House Resolution Passed Re. Tsunami Vistimc

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: October 14, 2009

Washington, D.C. --
HOUSE PASSES, BY A VOTE OF 422 TO 0, H.RES. 816, MOURNING THE LOSS OF LIFE CAUSED BY THE EARTHQUAKES AND TSUNAMIS THAT OCCURRED ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2009 IN AMERICAN SAMOA, SAMOA AND TONGA

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the U.S. House of Representatives passed today by a vote of 422 to 0, House Resolution 816, a resolution he introduced mourning the loss of life caused by the earthquakes and tsunamis that occurred on September 29, 2009 in American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga.



“I thank my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives for voting unanimously in favor of this resolution, but more especially for standing with us in these trying times,” Faleomavaega said. “I appreciate, too, the overwhelming support we are receiving from our fellow Americans and friends around the world.”



“Words cannot express how grateful I am to all of those who have offered prayers in our behalf and to the many organizations which have come to our aid. Once more, I express my heartfelt thanks to President Obama, Secretary Clinton, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and all those in the House and Senate, both Republican and Democrat, for their swift response and unwavering commitment as we begin the long and difficult process of rebuilding.”



“Above all, and in memory of those who are no longer with us, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the many earthquake and tsunami victims.”



The full text of H. Res. 816 is included below, and the Floor proceedings may be viewed at www.house.gov/faleomavaega.

Whereas on Tuesday, September 29, 2009, at 1748 UTC, a powerful earthquake struck below the ocean about 140 miles southwest of Pago Pago, American Samoa and 125 miles south of Samoa, centered only 11 miles below the seabed;

Whereas the earthquake registered 8.3 on the Richter scale and is recognized as the world’s largest earthquake of 2009;



Whereas a second earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 occurred at 1808 UTC in the vicinity of the first one;



Whereas the first undersea earthquake created a massive tsunami that crashed into American Samoa, Samoa, and neighboring Tonga, sweeping cars and people out to sea as survivors fled to high ground;

Whereas the tsunami, with towering waves that reached up to 20 feet in height and penetrated one mile inland, caused death and destruction on a nearly unprecedented scale;

Whereas the death toll as of October 7, 2009 is estimated at 32 in American Samoa and 135 in the Independent State of Samoa;



Whereas many individuals and families affected in this region are now lacking basic survival necessities and there remains the risk of numerous additional deaths due to shortages of clean water, adequate shelter, food, sanitation, and basic healthcare;



Whereas the human cost of this disaster transcends mere statistics and has resulted in deeply personal tragedies for numerous families and communities in the region and throughout the world;



Whereas children in the U.S. Territory of American Samoa running for home unknowingly ran in the direction of the tsunami;



Whereas the villages of Fagamalo, Poloa, Amanave, Fai’lolo, Nua, Se’etaga, Afao, Asili, Amaluia, Leone, Fagasa, Fagatogo, Pago Pago, Aua, Afono, Vatia, Masefau, Faga’itua, Pagai, Utusia, Alofau, Auto, Alao, and Tula in American Samoa were devastated by the disaster;



Whereas in response to this disaster and call for assistance, the people of the United States have responded with a generous and heartfelt outpouring of aid;



Whereas a team of more than 300 responders from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the American Red Cross, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other federal agencies, is on the ground in American Samoa coordinating relief and recovery operations;



Whereas the United States Navy (USN), the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the Hawaii Air National Guard, and the U.S. Army Reserve American Samoa, under the leadership of Admiral Timothy J. Keating, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), and Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Iuniasolua T. Savusa, Senior Enlisted Leader, PACOM, with the support of Major General Robert G.F. Lee, the Adjutant General, State of Hawaii, provided critical transport of the life-saving and life-sustaining supplies and equipment to meet the immediate needs of the survivors, including more than 26,000 meals, 14,000 liters of water, 1,800 blankets, 800 tents, more than 800 cots, and nine pallets of medical supplies and medical equipment in support of American Samoa’s mass care operations;



