Welcome to the Office of Samoan Affairs

The OFFICE OF SAMOAN AFFAIRS has earned a 4/4 Star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating high accountability, transparency, and financial health, which suggests they manage their resources effectively for their mission.

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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

Talofa!

These are challenging times in California. With gas prices and the overall cost of living rising sharply, and the ongoing difficulties facing families across Los Angeles, many in our community are feeling the pressure. We see the extra hours you are working, the sacrifices you are making, and the worry you carry for your families.

Even in these difficult moments, I want to remind you of the strength that defines us as Samoan people. Our Christian heritage has always guided us, teaching us to trust in God, to lean on prayer, and to find hope in His faithfulness. Let us hold fast to our values of aiga (family), fa’a Samoa (the Samoan way), and caring for one another. In these trying times, may we draw closer to God and to our families for strength and comfort.

Together, we move onward. This season will pass, and we will emerge stronger as a community. Please know that the Office of Samoan Affairs stands ready to assist you. If you or your family need support, do not hesitate to call our office.

Fa’afetai tele. Be strong, trust in the Lord, take care of one another, and keep moving forward.

June

OSA Wrap

OSA Wrap 2

Pacific Community

Our Community

- American Samoa
  Memorial Day observances: Monday, May 25, 2026, was observed as a federal and local holiday, marking the Memorial Day weekend with commemorations for U.S. service members.
  
  Education milestone: The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) Class of 2026 held its graduation on May 15.
  
  Government activities:
  Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula joined proclamations for National Safe Boating Week (May 16-22).
  High-level mission to Samoa (early May) to strengthen ties and plan for SAS-2 (likely a submarine cable or infrastructure project).
  Delegation advanced strategic energy and digital roadmap at INDO-PACOM.
  
  Tax refunds: First batch of 2026 tax refund checks issued starting May 27.
  Pageant representation: Tofoi Unutoa (Miss American Samoa) is representing the territory at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2026 in Fiji.
  
  Samoa
  Daily local news continues via outlets like Radio Samoa (“Tala Fou Mai Samoa” episodes on May 25-26) and Samoa Observer, covering community, parliamentary sessions (e.g., May 26), and regional issues.
  
  Sports: FedPac Insurance NPC Round 3 rugby events ongoing across the country.
  
  Upcoming events: Samoa International Marathon scheduled for July 4, 2026, on Upolu island.
  Broader regional cooperation, including hosting Atoa Samoa inter-government meetings.
  
  Broader Pacific Islands
  Climate and energy challenges: Many islands face oil supply issues and rising fuel prices, impacting economies and daily life (e.g., in Fiji). Pacific leaders continue pushing for climate justice and action on sea-level rise.
  
  Regional politics: Solomon Islands recently elected a new Prime Minister (Matthew Wale) after a no-confidence vote.
  
  Health and development: WHO Pacific Chief promoting digital health initiatives. Tsunami preparedness partnerships (e.g., U.S.-Samoa).
  
  Infrastructure/International: Quad (U.S., Australia, India, Japan) announcements on port development (e.g., Fiji), critical minerals framework, and energy security to support Pacific resilience.
  
  Other: Ongoing focus on gender-based violence linked to climate disasters; various cultural and leadership events like the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant.
  
  The region remains focused on economic pressures (fuel/living costs), climate resilience, infrastructure development, and strengthening ties with partners like the U.S. and Australia.

Fiji

RNZ

The High Court in Fiji has dismissed a stay application by former deputy prime minister Manoa Kamikamica against proceedings brought against him by the country’s anti-corruption agency.

Kamikamica is facing one count of perjury and providing false information.

The Fiji Times reports Justice Sianiu Fa’alogo Bull ruling the defence argument claiming an absence of evidence was “without merit” and refused the application.

Kamikamica’s charges stem from alleged statements under oath in relation to the controversial appointment of the now-sacked Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption boss Barbara Malimali.

Health workers in Fiji are owed an estimated FJ$1.7 million (US$770,000) in unpaid overtime.

State broadcaster reported Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Atonio Lalabalavu confirming last week that the unpaid overtime accumulated between January and March this year.

The unpaid overtime mostly affects staff on lower pay bands, including registered nurses, medical imaging technologists, and senior pharmacy technicians.

Dr Atonio said the figure is expected to rise further as data from several major cost centres was still being compiled.

He said all overtime up to December 2025 has been fully paid.

Tonga

Tonga’s Ministry of Health says dengue cases in the country have reached 53.

The latest numbers, as of Monday, recorded three people in Princess Fusipala Hospital in Ha’apai.

The majority of cases are among the 11-14-year-old age group and predominantly boys.

Response teams have been giving out mosquito repellents and bed nets to households with confirmed cases.

French Polynesia

Several employees of Taaone Hospital in French Polynesia are under investigation for alleged involvement in methamphetamine trafficking.

Islands Business reports that three orderlies, who have worked at the hospital for years, and another man appeared before judges and have been placed in pre-trial detention.

Two of the suspects were arrested in Los Angeles last month with 240 grams of methamphetamine.

They were repatriated to Tahiti, leading investigators to detain the other two men.

Trial is set down for 18 June.

Guam

Guam is forecasted to see US$10.5 billion worth of military construction work through to the next fiscal year.

These figures come after a briefing on the ongoing US military buildup in Guam, incolving Guams’s government and the US National Guard.

Guam’s Community Defence Liaison Office executive director Vera Topasna said the funds will fund military housing, missile defence system plans, and some cyber security initiatives.

Pacific Daily News reports that work on projects worth $6.1b is already underway.

Guam government agencies pushed for more federal support for local hospitals and pubilc infrustructure like roads, power, water and port support.

