Parliament is not paying for any of former Prime Minister Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa’s costs while he is seeking medical treatment in the United States.
The Chief Clerk of the Legislative assembly said Parliament was not responsible for his travel and medical costs.
Speaker Lord Fakafanua. Photo/Fale Alea ‘O Tonga
“The assembly has not paid any travelling allowance, airfare, medical expenses, nor any other expenses incidental to the MP’s travel or his medical treatment being sought,” the Chief Clerk said.
However, he was entitled to continue receiving his basic salary as an MP because he was on approved medical leave and remained a Member of the House.
The statement also denied that Parliament had paid for Hon. Tu’i’onetoa’s treatment in Sydney in 2017. We are willing to accept this statement in good faith.
If that payment was not authorised by Parliament then it would be helpful to clarify under what circumstances it was paid.
Dr Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa. Photo/Kalino Lātū
The Chief Clark reiterated that the former Prime Minister’s extended medical leave had been approved by Parliament by circular, a method which caused some criticism when it was announced.
However, the Chief Clark has explained that a circular is used when decisions have to be made when the House is not sitting.
KEARNS, Utah — Landscaping work: paid for, but not completed.
Jessy Nguyen told KSL Investigators a man named Ofa showed up at his mom’s house last June, offering to do some work. His mom hired Ofa to pour concrete, put in a fence, and do some landscaping work, paying more than $40,000.
Tongan contractor Fe’ofo’aki Ahoafinoa
“He did the work, like he started,” said Nguyen, “but as soon as he got the money, he stopped.”
Nguyen said both he and his mom tried to reach Ofa multiple times to get the job finished, without success.
“He’ll give you a sob story of why he can’t come, and then he just stops answering your calls,” said Nguyen.
Eventually, Nguyen went to West Jordan Police. As he dug into Ofa and his company, Noah Concrete, he found he wasn’t alone in his frustrations.
“The funny thing is, I Googled this guy, and he’s had like five or six different business names,” he said.
KSL Investigators found it wasn’t just different business names, but Ofa goes by several names himself, including Feofaaki Ahoafi, Tevita Ahoafinoa, and David. He opened multiple businesses, including TLT Construction, Tevita Concrete and Landscaping, and Dateline Construction.
According to records we obtained, Ofa has been cited seven times since 2014 for engaging in construction trades without a license.
Despite citation after citation, Ofa continued to work without a license, breaking state rules. The citations add up to $9,000, all of which are unpaid.
“That tells us a story that they just don’t care,” said Mark Steinagel, director of Utah’s Department of Professional and Occupational Licensing.
His office has heard from so many victims who have lost thousands of dollars, they’ve referred the matter to criminal prosecutors.
“I definitely think law enforcement and prosecutors should take a look at whether the harm and fraud he’s perpetuated deserve severe penalties,” said Steinagel.
Criminal penalties have been assessed. KSL Investigators combed through court records, searching Ofa’s aliases and company names, and found his activity goes all the way back to 2011.
He has been charged with misdemeanors for engaging in a construction trade without a license five times. The most recent charge was settled in November with a plea in abeyance, for which he must complete a thinking errors class and be on probation for a year.
More serious punishment may be coming.
During the course of our investigation, two additional cases against Ofa were filed, both carrying felony charges of theft by deception.
One of those cases involves the Nguyen job. Because of the amount of money Ofa is alleged to have taken without finishing the work, the penalty could mean up to 15 years in jail.
KSL Investigators reached out to Ofa multiple times on different phone numbers without a response.
After finding an address listed on the most recent lawsuit against him, we stopped by his home. While Ofa was not there, a man driving by saw our cameras and stopped. He was able to get Ofa on the phone for us.
When asked about the Nguyen job, he said, “Oh yeah, the only thing that I can think is that it’s been snowing, that’s the only thing that’s holding me up.”
