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Auditor general: Passport scandals involved PM’s office

By
Kalino Latu
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Tonga’s Auditor General Dr  Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa  said yesterday the passport scandal was one of  the two biggest he had come across in the past three years.

The Auditor General made his comments after Tonga’s Minister of Justice, Clive Edwards, told Radio and Television Tonga he suspected  the Auditor General of leaking information about the passport scandal to Kaniva News and the New Zealand media.

Edwards told the state broadcaster that  22 passports had been issued to a Chinese millionaire Sien Lee.

Dr Tu’i’onetoa compared the revelation of passport irregularities with the disappearance of millions of dollars of aid money from Australia and New Zealand.

The money was given to Tonga in 2010 to fund the kingdom’s political reforms.

He said millions of dollar disappeared without evidence  to show whether it was legally spent or on what.

The money was under the care of the former Prime Minister’s office at the time.

The Prime Minister’s Office appeared to have been involved in both scandals, he said.

No prosecution

When the Auditor’s office urged the Attorney General to charge the people involved, his office said they could not do anything because there was no law that could be used to launch a prosecution.

Dr Tu’i’onetoa said a dozen ordinary and diplomatic passports had been issued to 12 foreigners. They were not Tongans, had not been born in Tonga and did not hold any naturalisation certificates like Chinese-Tongans.

He told Kaniva News that when his office recommended the Attorney General to prosecute those involved, they were told the accused could not be prosecuted because the law that covered such  crimes was no longer valid.

Dr Tu’i’onetoa asked whether the lack of prosecution in these cases meant that people were free to do whatever they wanted.

“Does this mean the faults in the law will remain unfixed?”  he asked.

The Auditor General said he was concerned that the Prime Minister’s office appeared to have been involved in both cases.

He said it was important to maintain good governance in Tonga to facilitate economic and social development.

Legal

Justice Minister Clive Edwards said allegations that about 20 passport had been given to Sien Lee were true.

“That is true and I think there were more than that,” he told Television Tonga.

Edwards said the passports had been issued legally as Lee had been naturalized in 1993.

Dr Tu’i’onetoa said his office was permitted to release information about its investigations.

“The thing is I did not give you (Kaniva News) the leaked information,” he said

“The minister should cool down. He was quick to get furious.”

The Attorney General said his “principles are not for sale”.

He said someone had to do something to save Tonga from the situation it was in.

The main points

  • The Auditor General,  Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, has described the Tongan passport scandal as one of  the biggest he had come across in the past three years.
  • He said the Prime Minister’s office appeared to be involved in this and an earlier case in which millions of dollar of aid money from Australia and New Zealand had disappeared.
  • The Attorney General’s office had declined to prosecute anybody in either case.
  • Dr Tu’i’onetoa asked whether the lack of prosecution in these cases meant that people were free to do whatever they wanted in Tonga.

Tonga flooding: Call to declare state of emergency

By
Kaniva Pacific
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Tongan Opposition Leader ‘Akilisi Pohiva has called on the government to declare a state of emergency after heavy rain and flooding across Tongatapu last week.

The House was told flooding had never been so widespread before.

Pohiva said his constituents were concerned by the frequency of the flooding and the lack of action by the government. 

“A woman came to me this morning, weeping while complaining about the flooding,” Pohiva said.

He attributed the level of flooding in his area to recent road construction by Chinese constructors.

The Opposition Leader said after work on the Sunia ‘Akaveka Road up to Hala ‘o Vave Road, properties within the area appeared to have been fenced in, allowing floodwater to collect.

Up to 80 percent of toilets in the area had been flooded.

Responding to Pohiva, Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu, who is also Minister for Infrastructure, said three pumps had been working since the week before last week in Tongata’eapa.  

“We are just trying to keep down the level of the flooding as we cannot fight against Mother Nature,” he said. 

The Deputy Prime Minister said he had visited areas like Ha’atafu and Sopu and had never experienced such a volume of rain before.

