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COMMENTARY: Prime Minister Pōhiva warned about use of circulars, said they muzzled Opposition MPs

By
Kalino Latu
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EDITOR’S NOTE: This commentary was edited to reflect the fact that the response from the Deputy Clerk was meant to say that the Parliament using the circular was a normal means of communication.

COMMENTARY: It is time for the practice of using circulars to make decisions in Parliament was reviewed.

Circulars should only be used on agendas that are urgent.

They should not be used on important issues such as pay rises for Parliamentarians.

Such issues should be properly debated in the House so that they can be recorded in the minutes for the public to read and also broadcast for people to listen.

As Kaniva News reported yesterday, the government’s use of a circular to canvas MPs’ views on a pay rise has been called into question.

However, the Legislative Assembly’s Deputy Clerk, Dr Sione Vikilani, said the circular was a normal means of communication approved by the House and any information sent through it was legal.

In Tongan he said: “Ko e tohi ‘avetakai ko e founga ngāue pe ‘oku ‘ataa ke ngaue’aki pea ‘oku ‘ikai ke ta’efakalao ha tu’utu’uni ‘i hono fakahoko ‘i he founga koia”.

Dr Vikilani did not respond to a question asking why a circular was used to ballot the pay hike and not a face-to-face voting in the House.

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In 2018 Tonga’s former Prime Minister, the late ‘Akilisi Pōhiva, warned that using circulars in Parliament was open to abuse.

Speaking to Kaniva News, Pōhiva said the use of circulars was normal but did not allow for discussion.

MPs, especially the Opposition, could not debate whatever agenda was being circulated.

He said that traditionally Speakers and the Noble’s representatives, who were mostly the majority  in the House, used it to ballot issues they wanted to be decided in their favour.

The late Prime Minister’s comments were made during an interview in 2018 about the decision to approve an invitation from the Tonga Rugby League for a Parliament delegation to attend a match.

The decision was adopted through a circular, by collective resolution of Parliament.

Prime Minister Pōhiva’s concerns are just as relevant today as they were four years ago.

Debates and voting in the House must be open so that all citizens can see how their MPs voted and debate can be held in public.

This was illustrated in our story yesterday when Dr Vikilani would not say how MPs voted on the circular. 

A Parliament with secrets is not truly democratic.

Crown Prince launches e‑passport project to modernise national identity systems

By
Kaniva Staff
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Nuku‘alofa — Tonga is joining the regional effort to modernise border security, boost tourism, and meet international travel standards through the introduction of electronic passports, known as e‑passports.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto‘a ‘Ulukalala meets with project officials during the inaugural

The Government of the Kingdom of Tonga convened the inaugural meeting of the Project Steering Committee (PSC) for the Tonga e‑Passport Project, a multiyear initiative designed to introduce secure, internationally compliant electronic passports for Tongan citizens.

The project will also help advance public‑sector digitalisation and enhance the integrity of Tonga’s legal identity framework.

Chaired by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto‘a ‘Ulukalala, the meeting brought together senior representatives from key government ministries, the Embassy of Japan, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

Discussions focused on the rollout of the new biometric passport system, security features, and implementation timelines.

Funded by the Government of Japan, the project reflects a shared commitment to improving governance, bolstering national resilience, and supporting safe, dignified mobility for people across the Pacific.

IOM said it is proud to partner with Tonga on this transformative effort, emphasising that secure identity systems are essential for protecting borders while enabling citizens to access global travel opportunities.

The launch of the e‑Passport project marks a significant milestone in Tonga’s digital development pathway and positions the kingdom to meet international travel and security standards in the years ahead.

Victim’s mercy leads to reduced two‑year sentence for Nukunuku man over $16,490 theft

By
Kaniva Staff
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Nuku‘alofa — Despite the theft involving goods valued at more than $16,000, the court took the victim’s forgiveness into account and sentenced the offender to two-and-a-half years in jail, with the final six months suspended.

The Supreme Court of Tonga has sentenced Aminiasi Fonua Liku for serious housebreaking and theft after he broke into the home of an elderly woman in Nukunuku.

Liku, who pleaded guilty on 27 November 2025, admitted entering the home of complainant Melenaite Taukolo on 19 July 2025 and stealing a large quantity of traditional Tongan goods, electronics, jewellery and personal items worth $16,490.

Among the items taken were multiple sets of ngatu, phones, a JBL speaker, earrings, and cologne products.

