San Francisco, CA – A federal appeals court has cleared the way for a Tongan family to pursue justice after an unauthorised police chase led to the death of 28-year-old Lolomanaia “Lolo” Soakai, a beloved member of Oakland’s Tongan community.
Lolomanaia Soakai’s family announced a lawsuit against the City of Oakland today alleging negligence by Oakland Police officers during a chase that led to his death. Credit: Pointer Buelna law firm
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that Oakland Police officers Walid Abdelaziz and Jimmy Marin-Coronel can be held accountable for Soakai’s 2022 killing, marking a rare challenge to qualified immunity.
This legal shield often protects police from civil lawsuits.
On June 26, 2022, Soakai was celebrating a family graduation when he stopped at a taco truck on International Boulevard.
Moments later, a 19-year-old suspect fleeing a sideshow crashed into parked cars during an illegal “ghost chase”—a pursuit conducted without lights, sirens, or supervisor approval.
The impact sent a motorcycle flying into Soakai, killing him instantly. His mother suffered a broken back, and two cousins were hospitalised.
Body camera footage revealed one officer saying of the suspect, “I hope he dies,” which the court cited as evidence that the chase may have been motivated by vengeance, not public safety.
Previous comments on social media show the Soakai’s family, backed by Tongan community leaders and civil rights attorneys, called the ruling a critical step toward accountability.
“Lolo was a proud Tongan son, a hard worker, and the glue of our family,” said a relative.
“The police took him from us in seconds because they chose to break the rules. Now, they must answer for it.”
One report said: “The case lands amid debate over pursuit policy. Governor Newsom has urged Oakland to loosen restrictions, but critics argue Soakai’s death shows why stricter oversight is essential.”
Auckland, NZ – The Commerce Commission has filed criminal charges in the Auckland District Court against Ilaisaane Malupo, an unregistered lender trading as Nane Easy Loan Finance Services NZ (Nane Loans).
A Facebook ad for Nane Loans from 2023. Supplied to The Post
The Commission alleges Ms Malupo illegally provided high-interest personal loans to members of Tonga’s South Auckland community since March 2024, exploiting vulnerable borrowers already facing financial hardship.
Associate Commissioner Joseph Liava’a stated the Commission takes swift action against unregistered lenders to protect consumers.
“Often these kinds of lenders are a last resort for people who are struggling to borrow from reputable lenders.
Many people who borrowed from Ms Malupo were already under financial pressure and on low incomes, so irresponsible lending could have had a big impact on borrowers and their families,” Mr Liava’a says.
Investigations revealed Ms Malupo charged exorbitant weekly interest rates of 15%, which doubled if loans weren’t repaid within 28 days, along with daily late fees of $10.
Many borrowers reportedly took loans for essentials like food or to pay existing debts, with some forced to sell personal belongings or miss rent payments to keep up with repayments.
The Commission found Ms Malupo operated primarily through social media, where she allegedly threatened to publicly shame defaulting borrowers on Facebook and Tongan media platforms until debts were settled.
“Public shaming is unacceptable and puts vulnerable people at greater risk,” Mr Liava’a emphasised.
Ms Malupo faces serious charges under the Financial Service Providers Act for operating without registration, carrying potential penalties of 12 months’ imprisonment or fines up to $100,000.
Additional charges under the Commerce Act for allegedly misleading the Commission could result in further $100,000 fines. The Commission has prioritised stopping her from issuing new loans or enforcing existing ones while its investigation continues.
The Commerce Commission continues to investigate similar cases across Auckland’s Pacific neighborhoods as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure fair lending practices for all New Zealanders.
Tonga Police have arrested a 27-year-old man from ‘Ananā in a targeted operation against drug distribution in the community.
The suspect was taken into custody yesterday following reports of alleged drug sales, with officers seizing illicit substances, drug paraphernalia, and an undisclosed amount of cash during the raid.
Acting on community intelligence, police apprehended the man and found drugs in his possession.
A subsequent search of his residence uncovered additional illegal substances, equipment linked to drug use, and cash suspected to be proceeds of illicit activities.
The accused remains in police custody as investigations continue.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the type or quantity of drugs seized, but emphasised the operation as part of their broader crackdown on drug-related crimes.
In a statement, Tonga Police reaffirmed their commitment to combating drug distribution and urged residents to report suspicious behaviour.
If you have information, contact your nearest police station or call 922.