He said flooding in the region was “really serious.”

Hihifo (Western) was hardest hit by the downpours, with localised flooding in some areas in the central area, the House was told.

Hundreds of homes were affected and pictures taken during the flooding suggest the flood waters may be up to 1 metre deep in places.

Vaipulu told the House he would call an emergency meeting with the Tongan National Emergency Committee.

Pohiva asked why he was going to call a meeting to gather information about the flooding when he knew how big the disaster was.

Vaipulu appealed to the Speaker about Pohiva’s interjection, but the Speaker told him the government already had enough information about the flooding and should act now.

The main points

  • Tongan Opposition Leader ‘Akilisi Pohiva has called on the government to declare a state of emergency after heavy rain and flooding across Tongatapu.
  • Both Dr Pohiva and Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu said the amount of rain and extent of flooding were unprecedented.
  • In some places the flood level may be up to 1.5 metres deep
  • The Speaker of the Tongan Parliament supported Dr Pohiva and said the government should act immediately.

Edwards warns Tongan police and auditor’s office over passport leak

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga’s Minister for Justice Clive Edwards has warned Tonga’s Ministry of Police and the Auditor General, Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, over the leak of information about the Tongan passport scandal to Kaniva News and the New Zealand media.

In an interview with Radio and Television Tonga, the Justice Minister even implied that Australia and New Zealand might be involved in the leaks, claiming that they wanted to get access to Tongan Foreign Ministry records.

Edwards said New Zealand had condemned Tonga’s sale of passports.

Kaniva News reported that leaked e-mails showed that civil servants were worried that they had been ordered to provide passports to Chinese millionaire Sien Lee in direct contravention of an order from the king.

A report by the Auditor General’s office asked why 12 passports had been issued without the applicants holding naturalisation certificate. The response to the auditor from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff was that it was because of an order from “higher authority” to process them.

That “higher authority” has been identified as the Prime Minister, Lord Tu’ivakano .

However, the Justice Minister said the Auditor General’s report regarding the issuing of passports did not mean there were criminal activities involved.

Edwards said Lee was issued with diplomatic passports in 1993 before he became a minister in 1996 and as Police Minister he was given order to issue Lee with more diplomatic passports.

Lee, a very close friend of the late King Tupou IV, may have been issued with up to 12 passports.

Defence

Edwards said he met with the Prime Minister yesterday morning and said Lord Tu’ivakano did not really comprehend the allegations.

Edwards stopped short of denying the auditor’s report.

“When auditing is taking place they can ask questions like why did that happen?” the Justice Minister said.

“They took note of it so that they could check, but that does not mean there was something wrong as the auditing is still processing.”

In his report, the Auditor General said: “This practice is unacceptable and puts the country’s reputation at risk and should be discontinued immediately.”

Information leaks

“Only two sources could leak the information – the Ministry of Police or the Auditor General, Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa,” Edwards said in Tongan.

He said leaking the documents was illegal.

“It is horrifying,” Edwards said.

He said it would have been inappropriate for Dr Tu’i’onetoa to release any documents

The Justice Minister described Dr Tu’i’onetoa’s interview with TVNZ last week as “a diversion” designed to disguise the source of the information.

Database

Edwards said he also suspected information could have been leaked to  Kaniva News from within the police.

Edwards said the Police Minister asked him to move the Foreign Affairs database to the care of the Ministry of Police.

“They promised they would not release any record, but not even a month passed before this information was leaked,” Edwards said.

 “I am absolutely dissatisfied that my record, the ministers’ records as well as people’s records have been taken to Police.”  

He said Australia and New Zealand had been trying to get access to the Foreign Affairs database for years.

E-mails

The Justice Minister said they contacted Mahe Tupoiniua on Thursday regarding the information that appeared in the Kaniva News.

He said Tupouniua said it was his internal memo to the staff and he was not sure whether what appeared on Kaniva was his.