In a victim impact report presented to the Court, the elderly victim said she held no ill‑will towards Liku. The report noted that Liku and his family visited her twice to apologise, and she offered him advice about changing his behaviour.

All stolen items were later recovered and returned.

The Crown recommended a final sentence of three years for housebreaking and 16 months for theft, to run concurrently. Prosecutors argued against any suspension, citing Liku’s previous convictions for similar offences.

However, the defence submitted that Liku was remorseful, active in his church youth group, and supporting a young family. Letters of support from the Nukunuku Town Officer and the local Reverend were also provided.

A presentence report assessed Liku as being at high risk of reoffending, but recommended a partly suspended sentence with conditions.

Court’s Reasoning

Lord Chief Justice Macolm Bishop KC adopted a starting point of four years’ imprisonment for the housebreaking charge, reducing it to three years for the guilty plea and cooperation with police. For the theft charge, he imposed 14 months, also reduced for mitigation, and ordered it to be served concurrently.

While noting Liku’s age and the victim’s forgiveness, the Chief Justice stressed the need for deterrence, saying housebreaking cases had become increasingly common in Tonga, endangering the safety and privacy of citizens.

Despite Liku’s history of similar offending, the Court agreed to suspend the final six months of the sentence for two years, subject to strict conditions, including probation oversight, reporting requirements, and mandatory courses in alcohol/drug awareness and life skills.

The Court ordered Liku to serve two and a half years behind bars before the final six months are suspended for two years.

During the suspension period, he must not commit any offence punishable by imprisonment, must report to the Probation Office within 48 hours of his release, reside where directed by probation authorities, and complete alcohol and drug awareness and life‑skills courses with the Salvation Army.

Tonga Police arrest three in separate drug and firearm operations

By
Kaniva Staff
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Nuku’alofa — Tonga Police have arrested three individuals in two separate operations targeting the distribution of illicit drugs and unlawful possession of firearms.

The first operation, carried out on 27 February, led to the arrest of a 35‑year‑old man from Kolonga.

Police say officers stopped the man while he was driving around the Tatakamotonga area allegedly distributing illegal drugs.

When approached, he attempted to flee on foot but was quickly stopped and taken into custody.

During the same operation, police also arrested a 39‑year‑old man from Ma’ufanga.

The second suspect was allegedly involved in the same incident and has been charged with possession of methamphetamine as well as drug‑related utensils.

A separate operation on 28 February resulted in the arrest of a 32‑year‑old man from Houma.

Police say intelligence linked the man to drug distribution activities. Officers executed a search and seized firearms, ammunition, drug paraphernalia and a quantity of cash believed to be connected to illegal activity.

The Houma suspect has since been charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and drug‑related offences.

Police confirmed that all exhibits seized during the operations have been secured and investigations are ongoing.

In a statement, Tonga Police urged communities to report suspicious activity and emphasised their ongoing commitment to combating the spread of illicit drugs and the illegal possession of weapons.

“We continue to encourage members of the public to report any suspicious activity within their communities,” the statement said.

Police also released a Tongan‑language message reiterating their appeal to the public to assist in identifying drug‑related activity and supporting community safety.

For further information, Tonga Police advised the public to contact the Tonga Police Media & Public Relations Office on 740‑1613.

Enforcer Jason Taumalolo determined to do ‘All Out’ as Cowboys open 2026 season in Las Vegas

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tongan rugby league superstar Jason Taumalolo says he is determined to play big minutes and give everything he has this season, insisting he does not want to be protected or held back despite having two years remaining on his 10‑year mega‑deal with the North Queensland Cowboys.

Jason Taumālolo. Photo/Broadcom FM Broadcasting (Facebook)

As the Cowboys prepare to launch their 2026 NRL campaign against the Newcastle Knights at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday, the 32‑year‑old forward—proudly regarded as one of Tonga’s most influential and iconic rugby league figures—has been named to start in the front row.

Taumalolo, widely celebrated in Tonga for lifting the national team onto the world stage during the historic 2017 Rugby League World Cup run, made clear that he still approaches the game with the same ferocity and pride he has carried throughout his career.

“I’ll go all out until the wheels fall off if I had it my way,” Taumalolo declared, rejecting the idea of limiting his minutes simply to preserve his body for the final years of his contract.

His coach, Todd Payten, has often taken a cautious approach to protect Taumalolo from further damage to his knees, but the Tongan powerhouse says he would rather empty the tank every game than focus on longevity.