Whereas foreign governments, including Kazakhstan, the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, Palau, Thailand, Samoa, Fiji, Grenada, Hungary, Uzbekistan, Republic of China (Taiwan), Indonesia, Nauru, Australia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Japan, Pacific Islands Forum members, and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) sent messages of support and offers of aid to the people of American Samoa;



Whereas organizations including the Li Ka Shing Foundation, the Hanwha Group, Save the Children, the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Latter-day Saint Charities, Catholic Charities, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, StarKist, Bumble Bee, the National Football League (NFL), and many others are providing assistance;



Whereas the Samoan community in areas such as California, Utah, Washington, and Hawaii have been instrumental in helping their aiga abroad;



Whereas President Barack H. Obama telephoned the Governor of American Samoa and American Samoa’s Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives to personally extend his and the First Lady’s condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the earthquake and tsunami in American Samoa and the region, and to assure the Governor and the Delegate that he would speed the deployment of resources and provide the tools necessary for a full, swift and aggressive response;



Whereas Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton also telephoned American Samoa’s Delegate in his capacity as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs’ Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment to convey her sympathy and offer her full support which subsequently included the authorization to airlift emergency supplies to Samoa;



Whereas Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi issued a press statement on behalf of the entire Congress promising to quickly address the needs of American Samoa and the Americans who live there;



Whereas Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, Chairman John F. Kerry of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Chairman Howard L. Berman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Chairman Nick J. Rahall, II, of the House Committee on Natural Resources, as well as many other Members of Congress also offered expressions of support in the aftermath of the devastating tsunami;

Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives—



(1) mourns the loss of life caused by the earthquakes and tsunamis that occurred on September 29, 2009, in American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga;



(2) offers its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the many earthquake and tsunami victims, and to Head of State His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese and Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi of Samoa, as well as to His Majesty King George Tupou V and Prime Minister Feleti Vaka’uta Sevele of Tonga;



(3) pledges its full support to the people of American Samoa and the villages of Fagamalo, Poloa, Amanave, Fai’lolo, Nua, Se’etaga, Afao, Asili, Amaluia, Leone, Fagasa, Fagatogo, Pago Pago, Aua, Afono, Vatia, Masefau, Faga’itua, Pagai, Utusia, Alofau, Auto, Alao, and Tula as they begin the long and difficult process of rebuilding their homes and lives;



(4) recognizes the humanitarian response that is currently underway and commends the efforts of all persons and relief organizations who continue to alleviate the suffering by providing financial and material support;



(5) urges continued attention by donors and relief agencies to the needs of vulnerable populations in the stricken areas, particularly the children and elderly who have been devastatingly affected by this disaster;



(6) expresses gratitude and appreciation to the foreign governments from around the world that are lending their support to the U.S. Territory of American Samoa;



(7) commends the over 100,000 Samoans residing in the United States from American Samoa and Samoa for coming to the aid of their aiga in the affected islands; and



(8) pays tribute to the people of American Samoa and Samoa for their strength of spirit and their deep and abiding faith in God which brings hope to all of us.

Attest:



Solomona Aoelua

Office of Congressman Faleomavaega

2422 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

Phone: 202-225-8577

Fax: 202-225-8757

Website: www.house.gov/faleomavaega/

President Obama Signs Executive Order re. AAPI

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 14, 2009

An executive order was signed by the President in an East Room ceremony today that restores the White House Advisory Commission and Interagency Working Group to address issues concerning the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

Kalpen Modi

Associate Director

White House Office of Public Engagement

New Federal Bill to Provide for NH & PI Health Data

S.1732
Title: A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for health data regarding Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders.

Sponsor: Sen Inouye, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 9/30/2009) Cosponsors (1) Related Bills: H.R.3680

Latest Major Action: 9/30/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.


