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Lolo Soakai road death case taken to US Supreme Court

By
Kaniva Staff
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Oakland, California — The case over the death of Tongan man Lolomanaia “Lolo” Soakai, who was killed during a police chase in Oakland in 2022, has been taken to the United States Supreme Court.

Soakai, 28, was killed on June 25, 2022, when a fleeing suspect crashed into parked vehicles, causing motorcycles to fall on him as he stood with his mother on International Boulevard.

Soakai’s mother, Lavinia Soakai, suffered a broken back, and other family members were injured.

Two former Oakland police officers, Walid Abdelaziz and Jimmy Marin‑Coronel, are asking the Supreme Court to rule that they should not be held financially liable for Soakai’s death, the Oakland media reported.

The officers were pursuing Arnold Azael Linaldi, then 19, despite Oakland Police rules that prohibit chases unless a suspect is linked to a violent crime or firearm.

Court records say the officers left the scene without giving medical aid, then later returned, acting unaware of what had occurred.

In May 2025, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled police can be held liable when a reckless pursuit leads to the death of an innocent bystander, even if harm was not intended.

The former officers are now asking the Supreme Court to overturn that decision, arguing that constitutional liability requires proof of intent to harm.

Although the City of Oakland is not formally part of the Supreme Court case, it is covering the officers’ legal costs and would be responsible for any damages in the wrongful death lawsuit, under California law.

The Soakai family, represented by civil rights lawyer Patrick Buelna, is seeking at least US$20 million for Lavinia Soakai and other injured relatives.

Settlement talks are scheduled by March 3, with a trial set for August 18 if no agreement is reached.

The case has drawn attention across the Tongan and Pasifika communities and could have major implications for police accountability and bystander rights across the United States.

One person left with moderate injuries, after unprovoked attack on Onehunga bus

By
Kaniva Staff
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By RNZ.co.nz

A person has suffered moderate injuries in a unprovoked attack on an Auckland bus last Thursday.

Police say the victim was travelling alone on a bus in Onehunga between 1.15-3.40pm, when they were confronted by a group of people, “who have carried out an unprovoked attack”.

They said the victim needed medical treatment following the attack.

“The incident was reported to police later on that evening, Enquiries are ongoing to identify those involved.”

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them via 105 and quote the file number 260115/7104.

Information can also be given anonymously through Crime Stoppers’ website or by calling them on 0800 555 111.

The attack comes after several violent incidents on Auckland buses recently – including an attack on a bus driver on board a Mount Eden route this week and the fatal stabbing of a passenger ona Glenn Innes bus in December.

Boycott calls threaten Tonga’s emerging ‘People’s Choice Award’ legacy ahead of Miss Pacific 2026

By
Kalino Latu
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Supporters of the Miss Heilala pageant, Tonga’s national beauty contest, have vowed on social media to boycott any public voting for Tonga at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP) 2026.

Miss Heilala received the highest number of votes to win last year’s MPIP People’s Choice Award.

The revelation comes as the Solomon Star revealed that Tonga would take part in this year’s contest in Fiji, despite last year’s dispute over claims that Miss Heilala should have been awarded the title, which was instead presented to Miss Samoa Litara Ieremia-Allan.

The controversy erupted after allegations that the pageant’s chief judge, Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt of Samoa, tampered with score sheets, leading to Miss Samoa being crowned the winner.

The allegations—strongly denied by Mr Brunt and the pageant’s international board—triggered widespread regional backlash, particularly in Tonga.

The development was widely expected, amid ongoing anger among Miss Heilala supporters over the disputed outcome and a later disclosure by Tonga Tourism’s then chief executive that withdrawal from this year’s contest was being considered.

Kaniva observed that social media users recently tagged Minister of Tourism Sēmisi Sika in online posts responding to recent reports, including Kaniva’s coverage, to draw his attention to their opposition to the decision and their calls for a boycott.

The Minister has been contacted for comment.

Solomon Islands, which hosted last year’s contest, has confirmed its withdrawal from this year’s competition, citing what it described as unresolved issues arising from last year’s dispute.

People’s Choice Award

The regional MPIP’s People’s Choice Award is a special category determined by public voting, typically conducted through online polls.

The award recognises the contestant who attracts the highest level of public support and is determined independently of the judges’ scoring, meaning it has no bearing on the main competition results. The award in 2025 was won by Miss Heilala Rachael Guttenbeil.

The voting campaign mobilised widespread support on social media, with users across the country—including the King’s only daughter, Princess Angelika Tukuʻaho—publicly urging votes for Tonga’s contestant.