The arrest underscores ongoing efforts to disrupt drug networks in Tonga, with police vowing zero tolerance for such offences.
For media inquiries, contact the Tonga Police Media & Public Relations Office at 740-1614.
Nuku’alofa, Tonga—Groundbreaking research into the historical collation and translation of French Catholic records into English and Tongan has uncovered a remarkable story about how 19th-century missionaries secretly preserved rare religious texts for future generations.
Dr Felise Tāvō
Dr Felise Tāvō, who is leading the research, revealed that in May 1980, two hidden stashes of books were discovered, one at the Catholic mission in Lifuka, Ha’apai, and another at the Fungamisi mission in Vava’u.
The books had been carefully buried in sand beneath the priests’ residences, ensuring their near-perfect preservation.
The discovery was made by Dutch historian Dr Theo Cook, who served as the Marist Archivist at the time.
Treasures of Ha’apai and Vava’u
The collections included rare theological, historical, and medical works, all in French. Among the most significant finds in Ha’apai were:
Scripturae Sacrae Cursus Completus by Migne (28 volumes)
Christian Perfection by Rodriguez (multi-volume sets)
Sermons by 17th-century preacher Jacques Bossuet
Complete works of Bourdaloue
Books by St. Francis de Sales (incomplete set)
Histoire de l’Église by Rohrbacher
Les Vies des Saints by Ribadaneira
Medical Manual from 1836 (2 volumes), etc
Tāvō speculates that the medical texts may have belonged to Fr Philippe Calinon (Patele Kalino), a missionary who also served as a self-taught doctor in Ha’apai during the 1860s.
Tāvō previously said that Fr Kalino arrived in Tonga’s Pea village in July 1844 as only the third French priest to settle at Pea after Frs. Chevron and Grange.
“He was what the French would call ‘tête dure’ (hardheaded), which was probably the kind of temperament needed for those rough and tough early days at Pea”, according to Tāvō.
He said Kalino was also a talented woodworker who was once congratulated by Taufa’ahau, King George Tupou I, on a wooden table and case that the priest made for him at Lifuka.
“But his talent that stood out the most was his knowledge of medicine, for he’s even described as “the most competent doctor in the archipelago” (Mangeret 2.265).”
Meanwhile, the Vava’u collection included:
Life of St Teresa of Avila by the Bollandist Society (2 volumes)
Works of St. Teresa of Avila by Marcel Bouix (3 volumes)
Apostolic Letters of Pope Leo XIII (7 volumes)
Le Missionnaire de la Campagne by Joseph Jouve (4 volumes)
Exegesis of the Apocalypse by A. Chauffard (2 volumes)
Thirty-nine other books published between 1900 and 1937, etc
A Lost Tongan Translation
One of the most intriguing discoveries is the Tongan translation of Rohrbacher’s Histoire de l’Église (History of the Church), completed by Fr Castagnier (Patele Petelo) in the 1870s while stationed in Kolovai.
According to Tāvō, excerpts of this translation were read to Chief Ata, who initially opposed Catholic presence in his estate but later attended a Catholic Katoaga de lecture.
Although the translation was published in Fribourg, Switzerland, no known copies survive today.
Where Are the Books Now?
Tāvō has received widespread praise for his exemplary work in translating and compiling the Church’s records into English and Tongan. He said these records, which have been stored in French for over a century, currently have uncertain whereabouts.
He was expected to make contact with the Catholic Church headquarters in Tonga for any leads.
Tāvō believes they may have been transferred to the diocesan archives.
Tongan-French dictionary
Tāvō also highlighted the significance of a 422-page Tongan-French dictionary, compiled and published in Paris in 1890, based on the meticulous notes of early French Catholic missionaries. The dictionary draws heavily from the records of Fr Joseph-André Chevron (Patele Sōsefo-‘Atelea Sevelo), who served in Tonga from 1842 until his death in Lapaha in 1884.
The manuscript was later reviewed and prepared for publication by Fr A. Colomb, a French Marist who signed as “P.A.C.s.m.” Colomb organised the entries and contributed an 18-page introduction on Tonga and a 22-page Tongan grammar section preceding the dictionary.
Tāvō noted that the dictionary offers a fascinating snapshot of the Tongan language as spoken in the late 1800s, capturing vocabularies used by Tongan communities and documented by missionaries. At the time of publication, the French term “Tongien” (for “Tongan”) had not yet been standardized—reflecting the era before “Tonga” (instead of “Toga”) became the official spelling and before the “ng” spelling was formally regulated in the 1940s.