Taunuu "Tau" Ve'e-Remmers, MA

Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Affairs Division Manager

Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF)

450 Sutter Street I Suite #600 I San Francisco, CA 94108 I

415-954-9988 Main I 415-568-3306 Direct I 415-954-9999 Fax I

tvremmers@apiahf.org I www.apiahf.org I 202-466-7772 D.C. Office

YES Scholarships for Juniors and Seniors

Young Epidemiology Scholars (YES) is offering up to $50,000 in scholarships for juniors and senior students who are willing to submit a research project that sheds light on a health problem, using the methods of analysis employed by epidemiologists. Go to www.collegeboard.com/yes for information on how to enter. Deadline for submission is February 1, 2010, 9:00am ET.

Cultural Translation & Filmmaking in the Pacific

Cultural Translation and Filmmaking in the Pacific
Lecture by Vilsoni Hereniko, Director of the Center for Pacific Islands Studies at the University of Hawaii

Wednesday, November 4 at 4:15 p.m.
Hahn 101 (420 Harvard Ave., Hahn Bldg., Claremont)

Professor Vilsoni Hereniko will examine the challenges and opportunities inherent in translating minority cultures into feature films for international distribution. Recent features will be used as examples include, but are not limited to, the following: "Whale Rider", "Samoan Wedding,", "Naming Number 2", and "The Land Has Eyes."

Professor Hereniko is the Director of the Center for Pacific Islands Studies at the University of Hawaii. Originally from Rotuma, Fiji, he is an award winning playwright, filmmaker, and teacher. He has written extensively about contemporary Pacific arts and cultures, through his books, scholarly articles, plays, and films. His feature film "The Land Has Eyes" had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival (2004); it also screened at numerous international and indigenous film festivals around the world where it won several awards. He is now adapting a Pacific novel for his next feature.

Sponsored by PBI. Contact: (909) 607-8065


Sefa Aina
Director
Asian American Resource Center, Pomona College
170 E. 6th Street
Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 621-8639
(909) 607-8513 - fax

Samoan Language Poster by Donna Lou Kamu

NPIEN works to promote educational materials for teachers serving the Pacific Islander community:

Samoan language poster



A new poster has been propublished to help children with locative bases. It
in both the Samoan and English languages, A3 size, full colour and can be
viewed on www.rainbowsamoa.cdlaw.co.nz

If you wish further information or copies please order from Donna Lou Kamu
at dkamu@lesamoa.net

Donna Lou Kamu

NPIEN Staffer David Brown Hosts Tsunami Relief Concert

Our own NPIEN Staff Member Brown is the organizer of a most important event,the Orange County Tsunami Relief Effort, next Friday November 6, 2009, at Octane Alley in Huntington Beach, CA.

NPIEN Education Conference 11/14/09

NPIEN'S EDUCATION CONFERENCE IS FAST APPROACHING, on Saturday November 14, 2009 at Paramount High School, Paramount, CA in Los Angeles County. Register at www.npien.com This year's keynote speakers are Kimo Marquardt, Oceanside High School (San Diego, CA) Principal, and Dr. Mafutaga S. Tagaloa-Tulifau Podiatrist. Principal Marquardt and Dr. Tagaloa Tulifau are some of the only Pacific Islanders in their respective fields.

There will be dance performances by Roosevelt Middle School, Compton USD, and host Paramount High School, Paramount USD. There will be workshops for students, teachers, and parents on study skills, financial aid, student networking, Pacific Islander dance, arts and crafts, and even ukulele instruction by Uncle Henry Kamae. Other presenters include UCLA PIER Pacific Islander students, Chapman University Pacific Islander students, Olympia Tuliaupupu, Westmont College, and Albert Wilmovsky, Cerritos College.

Confirmed participating schools include Roosevelt and Davis Middle Schools, Compton USD, UCLA, Chapman University, Mt. SAC, Long Beach City College, Cal State University, Long Beach, Prarie Vista Middle School, Hawthorne SD, Will Rogers Middle School, Lawndale SD, of course Paramount High School, and several others.

