Appointed Board Members and Commissioner Announced for HCBS Commission

We proudly acknowledge the recent issuance of two memoranda by the American Samoa Government appointing the Commissioner and Board Members of American Samoa’s Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Commission.

With the establishment of the HCBS Commission within the Office of the Governor and the appointment of Abigail Marie Poyer as Commissioner, our Territory enters a new chapter in strengthening coordinated care and support systems.



This landmark action reflects a deep commitment to our people — honoring Fa’aSamoa and enhancing the way we care for our elders, individuals with disabilities, and the families who support them at home and in their communities. We celebrate this meaningful step toward building a stronger, more compassionate future for American Samoa.

General Memorandum 017-26 - Appointment to American Samoa's First Home- and Community-Based Services Commission

General Memorandum 018-26 - Appointment of Abigail Marie Poyer as the Commissioner to the Home and Community-Based Services Commission

Celebrating 2 Years of the Pacific Center in Human Security

Two years ago, on January 31, 2024, the Pacific Center in Human Security was created through a rebranding shaped by a powerful vision set in motion by our State Director, Tafaimamao Tua-Tupuola, that was ten years in the making. Today, we proudly celebrate our 2nd year anniversary.

To honor that vision, our team came together for a meaningful activity: creating personal and professional vision boards. Each board reflected our individual goals while reinforcing our shared commitment to growth and service.

Here’s to two years of impact, collaboration, and purpose—and to many more years ahead as we continue building on this vision together.



Click here for more photos.

Ocean Policy Experts visit iEM in the Classroom

Last month, ASCC students majoring in inclusive-Emergency Management (iEM) had the honor of hearing from visiting leaders in ocean policy, conservation, and Indigenous stewardship during an important classroom session focused on protecting Muliava (Rose Atoll), our sacred ancestral waters.

House Representative Su’a Eli Jennings spoke first, sharing that he is advocating and introducing a bill to help save the Rose Atoll sanctuary and protect its future for generations to come.

During the classroom session, the visiting experts emphasized that the ocean connects all Pacific Islanders and is central to who we are as people of the Pasefika. Muliava is more than a marine monument; it is sacred ancestral water, a biodiversity hotspot supporting corals, fish, sea turtles, whales, and roughly 97% of American Samoa’s seabird populations. Protecting it means protecting culture, food security, livelihoods, and future generations.

The last speaker, Motusa Nua of Puipui Measina Alliance (non-profit), stood strong in protecting the existing 50-mile zone for Muliava and reminded students why we must defend what already protects our ocean.

The group also highlighted a federal review and a proposal by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (Westpac) that would reduce Muliava’s current 50-mile no-commercial-fishing protection to just 12 miles, threatening fragile ecosystems and traditional subsistence Alia fishing practices.

The ocean connects all Pacific Islanders; it is our identity, our food, and our duty to protect.

Guest speakers we are grateful to learn from:

• Bobbi-Jo Dobush, Independent Ocean Policy Consultant, Salt Horizon
• Jackie Dragon, Senior Oceans Campaigner, Greenpeace USA
• Kolomona "Sol" Kahoʻohalahala, Native Hawaiian Elder, Maui Nui Makai Network
• Edwin Ekolu Lindsey, Director, Maui Nui Makai Network

Click here to see more photos of their visit.

Congratulations to some of our iEM students now in PTK! On February 11, we celebrated six of our inclusive-Emergency Management students on their induction into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at the American Samoa Community College!

This incredible achievement reflects their hard work, academic excellence, and deep commitment to leadership and service. As future professionals in Emergency Management, they are already demonstrating the integrity, dedication, and community-centered values that make a lasting difference in American Samoa.

We are honored to support and learn alongside such inspiring students. Please join us in congratulating them on this well-deserved recognition!

EPIC Inc: PasefikaWorkS and Caregiver Team

EPIC Inc.’s Pasefika Workforce Solutions (PasefikaWorkS) is expanding opportunities for residents who are looking for employment. Designed to connect American Samoa’s workforce with private sector employers, PasefikaWorkS is now recruiting individuals to join its growing team.

EPIC Inc. is also launching a new initiative to build a dedicated team of Caregivers in American Samoa. Individuals who are not currently employed are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to gain valuable skills and certification through an online caregiver training program.

Fill out form here if you are interested in joining their Caregiver Team.

Call 699-7851 for more information for both initiatives.

Pacific Center in Human Security

pchs@amsamoa.edu | pchs.amsamoa.edu | (684) 699 - 2722 ext. 4202