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Tensions ease following confrontation over arrest

By Marieta Heidi Ilalio APIA, Samoa (Samoa Observer, Feb. 27, 2010) – In Samoa, a major breakthrough was achieved in the bitter row between Gataivai and police on Thursday.

[PIR editor’s note: Gataivai is located on the southern coast of Savaii, the big island neighbor of Upolu, Samoa’s main island. See previous story.]

A meeting between the two parties resulted in the village council agreeing to cooperate with the police investigation into the burning of properties last week.

Assistant Police Commissioner for Operation and National Security, Sala Seaga Uili Lafaele, said they were pleased with the outcome.

"According to the reports given, the police gave a list of names of people accused of arson to the village," Sala said.

The village in return promised they will voluntarily bring these people to the police station on Monday.

"There, they will be questioned and police will be able...

Follows 6 killed by lightning in highlands last month

By Elias Lari and Wallace Kiala PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (The National, Feb. 22, 2010) – In Papua New Guinea, four people have been killed by lighting in two provinces in the Highlands region.

Two were killed in Simbu province yesterday, while two others were struck down in Southern Highlands province last Tuesday.

In Simbu, two people died while 48 others suffered severe after-shock when lightning struck the remote hilltop village of Dom Kagul in the Sinesine-Yongomugl district between 4pm and 5pm yesterday.

Reports reaching The National last night said there were thunderstorms and a lot of rain in the area.

[PIR editor’s note: Six people were killed by lightning in Papua New Guinea’s Southern Highlands region last month. A woman was struck by lightning and killed in the highlands in 2007 ]

Villager Bernadine Kua, who was assisting those who were badly affected from the lightning...

Major quake near Chile set off Oceanic alarms

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, Feb. 28, 2010) – Alerts are being lifted across Polynesia after a tsunami caused by the earthquake in Chile earlier hit the Marquesas islands in the north of French Polynesia with waves up to four metres high.

There are no reports of casualties or major damage.

Alerts have been lifted in French Polynesia, the Cooks Islands and Samoa after a series of waves passed.

A scientist has told RFO radio in Papeete that the difference between the lowest and high watermark in Nuku Hiva has been measured at four metres.

Residents on Hiva Oa reported at least four big waves pushing in and the sea again retreating.

The measurement for Tahiti is 40 centimetres.

An Air Tahiti Nui plane due to arrive in Papeete from Tokyo has been diverted to Hawaii.

In Tonga, public radio warned people to seek higher ground, with crowds gathering in...

INFANT
Futu died while family detained at Honolulu airport

By Fili Sagapolutele PAGO PAGO, American Samoa, (Samoa News, Feb. 23, 2010) - In its trial brief filed recently, the U.S. government has disputed claims by the parents of baby Michael Futi, that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) was responsible in any way for the death of the two week old infant from American Samoa.

The wrongful death lawsuit was filed by Honolulu-based attorney L. Richard Fried Jr. on behalf of baby Michael’s parents Luaipou and Tony Futi. Baby Michael died while being detained at a customs room at Honolulu International Airport the morning of Feb. 8 2008.

Baby Michael was born with a heart defect, which was the reason he was being taken to Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children in Honolulu for treatment. He was traveling with his mother and Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) nurse Arizona Ve’ave’a.

Honolulu-based Assistant U.S. Attorney Derrick K. Watson, on behalf...