KPress Vol. 14 Iss. 19

Jaynes, Bill (2014-08-18). KPress Vol. 14 Iss. 19 (PDF) (Report). Kolonia, Pohnpei: Kaselehlie Press.

• Has attachment: File:BHBZFD23.pdf

Abstract: KPress Vol. 14 Iss. 19: NEWS: This issue reports on two primary developments, beginning with a political dispute in Chuuk involving FSM Congress Floor Leader Florencio Singkoro-Harper, who publicly rejected rumors circulating online that he is a convicted felon and therefore ineligible for reelection, explaining that the claims stemmed from a past tax dispute rather than any criminal conviction; the dispute arose after the Chuuk State Department of Administrative Services froze his bank accounts to collect alleged cigarette tax arrears, prompting Harper to file a civil action arguing the tax was unconstitutional because the cigarettes were purchased through interstate transactions under national jurisdiction, a case that was later resolved through an out-of-court settlement that unfroze his assets, reduced the assessed amount, and resulted in no criminal charges, leaving him eligible to run in the March elections while he seeks recourse against those spreading the rumors; the issue also highlights improvements at the Pohnpei Public Library following donations from Pacific REPAC, a Hawaii-based program that provided new metal shelving, furniture, computers, and books, transforming the library’s facilities despite logistical challenges such as customs clearance fees that strained the library’s limited budget.