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Tongan believed to be among three died in Hawaiʻi crash

By
Kaniva Staff
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Three men have died and a woman was in critical condition in a two-car crash in Hawai’i today Wednesday 17 (US Time Zone).

Reports said the fatal accident happened on Queen Kaahumanu Highway, north of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport.

Kaniva News has seen tributes and condolences by Tongans on Facebook which posted along with news of the accident. One post said: “R.I.P Hailame Lavaka so sad”.

We are awaiting confirmation.

The crash occurred at 6:26 a.m. at mile marker 92 when a Toyota 4Runner occupied by two men traveling north collided with a Nissan Titan, occupied by a man and woman traveling south, according to Hawaii police.

Both vehicles subsequently burst into flames, Hawai’i media reported.

“Queen Kaahumanu Highway was closed between Waikoloa Road and Kaiminani Drive until shortly before noon causing track backups and delays of more than an hour.

“The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at 326-4646 ext. 229”.

Facebook: Police warn of fraudulent online sales

By
Kaniva Staff
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New Zealand Police in Christchurch are reminding members of the public that if a Facebook deal sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t worth the risk.

Police is currently investigating a case involving a man who has potentially scammed at least 11 people by selling goods on social media pages.

Area Prevention Manager Senior Sergeant Paul Reeves says the man has allegedly been offering items, such as bikes, for sale throughout Canterbury.

“He is accepting payment and then not delivering the goods,” he says.

“Too many people have lost hundreds of dollars by handing over money to individuals behaving in this way.”

Mr Reeves says anyone who has been a victim of fraud should contact Police.

“Keeping us informed helps us build our intelligence on this form of criminal activity which is very useful during our investigations.”

Police will investigate any reports of fraud but it is particularly difficult to trace false social media accounts.

“Often, those selling these goods are using false accounts, appearing as honest and legitimate people,” says Mr Reeves.

“Prevention is our number one priority.

If we can prevent people ever handing over money to these offenders, there will be less incentive for them to continue.

“Buy goods in person or through reputable sites, where you can verify that you are going to get what you are paying for.”

The investigation into this case is ongoing.

Anyone with any information which may assist Police with their ongoing enquiries into fraudulent online sales is asked to contact Christchurch Police on 03 363 7400.

Alternatively, information may be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Further advice on keeping yourself safe online can be found at consumerprotection.govt.nz/get-guidance

Contract to host Games was between government and Pacific Games council not TASANOC

By
Kalino Latu
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Deputy Director of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Sports Division ‘Onetoto ‘Anisi said the contract for Tonga to host the Games was signed between the Tongan government and the Pacific Games council not TASANOC.

The CEO of the 2019 Pacific Games Organising Committee Lord Sevele earlier said it was his TASANOC committee only that has the prerogative to cancel hosting the Games.

The Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pohiva told Kaniva News on Monday Tonga will not host 2019 Pacific Games.

His Office has officially announced and confirmed it this afternoon in Nukuʻalofa.

Hon. Pohiva said he decided to pull out from hosting the Games because Tonga could not afford maintaining the sporting facilities after the Games.

Meanwhile the President of the Pacific Games Council, Vidya Lakhan reportedly said his council “will look to refute Prime Minister Akilisi Pohiva’s claims that Tonga can’t afford to stage the event”.

He said Tonga’s bid was thoroughly scrutinised before hosting rights were awarded, and he’s disappointed by Mr Pohiva’s behaviour

The government of Papua New Guinea said it has pulled the plug on supporting Tonga in its preparation for the Games.

PNG Sports and APEC minister, Justin Tkatchenko said: “Our commitment and assessment that we did for Tonga to host the 2019 is now basically stalled and will remain that way.

“We did not pay anything but we did offer assistance through our own personal staff to go to Tonga to train their staff in that regard”.

The Prime Minister is currently out of the country in a meeting in Bangkok.

Editor’s note: We said earlier the Tongan government has the right to make a decision to withdraw from hosting the Pacific Games 2019 quoting the Deputy Director of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Sports Division Onetoto ‘Anisi as saying. We have updated the story to reflect a correction to what ‘Onetoto has said. 

Decision to abandon Games was “bizarre” says Lord Vaea

By
Philip Cass
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Lord Vaea has described the Tongan government’s decision to cancel the 2019 Pacific Games as “bizarre.”

Lord Vaea was instrumental in bringing the Games to Tonga when he was the Minister of Internal Affairs and Sports.

He was part of the bid team led by Prince Ata to Wallis and Futuna in 2012.

“The cabinet does not have power to stop it,” Lord Vaea told Kaniva News today.

“I believe it is important for Tonga to still host the Games.

“The various reasons given for the withdrawal were very unusual.

“Why did they stop it and at the same time still build the stadium?”

The government has defended its decision, saying attempts to raise the money necessary to fund preparations for the Games had been an enormous challenge.