When we pressed him about some of the complaints against him going back years, and that Nguyen’s job was abandoned last summer, long before it snowed, he responded, “That job, I’m still working on it. I got the fence and all that, but I’m not done. You know, the snow came down and then I’m going to complete. I’ve got the fence and the rest of the material.”
When asked about his multiple convictions of contracting without a license, he said he needs to work.
“Like I said, what I rather do? I cannot feed my family. I have six kids, and the only way I can do it is going out and trying to get some work,” Ofa said.
As for Nguyen, he thinks Ofa needs to be stopped before he financially hurts anyone else.
“I think the part that makes me so mad, and the reason we reached out to you guys, is that clearly he’s doing this to other people,” said Nguyen.
Ofa is due in court on February 10, and KSL Investigators plan to follow this story.
BY MATT GEPHARDT AND CINDY ST. CLAIR KSLTV.com
Have you experienced something you think just isn’t right? The KSL Investigators want to help. Submit your tip at investigates@ksl.com or 385-707-6153 so we can get working for you.
The Speaker of the House has remained silent on whether Hon. Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa’s travelling allowance and salaries are being paid by the government.
As we reported last month, there have been calls for the Speaker, Lord Fakafanua, to state whether or not the 72-years old former Prime Minster is still being paid his travelling allowance and salary while he is seeking medical attention in the United States.
Lord Fakafanua (L), Former Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa
This was in response to a press from Parliament and confirmation that Hon. Tu’i’onetoa’s medical expenses in the United States were paid for by his family.
It is understood that MPs are entitled to these if they are on medical leave overseas.
The calls for further information were sparked by a Parliamentary press release confirming that the former Prime Minister had been granted an extension of his medical leave.
Kaniva News earlier raised the question of whether his continued absence from the House might trigger a by-election certain circumstances.
We asked the Speaker to release Hon. Tu’i’onetoa’s salaries and travelling allowance records while he is in the United States and confirm whether he is still receiving them.
We also asked the Speaker why Parliament has not confirmed that it paid the former Prime Minister’s expenses while he has been having spinal surgery in Sydney in 2017.
So far Lord Fakafanua has not responded to these questions.
For more information
Parliament approves longer medical leave for former Prime Minister, but now there are calls for release of salary and travelling allowance details
Dr Sitiveni Halapua, former Deputy leader of Tonga’s Democratic movement, has died January 29.
Born on February 13, 1949, he was a respected academic, a pioneer of Tonga’s democratic reforms and pioneer of a conflict resolution system based on traditional practices.
Dr Sitiveni Halapua. Photo/Kalino Lātū, Kaniva Tonga News
Halapua earned a doctorate in economics from the University of Kent in the UK and went on to lecture in economics at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji.
He was Director of the Pacific Islands Development Programme at the East-West Centre at the University of Hawai’i for more than 20 years.
It was while working at the East-West Centre that he developed a conflict-resolution system based on the Polynesian practice of Talanoa, known as the Talanoa conflict-resolution system.
It has been used in the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Tonga.
In November 2005 Dr Halapua was appointed to the National Committee for Political Reform, aimed at producing a plan for the democratic reform of Tonga.
In October 2006 the Commission recommended a fully elected parliament. He later accused Prime Minister Feleti Sevele’s of hijacking the report and blamed this for the 2006 Nuku’alofa riots, which destroyed much of central Nuku’alofa.
Dr Halapua was elected to Parliament as a people’s representative for Tongatapu 3 in the 2010 elections.
Four years later, he was ousted as candidate for the Democratic Party after party leader and Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva’s newspaper, Kele’a, accused him of being at the centre of a plot to seek the Premiership.
As Kaniva News reported at the time Kele’a claimed that three Democratic Party members, including People’s Representatives Semisi Tapueluelu and Sione Taione planned in 2012 to replace Pohiva with fellow parliamentarian Dr Sitiveni Halapua.
Kele’a alleged that the plan was made in 2012 when the Democratic Government lodged a motion of no confidence against the Prime Minister, Lord Tu’ivakano.