Taumalolo played only 10 matches last season but says offseason surgery has left him feeling the healthiest he has been in two years, giving him renewed confidence heading into the Vegas opener.

With global attention on the NRL’s return to the United States, Taumalolo’s presence adds star power—especially for Tongan and Pasifika fans who continue to view him as a trailblazer and cultural icon in the sport.

The Cowboys’ full 2026 team list confirms Taumalolo will anchor the forward pack on Sunday, setting the stage for another season in which the Tongan enforcer aims to dominate through power, endurance, and pride in his heritage.

Tsunami‑devastated Mango resettlement completed after years of contract disputes

By
Kaniva Staff
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Nuku‘alofa — Four years after the catastrophic tsunami and volcanic eruption devastated their homeland, the displaced residents of Mango island gathered on ‘Eua on Saturday to celebrate the opening of their new homes in the newly established resettlement community.

People of Mango pose happily for a group photo as they celebrate moving into their new homes on ‘Eua. Photo/Prime Minister’s Office

The celebration followed a project that had been stalled due to contractual disputes and repeated failures by several contractors to deliver.

The Prime Minister’s Office said the relaunch of the reconstruction programme demonstrates the administration’s determination to revive stalled national projects within its first 100 days in office.

In a statement, the Government said the completion of the resettlement is “a significant milestone in rebuilding resilient communities and restoring stability and dignity for affected families.”

The initiative reflects extensive collaboration between the Palace Office, government ministries, development partners, private donors, and local communities, all working to ensure safe, sustainable, and climate‑resilient housing for the former residents of Mango.

The government reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to support the families as they continue rebuilding their lives on ‘Eua, emphasising that long‑term recovery remains a national priority.

His Majesty King Tupou VI, joined by Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, commissioned the new resettlement in ‘Eua, marking a major step forward in Tonga’s long‑term recovery efforts following the devastating Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai volcanic eruption of 15 January 2022.

Banter at Vavaʻu kava club turns violent, teen convicted of assaulting elderly man

By
Kaniva Staff
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The severe internal injuries suffered by a 72‑year‑old man, after being punched from behind and repeatedly kicked while lying on the ground, have resulted in his attacker receiving a three‑year suspended jail sentence.

Lopeti Lyden Poʻuli, 19, was sentenced in the Supreme Court of Tonga, where Justice P. Tupou KC condemned the assault as “culturally intolerable and inhumane,” describing it as a serious act of vengeful aggression.

The court heard that Poʻuli and the victim, Sione Havea Fanua, had been drinking with others at the Mohetaha Kava Club on the night of 14 December 2025.

According to the Supreme Court, what began as a playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks among drinkers at the club ended with the elderly man being hospitalised.

A verbal disagreement escalated, and the elderly man left the club.

While walking near the Water Board and Governor’s Office, Fanua was struck from behind by Poʻuli, who then punched him again, causing him to fall. As the elderly man lay helpless on the ground, Poʻuli kicked him repeatedly in the abdomen until he lost consciousness.

A security officer from Halaevalu Wharf found the injured man and alerted police. Fanua suffered internal bleeding to the liver and other organs and was hospitalised.

Crown argued seriousness of violence

Prosecutors highlighted several aggravating factors, including the unprovoked nature of the attack, the defendant pursuing the victim as he walked away, and the victim’s advanced age, which made him especially vulnerable.

The Crown proposed a starting point of five years’ imprisonment, reduced to four years after mitigation.

Justice Tupou described the assault as an example of dangerous, alcohol‑fuelled violence.

“For a 19‑year‑old to attack an unarmed, unaware 72‑year‑old man from behind and continue to attack him while on the ground helpless…is culturally intolerable and inhumane,” he said in his sentencing remarks.

The judge set a starting point of four years’ imprisonment, citing public interest in denouncing such behaviour.

Sentence reduced and fully suspended

Although Poʻuli denied the allegations during trial, he later expressed remorse in the pre‑sentence report. He also had no previous convictions and had apologised to the victim before trial.

Taking into account his youth, clean record, cooperation with authorities, and the victim’s recovery, the judge deducted 18 months from the starting point. The resulting 2½ years’ imprisonment was then fully suspended for three years, subject to strict conditions.

As part of his sentence, Poʻuli is required to complete 180 hours of community service in Vavaʻu, follow all directions issued by the Magistrate Court regarding that service, and refrain from committing any offence punishable by imprisonment.