Miss Guttenbeil secured the People’s Choice title with more than 130,000 online votes, narrowly ahead of Miss Samoa in a closely contested public poll.

Miss Samoa went on to be crowned Miss Pacific Islands 2025.

Support Turned Protest

Online, Tongan supporters say they plan to withhold their votes in protest, arguing that returning to the contest without resolving last year’s dispute risks perpetuating the issues and allowing similar allegations to arise again.

“Why should we support a system that failed us and never addressed the problem?” one supporter wrote.

“If Tonga goes back without accountability, our votes will not.”

Others, speaking sarcastically, said it was no wonder if the Miss Pacific Pageant Committee kept deceiving Tonga, as the authorities would still follow without question.

Some critics have further raised concerns about the pageant’s governance, noting that the MPIP was originally initiated by the Samoan government and arguing that this historical association has, in their view, contributed to perceptions of undue influence over the selection process.

However, others believed that Miss Samoa delivered the stronger performance last year and deserved the title.

In the aftermath of the 2025 result, the then-Tonga Tourism chief executive Viliami Takau told Kaniva News the kingdom was contemplating withdrawal over concerns about integrity.

Observers say the growing boycott movement places the new Minister of Tourism under pressure, amid debate over whether Tonga should proceed with its participation in the pageant.

NZ closes embassy in Iran, evacuates staff as threat escalates

By
Kaniva Staff
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By 1news.co.nz and is republished with permission

New Zealand has temporarily closed its embassy in Iran and evacuated all diplomatic staff amid what officials describe as a “deteriorating security situation” in the country.

Human rights groups estimated the death toll has reached more than 2500 since nationwide protests against the regime began last month.

US President Donald Trump has warned the US may take military action over the killing of peaceful demonstrators.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) spokesperson confirmed on Friday that New Zealand had made the decision to shut its Tehran embassy and shift operations to Ankara, Türkiye.

“All New Zealand diplomatic staff have left Iran. They were able to leave safely on commercial flights overnight (NZT).”

MFAT said its ability to provide consular support to New Zealanders in Iran was now “extremely limited”.

Severe communication disruptions inside Iran continued to make it difficult for people to contact family and friends, the ministry said. New Zealanders who manage to make contact are urged to reassure loved ones of their safety.

“New Zealanders in need of urgent consular assistance should contact the New Zealand Embassy in Ankara or MFAT’s 24/7 Consular Emergency Call Centre on +64 99 20 20 20. MFAT is in close contact with a range of other countries regarding the evolving security situation in Iran.”

There were 46 New Zealanders registered on SafeTravel as being in Iran.

The United Kingdom also temporarily closed its embassy in the capital Tehran earlier this week and evacuated all staff.

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said yesterday that New Zealand was “appalled” by the escalation of violence and repression in Iran.

“We condemn the brutal crackdown being carried out by Iran’s security forces, including the killing of protesters.

“Iranians have the right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and access to information – and that right is currently being brutally repressed.”

Peters said New Zealand had expressed “serious concerns” to the Iranian Embassy in Wellington and would continue to do so.

“We continue to urge all New Zealanders in Iran to leave now if it is safe for them to do so.”

The Government’s advice to New Zealanders since November 2024 has been not to travel to Iran, owing to the “volatile security situation in the region, the risk of arbitrary arrest or detention and the potential for violent civil unrest”.

More newborns test positive for methamphetamine in the Northern Marianas

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Mark Rabago, RNZ Pacific Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas correspondent

Two newborns in the Northern Mariana Islands have tested positive for methamphetamine at birth, authorities say, underscoring growing concerns about substance exposure and child safety in the US territory.

The Division of Youth Services’ Child Protective Services (CPS) unit said the cases were among a range of serious substance-related incidents it handled during the first quarter of the 2026 financial year. One parent also tested positive for cocaine, according to data released this week.

From October to December 2025, CPS responded to 91 new reports on Saipan alone, involving 278 children and 217 allegations. Combined with carryover cases from the previous financial year, the agency has dealt with 569 cases involving nearly 1,600 children across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota so far in FY 2026.

Officials said many of the new reports involved educational neglect and drug concerns in the home, including substance exposure involving newborns and parental drug use. All substance-related cases require immediate safety checks and coordination with partner agencies to ensure children are protected.

On Tinian, CPS handled 11 cases involving 20 children during the same period, while on Rota there were nine cases involving 22 children. Reports across the three islands included allegations of neglect, domestic violence, emotional and physical abuse, and drug use in the home.

