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A NOAA team has begun a survey of marine debris generated by the devastating September 29 tsunami in American Samoa. The team is carefully measuring the amount and impact of debris such as roofing and domestic goods in coral reef habitat near villages severely affected by the tsunami.

Since arriving in the area on November 29, NOAA personnel have been working with territorial agency representatives, village mayors, local news outlets, and other federal agencies on all aspects of the operation, including determining survey areas, outreach to communities and equipment logistics.

“We’re working alongside other territorial and federal agencies and numerous volunteers on cleanup and restoration efforts.” said Jeff LaDouce, director of the NOAA National Weather Service Pacific Region and NOAA’s lead in American Samoa recovery efforts. “They’re excellent resources and partners in efforts to ensure safe and healthy waterways.”

Tsunamis are a natural occurrence, and corals can recover from damage by waves, sediment and plant debris resulting from a tsunami. However, marine debris, whether from a tsunami or overflowing trash can, is a different story.

“The very products that make our lives more comfortable — things like corrugated metal roofs, plastic garbage bins, and bulky mattresses — can wreak havoc when they’re deposited on coral reefs. And they can continue to move around in big waves, increasing the footprint of their damage,” said Kris McElwee, NOAA’s marine debris on-site coordinator.

Several areas have been surveyed by NOAA divers including waters off two of the hardest hit villages, Amanave and Leone, as well as the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary. While some marine debris has been removed, including over 1,200 pounds of debris from Leone Bay, NOAA’s priority is measuring and documenting the impacts of the debris.

“We’re glad that we can assist in these important efforts, and step by step, help American Samoa towards recovery,” said Kyle Koyanagi, NOAA marine debris field operations lead.

NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources. Visit www.noaa.gov

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Hawaiian Airlines pilots represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Intl., (ALPA) stepped up to assist their neighbors in the Pacific, making a substantial cash donation over the weekend to the American Red Cross for disaster relief efforts.

The Hawaiian pilots contributed $15,000 to the Red Cross’ “Kokua for the Pacific” fundraiser at the Aloha Tower Marketplace in Honolulu. The Kokua for the Pacific event featured a host of musicians and other entertainers who raised money for disaster victims in American Samoa, Indonesia and the Philippines.

“Our pilots and many of our fellow employees have friends and family who live and work in these areas,  and we feel a definite connection with them,” said Capt. Eric Sampson, chairman of ALPA’s Hawaiian pilot group.

Earlier this year, the Hawaiian pilots donated nearly two tons of food to the Hawaii Food Bank, and recruited a team of pilot volunteers to help build a house in Waimanalo for Habitat for Humanity.

ALPA pilots will be serving food to the homeless at the River of Life Mission on Thanksgiving Day, and assisting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s “Toys for Tots” campaign this Christmas.

“One of our union’s slogans is ‘We are ALPA.’ We are Pacific islanders too, and we are united in the common purpose of helping others, not just by flying people from island to island and to and from the mainland, but by reaching out with a helping hand when they need one,” Sampson said.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing almost 53,000 pilots at 36 airlines in the United States and Canada, including more than 400 Hawaiian pilots.

— Find out more:

www.alpa.org

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U.S. Sens. Daniel K. Akaka and Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Delegate Eni Faleomavaega (D-American Samoa) applauded a $24,857,608 federal grant to assist clean-up and recovery efforts in American Samoa following last month’s destructive tsunami.

The U.S. Department of Labor awarded the funds to American Samoa’s Department of Human Resources to create more temporary jobs to assist in recovery efforts.

“I attended a memorial service in Washington this past weekend and was reminded of the tremendous toll this tsunami took: Entire villages destroyed, children and grandparents lost, livelihoods ruined,” Akaka said. “This grant will help American Samoa create temporary on-island jobs so residents can begin rebuilding their homes and infrastructure, surveying environmental damage, and repairing damaged industries.”

Inouye said: “Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those affected by the earthquakes and tsunami in American Samoa. The trauma suffered by the people dealing with the devastation and tragic loss of life is difficult to comprehend. These funds will help rebuild and restore the property that was destroyed and damaged and hopefully restore some semblance of the lifestyle that was lost.”