He has also been placed on probation and must undertake an alcohol, drug awareness, and anger‑management programme, if available. The judge warned that any breach of these conditions could result in Poʻuli being ordered to serve the full prison term.

In closing, Justice Tupou urged the young man to change the direction of his life.

“The court hopes you will use the opportunity and leniency you receive today to change the course of your life for the better.”

‘Eua residents urged not to drink public water after high lead levels detected

By
Kaniva Staff
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Nukuʻalofa – Tongan authorities have issued an urgent public health advisory directing all residents of ‘Eua not to drink or use water for cooking from the island’s public supply or any bore.

The Ministry of Health, in consultation with the Tonga Water Board, Officials said recent testing of the ‘Eua water supply and bores detected lead (Pb) levels exceeding World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for drinking water, making it unsafe for consumption.

Boiling the water does not reduce the lead content.

The Ministry said the current water may be used only for bathing and non‑consumption purposes.

Rainwater collected from water tanks and all commercially bottled water remain safe for drinking.

Authorities said they will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates to the public.

The advisory was issued by the Ministry of Health and the Tonga Water Board as they work to identify the source of contamination and ensure the safety of the ‘Eua community.

Why lead in drinking water is dangerous

Lead in drinking water poses a serious health hazard, and no level of lead exposure is considered safe. Health authorities worldwide warn that even small amounts can accumulate in the body and cause long‑term harm.

Children are especially vulnerable: exposure can lead to permanent neurological damage, learning and behavioural difficulties, anemia, and impaired growth. In adults, lead ingestion is linked to kidney problems, high blood pressure, and reproductive issues.

Lead typically enters drinking water through corroding pipes, plumbing fixtures, or solder, particularly in systems installed before 1986, when many countries—Tonga included—had not yet fully transitioned away from lead‑containing materials. When pipes corrode, lead can leach into household water, making the supply unsafe.

Boiling water does not remove lead; in fact, it can increase its concentration as water evaporates and the remaining lead becomes more concentrated.

Health authorities stress that contaminated water must not be consumed under any circumstances and should only be used for non‑consumption purposes until testing confirms it is safe again.

Maui assault sparks outcry from Tongan community in Hawai‘i

By
Kaniva Staff
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Honolulu, Hawai‘i – Members of Hawai‘i’s Tongan social media community have voiced strong concern and disappointment after a violent attack on Maui left three women and a man injured and resulted in multiple arrests.

Jazzmin Barner-Fujishiro (right) and Kailipoaiau Keahi-Ng (left), who recounted the Maui attack to Hawai‘i News Now.

The incident, which local media described as a “mobbing,” has sparked widespread discussion among Tongans living in the islands about youth behaviour, community safety, and the growing influence of social media‑fuelled conflicts.

A post circulating on Facebook, listing Tongan names and shared widely across Tongan newsfeeds, appeared to suggest that the accused were Tongans.

According to a report by Hawai‘i News Now, the confrontation unfolded on Friday night at a home in Waiheʻe, Maui.

Witnesses said the incident appeared to have stemmed from a case of mistaken identity, escalating rapidly into a violent assault.

Jazzmin Barner-Fujishiro told the station she was cutting her friend’s hair in the garage when she heard shouting outside, including repeated references to a gang name.

Moments later, she said a group of about 10 individuals crowded into the garage demanding to know the whereabouts of someone named “Mason.”

The confrontation quickly turned physical.

“One of the boys just starts blasting my friend in the chair, and then everyone else starts chiming in and starts blasting the both of us,” Barner-Fujishiro and her partner, Kailipoaiau Keahi-Ng, told the station.

Keahi‑Ng said she attempted to scare the intruders away with a BB gun, but was overpowered.

“All of a sudden, you see me on the ground with him on top of me, and then there’s two other boys on top of me, and then another boy falls on me,” she said.

The couple and their friends suffered multiple injuries, including cuts, swelling, and suspected fractures. They were later taken to hospital for treatment.

Maui police arrested two suspects — a 19‑year‑old from Kīhei and an 18‑year‑old from Utah — on burglary charges. Both were held on $5,000 bail. A third suspect, a 26‑year‑old from Kīhei, was also arrested and later released pending further investigation.

The victims said they remain fearful in the aftermath of the attack.

“We don’t feel safe at home… I spent all night looking at our camera footage to see if anyone was going to show up again,” Keahi‑Ng said.