CPS also investigated four cases involving child pornography and digital exploitation, which were immediately referred to law enforcement. These cases typically involve the sharing or accessing of sexually explicit images of children online.

Some cases escalated to wardship, where the court places children under legal protection due to safety concerns.

Between October and December, CPS managed 20 wardship cases involving 43 children. Authorities said the agency prioritizes keeping children with family members when it is safe to do so, while also relying on approved foster caregivers.

The Division of Youth Services’ administrator Vivian Sablan said more families are reaching out for help, highlighting the importance of early intervention.

“This data shows why early support matters, and why we encourage families to ask for help before situations escalate,” Sablan said.

CPS supervisor Mariah Manglona said the figures were difficult but necessary to share.

“Especially when substance exposure or online exploitation is involved, these numbers are hard to read,” she said.

“But sharing this information helps the community understand what CPS is seeing and why prevention and reporting make a difference.”

Community members are urged to contact emergency services or CPS if they have concerns about a child’s safety.

Tongan flag falsely used by sanctioned vessels in Asian seas

By
Kalino Latu
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The Tongan flag is being falsely displayed by banned vessels operating in the East China and South China seas, raising concerns about the misuse of Pacific nations’ identities by sanctioned shipping networks.

Tongan flag. Photo/Kaniva Tonga News

According to Wellington‑based Starboard Maritime Intelligence, at least ten oil tankers currently tracking through the region are falsely flying under the flag of Tonga.

The vessels are believed to be part of a broader network of sanctioned tankers potentially transporting crude oil from Russia, Iran, or Venezuela—countries subject to international restrictions.

Analysts say the practice of using so‑called “false flags” is becoming increasingly common among sanctioned fleets seeking to evade detection and enforcement.

Tonga an Unlikely Flag State

Starboard analyst Mark Douglas told RNZ Pacific that it would be highly unusual for Tonga to flag oil tankers, noting that the kingdom closed its ship registry in 2002.

“It’s just not something that Tonga is known for doing,” Douglas said.

He explained that flag states are legally responsible for oversight of vessels flying their flag, including ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and insurance requirements.

“If they don’t have insurance and they’re not well maintained, if there’s an accident it would be in the hands of the flag state to fix that problem,” he said.
“Tonga is obviously not wanting to deal with this problem, but somebody’s trying to pretend that they do.”

Maritime intelligence experts warn that falsely attributing ships to Pacific island nations exposes those countries to reputational damage and potential legal complications, despite having no involvement in the vessels’ operations.

The use of Pacific flags—where registries are dormant, limited, or non‑existent—appears to be a deliberate tactic aimed at exploiting gaps in maritime oversight and enforcement.

Starboard Maritime Intelligence says it continues to monitor sanctioned shipping movements in the region and has shared its findings with international authorities.

Other Pacific island flags implicated include the Cook Islands and Timor‑Leste, with growing evidence suggesting the archipelago has become a haven for foreign smugglers who sail under the Cook Islands flag to evade scrutiny while flouting Western sanctions.

Past Flag Registry Scandal Resurfaces

The report also recalls the controversy that erupted in Tonga in the early 2000s after Tongan‑flagged vessels were linked to suspected terrorist activity in the Middle East, including al‑Qaeda, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

The most notorious case involved the Karine A, which was seized in the Red Sea with around 50 tonnes of largely Iranian weapons that Israel said were destined for the Palestinian Authority.

At the time, Tongan officials said about 185 ships—most operating in the Middle East—were registered under Tonga’s flag.

The government said at the time it had closed its controversial shipping registry; however, a second vessel later alleged to have links to terrorism was reportedly found to be operating under a Tongan registration.

Man’s death in Tauranga leads to murder charge against partner

By
Kaniva Staff
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A 37-year-old woman has been charged with murder following the death of a man in Tauranga last month.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Varnam said the man was found deceased at a Fraser Street address on Sunday, December 14, after emergency services were called to the property at around 11.40am.

“The woman was initially charged with assault on a person in a relationship,” Varnam said.

“Following further enquiries into the matter, she has now been charged with murder.”

Police said the investigation into the man’s death remains ongoing.

Tauranga Police are urging anyone who may have information about the incident, or those involved, to come forward.

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz by clicking “Update Report”, or by calling 105. Please use reference number 251214/9237.

Tongans still ‘broken’ four years on from Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano eruption

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Soana Aholelei, RNZ Pacific journalist and is republished with permission

It is known as the day Tonga went black. January 15th marks four years since the devastating eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano and the tsunami that followed.

