction Ceremony
New Zealand High Commissioner, Her Excellency Si’alei Van Toor emphasized the importance of this development, noting that the milestone would boost Samoa’s security framework.
A key component of the initiative is the delivery of advanced courses in New Zealand, where Pacific Detective Dog Teams acquire vital skills and practical experience.
The Minister of Customs, Masinalupe Leatuavao Makesi Pisi, highlighted the significance of the graduates’ achievements, stating that Detector Dog Willow and her handler Benjamin Milo successfully completed the narcotic detection training in New Zealand.
Minister of Customs, Masinalupe Leatuavao Makesi Pisi speaking during the K9 induction ceremony.
According to the Ministry of Customs, Samoa’s commitment to expanding its K9 capabilities, with plans for additional detector dogs and handler training scheduled for later this year.
Since the proposal was submitted on 24 September 2025, under the Pacific Detector Dog Programme, Samoa has secured funding for two more narcotics detection dogs and training placements.
This progress underscores Samoa’s dedication to building a robust, sustainable K9 unit, which, once fully established, will consist of three Customs detector dogs, three handlers, and three support scouts.
When combined with the police K9 capability, the Samoa joint K9 Unit will operate with four detector dogs under a unified framework.
The event concluded with the Minister of Customs presenting certificates to three newly certified dog handlers.
Obesity Facts for Samoans in California
- Prevalence: Samoans in California show very high obesity rates. Studies report ~50% obesity among Samoans (BMI ≥30), with adult overweight/obese rates often exceeding 70-80%. In one Los Angeles-area sample of Samoan males, 84% were obese. Among Samoan students in Los Angeles County, 48.6% were obese.
- Comparison: US adult male obesity is ~36%; Samoan rates in California are substantially higher. Pacific Islander adults in California often exceed 70-80% overweight or obese.
- Causes:
- Genetic factor: A “thrifty” gene variant (CREBRF on chromosome 5) promotes efficient fat storage, increasing obesity risk by ~35% in carriers. It likely aided survival in traditional environments but contributes in modern calorie-rich settings.
- Dietary shift: From traditional taro, breadfruit, fish, and vegetables to imported/processed foods, fast food, sugary drinks, canned meats, and larger portions at gatherings.
- Reduced activity: Sedentary jobs, driving, and less traditional physical labor.
- Other: Migration-related lifestyle changes, cultural hospitality norms with abundant fatty foods, and socio-economic factors.
- Health Links: High rates of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and poor self-rated health. Obesity contributes to these, though overall health in some Samoan/Tongan California samples is uniformly poor regardless of exact obesity level.
- Evidence on Interventions:
- Church-based programs show modest success in improving nutrition, physical activity, and weight outcomes through group support, education, and cultural tailoring.
- Combined nutrition education + exercise yields BMI reductions (e.g., 1.35–2.27 points in pilot studies) and better knowledge of high-fiber/low-fat foods.
- Community and faith-based efforts leveraging fa’aSamoa principles demonstrate feasibility and small positive changes in Pacific Island groups.