Close to $150,000 collected on fifth day

On the fifth day of the American Samoa Government’s Maui Humanitarian Relief initiative, a total of $148,455 donation has been collected.

This included $28,503 donated by the Paramount Builders, Manumalo Baptist Church, and Manumalo Baptist School today.

A special ceremony was held at the Manumalo Baptist School compound where three separate checks were handed over: $20,00 from Paramount Builders, $5,503 from Manumalo Baptist Church, and $5.503 from Manumalo School.

Governor’s Chief of Staff, Loa Tuimavave Tauapa’i Laupola, and Secretary of Samoan Affairs, Mauga Tasi Asuega, accepted the donations on behalf of the government.

Audio Chief of Staff

Tomorrow is the last day of the drive, with 13 drop-off sites around the island and its headquarters at the Li’amatua Tufele Cultural Center in Utulei.

At the opening of the relief initiative on Monday, Governor Lemanu emphasized the close ties between American Samoa and Hawaii; approximately 40,000 Samoans have chosen Hawaii as their home.

He said while we may not possess great wealth or vast resources in our small territory, the spirit of Samoans is rich in love and compassion.

This commitment to charity is not a recent endeavor. A dedicated hotline for the drive is 633-3333.