It is normal for the Tongan government to take legal action against media if it carries defamatory or libellous information.

Edwards did not mention any legal action being taken against media for reporting the e-mails between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff or the auditor’s confidential report.

The main points

  • Tongan Minister for Justice Clive Edwards has named Tonga’s Ministry of Police and the Auditor General, Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, as possible sources of information about the Tongan passport scandal that were leaked to Kaniva News and the New Zealand media.
  • The Justice Minister even implied that Australia and New Zealand might be involved in the leaks, claiming that wanted to get access to Tongan Foreign Ministry records.
  • New Zealand has previously condemned Tonga’s sale of passports.
  • Edwards was responding to a report in Kaniva News and on TVNZ last week that the Tongan Ministry of Foreign Affairs was ordered by Prime Minister, Lord Tu’ivakano, to disobey a direct order from the king not to issue passports to a Chinese millionaire, Sien Lee.
  • It is believed  Lee may been issued with 12 passports, including four diplomatic documents.

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Auckland Airport releases 30-year vision

By
Kaniva Pacific
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An underground public transport station and single terminal for all passengers are among the new development efforts that have been revealed by the Auckland Airports authority for expanding the airport capacity.

Adrian Littlewood, Auckland Airport chief executive says, “Our airport of the future will be absolutely world-class – it will be friendly, convenient, efficient and a uniquely New Zealand themed airport serving Australasia and the Pacific Rim.”

Passenger numbers at Auckland Airport are expected to reach 120 million by 2044, and it is forecast that the first phase of the new combined terminal will be built by 2019.

“Our plan is to phase each stage of development to match growth, working closely with local communities, businesses and Auckland Council.”

“We intend building the first phase of the combined domestic and international terminal within five years, and it will be developed around the existing international terminal. It will include facilities for domestic travel at the southern end of the building and international travel at the northern end, and will enable more convenient passenger transfers for both international and domestic passengers.”

“The combined terminal will have three major piers where aircraft will dock. There will be 94 spaces for aircraft to park, a significant increase on the 56 spaces currently available at the two separate terminals.”

“A new terminal plaza and forecourt will be created by the crescent-shaped space in front of the terminal building. It will include an underground station for rapid public transport to the airport, and provide a landscaped area for retail outlets and activities such as public art programmes, temporary displays and events.”

“A new air traffic control tower will be located in the centre of the plaza and a pedestrian and cycle-friendly walkway will link the terminal to hotels, parking buildings and the many businesses and recreational activities located around the airport,” says Mr Littlewood.

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Dr Taufe'ulungaki: Focus on your goals and commit yourself to achieve them

By
Kaniva Pacific
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Hon ‘Ana Ta’ufe’ulungaki was honoured with the University of Auckland’s Distinguished Alumni Award on March 14.

Taufe’ulungaki with five others – Bruce Aitken, Dr Julie Maxton, Gareth Farr, Dr William Tan and Roseanne Liang – were welcome by about 400 guests of the Auckland University Alumni in an enormous marquee in Old Government House gardens.

Tongan Auckland University ex-students surprised the guests by standing up immediately after Taufe'ulungaki presented her speech and left the pordium.

They sang the hymn 'Eiki ko e 'Ofa 'A'au to show their support for Taufe'ulungaki. The performance was received by a warm applause.

Taufe’ulungaki is Tonga’s Minister of Education and she was graduated from the University of Auckland with a BA  majoring in History between 1966 and 1968 before completing a MA in Leeds in 1978. She then went on to complete a PhD at the University of Birmingham in 1988.

"I am totally humbled as it is most unexpected but I am very honoured and proud that I can receive this award on behalf of all the pioneer Polynesian students who paved the way at Auckland University to ensure our of today can also achieve their dreams," she said.

Dr Taufe'ulungaki came to New Zealand in 1964 and attended Epsom Girls Grammar School for two years before starting University in 1966.