Both Taione and Halapua denied the story.
Relations between Pohiva and Halapua had been strained since October 2013 when Dr Halapua abstained from voting for a bill that would have let the Prime Minister be popularly elected.
The bill was laid before the Tongan Parliament by Democrat MP Dr ‘Aisake Eke and had received massive support from many of the 17 popular electorates, nine of which elected Democrat Members of Parliament. However, the motion was lost 15-6.
Dr Halapua’s abstention drew strong criticisms from the local media and the Democrats.
Kele’a lashed out at Dr Halapua’s behaviour, with the editor saying he no longer trusted him as one of the front benchers of the party.
Dr Halapua had long been an advocate of what he called Pule’anga Kafataha or ‘Coalition Government.’
Under the proposal all parliamentarians, whether nobles or commoners, would work together as a coalition.
In 2010 Halapua told Kaniva News that Democratic Party Parliamentarians voting as members of a coalition could elect a noble rather than his party leader, ‘Akilisi Pohiva, but still keep their allegiance to Pohiva and the Democratic Party.
After he was removed as a Democrat candidate, Dr Halapua said he would stand as an independent at the next election, but did not run. He stood unsuccessfully in 2017 election.
Australia will help Tonga pay Fiji Airways to run a passenger service seven times a week between Tongatapu and Vava’u.
Tonga and Australia signed a financial agreement this morning which will help fund the service until June.
The Australian High Commissioner to Tonga Her Excellency Rachael Moore and Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku
The service is being provided by Fiji airways’ domestic carrier, Fiji Link.
The financial subsidy is expected to help reduce the worst of the crisis.
Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku announced the agreement earlier today.
Lulutai’s CEO, Poasi Tei, said Lulutai had compensated overseas visitors who were stranded in Tonga. He said Lulutai had worked with Qantas and Air New Zealand to handle overseas visitors’ issues with connecting tickets.
The Prime Minister said additional expenses incurred by the compensation deal would be covered by Australia.
The Australian High Commissioner in Tonga, Rachael Moore, said Australia was donating Aus$500,000 to the rescue package.
“It will depend on the number of flights,” Moore said.
“Lulutai will continue to sell tickets. If there is a shortfall in the cost of any of those segments Australia will meet that shortfall to ensure that connectivity domestically for Tonga.”
Hon. Hu’akavameiliku said Australia’s support would ensure Lulutai would not encounter further financial problems between now and June.
Asked whether the government had considered selling Lulutai to a private company, the Prime Minister said that was part of the process to resolve the Lulutai crisis. He said the immediate priority was to sort out the Tongatapu – Vava’u flight crisis.
A journalist asked the High Commissioner whether the Australian government was aware that Lulutai’s management involved ousted Deputy Prime Minister Poasi Tei who was appointed as CEO. Tei’s election was declared void after the Supreme Court convicted him of electoral bribery.
The journalist, a daughter of the late Prime Minister and former Democratic Leader ‘Akilisi Pohiva, wanted a response from Ms Moore, but the Prime Minister quickly picked up the question and eventually said the appointment of Tei went through due diligence process and there was nothing illegal about it.
The petition has 11,119 signatures. The Petitions Committee recommended that Parliament take note of it.
Chris Hipkins was questioned by RNZ Pacific over a lack of action by the government over the issue.
“I want to make sure we have a country in New Zealand where Pacific people are respected, they have a place and where we can continue to maintain a really strong relationship with their home countries,” he said.
When questioned on whether he will make changes to the government’s policy, he said “I haven’t had an opportunity to look at that issue yet but I absolutely intend to look at it.”
Mati Filemoni Timoteo (Samoan Matai or High Chief) and Pakilau o Mana Moana Manase Lua guide the guest of honour and Taumu’a into the kava ceremony. Photo: Jinki Cambronero, Someday Stories
One example given of Pasifika people who need support is Tongan overstayers who have nothing to go home to one year on from the devastating volcanic eruption.