Tongan Community Reacts With Disappointment

On Facebook, Tongan community pages across Hawai‘i — particularly those followed by youth and young families — lit up with posts condemning the attack.

Many expressed deep disappointment, saying the violent behaviour displayed by the group in the video circulating online reflects poorly on Tongans in the islands, regardless of whether the suspects are Tongan or simply associated with Pacific Island communities.

Community members urged parents and churches to address youth aggression, substance use, and unmanaged disputes that often spill onto social media.

Several commenters stressed that Hawai‘i’s Tongan community has worked hard for decades to maintain a reputation for respect, unity, and Christian values, and they fear that such incidents can harm community relationships with neighbours and law enforcement.

Man convicted over forged Tonga Australia Support Platform documents for MFF workshop

By
Kaniva Staff
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Prosecutors alleged the defendant inflated payments and faked signatures on a Tonga Australia Support Platform (TASP) allowance sheet, claiming TOP$2,000 per representative who attended a workshop when none had received that amount.

The Supreme Court of Tonga has found Simote Polelei guilty of forgery, knowingly dealing with a forged document, and theft.

The case centred on falsified travel allowance documents submitted to the TASP for a Ma‘a Fafine mo e Famili (MFF) workshop held in July 2024.

Evidence showed Polelei had prepared a signing sheet containing forged signatures and incorrect payment amounts for five outer island representatives.

The court accepted witness testimony that one listed recipient had not attended the workshop, while others received significantly less than the amounts recorded in the forged document.

The court heard that between 15 and 19 July 2024, the MFF held its annual reflection and review workshop in Tonga. Representatives from the outer islands were expected to attend and were entitled to receive travel allowances provided by MFF.

Those listed as outer island representatives were Mikaela Lino (Niuatoputapu), Fatafehi Latu (‘Eua), Veapina Fifita (Vava‘u), Veisinia Tonga (Niuafo‘ou), and Lesieli Setaleki (Ha‘apai).

According to documents presented by the prosecution, a total of TOP$10,000 was allocated for travel allowances, with TOP$2,000 intended for each representative. Court records show that on 11 July 2024 the defendant withdrew TOP$11,400 by cheque in relation to the workshop allowances.

Evidence presented to the court established that at the time of the workshop, Lino was on leave and travelling in Australia and did not attend the workshop. The remaining four representatives were present.

The prosecution said the defendant later distributed varying amounts of money to those who attended. Fatafehi Latu received TOP$1,000; Veapina Fifita received TOP$1,800; Lesieli Setaleki received TOP$1,800; and Veisinia Tonga received TOP$1,400.

On 26 July 2024, the accused submitted financial acquittal documents by email to the TASP. These included a travel allowance signing sheet indicating that each of the five outer island representatives had received TOP$2,000, totalling TOP$10,000. The document also bore signatures purported to be those of the representatives and of the MFF director, Betty Blake.

However, the prosecution told the court that the document, reproduced on page six of the court book, was prepared by the defendant and contained false information. Evidence showed that Mikaela Lino neither attended the workshop nor received any allowance; that none of the representatives received the TOP$2,000 recorded on the form; and that the signature attributed to director Betty Blake was not hers.

The prosecution alleged the defendant forged the document and submitted it to TASP with the intent to deceive the agency into accepting it as a genuine and accurate financial record.

It was further alleged that the defendant dishonestly appropriated TOP$4,000 for personal use, having received a total of TOP$20,000 in funds while distributing only TOP$16,000 to the representatives.

Justice Garlick KC delivered the verdict on 23 February, concluding that the prosecution had proven each charge beyond reasonable doubt.

The judge found that the document was created with the intent to deceive and submitted so TASP would act on it as genuine.

Sentencing has been adjourned pending a pre‑sentence report.

Talafo’ou man arrested for alleged meth and cannabis dealing

By
Kaniva Staff
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Police have arrested a 34‑year‑old man from Talafo’ou following an operation on 26 February 2026.

He is alleged to have been selling methamphetamine and cannabis in the Talafo’ou and Navutoka communities.

Police carried out an operation and searched the man’s residence.

They located illicit drugs, drug‑related utensils and cash believed to be proceeds of crime.

The suspect has been arrested and charged, and investigations remain ongoing.

Tonga Police said the arrest reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to disrupting illegal drug activity and protecting the wellbeing of communities.

For further media inquiries, the public is advised to contact the Tonga Police Media & Public Relations Office on 740‑1613.

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