All five fautasi crews invited to Samoa’s Independence Fautasi Race confirm they will not be going

By Asi Andrew Fa'asau andrew@samoanews.com Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — All five fautasi crews invited to represent American Samoa in Samoa’s Independence Fautasi Race next month have confirmed they will not be making the trip. The invited boats — Nu‘uuli’s Manulele Tausala Lowrider II, Alao, Matasaua, Fuao of Vatia, and Fagasa’s Fealofani Samoa III — cited similar challenges, with graduation season and crew availability topping the list. Many rowers are high school and college students preparing for graduation, while others are parents with children graduating. Each village also had additional reasons for declining the invitation. Manulele Tausala Lowrider II captain Taufete‘e Tanielu Taufete‘e said the decision was made during a village meeting last week. He explained that Nu‘uuli’s new boatshed in Utulei remains unfinished, and the village intends to use part of its Flag Day winnings to complete the project. With three Nu‘uuli fautasi competing this year, the village earned a combined $56,000 for first, eighth, and 13th place. Some of the funds have already been distributed to church ministers, captains, and crew members, while the remainder will support the boatshed and other village initiatives. Taufete‘e added that although the Samoa Government offered assistance with transporting the crews and boats, the cost of feeding and caring for the crew in Samoa — along with cultural presentation expenses — would still be substantial. He emphasized that Nu‘uuli is grateful for the invitation and will discuss an appropriate way to honor it. Second‐place Alao captain Satele Aliitai Lili‘o said village matai agreed it was not feasible to travel with many crew members unavailable. Several rowers are students preparing for graduation, while others have returned to the mainland after coming home specifically for the Flag Day race. Satele also noted he will be traveling abroad next month. Third‐place Matasaua will also remain home. Manu‘a High Talking Chief Ta‘aga Saite Moliga said they are prioritizing the construction of a new fautasi and boatshed. “As much as we would like to accept the invitation from Samoa, we have decided to focus on these two projects,” Ta‘aga said. Fourth‐place Fuao captain Senator Gaoteote Palaie Tofau told Samoa News that his crew had been eager to compete in Samoa, but the timing was not right. He said significant funding would be required for the trip, and their village had been fundraising for their new fautasi. Gaoteote suggested that the American Samoa Government should consider providing financial support to any fautasi representing the Territory in Samoa, especially for cultural obligations. He added that if circumstances had been different, he would have taken Fuao’s older fautasi to Samoa and donated it to his mother’s village of Leulumoega. Fagasa’s Fealofani Samoa III, which secured the fifth and final slot, also declined the invitation. Captain Papatua Faima Tua said the village met last Friday and agreed not to travel. He explained that the village is praying for the recovery of their CCCAS minister, Rev. Fepuari Logoleo, who has been off‐island for medical treatment for more than a year. Village leaders felt it would be inappropriate to compete while their Faife‘au is unwell. Additionally, the village is awaiting funeral arrangements for High Chief and Senator Alo Dr. Paul Stevenson, who captained Fealofani Samoa II to its historic victory in the Centennial Flag Day Race — one of only two fautasi to win the championship on its debut appearance, a feat repeated this year by Manulele Tausala Lowrider II. Papatua said funding was not an issue and the crew had been eager to compete, but they unanimously agreed it was not appropriate to travel — especially following the passing of their former captain, whom they felt obligated to honor. Efforts to reach the chairman of the Flag Day Fautasi Race Organizing Committee, Faiivae Alex Godinet, for confirmation on whether any other local fautasi might step in to replace the five crews that declined the invitation were unsuccessful. During the Flag Day awards ceremony, Samoa Consul General Fata Brian Kaio detailed the extensive logistical support the Samoa Government had prepared for the visiting fautasi crews. Fata explained that the MV Samoa Express had been chartered to transport the five fautasi to and from Samoa, while the MV Lady Samoa IV was designated to provide the return trip for the competing crews. A total of 60 seats per crew had been reserved to accommodate rowers and support staff. To further ease travel, the Samoa Government planned to issue entry permit waivers for up to 70 individuals per crew, covering both rowers and management teams. Upon arrival in Apia, each crew would have been assigned two large coaches, each capable of seating more than 60 passengers, ensuring reliable transportation throughout their stay. Fautasi crews were also set to be hosted by villages in the Apia town area, with government assistance provided to support the host communities. The aumaga of the host villages were prepared to help transport the boats from Matautu Wharf to Mulinuu, where the fautasi would be stored under 24‐hour police protection and surveillance. Section: Local News
2026-05-01 17:03:08