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Photo:

Three people lost their lives and major damage was caused to infrastructure and crops in the surrounding islands. But it is the mental impacts which have scarred the local community the deepest.

Scientists described the underwater volcano as one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history, equivalent to five underground nuclear bombs. It was an explosion that no one who experienced it could ever forget.

Business owner Liz Sullivan remembers that fateful day clearly. She was driving to safety with her late mother.

“As soon as we just turned this little turn, the world went dark and we could hear the bang, bang, bang and ash was down, falling, you know,” she recalled.

Hours later, she looked out at a surreal scene.

“When we went out and saw the ash was almost ankle high and it was just a very airy feeling in Tonga, you know, it was like something out of a movie. You never thought this would happen to us, but it did,” Sullivan explained.

Ash and debris covering houses and a road in Nuku'alofa, Tonga.

Photo: Consulate of the Kingdom of Tonga

Survivor Lusiana Kikau and her family are just grateful to be alive. They were employees of Fafa Island Resort. The small island, which is a 30-minute boat ride away from Tonga’s capital Nuku’alofa, was destroyed by the tsunami.

Kikau remembers sitting on the beach when the tsunami hit, and her main priority was to save her daughter who was 10 years old at the time.

“So, we just trying to save, save our daughter, so we try to clear with other two Fijian staff we were together on that island, just try to save our daughter. So, she climbed up on the tree. I just used the rope to tie around my waist when the waves start coming in,” Kikau recalled.

Kikau admitted that she was still traumatised by the event.

“Sometime when I heard loud sound like I’m scared, I always remember what happened on that day, when the loud sound like thunder or any sound,” she said.

This handout photo taken on January 16, 2022 and received on January 25 courtesy of Rev. Kisini Toetu'u via Matangi Tonga shows survivors praying on a hilltop at dawn on Mango Island, following the January 15 eruption of the nearby Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai underwater volcano.

This handout photo taken on January 16, 2022 and received on January 25 courtesy of Rev. Kisini Toetu’u via Matangi Tonga shows survivors praying on a hilltop at dawn on Mango Island, following the January 15 eruption of the nearby Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai underwater volcano. Photo: AFP PHOTO / Courtesy of Rev. Kisini Toetu’u via Matangi Tonga” –

In the immediate wake of the disaster, the Pasifika Medical Association Group sent an emergency response team of medical professionals to Tonga. It has subsequently returned each year with support focused on addressing the well-being of individuals.

PMA’s CEO Debbie Sorensen said today many people will be feeling overwhelmed by the legacy of the disaster.

“I think the anniversary brings up all sorts of feelings for people, you know, there are feelings of grief over what people have lost.

“There’s anxiety and fear, you know, I imagine quite a lot of people will be looking at that horizon wondering whether it’s going to be another one on the same day. You know, those are quite normal feelings,” she notes.

Sorensen said it’s important for those suffering trauma to seek help from the resources available, including reaching out to local mental health professionals

“The Tongan Mental Health Group is actually very well known amongst our community and in Tonga,” she said.

Volcanic clouds cover the skies over Tongatapu at around 5pm on 15 January 2022, as the Hunga Tonga - Hunga Ha'apai volcano started erupting.

Volcanic clouds cover the skies over Tongatapu at around 5pm on 15 January 2022, as the Hunga Tonga – Hunga Ha’apai volcano started erupting. Photo: Iliesa Tora

The traumatic event has left devastating effects on people’s well-being in Tonga. For some people, the full impacts of trauma are delayed, and four years on many people are still grappling with the worst of it – a complex set of fears and emotions that may not be visible to others but is very real for the people affected.

Sullivan said she is deeply concerned about the people around her, and said more professional help is needed to help the community.

“Someone passionate that can a listener you know, to help these people, they’re broken,” Sullivan said.

“Because I don’t think some will ever be able to recover from this at all.”

Sorensen agreed that more needs to be invested in resources.

“I think that technology, you know, has played its part in being able to extend the services that are offered. But there’s no question that there needs to be more investment in more resources applied.”

Father apologises after beer bottle sparks online backlash following LDS Church fatal shooting

By
Kalino Latu
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A father hopes that an incident involving his son inside a church—just moments before a tragedy outside claimed two lives in Salt Lake City—will serve as a turning point and an opportunity to change his son’s life.

Mana Toutai (Main photo) during his public apology. Inset: The moment that sparked the controversy—his son carrying beer inside the church.

This comes after police arrested and charged 32-year-old Ryan Daniel Toutai in connection with the shooting that occurred outside the church during a funeral memorial gathering.

