Onenoa is a village located in the northeast of Tutuila Island in Vaifanua County in the Eastern District. It is situated near Ogefao and Lauagae. It is the last village on the road of the eastern frontal side of the island. The road leading to Onenoa traverses a steep mountain ridge before descending into the village. The village has 100 residents as of the 2020 United States census.
Etymology
The name of the village, Onenoa, is derived from the Samoan language and translates into English as “Sand Waste".
History
Archaeological evidence suggests the possible remains of an ancient fort near Onenoa. Historically, such fortifications were built to protect against Tongan marauders or rival Samoan raiding parties during periods of internal conflict.
Geography
The village is situated in a region characterized by high cliffs, small plantations, and forested slopes. On a coastal bluff above Onenoa lies the only significant area of Kula (tula) fernland in American Sāmoa, covering slightly more than one hectare. A smaller patch of similar vegetation exists on a coastal bluff at Atauloma on the island's southwest coast.
Government
It is located in a highly traditional area. On March 3, 1996, it was reported in Samoa News that the Onenoa Village Council had passed a new set of ‘Sa’ laws. Males with long hair and unmarried couples living together were no longer allowed to reside in the village. From 6:45 pm to 7 pm, no one was allowed to travel within the village, and a strict 10 pm overall curfew was established. The council banned all parties involving alcoholic beverages, which were prohibited at all times. Loud clapping, yelling, and fighting were also forbidden. Swimming was prohibited on Sundays, as was doing laundry, except between the hours of 6 pm and 9:15 pm.
References
- American Samoa Visitors Bureau. Retrieved on November 29, 2024, from https://www.americansamoa.travel/new-page-68
- Goodwin, Bill (2006). Frommer's South Pacific. Wiley. Page 401. ISBN 9780471769804.
- Churchill, W. (1913). "Geographical Nomenclature of American Samoa". Bulletin of the American Geographical Society, 45(3), page 192. Retrieved on December 6, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.2307/199273.
- Whistler, W. Arthur (2002). The Samoan Rainforest: A Guide to the Vegetation of the Samoan Archipelago. Isle Botanica. Page 125. ISBN 9780964542631.
- Swaney, Deanna (1990). Samoa: Western and American Samoa. Lonely Planet Publications. Page 148. ISBN 9780864420787.
- Whistler, W. Arthur (2002). The Samoan Rainforest: A Guide to the Vegetation of the Samoan Archipelago. Isle Botanica. Page 123. ISBN 9780964542631.
- Swaney, Deanna (1990). Samoa: Western and American Samoa. Lonely Planet Publications. Page 148. ISBN 9780864420787.
- Sudbury, Virginia Lynn (2012). Sweatshops in Paradise: A True Story of Slavery in Modern America. iUniverse. ISBN 9781475953787.