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Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga speaking to Hawaii News Now about American Samoans’ status as US nationals.
He said, he had to give a reminder to US Department of Defense officials, who denied an exemption for American Samoa youth in the Hawaii National Guard’s Youth Challenge Academy.
With help from Hawaii leaders, 25 students were allowed to remain in the program despite a policy that only US citizens are eligible.
Governor Lemanu says that it’s just one of many concerns he’s heard while traveling in the D.C. area, and North Carolina.
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Hawaii News Now reports that while celebrities like Dwayne Johnson, Jason Momoa and Tua Tagovailoa, have elevated Samoan culture to America’s consciousness, Governor Lemanu says it hasn’t translated into funding and resources for the territory.
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Governor Lemanu says, he met with Hawaii Governor Josh Green and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi; and hopes student work exchanges and strategic partnerships can benefit both American Samoa and Hawaii.
Source: Hawaii News Now
