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Retired Associate Judge Logoai selected to fill vacant Manu'a senate seat

Rendering of proposed new Fono Building
fili@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Retired High Court Chief Associate Judge, Logoai Siaki Logoai, is the new senator from Fitiuta County in Manu’a who will fill the unexpired four-year term of the late Sen. Galea’i Moaali’itele Tu’ufuli, who passed away October last year.

At the time of his passing, Galea’i had two years left on his term in office; and the late Paramount Chief was one of two senators for Manu’a District #1 — comprising Ta’u, Falesao and Fitiuta. The other current senator is Nuanuaolefeagaiga Saoluaga T. Nua.

In a Dec. 27th letter, Secretary of Samoan Affairs, Mauga T. Asuega informed Senate President Gaoteote Tofau Palaie of Logoai’s selection.  A copy of the letter was sent to Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga.

Also included as part of the notice is the certification — pursuant to local statute and Constitution — of Logoai's selection. The certification is signed by fourteen chiefs of Manu’a #1 and was verified by the county chiefs — or Fa’alupega of Ta’u, Faleasao and Fitiuta counties.

The local Constitution states that “Senators shall be elected in accordance with Samoan custom by the county councils of the counties they are to represent.” Additionally, the decision of the members of the county councils of the counties shall be certified by the county chiefs of such counties.

 Logoai officially retired from the bench on Jan. 2, 2015 after serving more than 50 years in various roles in government. Thereafter he served as the Governor’s Liaison Officer to the Senate.

It's unclear when Logoai will be sworn in to office. The incoming 36th Legislature will officially open Jan. 14th — where the governor will deliver to a joint session of the Fono, his annual State of the Territory Address.