A government statement said it was concerned that hosting the Games would jeopardize the Tongan economy and derail Tonga’s macroeconomic stability and its ability to deliver its national priorities.

While the Government would not host the Games, it remained committed to strengthening the kingdom’s sporting infrastructure and development.

The statement said Tonga would continue to work with donor partners and the people of Tonga to contribute to the success of the 2019 Pacific Games.

Prime Minister ‘Akilisa Pohiva told Radio New Zealand the decision to not host the 2019 Games was a blow that could not be averted.

“It may look embarrassing but as far as Tonga is concerned, the economic and financial situation of the country at the moment, there is no other option but to cancel the sports,” Hon. Pohiva said.

“We are being forced by circumstance, by financial and economic circumstance of the day, to do the right thing and the right thing is to cancel.”

The main points

  • Lord Vaea has described the Tongan government’s decision to cancel the 2019 Pacific Games as “bizarre.”
  • Lord Vaea was instrumental in bringing the Games to Tonga when he was the Minister of Internal Affairs and Sports.
  • He said it was important for Tonga to still host the Games.
  • He described the reasons given for withdrawing from the Games as very unusual.

For more information

Tonga games withdrawal ’embarrassing, but necessary’

Levies imposed to build Games will be stopped; money collected will be diverted to sport trainings, PM says

Suspect in double-stabbing in US arrested

By
Kaniva Staff
-

ST. GEORGE, Utah (ABC4 Utah) -A Police chase Monday in St. George led to the arrest of a man police called armed and dangerous—a suspect in a double-stabbing.

The arrest happened near Fossil Ridge Intermediate School and police contacted the school to keep the students safe.

“The minute the suspect was seen leaving the area, and the pursuit began, we did notify Fossil Ridge Intermediate School and they were put on a lockout for the safety of the students,” said Captain Mike Giles with St. George City Police Department.

Twenty-six-year-old Sione Vaitai was taken into custody after St. George Police stopped his truck with a PIT Maneuver Monday morning.

“PIT maneuver was employed on two separate occasions, once by the Utah Highway Patrol and once by an officer from our agency. His vehicle was disabled, and he did comply with officers and was taken into custody,” said Giles.

Police say Vaitai was arguing with family Friday night in Sandy when the stabbing happened.

“During that incident he apparently grabbed some type of large knife and attacked his father and juvenile sister,” said Sgt. Jason Nielsen with the Sandy Police Department.

Both his sister and father were taken to the hospital in critical condition. Sandy Police say Vaitai took off. Then, they got the tip they needed.

“We received a tip early [Monday], or [Sunday night], that Sione Vaitai was in the St. George area,” said Nielsen.

Sandy Police let St. George Police know.

“Been communicating with Sandy City to try to determine what course of action we needed to take,” said Giles.

Police say Vaitai faces multiple charges—the investigation still ongoing.

“Just thankful that somebody was able to provide the tip, which led to the capture of Sione. Without that, we’d still be looking for him,” said Nielsen.

Tribunal overturns Cabinet Secretary’s dismissal; orders PSC to pay court costs

By
Philip Cass
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The Public Service Tribunal has overturned the dismissal of Busby Kautoke as Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet in August 2012.

The appeal was heard after several years’ delay.

During this time there was a certain amount of legal manouvreing and it proved impossible to convene the appropriate people to hear the case until last month.

The appeal was heard by a tribunal chaired by Lord Tupou, KC and with Laki Niu, SC and Timote Katoanga as members.

Mr Kautoke was dismissed over allegations of financial impropriety concerning the apparent disappearance of more than $1 million relating to the Constitutional and Electoral Reform Programme.

A later audit found this figure to be inaccurate.

It was alleged that Kautoke had failed to adequately supervise transactions relating to the CER programme, but it was pointed out that responsibility for the finances had been transferred from the Prime Minister’s office to the Ministry of Finance and National Planning.

Lord Tu’ivakano was Prime Minister at the time of Mr Kautoke’s dismissal.

A number of procedural issues in the dismissal were considered in the hundreds of pages of written evidence that has accumulated over the years.

The Tribunal said the charges laid against Mr Kautoke were invalid and could not be used to terminate his contract under any provision of the Public Service Act 2002; any Public Service Regulations or  the Public Finance Management.

The tribunal therefore ruled that his dismissal be set aside.

“Any entitlement of his to salaries to be reimbursed to him for his  dismissal would be substantially reduced and lost by reason of payment of the costs of this appeal,” the Tribunal’s report said.

“That cannot be fair.”

The Public Service Commission has therefore been ordered to pay Mr Kautoke’s court costs.

The main points

  • The Public Service Tribunal has overturned the dismissal of Busby Kautoke as Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet in August 2012.
  • The appeal was heard by a tribunal chaired by Lord Tupou, KC and with Lal Niu, SC and Timote Katoanga as members.
  • Mr Kautoke was dismissed over allegations of financial impropriety concerning the apparent disappearance of more than $1 million.
  • The Tribunal said the charges laid against Mr Kautoke were invalid and ruled that his dismissal be set aside.