It was a very different Campus back then. Dr Taufe'ulungaki says she was one of a small number of Pacific Islands' students at the University at that time. There was very little Pacific cultural activity of any kind.

"I think it was the skill of survival! The academic programme was demanding for a young Pacific islander in those days, and being able simply to survive the three year BA programme was an achievement," she says.

Dr Taufe'ulungaki says the time at the University of Auckland was tough, but it set her up for the rest of her formal study.

"I learned to cope on my own and to rely on my own inner resources. As far as I am concerned the three years at Auckland University were the toughest of my university career. My other studies for my masters' and doctoral degrees in the UK were much easier to cope with. I had learned by then the art of studying and surviving for long periods away from my family and from the familiar context of my own country."

"Focus on your goals and commit yourself to achieve them. No worthwhile goal is ever accomplished without hard work and personal sacrifice," she said.

PM disobeys King’s order over diplomatic passport

By
Kalino Latu
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E-mails between staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have revealed Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakano ignored King Tupou VI’s warning not to issue any more diplomatic passports to Chinese man Sien Lee.

According to the e-mails, Sien Lee is a close friend of Her Majesty the Queen Mother.

Foreign Affairs staff sought confirmation from the Prime Minister about whether the passports would be issued, reminding him of the king’s warning.

However, the Prime Minister  told Foreign Affairs Secretary Mahe ‘Uli’uli Tupouniua to either issue it or he would bear the consequences.

The Prime Minister ordered Tupouniua to issue  Lee with a diplomatic passport. He warned Lee that he would not be issued with another passport if it is lost it before its expiry date.

It has been revealed that this was the fourth diplomatic passport issued to Lee. He said he had lost two other diplomatic passports which had been issued to him.

It has been also revealed the Prime Minister told Tupouniua not to issue a diplomatic passport to Lee’s wife, Yi Qian Lee.

However, a week later the ministry approved an application for a passport for Lee’s wife.

She was issued with passport number R383792.

The staff e-mails showed they were worried about what would happen when the king found out what had happened.

“It’s the prerogative of the PM to approve the issuance of Dip Ppts. I suggest we abide by his direction at this stage as he made it very clear to me yesterday that we take action or else,” Tupouniua wrote.

Aleteisi Tangi asked Tupouniua what would happen if the king found out they had not obeyed his orders.

“I’d hate to be around when HM Tupou VI, finds out,” Tangi wrote.

Auditor’s report

An auditor’s report revealed that 12 passports were issued to Asians who did not hold naturalisation certificates.

The Tongan constitution stipulates that foreigners who apply for Tongan passports must first be granted letters of naturalisation. This process requires applicants to live in the Kingdom for at least five years before they can apply.

The report said that when auditors asked why these passports had been issued in breach of the passport regulations, they were told directions came from a “higher authority to proceed with processing these applicants.”

The report shows Mr Lee had been issued with eight ordinary Tongan passports since 2005 as well as diplomatic documents. He was issued with the last Tongan ordinary passport in October 2012.

His wife has been issued seven ordinary Tongan passport since 2001. She was last issued with an ordinary passport in January 2012.

“This practice is unacceptable and puts the country’s reputation at risk and should be discontinued immediately,” the auditor’s  report said.

Immigration officer jailed

In a separate case, last week the Tongan Supreme Court sentenced a former senior Tongan Immigration officer and a woman co-accused for the attempted forgery of two Tongan passports.

'Oto Tu'itupou and Sofia Laukau were sentenced by Justice Charles Cato in Nuku'alofa.

 Tu’itupou will serve two-years and six-months while Laukau serves one year and three-months imprisonment at Hu'atolitoli Prison.

Tongan Facebook users have questioned whether the law is being applied equally in all passport-related cases.

Kaniva News has contacted the Prime Minister on his private email but has so far received no response.

We also  made several attempts to obtain comment from the king's Lord Chamberlain,  but the Palace Office did not respond to our emails..