The Annual NPIEN Awards recognize teachers, community members, and students for their service and academic contributions. Four scholarships will be awarded to students.

Major Sponsors: Majestic Realty, California Credit Union, Gateway Business Bank

Vendors and Exhibitors: Ray Diaz Hawaiian Gourds, State Farm Insurance, NT & Associates, California Telephone Access Program, Cookie Lee, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Vemma, 21st Century Computing Services. ACRO Printing, US Bank, Lagniappe Accounting, Los Angeles County Office of Education

Awards & Drawing Sponsors: The Ice House Comedy Club, Vemma, In-N-Out Burger, Orange County Museum of Art, CSU Long Beach Athletics, Cerritos Center for Performing Arts, Starbucks, Los Alamitos Race Course, Golf N Stuff, Hofs Hut, Heritage Museum, Santa Ana Zoo, National Pen Company, Ray Diaz Hawaiian Gourds, Glacial Gardens, LA Dodgers, Mary Kay

Ukulele Sponsors: Rynette Labostrie-Barr, Lorraine Telles, Cookie Lee

Scholarship Sponsors: Linaka Polynesian School of Dance, TM Mulholland, Hotel Current, and Vemma/Verve.

HOTEL CURRENT OFFICIAL CONFERENCE HOTEL

Hotel Current (Name Changes on November 1st from Guesthouse International Hotel) in Long Beach is the Official Hotel for the November 14, 2009 8th Annual NPIEN EDUCATION CONFERENCE at Paramount High School in Paramount, CA. The conference rate is $79 per night, and only five rooms are available at this special rate.

Hotel Current is located next door to the the world famous Brazilian Buffet, Greenfield Churrascaria. As your buffet expert, Greenfield rates as one of the best. www.greenfieldchirrascaria.com

Contact:
Vicki Arreguin Director of Sales Hotel Current Long Beach
5325 East Pacific Coast Highway. Long Beach, Ca 90804
Tel 562.597.1341 Fax 562.597.8741
www.guesthouselb.com

REGISTER FOR THE NPIEN CONFERENCE AT www.npien.com Pay Pal is available

FEMA Fact Sheet on American Samoa Tsunami

NPIEN thanks the Department of Homeland Security for providing this information to our membership. NPIEN was invited to participate in a conference call with FEMA yesterday.

Fact Sheet

AMERICAN SAMOA TSUNAMI RESPONSE
SITUATIONAL OVERVIEW—10/01/09

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today updated information on the continuation of federal support to American Samoa.

FEMA and its federal partners continue to work closely with Governor Tulafono to respond in areas of American Samoa impacted by the tsunami. The FEMA National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) and the FEMA Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) in Region IX have been operating around the clock since Tuesday. FEMA deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) as well as a Planning and Response Team (PRT) to American Samoa to provide direct support and response. Kenneth R. Tingman, the Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) for federal response and recovery operations has toured the affected areas with the Governor of American Samoa.

FEMA continues to facilitate the flow of resources including meals, water, blankets, shelter materials and medical supplies to meet the immediate life sustaining needs of the survivors. Medical personal and other federal responders have also been deployed directly to the territory to aid in the response.


REUNITING FAMILIES

FEMA’s National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System (NEFRLS) and The American Red Cross Safe and Well Program have been activated to reunite families that have become separated as a result of this disaster. Individuals and families can register with NEFRLS online at www.fema.gov or call 1-800-588-9822. Families can also register on the Red Cross Safe and Well Website at www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to register your loved ones.


SUPPLYING THE ISLAND

C-130 Flights:
A United States Coast Guard C-130, from Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento, Calif. arrived at 7 a.m local time (2 p.m. EDT) on September 30th in Pago Pago, American Samoa. This flight carried Governor Tulafono, who was in Hawaii at the time of the tsunami, the initial response team of 50 personnel including Federal Coordinating Officer, Kenneth J. Tingman, Defense Coordinating Officer Col. James George, as well as team supplies for seven days.

