The U.S. Senate on June 26 confirmed Esther Puakela Kia’aina as Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas. Born in Guam to Native Hawaiian parents, Kia’aina has strong connections to Pacific islands and extensive experience on Capitol Hill, said Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell.
EDITORIAL: Coke is right. America is beautiful.
Part of the fun of the Super Bowl, aside from watching the Seahawks become champions of the world, is the commercials. There’s always one or two that get people riled up, and this year, Coca-Cola’s “It’s Beautiful” ad was one such culprit. The ad depicts scenes of Americans of all ages and colors playing and […]
UW talent showcase brings Pacific Island communities together
By Margery Cercado UW News Lab “We all have diverse voices, and we ourselves are diverse.” Those were the welcoming words from Taylor Ahana-Jamile, director of the Pacific Island Student Commission at the University of Washington (UW).
Esther Kia’aina nominated as Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas
Esther Puakela Kia’aina was nominated to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas at the U.S. Department of the Interior by President Barack Obama on Sept. 11. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Kia’aina would lead the Department’s efforts to coordinate federal policy for Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. […]
The undocumented immigrants — Their daily challenges, their fears, and their hopes for the future
By Tiffany Ran Northwest Asian Weekly It was no surprise to her teacher, or perhaps even the students around her, that Jennifer* had the best grade — 104 percent — in the class, which was part of a joint nursing program offered at her high school. She enjoyed helping people, and was never afraid to […]
ISLAND BALL: Pacific Islands are good at producing pro football players — reality or stereotype?
According to a recent report on the CBS television show “60 Minutes,” there are more than 30 Polynesian players in the NFL, and the number expands each year. In addition, there are more than 200 players of Samoan or Polynesian descent in college football.
Former NFL players Mahe and Reid visit American Samoa
WASHINGTON (AP) — A pair of former NFL players of Samoan descent finished a trip this week to American Samoa, where they helped with tsunami recovery efforts and handed over a check for $50,000 from the league and players association.
Seahawks’ Tatupu to donate to tsunami relief, sets example
RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Lofa Tatupu’s father was born in American Samoa. The Seattle Seahawks star still has family members on the island. And he hasn’t heard how they fared through last week’s deadly tsunami that rolled across the U.S. territory as well as neighboring Samoa and Tonga.
American Samoa money to enter circulation
PAGO PAGO, American Samoa (AP) — A quarter commemorating the U.S. territory of American Samoa is going into circulation.
Trafficking victims try to remake lives
By Monica Rhor The Associated Press HOUSTON (AP) — Like dozens of other workers from Vietnam and China, Tiep Ngo had been lured to the Daewoosa clothing factory in American Samoa by promises of good pay. She left behind her child, her husband and her parents and paid $5,000 for her job contract only to […]