A continuing concern

The issuing of passports by Pacific island nations to Chinese and other Asian nationals has been a matter of concern to citizens, opposition groups and international banking and crime fighting authorities for many years.

As reported in Kaniva News, last year Tongan opposition Leader ‘Akilisi Pohiva tabled a question in Parliament about passports previously issued to the Lees.

According to a recent report on TVNZ, a confidential immigration audit report presented to the Tongan government last year found dozens of diplomatic and ordinary passports had been issued to Chinese citizens. The audit office believes they were not entitled to them.

In some Pacific nations, passports are sold outright. Australian researcher Anthony Fossen has estimated that the sale of passports had raised more than $150 million to island nations.

The main points

  • Leaked documents show the Tongan Prime Minister disobeyed an order from the King not to issue a diplomatic passport to a Chinese man.
  • The Chinese man and his wife have already been issued with 15 Tongan passports.
  • E-mails between staff in the kingdom’s Foreign office show they were being pressured to issue the documents and feared what would happen when the king found out.
  • The issuing – and in some cases sale – of passports by Pacific Islands nations to Chinese and other Asian citizens has been a matter of concern for many years.

For more information

‘Tongan PM caught up in probe into passport irregularities’

’15 Tongan passports issued to Chinese couple’

Fossen, A., 2, ‘Citizenship For Sale: Passports of Convenience From Pacific Island Tax Havens,’ in Commonwealth and Comparative Politics (2007) Volume 45, Number 1

Student charged with attempted murder

By
Kaniva Pacific
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A student of Tupou College has been charged with attempted murder after a vicious attack in a residence in Tofoa on July 18, 2013.   

He was also charged with attempted arson, unlawfully damaging a building and serious housebreaking.

The student is one of the twenty-four Tupou College students and two adults who have been charged with serious offenses relating to the violent attack.

The two adults have been charged with one count of abetment to rioters unlawfully damaging a building.

The court case had been adjourned to May 5.

The violent attack left a Tonga College  ex-student Taniela Halahuni in a coma and a Tonga College student Daniel Jr. Mahe injured. Both victims have been fully recovered.

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Wellington Tongan community sends second container to Ha'apai

By
Kaniva Pacific
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Wellington’s small but vibrant Tongan community is to be commended for its continuing efforts to help friends and relatives in cyclone-ravaged Tonga, Minister of Pacific Island Affairs Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says.

Mr Lotu-Iiga was the guest of honour at a fundraising dinner held last night at the James Cook hotel by the Wellington Tongan Leaders Council. The council filled and sent a container of supplies shortly after Cyclone Ian hit Ha’apai in January this year.

“The Council also sent members up to Nuku’alofa to unload, then repack the contents into smaller units for transfer to a local boat which took them on to Ha’apai.

“That’s an admirable level of practical support,’ Mr Lotu-Iiga said.

The Wellington Tongan Leaders Council is now repeating that exercise and fundraising to enable delivery of a second container of supplies to Ha’apai. This will help local people re-establish normal life as soon as possible. Once again, the Council will send up personnel to help repack contents include building materials, gardening supplies and other practical items.

The New Zealand government has donated $2.27 million to the relief and recovery efforts in Tonga. The government has also sent six Tongan-speaking technicians to help restore the electricity network.

Auckland Tongan communities have fundraised and filled 10 containers of relief supplies.

“It is not easy to re-establish your life when hundreds of homes have been damaged and destroyed. I commend the Wellington Tongan Leaders Council for their assistance and support to the people of Ha’apai,” he said.

Alleged counterfeiter arrested in Nuku'alofa

By
Kaniva Pacific
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Nuku'alofa – A 42-year-old man from Halaleva has been arrested by police in connection with production of fake currency amounting to TP$150 on March 19.

Police also seized a color printer allegedly to have been used to print out the counterfeit currency.