ECONOMY: Samoa

American Samoa's Economic Development Authority announced two new bond series (2025A and 2025B) totaling millions for revenue refunding, amid threats to its fishing economy from climate change, deep-sea mining, and overfishing. A new $9 million Frankie Siusega Supermarket opened on October 25, signaling retail growth.

HEALTH CONCERNS

Health authorities report a surge in influenza and dengue fever cases, with over 200 confirmed dengue infections in the past week alone. Vaccination drives for flu are underway, and vector control measures (e.g., mosquito fogging) are intensified in Apia. In neighboring American Samoa (often covered in tandem due to shared health risks), a dengue outbreak has reached 348 confirmed cases, with sustained transmission.

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Samoa prime minister acquitted in high-profile conspiracy case

RNZ

Samoan Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt Photo: Savali Newspaper / Samoa Government

Samoa’s Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has been cleared of all charges in a high-profile conspiracy case.

The Samoa Observer reports that Laauli and five others appeared in the District Court in Apia on Friday for a verdict over charges including conspiring to pervert the course of justice, fabricating evidence, harassment and making false, defamatory statements.

The charges stem from an investigation launched by the prime minister into an unresolved, fatal hit-and-run in 2021, involving a student in Vaitele.

Also cleared were former MP and Associate Minister of Police, Fepuleai Faasavalu Sua and former police officer, Lio Faataumalama Auava.

Senior District Court Judge Talasa Atoa-Saaga found Sam Sua guilty of eight counts of defamation and Sivai Kepi guilty of two counts of perverting the course of justice.

Judge Atoa-Saaga adjourned her ruling three times before declaring that four of the six were innocent today.

Laauli has always maintained his innocence and publicly said he would be cleared.

Political ramifications

Laauli was initially formally charged in January 2025, while serving as a Cabinet Minister under the then Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa.

The charges triggered one of the most significant political crises Samoa has seen in recent years, and lead to a dramatic split within the ruling Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party.

RNZ Pacific reported that Fiame terminated Laauli, the FAST party chairman, as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

At the time Laauli said he accepted Fiame’s decision with a “humble heart”, thanked his supporters and claimed he was innocent.

“We will meet in court to uncover the truth,” he said.

Snap elections were called in August last year after months of political instability culminated in Fiame’s minority government failing to pass its 2025 budget.

Caring for Samoan Elderly: Evidence-Based Guide to Common Ailments (Sources: Samoa Ministry of Health guidelines and peer-reviewed studies as of 2026)
Samoan older adults (typically 60+) face a high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) due to lifestyle, diet, genetics, and aging. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity-related complications are leading causes of illness and death in Samoa and American Samoa. Nearly 1 in 3 adults has diabetes, with even higher rates of overweight/obesity (often over 80-90%). Awareness, treatment, and control rates remain low, so regular check-ups are essential.
1. Diabetes (Sugar Disease / Ma’i Suka)
Type 2 diabetes is extremely common and often leads to complications like poor wound healing, vision loss, kidney issues, and nerve pain in the elderly. Management tips (per Samoa Diabetes Management Guideline 2024):
- Monitor blood sugar regularly (HbA1c every 3-6 months; target often <7-7.5% for older adults to avoid hypoglycemia risks).
- Adopt a balanced diet low in refined sugars and processed foods — emphasize local staples like taro, fish, vegetables, and moderate portions.
- Stay active with gentle walking or light gardening; aim for 150 minutes/week if possible.
- Take prescribed medications (e.g., metformin) consistently and attend regular clinic visits.
- Watch for foot care to prevent ulcers.
2. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Often silent but a major driver of strokes and heart disease. Prevalence rises sharply with age. Evidence-based steps:
- Target BP usually <140/90 mmHg (or <130/80 if diabetic and tolerated).
- Reduce salt intake (limit processed foods and added salt).
- Maintain a healthy weight and stay physically active.
- Use prescribed medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers) as directed — do not stop suddenly.
- Regular monitoring at clinics or with home devices.
3. Arthritis, Joint Pain & Inflammation
Common due to wear-and-tear, obesity, and prior injuries. Helpful approaches:
- Gentle exercise (swimming, walking, or seated movements) to maintain mobility.
- Weight management to reduce joint stress.
- Traditional Samoan matalafi (Psychotria insularum) leaf extract has shown anti-inflammatory effects comparable to ibuprofen in studies (reduces cytokines via compounds like rutin). Use under guidance from a traditional healer (taulasea) or doctor.
- Over-the-counter or prescribed pain relief as needed; physical therapy or massage (fofo) can help.
4. Other Common Issues in Samoan Elders
- Heart disease & stroke risk — Control cholesterol with statins (often recommended for diabetics over 40) and manage all NCD risks together.
- Obesity & related problems — Focus on lifelong healthy eating and activity; family support is key in Samoan culture.
- Vision/hearing loss, frailty & falls — Annual checks, home safety modifications, and balanced nutrition (calcium/vitamin D for bones).
- Mental health & isolation — Stay connected through family, church, and community activities.
General Recommendations for Families & Caregivers
- Encourage regular health screenings at district hospitals or clinics (Samoa MoH promotes PEN Fa’a Samoa for NCDs).
- Combine Western medicine with safe traditional practices where evidence supports (e.g., matalafi for inflammation; consult professionals to avoid interactions).
- Promote family-based care: shared meals, physical activity, and emotional support align with fa’a Samoa.
- Prevent complications through medication adherence, foot care, and early reporting of symptoms.
- Seek government or community elderly support programs for additional help.
Important disclaimer: This is general information based on public health data and guidelines. It is not personalized medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor, nurse, or traditional healer working with modern care for individual needs. Early detection and consistent management can greatly improve quality of life.