Faleomavaega said: “I want to personally thank my good friend and former colleague, U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, for releasing more than $24 million in National Emergency Grant funds to assist clean-up and recovery efforts in American Samoa. The people of American Samoa are deeply appreciative of the support we are receiving from the federal government since the earthquake and tsunami struck our islands on Sept. 29 and, once more, I thank the Obama Administration, the U.S. Congress, FEMA, Secretary Solis and all others for standing with American Samoa as we begin the long and difficult process of rebuilding.”

Of the $24,857,608 announced, $8,285,870 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the territory demonstrates a continued need for assistance, according to the Department of Labor.

On Sept. 29, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared all islands in the United States territory of American Samoa eligible for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

As a senior member of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Akaka has been briefed by FEMA officials on initial recovery efforts to send food, water, cots, medical supplies, and working vehicles from the FEMA Pacific Area Office warehouse in Honolulu to American Samoa.  Senator Akaka worked to establish and maintain this office beginning in 1991 in order to protect isolated Pacific island communities.

For more information on National Emergency Grants, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG

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Hawaiian Airlines has announced a 50 percent increase in the number of flights between Honolulu and Pago Pago in American Samoa, with the addition of a third weekly flight, starting Oct. 14, to help meet the needs of the American Samoa community in dealing with the aftermath of the recent tsunami.

On Oct. 14, Oct. 21, Oct. 28, and Nov. 4, Flight 1465 will depart Honolulu at 7:50 a.m. and arrive in Pago Pago, American Samoa at 12:15 p.m. 

Return Flight 1466 will depart Pago Pago those same days at 2 p.m. and arrive in Honolulu at 8:10 p.m.

These four new flights are in addition to Hawaiian’s twice-weekly scheduled service between Honolulu and Pago Pago that departs Thursdays and Sundays. 

Hawaiian will assess the need to continue a third weekly flight at the end of the current flight schedule additions.

— Find out more:

www.HawaiianAirlines.com

PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA - OCTOBER 03: People work to clear the rubble near the village of Nuan Seetaga following the 8.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Sept. 29, on October 3, 2009 in Pago Pago, American Samoa. The quake triggered a tsunami wave up to 1.5 metres across areas of the island. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

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The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other federal partners remain engaged in preparedness efforts throughout the Pacific, following the earthquake and tsunami in Samoa last week.

FEMA and federal teams, through the Federal Coordinating Officer, continue to work closely with American Samoan Gov. Togiola Tulafono, as well as Delegate Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, to provide response in areas of American Samoa impacted by Tuesday’s tsunami. 

“In addition to our efforts in support of the Governor of American Samoa, we recognize the significant impact of current disasters in other Pacific regions, including Indonesia, the Philippines and Taiwan,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “We are working closely with the Governor to meet his priorities as federal support continues to flow into American Samoa. As we continue to respond and recover in U.S. Territories, our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in harms way. These events remind us how important preparedness and teamwork are to saving lives and ultimately rebuilding communities.”

A team of more than 300 responders from FEMA, American Red Cross, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies are on the ground in American Samoa. 

These personnel comprise the immediate response force, including Incident Management Assessment Teams (IMAT), Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT), and Public Health Assistance Teams. Other personnel are assisting with community efforts.

The Coast Guard, National Guard, and United States Navy have provided critical transport of the life-saving and life-sustaining supplies and equipment to meet the immediate needs of the survivors, including more than 26,000 meals, 14,000 liters of water, 1,800 blankets, 800 tents, more than 800 cots, and nine pallets of medical supplies and medical equipment in support of the territory’s mass care operations. 

Several generators have been deployed, with more on the way. These generators will supply communities and critical infrastructure with power. 

In accordance with the governor’s priority recovery efforts, debris removal planning is also underway and recovery specialists, including a housing planning team, are being identified and assembled 

As residents begin to return to their homes, FEMA cautions them to be safe. FEMA cautions all persons on the island to be aware of potential hazards and advises that residents continue to follow guidance of local officials in clearing debris. 

FEMA continues to coordinate with our federal partners, providing the following support to the region. Additional information on response and recovery efforts can be found below: 

American Red Cross (ARC): ARC has conducted a preliminary disaster assessment and reports extensive destruction west of Leone, City of Pago Pago and the eastern most portion of the island. ARC continues to deploy volunteers on the ground in American Samoa providing food and supplies in affected areas; deploying additional equipment such as computers, cell phones and satellite phones. The Red Cross has activated their Safe and Well program to assist families with finding missing loved ones and is assisting shelter residents with registration on the Web site. 