The accused is remanded in custody to appear at the Nuku'alofa Magistrate Court.

Statement from Tonga Police says Police believe Counterfeit currency is currently in circulation and is warning members of the Public to check all pa’anga notes before accepting them.

There are security features printed on the Tongan pa'anga notes to ensure genuiness. 

These security features includes watermark of the King's image visible when note is held up to the light, a security thread is embedded inside the note and visible silver dashes on the fronts of the $1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and $50 denominations and NRBT.

Tonga Police Serious Crimes Unit investigation continues.

Tongan receives internship in the White House

By
Kalino Latu
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Milika Leokona Tonga Hopoi, an American of Tongan descent, has been granted an internship in the White House. She is the only granddaughter of the late Reverend Sami  Fehoko Veikoso (Ha’afeva, Ha’apai) and the late Reverend Sione Fakapelea (Koulo, Ha’apai).  She is the only child of late Tevita Hopoi and Katokakala Fakapelea Kavapalu, who later re-married her step-father, the late Ofa Kavapalu.  She has two sisters,  Helen and Mele. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, she was educated at  Oregon State University. She had previously worked in US Senator Jeff Merkley’s office. Hopoi was offered the internship in January.

Interview with Hopoi.

Kaniva:  You have been offered the opportunity of taking an internship in the White House. Can you tell me more about that?

Hopoi: First and foremost, I’d like to give thanks to our Heavenly Father for the blessings he’s bestowed upon my family. I can’t stress enough how much I love what I get to do. Living in D.C., meeting new people and interning at the White House has been a thrill. Serving as an intern during the Obama Administration is an opportunity of a lifetime. The White House Internship Program is a great catalyst for young professionals interested in public service, government and public administration. Everyone here is brilliant, talented and dedicated to public service; it is truly something to strive towards.

Kaniva:  How did you feel when you were offered the internship?

Hopoi:  When I was offered the internship, I was in pure euphoria. I felt a great sense of fulfilment as I look back at my time as a leader at Oregon State University. All I could think about was how happy my family was going to be to hear the news. One person in particular came to mind, my dad Ofa. If he were here, he would have been the first person to congratulate me, and I know he would have helped me get settled in D.C. He was always keen on public service, whether for the Kingdom of Tonga or the United States; he said that it was a defining factor for young people to never forget where they come from and to give back every chance they have.

Kaniva:  What are your experiences of the White House?

Hopoi:  My experiences have been nothing short of amazing! Interning for the Policy Office in the Office of the First Lady is rewarding. For example, the other day I helped to escort more than 100 middle school and high school kids to the South Lawn for the France State Arrival. It was incredible to see their eyes light up with excitement as the President visited them. As I stood there, I could see big dreams coming to fruition. The students really appreciated the experience.  I’m so glad that I was able to be a part of that.  Working with students is a large part of my background.

 Since I started working here, the staff has been welcoming and supportive to get the new interns on their feet and running. The learning curve here is so big. It’s clear that my time at Oregon State University and with U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley’s office has been immensely helpful.   I am able to see some things that many people will not have the opportunity to experience.  I have come to recognise the fk’apa’apa with Tongan faifekaus, matapule, hou’eiki and royal family to be similar to the appropriate customs of greeting the First Lady and the First Family. There are a few exceptions, like the customs of bowing and kneeling to the royal family are not how we greet the First Lady, but still the homage and respect for her is strong. I’m very fortunate that my mother thought it necessary to raise my siblings and I in the traditional Tongan customs because it is with the knowledge of our Tongan traits of fk’apa’apa, loto ma’ulalo, tauhi vā and anga’ofa that I have been able to gain this blessing and experience.

Kaniva: How could you describe your internship to our Pacific communities in the US and elsewhere?