Digitised for Future Generations
Tāvō said the historic dictionary is now available in the public domain, allowing scholars, linguists, and cultural enthusiasts to explore this invaluable resource.
“Even if French is an issue for you, the dictionary is interesting in that these were some of the vocabularies used by our forebears in the second half of the 19th century that were picked up by Patele Sevelo and his fellow Marist missionaries,” said Tāvō.
Nuku’alofa, Tonga – A reckless driver has caused chaos in the capital after being filmed performing dangerous doughnuts on a busy roundabout.
Shocking footage shows a grey shuttle van skidding in tight circles as nearby drivers blast their horns in frustration and alarm.
Kaniva News was unable to independently verify the authenticity of the video.
It was uploaded to Facebook and appeared on Kaniva‘s newsfeed this afternoon.
The incident, believed to have occurred in central Nuku’alofa, has drawn sharp criticism from road safety advocates, who warn that such stunts endanger lives.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether the driver has been identified or faces charges, but the viral video has sparked calls for stricter enforcement against reckless driving.
This follows Tonga Police’s recent announcement that they arrested 42 people as part of their commitment to ensuring safe roads and communities.
They encouraged residents to report suspicious activities by contacting their local police station or dialling 922.
Nuku’alofa, Tonga—The Supreme Court of Tonga has convicted ‘Ofa ki ‘Alaki Fo’ou Tokelau of obtaining $17,000 TOP by false pretences from victim Elisi Sikulu, in a fraudulent vehicle purchase scheme.
The ruling, delivered this week, concludes a case that began in September 2022 when Tokelau deceived Sikulu with promises of importing a red Toyota Dyna Double Cab from Japan.
During the trial, Sikulu, a 31-year-old weaver, testified that she agreed with Tokelau, making weekly payments of $1,000 every Friday until she had paid $17,000, part of a discounted total price of $25,000 for the vehicle.
Tokelau assured her that the truck would be shipped to Tonga once half the amount was paid.
The agreement, initially verbal, was later documented, and Sikulu received receipts for each payment. She stated that Tokelau showed her images of vehicles to choose from and even provided a written contract referencing deposit terms.
However, as months passed, Tokelau repeatedly claimed he was “waiting for the shipment” while Sikulu continued her weekly payments.
The promised delivery date—by Christmas 2022—came and went with no vehicle arriving.
Prosecutors argued that Tokelau never intended to fulfil the order, instead pocketing Sikulu’s hard-earned savings.
Payment Discrepancies Undermine Defence
The court noted the defendant’s lack of legal representation, which disadvantaged him during proceedings.
Tokelau stated that the original agreement required Sikulu to pay $25,000 to order the truck. However, on 5 September 2022, Sikulu informed him she could not pay the full amount upfront but offered a $6,000 deposit, with the balance to be paid weekly.
He claimed he explained to Sikulu that he needed sufficient funds to deposit with suppliers in Japan before ordering the vehicle. According to Tokelau, he contacted Ali International, a supplier, to inquire about arranging incremental payments for the truck.
Tokelau testified that the Japanese suppliers informed him the Toyota Dyna was unavailable unless full payment was made. They instead offered a Toyota Toyoache as a replacement. He stated he agreed to this change due to delays in receiving Sikulu’s deposit.
On 16 November 2022, Tokelau claimed he made the first deposit payment of $5,047.27 to Ali International for the replacement vehicle.
Tokelau asserted that Elisi agreed to pay $1,000 weekly but often paid less, prolonging the process.
Judge Rejects Defendant’s Claims
However, the judge found this claim “wholly inconsistent with documentary evidence”.
Receipts produced by Sikulu confirmed she made regular $1,000 TOP payments, with only one exception of $500 on 29 November 2022.
Justice Garlick KC said he was sure that in the course of dealing with Sikulu between 2 and 5 September 2022, the defendant represented to Sikulu that he would order the vehicle and that it would be delivered to her in Tonga from Japan within a period of four months.
He said that when the defendant made those representations, he had no fixed intention to order the vehicle and did not believe that it would be delivered to Elisi within four months.
“By making those representations, the defendant intended to deceive Elisi.
“By making those representations, the defendant obtained the sum of 17,000 TOP from Elisi.