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG): Port assessments report no significant pollution and no obstructions to commercial traffic. The Navigation Team has completed the assessment of water navigation aids for American Samoa and the surrounding islands; all aids are intact and considered ready to support day and night operations. 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Disaster Medical Assistance Teams are providing medical support to survivors; a public health official has been deployed along with other support staff including public health experts; providing medical and pharmaceutical equipment and supplies. 

U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI): DOI representative assisting the FEMA National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) with response and recovery planning. 

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS): Analysts at the USGS National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) are providing a range of information products to support emergency response and relief operations and will be conducting a post-tsunami investigation. 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE): USACE reports the water system on American Samoa is functioning to near normal capacity but pressure is limited in some areas. Soldiers from the 249th Prime Power Engineer Battalion are assisting with the management of the Honolulu District’s Emergency Power PRT with the installation of FEMA generators at critical prioritized life-saving and life-sustaining public facilities like shelters, sewer and water treatment plants or emergency management and response facilities. 

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD): Defense Coordinating Officer assisting with IMATs. 

National Guard Bureau (NGB): A fourth National Guard C-17 delivered Joint Task Force (JTF) equipment; JTF personnel augmenting the FEMA Damage Assessment Teams; Hawaii National Guard’s 93rd Civil Support Team (CST) conducting medical support and HAZMAT surveys, Hawaii National Guard’s CERFP (Chemical, Biological, Radiological Nuclear Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package) performing mobile medical missions and clearing debris. 

Small Business Administration (SBA): Deploying assistance workers to assist in recovery efforts; SBA customer service representatives will issue disaster loan applications, explain the process and answer questions. 

Internal Revenue Service (IRS): The IRS is postponing certain deadlines for taxpayers who reside or have a business in the disaster area. For details and additional information please visit www.irs.gov, use keyword American Samoa Tsunami. 

Family Reunification 

The following information is in response to the requests FEMA has received for information on family reunification services and charitable donations for the relief effort in American Samoa.  

Reuniting Families. To facilitate the reunification of families separated due to American Samoa tsunami the Red Cross has activated their “Safe and Well” program, which assists families with locating missing loved ones. Families can register on the Red Cross Safe and Well Web site at disastersafe.redcross.org/ or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to register their loved ones. 

Charitable Donations. FEMA has received many inquiries asking how to help support the response and recovery efforts. Please tell your members and constituents that monetary donations to nonprofit organizations responding to disaster is the best option for helping those affected. Financial donations will allow voluntary agencies to purchase essential items locally that are most needed by disaster survivors. Any items that are donated will have to be physically shipped to the island, which takes a substantial amount of time and requires addition funding for transportation. Below are some examples of organizations that your constituents could assist: 

The American Red Cross has deployed volunteers on the ground in American Samoa and are working to meet the mass care needs of the affected population by providing food and supplies in the area. Your financial support will help the American Red Cross respond quickly to disasters like the Pacific Islands Tsunami in American Samoa and Samoa. You can donate by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or (1-800-257-7575 for Spanish), or visiting www.redcross.org, to donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) Member organizations are actively involved in relief efforts in American Samoa and preparing for Typhoon Melor in the Northern Marianas Islands. For a list of National VOAD members and links to their Web sites, visit www.nvoad.org/.

Lyndon B. Johnson Tropical Medical Center pharmacist Malaefou Anesi, left, and Chief of Pharmacy Evelyn Ahhing-Faaiuaso, right, welcome a delegation from the University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Pharmacy that includes third-year students Daniel Navas and Robert Esteban; Dr. Carolyn Ma, associate professor and chair for Pharmacy Practice and director of experiential education; and Drs. Anita Ciarleglio and Scott Holuby, assistant professors in the Department of Pharmacy Practice. (Photo courtesy of UH-Hilo)

MEDIA RELEASE

There’s only one place in the small, far-flung U.S. territory of American Samoa for its 60,000-plus residents to fill their prescription needs.