Hopoi: When people told me that they think I’m the first Tongan to be a White House Intern, I tell them there had to be someone else.  The truth is that it was not something I was aiming for. God has blessed my family, community and Tongan heritage. My mother and late stepdad were adamant proponents for our education, respect for others and using every opportunity available to reach our potential. My humble upbringing  keeps me grounded through my time here in the White House. When I talk to my mom, she reminds me to pray and give back to God, to give thanks to God for what He has given me. 

I’m proud to still tau’olunga for my family, give the Children’s sermon in my church, and speak Tongan with my family. With those attributes, interning here at the White House has been a remarkable experience  as I feel more Tongan-American than just American. There are times when I’m at my desk that I wish my grandparents can see this, to know that our kainga have made it to the White House.

One of the coolest things I get to do is use my name ‘Tonga’ in the White House. It was given to me as a term of endearment by my old rugby team. When my mom heard it at a rugby game, she loved it! She said that it’s nice to hear people say ‘Tonga’ because it reminds her of her home country. The first day I was at OSU,I chose to make the change. Since then I’ve been known as Tonga everywhere.

Kaniva: What does internship in the White House mean to you?

Hopoi: For me, personally, I hope that my story can inspire young Pacific Islander men and women to strive for excellence in their education, church, family and culture. I’m grateful I learned very young that every piece of my identity matters. It should be celebrated and appreciated.

 There’s a lecture that my mom use to give when I was growing up. It’s when I used to struggle in school and play sick to stay home. She would come home tired from a long day’s work and say with sadness: “It wasn’t easy for me to leave my home. You think it was easy to leave my parents thousands of miles away? Remember that I’m also a daughter of somebody and everyone needed me, but I left to give you a chance at something I never had. Make use of my journey and sacrifice; use your education to become whatever it is you dream because in Tonga, we weren’t as fortunate to have the opportunities you do. Every day I work so you can have a better life and if that means you chase your wild dreams then go for it. Just don’t ever give up, because I won’t stop working until you do reach your dreams.”

My mother is an amazing woman. This internship means I get to give her a dream that she never had. I hope one day to land an amazing position in my career where I’m able to let my mom retire. This internship is the beginning of many great things to come.

Image: Milika Leakona Tonga Hopoi. Courtesy of Milika Leakona Tonga Hopoi

Kaniva: What are some of the comments you received so far from families and friends when they knew you got this internship at the White House?

Hopoi: The reception from my family has been really warm, unbelievably joyous and overwhelmingly gracious. In short, my family and friends were beyond the moon when they heard I got this internship. On my last Sunday in Portland, I announced it to my church and they were just filled with tears of joy because of what this opportunity meant. For many who’ve come here searching for a better life than they had in Tonga, they are finally seeing the benefits of their struggle and hardships. People in my church told me that seeing one of their own go to the White House, the highest point of prestige in the United States, is one of the greatest memories they’ll always cherish.

When my mom’s brothers got a hold of the news, they couldn’t believe it. They called me just saying how happy they were and some of them were emotional. All they could muster up to say as was “Thank you for your obedience and this is the greatest gift I’ve have ever gotten. Who would have ever thought this was possible; only through God is anything possible.”  Then my family in Australia, New Zealand, Tonga and the States were talking about it so I would receive personal emails, voicemails and messages from people with uplifting stories, words of encouragement and wisdom. 

Kaniva: What is your goal for this internship?

Hopoi: My goal for this internship is to figure out a way to give back to my Pacific Islander and Tongan community, during and after my internship. Poverty is a very real issue in our community and it has been proven that in order to lift people out of poverty there has to be education in the community.  Before I came to DC, I connected with Alisi Tulua and Sefa Aina about getting connected to the Pacific Islander community in DC. I have a goal of bridging the gap between educational opportunities and Pacific Islander communities across the nation and I know DC is the place to get things moving. I am a firm believer in education and the doors that open up as you complete each homework assignment, course and degree. During my White House internship, I’ve been learning about access to college for high school students and I know first hand that this is a crucial point that many Pacific Islander youth miss or overlook as they are in high school.

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