Pakilau Manase Lua, who is a Tongan community representative, said people are terrified they will be deported.
He said he is not advocating breaking the law.
The people he is fighting for have legitimate reasons to stay and deserve compassion, he said.
“They might have been here during the lockdowns and they couldn’t go back. Or they were here on a temporary visa and it was difficult to go back due to the eruption so these people are probably wanting to find a better life, and what better place than Aotearoa New Zealand.
“These are people who are often already working,” Pakilau said.
Overstayers are contributing to the economy and are not eligible for benefits, he said.
Kanokupolu beach with the destroyed Liku’alofa Resort. Photo: Supplied
The government has said previously that it is: “committed to upholding a fair rules-based immigration system and delivering on the goals of the immigration rebalance”.
But it also admitted that: “progressing an amnesty for overstayers would be a considerable undertaking and regardless of which group of people it may be extended to, it would take time to progress and would require legislative change.”
Pakilau wants action now because at the moment overstayers and their children are scared.
“It ties in with the Dawn Raids apology, apologising is great but it is not going to solve the problem we have now especially their children, the children of overstayers are an innocent party it’s not their fault.”
Chris Hipkins said he is committed to Pacific Communities in Aotearoa and will look into the calls made in the petition.
Real Tonga Airlines is ready to replace Lulutai airlines, the CEO of Palu Aviation, Tevita Palu said today.
“Real Tonga can step back in now to offer the domestic air service as they have done in the past for seven years,” Palu said.
Palu Aviation and Real Tonga owner Tēvita Palu
“Lulutai Airlines is struggling to provide the service as required.”
The government-owned SAAB 340 aircraft is undergoing engine repairs and is expected to be grounded for three to four months. A service to the outer islands is currently provided by Fiji Airways.
Palu said Real Tonga had been put out of operation by Covid-19 and local politics.
He said that with the border open a safe and reliable air service was needed.
Palu said aircraft from New Zealand were readily available for delivery to Tonga and were waiting on Tongan Government approval.
He said he had met with several authorities, including the Prime Minister, the Minister Civil Aviation and the Minister of Finance to seek their support.
Palu also met the CEO of Lulutai airlines to discuss how to better support domestic air service.
“Real Tonga is willing and awaiting on Government approval in order to get start its operation,” Palu said.
Hon Hu’akavameiliku
Real Tonga
Real Tonga began flying in March 2013.
It took over services previously operated by Chathams Pacific, a subsidiary of New Zealand-based airline Air Chathams
Real Tonga Airlines operated two British Aerospace 19-seater Jetstream 32s on flights to Vava’u and Niuafo’ou.
It acquired the aircraft in 2014 after pressure from the New Zealand government which warned tourists not to travel on the Chinese-made MA-60.
Real Tonga ceased operations in 2020. The then Minster of Finance, Tevita Lavermaau, claimed the airline was close to bankruptcy, with most of the debt owed to the government.
The carrier also owed outstanding landing fees to the government. The Covid-19 outbreak made Real Tonga’s situation worse and it faced problems with aircraft availability. It began cancelling its flights.
At one point a partnership between Real Tonga and the government was considered.
The vessel reportedly arrived in Auckland in September 2022 and was expected to return the following month.
Kaniva News visited the vessel last week at Auckland wharf and photographed her while she was sitting on the Titan Marine Engineering Ltd slipway.
Tonga’s Ministry of Transport said the MV ‘Otuanga’ofa had left Auckland today January 31 and was expected to arrive back in Tonga on February 13.
However, Kaniva News visited the wharf this evening and found it was moored at Titan’s berth.
It is understood it was originally planned for MV ‘Otuanga’ofa’s maintenance to take one month.
Our source said when the vessel first arrived in Auckland there were problems with its paperwork. The issue forced the MV ‘Otuanga’ofa to anchor outside New Zealand’s waters to avoid paying the wharfage charges until the paper work issue was sorted out.