Dr. Evelyn Ahhing-Faaiuaso oversees it all as the chief of pharmacy for the Lyndon B. Johnson Tropical Medical Center. She’s one of only two pharmacists on this group of islands 2,600 miles southwest of Hawaii and is the only one licensed in the U.S. That distinction presents tremendous challenges for her.

“There’s such a great need for pharmacists in our setting,” said Ahhing-Faaiuaso, who is a native of American Samoa. “There are not enough to serve our population.”

That’s where the University of Hawaii at Hilo hopes to step in. Three College of Pharmacy faculty members and two third-year pharmacy students recently spent a week in American Samoa to assess the hospital’s pharmacy needs, educate medical staff and encourage island students to pursue a pharmacy career.

The delegation returned July 3.

“My hope is to promote pharmacy to students here so they take up the profession,” Ahhing-Faaiuaso said, “and to return back home and serve our community.”

Dr. Carolyn Ma, associate professor and chair for pharmacy practice and director of experiential education, first visited the hospital in March to determine how UH-Hilo’s burgeoning pharmacy program could help the territory now and in the long term, in line with its mission to improve the quality of health care in Hawaii and throughout the Pacific.

The college has begun a pre-pharmacy initiative at American Samoa Community College through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

Ma said she was impressed by the hospital’s successes despite its limited resources.

“The health care providers at the hospital do an incredible job with what they have, and I really admire and respect them for their dedication,” Ma said.

Ma also is a member of an interdisciplinary health-care team from the June Jones Foundation, whose summer mission overlapped the College of Pharmacy’s work in American Samoa.

Jones, the head football coach at Southern Methodist University, worked with athletes at a football camp while his nonprofit medical mission donated $400,000 worth of supplies to the hospital. Members of the pharmacy delegation helped deliver those supplies.

Ma and Drs. Anita Ciarleglio and Scott Holuby, assistant professors in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, also offered continuing education classes for pharmacy staff, physicians and nurses.

Topics included diabetes, hypertension and asthma, which are all prevalent in American Samoa, as well as the prevention of medication errors. The faculty attended rounds to offer assistance to providers, patients and families regarding their medications and to learn more about hospital functions.

“There’s such a huge potential for pharmacy services, but they truly need more pharmacists who are familiar with the culture and sensitive to the needs of the Samoan people,” Holuby said.

“We want to promote pharmacy as the beautiful profession that it is,” Ciarleglio said. “It’s a fine way to give back to one’s community and serve others.”

Ma’s other purpose on this mission was to evaluate a potential partnership between the college and the hospital to place students in fourth-year, advanced pharmacy practice experiential rotations while encouraging island residents to consider a pharmacy career.

“It became apparent from this visit that certainly the LBJ medical center would welcome and benefit from fourth-year students to help build their inpatient pharmacy services, and also that our students could help promote the pharmacy profession at the intermediate, high school and community college levels,” Ma said.

College of Pharmacy students Robert Esteban and Daniel Navas were selected for the medical mission and also will receive elective credits for their efforts.

Both are third-year students on track to graduate with the college’s inaugural class in 2011.
Esteban and Navas shared their educational journeys with a crowded classroom of community college students and encouraged them to follow a similar path.

“I hope I gave students the impression that they are able to make a difference in their communities, as well as their own lives, through education,” said Esteban, a 32-year-old student from Honolulu.

Navas, 36, of Honolulu hopes he has piqued the interest of Samoan students so that one day they will help their islands.

“Understanding the culture is essential in communication and effective patient care,” Navas said. “The situations I encountered here are real and complicated, and need real solutions despite limited resources.”

The need for pharmacists is great, Ahhing-Faaiuaso said, especially native-born people who understand the Samoan language and the islands’ traditions. She received a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy in 1987 and a doctorate in pharmacy in 2003. She took over the pharmacy in 2007 after gaining experience in retail pharmacy and at Tripler Army Medical Center on Oahu.

“An affiliation with UH-Hilo would bring the current standards of pharmacy practice into our setting,” Ahhing-Faaiuaso said, “and with the limited resources we have, we can meet them halfway with ongoing teaching for the students who will be spending time here.”

The College of Pharmacy was awarded candidate accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education in July 2008.

The college will be eligible for full accreditation when its first class of students graduates from the four-year program in 2011. It will welcome its third class of 90 students in August.