For more information 

Court orders Tribunal to reconvene and consider Cabinet Secretary’s appeal again 

New boss announced for Ministry of Land and Survey

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Ministry of Land and Natural Resources has appointed Rosamond Carter Bing as the Ministry’s new chief executive officer.

Ms. Bing is a law graduate of the Australian National University where she also attained a Master of Laws.

She has been a member of the Tongan Bar since 2001.

“With over 10 years of experience in the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Ms. Bing has progressed through her public service career in the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in 2002 from her first posting as a Principal Assistant Secretary, then most recently as a consulting Legal Administrator”, a statement said.

Bing’s appointment was historical for the government to have appointed two sisters as head of some of its ministries.

Ms Bing’s younger sibling, Ms Ana Bing Fonua is the CEO of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

“The Public Service Commission welcomes Ms. Bing to her new appointment and wishes her well in her tenure as CEO of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources”.

Arrest made following shooting outside Vavaʻu Lahi nightclub

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Counties Manukau Police have this morning arrested a 25-year-old man in relation to a shooting outside a nightclub in Manukau early on Sunday morning.

The man is expected to appear in the Manukau District Court today charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, discharging a firearm with intent to cause bodily harm and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Police enquiries are continuing into the incident and we cannot rule out the possibility that further people will be charged.

A 31-year-old man who received a gunshot wound to his leg during the altercation has now been released from hospital.

Police continue to ask for anyone who was in the area on Cavendish Drive, Manukau at approximately 2.30am on Sunday 15 May 2017 and saw a fight break out between two groups of people to contact police.

If you have information which can assist the investigation team then please contact Detective Sergeant Kepal Richards on 09 261 1300.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Vavaʻu man’s death referred to coroner  

By
Kalino Latu
-

A 39-year-old man who died in ‘Olo’ua, Vava’u before his body was found in a tax allotment has had his death referred to the coroner.

Police believed Paea Vailea died on Saturday 13 before his body was found.

They released few details about the incident or Vailea.

A post mortem was expected to be carried out today at 3pm in Neiafu to determine the cause of death, a Police spokesperson said.

He was unable to provide further details until the results had been released.

Levies imposed to build Games will be stopped; money collected will be diverted to sport trainings, PM says

By
Kalino Latu
-

Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva said today Monday 15 all levies the government has collected to host the Pacific Games 2019 would be diverted to help prepare the Tongan athletes.

His comment follow today’s announcement that Tonga will not host 2019 Pacific Games.

Hon. Pohiva said he decided to pull out of hosting the Games after he saw a World Bank report last week

The report said many countries, including in the Pacific, were left with under-utilised sporting facilities after hosting sporting events which rapidly deteriorated with under-use and lack of funding for maintenance.

In its budget for 2015/16 the government increased the international passengers’ departure tax by TP$100 to TP$165 while a new charge on foreign currency transfers was expected to collect an additional TP$2 million each year to help fund the Games.

Hon. Pohiva said the government would soon stop collecting the levies and all the money that had already been collected would be diverted and invested on sport training.

When asked how he expected the Pacific Games Council to react, he said they had read the agreement that bound Tonga to host the Games and could not see anything that would backfire on Tonga.

“I told the cabinet not to worry about it as at the end of the day the participating countries and their athletes would leave Tonga and return to their countries, leaving us here with the burden of trying to maintain the quality of these sporting facilities,” the Prime Minister said.

“Maybe the council will penalise Tonga by not giving us any further chance to host the Games in the future,” he said.

New Zealand and Australia

The Prime Minister told Kaniva News he believed New Zealand and Australia did not support Tonga hosting the Games.

He said New Zealand’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Murry McCully warned him about hosting the Games.

He said New Zealand only donated NZ$1.8 millions for the Games while Australia had not made a donation.

“This showed to me they are not supporting Tonga’s hosting the Games”, Pohiva said.

He said there was no problems with this because the two countries had invested millions of dollars on other projects in Tonga.

“It is not fair for Tonga to host the Games while at the same time we are relying pretty much on these countries to support us financially through the budget support funding,” Hon. Pohiva said.

The main points

  • Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva said today all levies the government has collected for the Pacific Games 2019 will be diverted to help prepare the Tongan athletes.
  • His comment follow today’s announcement that Tonga will not host 2019 Pacific Games.
  • In its budget for 2015/16 the government increased the international passengers’ departure tax by TP$100 to TP$165 while a new charge on foreign currency transfers was expected to collect an additional TP$2 million each year to help fund the Games.
  • When asked how he expected the Pacific Games Council to react, he said they had read the agreement that bound Tonga to host the Games and could not see anything that would backfire on Tonga.

For more information

Tonga will not host 2019 Pacific Games; PM cites World Bank advice on costs

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