“Accordingly, I find the prosecution has proved its case against the defendant on the single count that he faces.”
Six months after paying $140,000 for two trucks it never received, Tonga’s Ministry of Infrastructure (MOI) is caught in a bureaucratic crossfire.
Former MOI Minister Sevenitini Toumo’ua (L) and CEO Lōpeti Heimuli
The revelation follows an allegation that the vehicle supplier later demanded what was believed to be an additional $100,000 beyond the original $140,000 payment.
Ex-Minister Sevenitini Toumo’ua, who oversaw the purchase, now claims that the vehicles are still with the provider, while frustrated officials demand answers.
In an official letter dated 19 March 2025, leaked to Kaniva News, MOI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Lōpeti Heimuli confirmed the ministry’s TOP$140,000 payment for a Nissan Atlas truck (TOP$50,000) and a Hino Ranger crane truck (TOP$90,000) in December 2024, based on an August 2024 invoice from the Logistics company.
However, the vehicles remain undelivered, prompting the ministry’s formal intervention.
According to the letter, it appeared that New Life Logistics CEO Lesieli Namoa had a “previous arrangement with former Minister” Toumoua to justify the additional payments. Heimuli told Namoa that the arrangement did not comply “with the Government Procurement Regulation of 2015.”
The ministry’s letter specifically refutes allegations that it attempted to illegally transfer vehicle ownership, calling these claims “false accusations.”
When contacted for comment, former Minister Toumo’ua said the vehicles are still with CEO Namoa, and the Ministry should talk to her.
He said in Tongan: “Koe ongo loli ena oku ia Lesieli pe I Tonga ke nau talanoa kiai.”
The Minister for Infrastructure, Dr Taniela Fusimālohi, and the CEO, Heimuli, have been contacted for comment. We requested confirmation regarding their communication with Namoa, as well as to address claims that Toumo’ua’s arrangement with Namoa did not comply with the government’s procurement regulations.
Namoa could not be reached for comment.
Third-Party Complicates Standoff.
According to Heimuli’s letter, third-party Samuela Mafile’o claimed the vehicles after wharf clearance.
Despite this development, the MOI maintains it would only negotiate directly with New Life Logistics, the original supplier.
The ministry earnestly requested Namoa to provide the vehicles.
The letter read, “Therefore, we kindly seek your assistance to deliver the two vehicles to the Ministry as per full payments made in December 2024.”
A reliable source told Kaniva News that there appears to have been no contractual agreement between the MOI and Namoa at the initial purchase.
The source further alleged that Namoa subsequently demanded an additional $100,000 on top of the $140,000 paid by the MOI in December 2024, purportedly for storage fees.
Nuku’alofa, Tonga – The Supreme Court of Tonga has convicted and sentenced 28-year-old Toni Alatini to two years and three months imprisonment for causing serious bodily harm in a violent machete attack last August.
Toni ‘Alatini. Photo/Facebook
The final 12 months of his sentence have been suspended for two years, pending good behaviour.
The court heard that on the evening of August 3, 2024, the victim, Sosefo Taufa, and two friends were at a Chinese store in Veitongo when Alatini launched an unprovoked attack. Initially targeting Taufa’s friends outside the store, Alatini fled before Taufa could intervene.
Later that night, around 9pm, Taufa and his friends returned to the shop, where Alatini confronted them again.
When Taufa questioned him, Alatini threatened to beat them up. After Taufa punched Alatini, knocking him to the ground, the defendant grabbed a machete from beside his bicycle and slashed Taufa’s left arm, leaving a 30 cm wound before fleeing on his bicycle.
Taufa was rushed to Vaiola Hospital, where doctors treated the deep laceration. A medical report by Dr Halafihi on August 5 confirmed the severity of the injury.
Alatini, 23, was arrested on August 8 and later pleaded guilty to willfully causing serious harm without lawful justification.
No Remorse Shown
An impact report presented in court revealed that the complainant suffered significant pain from his injury and was unable to sleep the night of the attack.
Although the wound has since healed, he remains traumatised by the incident and feels apprehensive at the sight of a machete.
The report noted that while the defendant’s mother apologised to the victim, the defendant himself has never personally expressed remorse.
The complainant acknowledged seeing Alatini around Veitongo occasionally, but emphasised that no direct apology had been offered for the violent assault.
Justice Tupou noted that the defendant is single and currently lives in Veitongo. He is the fifth child in a family of 12 siblings.