Ryan denied any involvement and refused to cooperate with police before authorities charged him with one count of obstruction of justice, a second-degree felony.

The two men killed have been identified as Tongans Sione Vatuvei, 36, and Vaea Tulikihihifo, 46—both well known within the Tongan community.

In the hours following the tragedy, videos circulated on social media showing a young man dressed in a black long-sleeve top and loose black pants, with his head covered by a black beanie and his hair tied back, holding what appeared to be a bottle of beer.

It has been reported that Ryan was speaking at the funeral memorial service moments before the shooting occurred outside.

The footage divided online opinion.

Many criticised the young man for bringing alcohol onto church property, describing it as disrespectful and inappropriate given the sacred setting.

Others disagreed, arguing that carrying a beer was far less serious than other harmful behaviours and should not overshadow the gravity of the tragedy.

“Not judging but someone should remind them that this is sacred building and alcohol is not allowed,” a commenter wrote.

“Why is this guy holding a bottle of beer in his hand inside the chapel.”

Supporters argued that bringing beer into the church was understandable because the man was young.

On Wednesday, Mana Toutai addressed the issue in a Facebook livestream, revealing that the young man was his son, although he did not disclose the young man’s name.

“I apologise sincerely to everyone who was hurt or offended,” he wrote.

Mana apologised to the community and acknowledged that his son should not have brought alcohol into a church.

He shared that upon hearing about the incident, he was heartbroken and wanted to reach out to his son to reassure him of his love despite his mistakes.

He said that his son’s behaviour was wrong, regardless of the circumstances.

“My son was wrong and I accept responsibility as his father.”

His apology drew positive reactions from followers, as the video accumulated over 650 reactions, 140 shares, 200 comments, and 56,000 views.

Mana’s video was widely praised for providing a positive example to the community, especially as Tongan parents in Utah grapple with the serious issue of youth gang involvement.

Investigators say Ryan “has reported involvement” with a street gang with a long history in Salt Lake City “and was at the event dressed in gang colors and attire.”

As investigations continue, the Tongan community in Salt Lake City and beyond is left grappling with grief, shock, and the challenge of healing in the wake of a tragedy that has reverberated far beyond the church walls.

Vatuvei was once a member of the Tongan Crips, according to federal prosecutors who sent him to prison for a 2009 robbery. Vatuvei had since become a social media influencer who encouraged others to stay away from gangs and addiction.

That 2024 report on gangs listed Crips among the four biggest gangs in Utah, along with Bloods, Sureños and Norteños. A quarter of Utah’s prison inmates were gang members, the report said.

Man arrested after two Tongans killed in LDS Church shooting in Utah

By
Kaniva Staff
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A 32-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the deadly shooting outside an LDS church in Salt Lake City that left two Tongans dead and six others injured on January 7.

Sione Leonaitasi Vatuvei (left) and Vaea Tulikihihifo Jr.

Ryan Daniel Toutai was taken into custody and charged with one count of obstruction of justice, a second-degree felony, according to local media reports and court documents.

The charge follows an extensive police investigation into the shooting, which erupted outside a church during a funeral attended by members of the Tongan community.

Sione Leonaitasi Vatuvei, 38, and Vaea Tulikihihifo Jr, 45, were identified as the two victims who died in the shooting.

According to court records, Toutai was interviewed by law enforcement after the incident.

He told officers he had taken an Uber to the funeral and was inside the church when he heard gunshots. He said he stepped outside and saw a victim on the ground but claimed he did not see anyone with a firearm.

Despite his denial of involvement, investigators say Toutai closely matched descriptions provided by multiple witnesses of one of the shooters and was identified as being involved in an altercation in the church parking lot shortly before the gunfire erupted.

Police recovered a handgun, multiple spent shell casings, and a blue Los Angeles Dodgers baseball cap at the scene.

Video evidence reportedly shows Toutai wearing a hat matching the one recovered after the shooting.

Court documents further state that a video found on Toutai’s phone shows him handling the same firearm recovered at the scene. The footage was recorded approximately one month before the shooting.

Investigators also obtained additional videos showing Toutai driving a car with another man shortly before the funeral. The passenger was identified as one of the other individuals involved in the parking lot altercation.

During a follow-up interview, detectives confronted Toutai with the evidence. He continued to deny any involvement in the shooting.

Charging documents note that Toutai has acknowledged gang involvement and that he was “dressed in gang colors” at the time of the event.

Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as they continue to piece together the events that led to one of the deadliest incidents to affect the Tongan community in Utah.

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