Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — American Samoa Economic Development Authority (ASEDA) board members, re-nominated for another 4 year term, appeared last Friday morning before a Senate committee for their confirmation hearings. Port Administration director Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Poumele; ASG Treasurer Ueligitone Tonumaipe’a; and Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo V. Ale were later confirmed during the Senate session, along with re-appointed board member, Iulogologo Joseph Pereira, who is the governor’s executive assistant. Iulogologo is off island attending meetings and was unable to make it back for the hearing.

Confirmation of the ASEDA board is one of the measures included in Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga’s call for the Fono Special Session which commenced last Thursday.

During the committee hearing — in response to a question from Senate President Gaoteote Tofau Palaie — Tonumaipe’a explained that all money received from the sale of ASEDA bonds are held at a New York-based bank.

He said vendors involved in projects funded by the bonds, submit invoices to the ASEDA board for review. ASEDA then forwards the invoices to the financial advisors off island who review — and approve — payments, which are then sent directly to the vendor.

He said vendors’ invoices also need approval from the ASG agency overseeing the project. For example, for the new Fono building, it’s the Fono leaders and the governor who sign the invoice, and payments are sent directly to the vendor.

The proposed new Fono building is being allocated $15 million in proceeds from the 2018 bonds.

Sen. Magalei Logovi’i, who is Senate President Gaoteote’s appointee to the ASEDA board, echoed Tonumaipe’a’s statement, adding that the board is very firm and solid on ensuring that the bond (fund) is well protected. He said the three re-nominated board members — before the committee — are very strong in their role in protecting the revenues from the bonds.

Gaoteote informed the committee that Magalei, who is not subject to Fono confirmation, replaces the late Sen. Galea’i L. Tu’ufuli, the Senate President’s original appointee to the board. The House will be holding its confirmation hearing soon for the nominees.

In his nomination letter to Fono leaders last month, the governor said ASEDA “plays a vital role in our attempt to revitalize our infrastructure system and establish projects that grow our economy.” He said each of the nominees have “direct experience needed to help continue the success of ASEDA” and these “individuals will continue to be great assets of ASEDA.”