The defendant was raised by his father’s younger brother, Heimoana, and Heimoana’s wife, Sulia. However, when the couple separated, the defendant remained with Sulia, who later remarried.
The court heard that the defendant struggled emotionally with his adoptive parents’ separation, describing that period of his life as “unstable and falling apart.”
Justice Tupou said: “I asked the Defendant if he wished to say anything before I delivered his sentence today. He did not.”
Time is running out for aspiring contestants as enrollment for the prestigious Miss Heilala 2025/2026 pageant officially closes today.
Miss Malia Toatepi Tongauiha contestant Tika Way honours her Tongan heritage while vying for the Miss Heilala 2025/2026 crown.
Organisers are urging young Tongan women not to miss this opportunity to showcase their talent, intelligence, and cultural pride, declaring: “Don’t miss your chance to be part of this celebration of Tongan culture”.
While the official number of registrants remains undisclosed, several confident contestants have already announced their participation on social media, generating early excitement for the national competition.
Miss Racheal Guttenbeil is the reigning Miss Heilala 2024/2025.
Miss Guttenbeil, the current Miss Heilala 2024/2025, has seen her reign overshadowed by controversy stemming from the Miss Pacific 2024/2025 pageant in the Solomon Islands.
Despite placing second to Miss Samoa Litara Ieremia Allan, persistent allegations of vote-rigging have led many to believe Guttenbeil was the rightful winner.
As an entity of Tonga Tourism, the Miss Heilala pageant promotes Tonga domestically and abroad.
Beyond tourism, it also champions local charitable initiatives and community-driven development projects.
A former ‘Ikale Tahi coach and player, Quddus Fielea, has condemned the Tongatapu Rugby Union (TRU), accusing officials of failing to apply appropriate punishments to players accused of violence during recent matches.
Quddus Fielea
It follows last month’s conviction and fines of a rugby player for the Liahona Old Boys, Afimeimo’unga Hola, after pleading guilty to charges of serious bodily harm and common assault of two rugby union referees. He was ordered to pay $4,500 to both victims.
Fielea, the current coach of the Kolomotu’a rugby team, spoke out this afternoon after images surfaced on social media showing rugby players fighting in mud during recent matches, igniting public anger.
The controversy stems from two high-profile incidents in recent weeks where players were subjected to brutal on-field attacks. However, the TRU dismissed formal complaints and allegedly sided with what Fielea had described as referees’ flawed decisions rather than enforce proper disciplinary measures.
During last Saturday’s match, a Kolomotu’a player was allegedly assaulted by members of the Marist Club, Fielea claimed.
Despite video evidence and a formal complaint, the TRU—led by a voting majority of club representatives—chose to accept the “referee’s decision to red card both the aggressor and the Kolomotu’a player, who was clearly acting in self-defense”, according to Fielea.
The week prior, a Ngeleʻia player was allegedly kicked in the head by a Toloa Old Boys (TOB) player while lying defenceless on the ground.
Fielea claimed the victim was red-carded for pointing out the offender, while the attacker escaped punishment. Despite supporting evidence, the TRU again dismissed the complaint, urging the club to “let it go,” Fielea said.
Fielea said: “It is deeply saddening to witness the stance taken by the Tongatapu Rugby Union meeting yesterday (10/06/2025) regarding a series of violent and unsportsmanlike incidents that have recently marred our local rugby competition.”
TRU could not be reached for comment.
World Rugby Regulations Flouted
Fielea said: “World Rugby’s disciplinary framework exists to uphold the integrity of the sport and to protect all players from intentional acts of foul play. Under World Rugby Regulation 17, serious offences such as punching, kicking, stamping, or striking an opponent are classified as acts of misconduct and can result in significant penalties”.
He said These range from a minimum suspension of 2 weeks for low end offenses, up to 52 weeks or more for top-end breaches involving intentional and dangerous contact.
“The framework also mandates that incidents involving foul play especially those missed or misjudged during the match must be subject to independent citing, investigation, and disciplinary hearings. These procedures are not optional; they are binding on all unions affiliated with World Rugby”.
He said the Kolomotu’a and Ngeleʻia clubs, backed by other concerned stakeholders, are demanding “immediate transparency and reform in disciplinary procedures.”
“My role as a coach is to protect the safety of my players in every way available, especially when decision-makers fail to apply the proper protocols”.
