INCREASING NUMBER OF MANU’A SENATORS

Before the Fono went into a second mid session recess last Friday, the Senate approved in second reading a Senate Joint Resolution which seeks to increase the number of Manu’a senatorial seats from three to five.

The joint resolution, which would require amending the constitution, was introduced early this year in the Senate, followed by two or three hearings by the Senate Rules Committee before it was presented to the full Senate in March this year for a vote.

However, there was a call by Sen. Soliai Tuipine Fuimaono to amend the joint resolution by adding one senator each for Tualauta and Ituau counties. There was lengthy debate on the measure, which was then sent back to committee to include Soliai’s amendments.

The joint resolution however, remained in committee until last Thursday’ Senate session when Sen. Galeai Tu’ufuli, who sponsored the measure called for it to be presented to the full Senate, for a decision and then to the House for their decision. And if approved by two-third of each chamber the measure is then presented to the governor to be placed on a referendum to be voted by electors in the Nov. 8th general election, he said.

The committee held a debate after the session in which it was agreed to present the measure before the full Senate for a vote, without any amendment. Galeai maintained that the joint resolution is to restore the two seats for Manu’a that were taken away several years ago.

Galea’i had said the Manu’a situation is different and the measure is seeking to “restore” what was there in past years, before it was changed some 30 years ago — which had five traditional counties of Manu’a and therefore five senators. Galeai contends the measure is not seeking to make any new changes, but to “restore” what was taken away from Manu’a.

The Fono reconvenes on Sept. 12, where the joint resolution will go through third and final reading before it’s sent to the House. The current 4th regular session of the 34th Legislature officially ends on Sept. 14th — so it’s unclear if the House would be able to act on the measure before the current session ends.

Because the joint resolution proposes amending the constitution, the measure requires going through three readings in both the Senate and House.

FY 2017 BUDGET SIGNED INTO LAW LAST WEEK

Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga late last week signed the American Samoa government fiscal year 2017 budget totaling $380.48 million with the new fiscal year, which commenced at 12:01a.m. Oct. 1, 2016.

The FY 2017 budget included the late addition of $2 million to fund the government’s matching funds for two Federal Aviation Administration funded projects — the airport tank farm relocation and improvements to the airport. This $2 million add-on is included under the Special Programs, which is overseen by the Governor’s Office, and is funded by General Fund revenues.  

“The mutual spirit of cooperation between the Executive and Legislative branches of government displayed by our working closely together is gratifying, indeed,” the governor wrote to the Fono leaders after signing the budget bill into law.

Lolo says he looks forward to FY 2017 “being a year of our continued collaboration as we invest in the betterment of our community.” He also thanked the Fono for “your exercise of due diligence in the preparation and submittal of this budget.”

Funding for the FY 2017 includes $92.39 million in local revenue, $104.72 million in federal grants; $148.73 million under Enterprise Fund; and $9.61 million from Capital Improvement Projects — which comes from the US Department of Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs.

FONO APPROVED RESOLUTION FOR THE LATE PAOPAOAILUA FIAUI

The Fono approved last week a concurrent resolution that conveys the deepest and most sincere condolence of the Legislature and the people of American Samoa to the Fiaui family over the passing of former Rep. Paopaoailua Joe M. Fiaui.

The resolution also pays tribute to his life and faithful service to his family, church and the people of American Samoa. Fiaui served two consecutive two-terms in the House from 2003 to 2006 for Representative District #11, for Aua village.

After serving as a lawmaker, Paopaoailua continued his service as a liaison for the Governor’s Office in the Fono until his untimely passing last month. He had also served as captain of the Paepaeulupo’o fautasi.

The resolution was presented during funeral service but the Fono is just now completing the processing passing the measure to be recorded in Fono journal.