A second United States Coast Guard C-130 from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, Calif. arrived in American Samoa at approximately 7 p.m. on September 30th, (2 a.m. EDT, October 1st). This flight included additional commodities and FEMA personnel including the Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT), a regionally-based incident ‘strike team’ and the Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT), medical expert volunteers that are part of the National Disaster Medical System.

C-17 National Guard Flights:
A Hawaii National Guard C-17 cargo flight from Honolulu arrived in American Samoa at 1 a.m. local time (8 a.m. EDT) on October 1st. This flight included over 40 National Guard personnel, four vehicles, hazmat materials, communications equipment, cots, blankets, food and water.

An additional Hawaii National Guard C-17 cargo flight arrived at 4 a.m. (11 a.m. EDT) on October 1st in American Samoa. This flight included 20 additional National Guard personnel, five vehicles, hazmat materials, communications equipment, cots, blankets, food and water.

A third National Guard C-17 from McChord AFB in Bothell, WA is scheduled to arrive late tonight, local American Samoa time. This flight includes FEMA and National Guard personnel including National Guard CERF-P Search and Rescue teams, vehicles, trailers and cargo.

USS Ingraham:
This United States Navy frigate arrived in American Samoa on September 30th with food, water, commodities and two Seahawk helicopters available for search and recovery operations. The helicopters have already allowed Governor Tulafono and Federal Coordinating Officer Kenneth J. Tingman to survey damage to American Samoa.


FEMA PARTNERS RESPOND

• U.S. Coast Guard: Assisting with flights to deploy teams to the American Samoa and disaster relief supplies; conducting shoreline cleanup and assessments; deployed team to inspect vessels and regulated facilities; developed a plan to re-float two large fishing vessels;

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Deploying Disaster Medical Assistance Teams to provide medical support to survivors; a public health official has been deployed along with other support staff including public health experts; providing medical and pharmaceutical equipment and supplies;

• U.S. Department of the Interior: Deploying National Park Service (NPS) specialists to assess damage to NPS facilities and resources and assist with ongoing recovery efforts; deployed staff to conduct a needs assessment with the local fire department; Interior’s Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas, Anthony Babauta and the Director, Office of Insular Affairs, Nik Pula are departing to American Samoa to coordinate with FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer and American Samoa’s Governor;

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE): At present time, USACE is deploying the 249th Engineering Battalion to support emergency power needs for critical public facilities; deploying subject matter experts in debris management, water/wastewater, and power to assist in response efforts;

• U.S. Department of Defense (DOD): Defense Coordinating Officer has been deployed;

• U.S. Pacific Command (DOD): Providing refrigeration support to operations; USS Ingram prepared to assist with equipment and supplies;

• National Guard Bureau: Deployed personnel including those with medical and search and rescue experience and disaster relief supplies; deploying specialized communication gear and support staff;

• Small Business Administration (SBA): Deploying approximately 40 assistance workers to assist in recovery efforts; SBA customer service representatives will issue disaster loan applications, answer questions about the loan program, explain the process and answer questions;

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Victims of the recent tsunami in American Samoa may qualify for tax relief from the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS is postponing certain deadlines for taxpayers who reside or have a business in the disaster area. For details and additional information please visit www.irs.gov, use keyword American Samoa Tsunami;

• American Red Cross: Deployed special liaison to American Samoa; dozens of volunteers on the ground in American Samoa providing food and supplies in affected areas; a leadership team of approximately 50 volunteers is on its way to the island to supplement the local Red Cross workforce; providing cots, flashlights, cooking supplies and clean-up supplies.

NPIEN Expresses Sympathy for Tongan Community

According to Radio New Zealand, nine Tongans were killed and 1600 have been displaced due to the tsunami. We express sympathy to those families and loved ones of the victims both in the Kingdom of Tonga and here on the US Mainland.

Radio New Zealand has provided up-to-date information: www.rnzi.com