Highlights from Tonga's newspapers, April 28-May 1, 2008. An English translation summary by Tevita Fonua.

The Kalonikali on May 1 reports that a 34-year old man from Kolonga has been charged with attempted murder, over the shooting of a Chinese woman at Tofoa last October. He and a 21-year old accomplice were remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear in court for trial on May 9.

The Taimi on April 28 reports that Great Vava'u, with its reputation for being eccentric in most things, has elected two independents to parliament. All other electorates voted in people who are members of political groupings.

The Talaki on April 30 reports that Baozhong Chen of Hala'ovave was fined $1,000 for possessing and the purchasing of sea slugs. The presiding Magistrate, Latu Mohenoa, agreed with the defence counsel that the Tongan who had sold the marine creatures should be arrested as well.

The Kele'a on April 30 claims that despite the best efforts of the government, along with Kalafi Moala, the Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka, Princess Pilolevu, the aristocrats, and even rival candidates from within the democracy camp, 'Akilisi Pohiva still won in the election by a comfortable margin.

The Taimi on May 1 quotes a noble as saying that the election of Ma'afu and Fielakepa to parliament this year, and the dropping of the Speaker, an 18-year veteran of the House, may signal the adoption of a more engaging approach by the aristocrats. Individual nobles must now align themselves with the others in order to enter parliament.