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PAGO PAGO, American Samoa (The Samoa News, February 1) - The Iraq war has taken another Samoan casualty, this time a young man by the name of David T. Toomalatai, the youngest Samoan to die in Iraq.

The 19-year-old Toomalatai, who held the rank of private first class, was killed Saturday in Taji, Iraq.

He, along with two other soldiers in his unit died of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during convoy operations, the U.S. Defense Department announced yesterday.

The trio were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas with To'omalatai's home of record, in Long Beach, Calif.

David is the fourth of seven children born to Vailala and Sally Toomalatai, originally from Matautu and Lotofaga, Samoa who are currently residing in Long Beach, Calif.

Mrs. Toomalatai said her son's death came as a shock to his family, friends and church members....

By Mark-Alexander Pieper

HAGÅTÑA, Guam (Pacific Daily News, Feb. 1) – Japan Airlines (JAL) has announced it will begin to offer more charter flights out of Japan to Australia, Hawai΄i, the Marshall Islands and several other locations.

While JAL used to offer a charter service to Guam, there currently are no plans to offer charter services to Guam because Guam already is an established route for the airline, said Kenji Morita, JAL Guam's administrator.

The charter flights will leave from various parts of Japan to cities and tourist destinations around the world, according to a news release from the airline.

The biggest merit of charter flights is the shorter flight time to the destination due to direct flights.

"Basically, the routes are mainly for our off-line areas but since we have scheduled (direct) flights to Guam there is no need," Morita said. "If in the high season, if we see a demand then perhaps (JAL may offer charters to Guam)."...

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa (The Samoa News, February 1) - A Fono concurrent resolution conveying the lawmakers' support of efforts by American Samoa Governor Togiola and Congressman Faleomavaega to exclude American Samoa from a U.S. minimum wage hike bill pending in Congress was transmitted to several members of Congress last Friday.

This followed the passage of the measure by both the local House and Senate late last week. An amendment was made that combined the two separate resolutions (each chamber had its own resolution) into one measure.

"We hope that the U.S. Congress will consider our united stand on this important issue," said Senate President Lolo M. Moliga. "Any drastic hike in our minimum wage will effect the local economy."

Today, the U.S. Senate will take up the measure which calls for increasing the federal minimum wage over the next two years from the current US$5.15 to US$7.25...

SUVA, Fiji (Fijilive, Feb. 2) – Fiji's Navy Commander Francis Kean appeared in the Magistrates Court in Suva this morning to answer to a murder charge.

The case was called for mention and has been adjourned to February 14.

State prosecutor Wilisoni Kurisaqila told the court they needed more disclosures to be able to proceed with the case.

Kean is charged with the murder of 32-year-old salesman John Whippy on December 31 at the Suva Yacht Club.

He was previously in custody but was released on $5,000 bail, based on surety from two family members.

His bail conditions include surrendering his passport and being banned from overseas travel, reporting to police twice a week, curfew between 9 pm to 7 am, and restriction from visiting military and navy installations.

Kean is alleged to have punched Whippy to death after attending the wedding reception of interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama's daughter Ateca.

Whippy was the...