Kaniva News has contacted the ship’s captain, Vivili Fifita, for comment.
Critics said the delays had caused financial losses to the government’s Friendly Islands Shipping Agency because it had to pay travelling allowances and other costs for the ferry’s crew for a longer time.
MV ‘Otuanga’ofa sitting on the Titan Marine Engineering Ltd slipway. Photo/Kalino Lātū, Kaniva Tonga News.
The Minister of Transport has been contacted for comment.
The government has also been criticised for not looking after the crew and making sure they were protected and safe.
It has been claimed a crew member became ill shortly after the ferry arrived in Auckland. While processing his medical needs it was discovered that the crew did not have any medical insurance.
The Minister of Transport told a press conference yesterday in Tonga that when the ferry arrived in New Zealand some unforeseen mechanical and electrical issues were identified which were not addressed when the MV ‘Otuanga’ofa was being repaired in Fiji in 2018.
“The MV ‘Otuanga’ofa will return to Tonga from New Zealand about the second week of February, following mechanical services there,” the Minister said.
“The vessel should be serving Tonga again soon after having gone for maintenance and repairs.”
Ship history
The ‘Otuanga’ofa was given to Tonga by the Japanese Government in October, 2010 to replace the Princess Ashika, which sank with the loss of 74 souls.
In January 2012 the ‘Otuanga’ofa hit the MV Sitka twice at the Queen Salote wharf in Nuku’alofa while trying to dock. Damage was estimated at UAS$50,000.
Last year the Fiji Sun reported that the ferry was having a new rudder fitted at the Industrial & Marine Engineering Limited (IMEL) floating dock in Suva.
New Zealand has 10,589 new cases of Covid-19 over the last week.
The Ministry of Health reported 28 deaths with Covid-19.
There were also 189 people in hospital at midnight Sunday including four cases in ICU.
Of the deaths being reported today: one was from Northland, six were from the Auckland region, two were from Waikato, one was from Bay of Plenty, four were from Hawke’s Bay, one was from Taranaki, one was from MidCentral, three were from Whanganui, two were from Wellington region, two were from Nelson Marlborough, three were from Canterbury and two were from Southern.
One was in their 50s, three were in their 60s, eight were in their 70s, 11 were in their 80s and five were aged over 90. Of these people, 12 were women and 15 were men.
The seven-day rolling average is now 1508, down from last week’s figure of 1979.
Ko e keisi fo’ou ‘e 10,589 ‘o e Koviti 19 ‘i Nu’u Sila ni ‘i he uike kuo osi.
Fakatatau ki he Potungaue Mo’ui ne lipooti ‘a e toko 28 ko e kau mate mei he Koviti’.
Ko e 189 ‘a e kakai ‘i fale mahaki ‘i he tu’uapō ‘o e Sāpate kau ai ‘a e keisi ‘e fa ‘i he ICU.
Ko e anga ‘eni vahevahe ‘a e ngaahi keisi.
‘I he kau mate’ ko e taha ‘i Northland, ono mei he vahenga Auckland, ua mei Waikato, taha mei he Bay of Plenty, fā mei Hawke’s Bay, taha mei Taranaki, taha mei he MidCentral, tolu mei Whanganui, ua mei Wellington , ua mei Nelson Marlborough, tolu mei Canterbury mo e ua mei he Southern.
Ko e toko taha ne ‘i hono ta’u 50t toko tolu he 60t toko valu he 70t toko 11 he 60t pea toko niva ‘ova he 90t. Toko 12 kakai fefine pea toko 15 kakai tangata.
Ko e ‘avalisi e takai mai ‘a e mahaki he ‘aho ‘e fitu he uike ko e toko 1797.
Ko e fika ‘o e ‘aho ni fakahoa ia ki he toko 13880 ‘a e keisi fo’ou pea 79 kau mate pea mo e toko 242 ‘i fale mahaki fakatatau ki he fanogongo he Tusite.
