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The Tafuna High School JROTC Robotics Team has returned home victorious after competing in a high-caliber robotics competition in San Diego, proudly representing American Samoa on an international stage. Led by Major Galoia, alongside Master Sergeant Police and Sergeant First Class Lisa Lisa, the team showcased exceptional skill and determination, proving that local talent can compete at the highest levels.

In a recent interview with 93KHJ, Major Galoia expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received from the community. “We couldn’t have achieved this without the dedication of our cadets and the unwavering support of our instructors, school leadership, and sponsors,” they said. “This competition was a game-changer, and it has inspired more students to get involved in robotics.”

The cadets, including team captain Filiga Tufa, co-captain Francis Ah Vui (Primary Designer, Engineer, and Lead Driver), and engineers Josephine Stanley and Tufa, excelled in networking with other teams, developing innovative strategies, and refining their robotics skills. Also contributing significantly to the team’s performance were Olatalosaga Saovao (Assistant Driver and Engineer) and Benaiah Penitali (Assistant Programmer). Their journey was made possible through the generous funding provided by the 8th Brigade, which covered airfare, accommodations, and meals. The team also received invaluable support from local sponsors, including Paramount Builders, Pago Pago Trading Company among others.

“Our team has worked tirelessly since August of last year, designing and refining our robots using CAD software,” said Cadet Stanley. “This experience has not only enhanced our technical skills but also our teamwork and problem-solving abilities.”

Looking ahead, the Tafuna JROTC program is preparing for an upcoming aerial drone competition in Reno, Nevada. If successful, the team will qualify for the all-services aerial drone competition in Batesville, Mississippi, where they will compete against Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Army, and Space Force teams.

The Tafuna JROTC team extends heartfelt appreciation to the Department of Health, school administration, and the governor’s office for their ongoing support. Their recent return to American Samoa was met with a warm welcome, underscoring the pride and admiration of the local community for their accomplishments.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in collaboration with the American Samoa Government and the Department of Public Works, is conducting the Tafuna Flood Risk Management Study to address persistent flooding issues in the Tafuna floodplain. The Corps has announced a public meeting to be held on Friday at 5 p.m., inviting residents to learn more about the study and participate in the discussion.

The study aims to assess and develop potential solutions for flood management in affected areas, including Mapusaga, Faleniu, Mesepa, Malaeimi, Tafuna, and Nu’uuli. The goal is to finalize a recommended flood risk management plan that could receive congressional authorization and funding for future construction.

“The public meeting will provide an overview of the study and highlight key data collection efforts that require community support,” said Eva Liusala, a senior planner and cultural liaison with the Army Corps of Engineers’ Pacific Ocean Division. “We encourage residents to attend and share their input.”

One critical aspect of the study is a structure inventory survey scheduled between February 8 and February 13, which involves collecting data on buildings within the floodplain. This survey will include details such as construction quality, materials, building type, and elevation. The Army Corps of Engineers assures residents that this will be a non-invasive, street-level assessment and that all data collected will be used solely for the study without tying it to personal information.

Additionally, a geotechnical survey will be conducted later in the summer to analyze soil conditions along the various streams. The Corps, in coordination with the Office of Samoan Affairs and the Department of Public Works, will be reaching out to village mayors and landowners for permission to conduct this survey.

“This is an opportunity for the community to better understand how flood risks are evaluated and how we can work together to develop effective mitigation strategies,” said Nick Emilio, lead planner for the study. “We are committed to ensuring transparency and collaboration throughout the process.”

The Corps encourages all interested individuals, particularly residents of flood-prone areas, to attend the meeting. Residents who prefer not to have their properties included in the survey may opt out by informing the project team during the meeting or when surveyors are in their neighborhoods.

For more information, the public can visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Honolulu District website and social media pages or check announcements from the Office of Disaster and Petroleum Management.