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Governor submits more names for cabinet nominations to the Fono

Gov. Lolo M. Moliga has written to House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale and Senate President Gaoteote Palaie Tofau, submitting the names of more cabinet nominations that include Pa’u Fuiavailiili Roy Ausage Sr. as director for the Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs, Afoa Leulumoega Su’esu’e Lutu for Attorney General, Motusa Tuileama To’atolu Nua as Department of Health director, and Maeata’anoa Pili Gaoteote as director of the Department of Parks and Recreation.Confirmation hearing dates for the group have already been set for next week in the House of Representatives and the Senate.DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH AND WOMEN’S AFFAIRSPa’u is scheduled to appear for confirmation before the House Committee on Government Operations, chaired by Rep. Faimealelei Anthony Fu’e Allen on Monday, Feb. 4, 2013 at 8:30 a.m.He is scheduled to appear before the Senate Committee on Government Operations chaired by Sen. Galea’i M. Tuufuli at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 6 Lolo wrote of Pau’s well over a decade worth of experience within the department, noting that Pa’u has served as a deputy and assistant director of the department. “He has also coordinated programs sponsored by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and led international delegations of American Samoan youth to SPC events.” Prior to the establishment of DYWA, Pa’u was the Executive Director of the American Samoa Office of Children and Youth and started as a drug free counselor in the local Department of Education, the governor says. Pa’u holds a masters degree in education from San Diego State University, a masters degree in human services from Capella University, and a bachelors degree in public management from Golden Gate University. He also studied law at the Australia National University in Canberra and was the valedictorian of his graduating class at the American Samoa Community College.Lolo points to Pa’u’s strong educational background and experience making him an ideal candidate for the directorship post.ATTORNEY GENERALGovernor Lolo’s nominee to head the Department of Legal Affairs and serve as Attorney General is Afoa Leulumoega Su’esu’e Lutu who has served in this post before. Afoa was the executive director of the Constitutional Review Committee for the 2010 Constitutional Convention and Chief Legal Counsel for the 1986 Constitutional Convention. He also worked as the Chief Legislative Counsel and Director of the Legislative Reference Bureau from 1997-2004 and has practiced law for almost 40 years in the territory.He also served four years as a faipule representing Maoputasi District #7 and is a founding director for the Agency for Better Living Endeavors, a non-profit, tax exempt 501(c)(3)community organization that operates locally.Aside from his legal expertise and experience, Afoa has “continually demonstrated his commitment to serving his family, village, and community, as well as improving the lives of the people of American Samoa,” Lolo wrote, adding that he is certain Afoa will be an excellent Attorney General. “There are few with HC Afoa’s inveterate commitment to serving the people of American Samoa. Fewer still with his legal expertise, ability, and acumen. There are none with his extensive and specialized experience in practicing local law,” Lolo concluded. Afoa is set to appear for his confirmation hearing before the House Committee on Legal Affairs and the Judiciary chaired by Rep. Florence Vaili Saulo next Monday, Feb. 4, 2013 at 11 a.m.He will then appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee chaired by Senator Soliai Tuipine Fuimaono on Thursday, Feb. 7 at 8 a.m.DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECLong time division head and deputy director of the Department of Parks and Recreation Maeata’anoa Pili Gaoteote is Lolo’s nominee to head the department. He is scheduled to appear for a confirmation hearing before the House Committee on Public Works and Parks and Recreation, chaired by Rep. Atualevao Gafatasi Afalava on Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 8:30 a.m.He is scheduled to appear before the Senate Parks and Recreation Committee, chaired by Senator Su’a V. Mata’utia that same morning at 8 a.m.For the past 12 years, Maeata’anoa has been tasked with planning, organizing, and implementing various programs within Parks and Recreation, including the Summer Youth Program for children between 8 and 19 years old. He has also been responsible for the department budget, the field operations of all parks and recreational facilities, as well as all department equipment and vehicles.Maeata’anoa also served as the director of the Department of Administrative Services. He is also a sixteen year veteran of the US Army.Lolo said Maeata’anoa is an experienced leader with exceptional ability and with the many years of managing the Department of Parks and Rec, he believes Maeata’anoa “will be a dutiful and dedicated director.”DEPARTMENT OF HEALTHGovernor Lolo’s nomination to head the Department of Health is Motusa Tuileama To’atolu Nua, who recently retired as a Command Sergeant Major (CSM) in the US Army after thirty five years of service.Motusa is set to appear before Chairman Rep. Maugaoalii Leapai Tusipa Anoai and the House Committee on Health next Thursday, Feb. 7 at 8:30 a.m.He is set for confirmation before the Senate Hospital and Public Health Committee chaired by Senator Mauga Tasi Asuega on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 8 a.m.During his military service, Motusa held many positions of great responsibility which related to health and medical services provided to those in his command. These include CSM for the Western Regional Medical Command, CSM for the Pacific Regional Medical Command, CSM for the 44th Medical Command, 52nd Medical Battalion, senior enlisted dental consultant- Headquarters Company, 18th Medical Command, First Sergeant- USA DENTAC, Chief Dental Noncommissioned Officer- 300th Medical Company and First Sergeant- 257th Medical Company.“Also a decorated veteran, Motusa was awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, 4th OLC, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Silver OLC, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Liberation Medal, Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, and Korean Defense Medal,” Lolo noted. Motusa also holds the distinction of being a member of the Order of Military Medical Merit.“With many years of experience in overseeing and managing military medical services, I am confident that Motusa Tuileama To’atolu Nua is highly capable and will diligently and faithfully serve as Director of the Department of Health,” Lolo concluded.BOARDSSamoa News understands that the ASTCA board met Thursday afternoon and voted to replace Aleki Sene Sr. as the American Samoa Telecommunication Authority executive director. ASTCA board chairman Roy J.D. Hall Jr. was contacted and said he has no comment at this time, but a press release would be issued for all media. Samoa News further understands that two new members have been added to the board. Sene Sr. is also chairman of the ASG Employees Retirement Fund board, which will be having its annual off-island general meeting in two weeks, in Honolulu. The Senate has already announced that members of the retirement fund committee will be attending.