HOUSE STANDING COMMITTEES AND THEIR MEMBERS

House committee member selections have been made for the 34th Legislature of American Samoa, with all House reps appointed to the various standing committees, a change from last year’s Legislature when seven lawmakers, who did not vote for Savali Talavou Ale during the race for House Speaker were not selected to any chairmanship or membership posts in any committees.

This year Savali ran unopposed and was unanimously elected as House Speaker.

Appointments are as follows:

House Rules Committee     Vice Speaker Fetu Fetui Jr is chair, Vaetasi Tu’umolimoli Saena Moliga vice chair;

Budget and Appropriations Committee   Timusa Tini Lam Yuen is chair, Faimealelei Anthony Allen vice chair;

Ways and Means Committee         Lavea Legae’e Mauga is chair, Pulele’iite Tufele Li’amatua is vice chair;

Government and Operations Committee Faimealelei is chair, Maugaoali’i Leapai Tusiapa Anoa’i vice chair;

Education & Scholarships Committee     Vaetasi is chair;

Health Committee    new faipule Vesi Talelei Fautanu Jr is chair, rookie faipule, Atalina Asifoa vice chair;

Public Safety Committee    new lawmaker Manumaua Wayne Wilson is chair, Su’a Alexander Jennings vice chair;

American Samoa Power Authority and Territorial Energy Office Committee Puletu Dick Koko is chair, Manuamaua vice chair;

Legal Affairs Committee     Vui Florence Tuaumu Saulo is chair, Toeaina Faufano Autele vice chair;

Public Works Committee    Maugaoali’i is chair, Vui vice chair;

Communications Committee         Pulelei’ite is chair, Vailoata Amituana’i vice chair;

Port Administration and Transportation Committee     Talaimataia Elisara Su’a is chair, Vesi vice chair;

Commerce and Economic Development Committee     Larry Sanitoa is chair, Timusa vice chair;

Retirement Committee        Vailoata is chair, Talaimatai vice chair;

Local Government, TAOA & Election Office Committee           Maluia Mulinu’u Tuamasaga is chair, Puletu vice chair;

Judiciary Committee           Toeaina is chair, Asifoa vice chair;

Agriculture, Marine and Wildlife and Forestry Committee        Su’a is chair, Maluia vice chair;

Human & Social Services and Youth and Women’s Affairs Committee         Asifoa is chair;

Homeland Security Committee     Meauta Lauoi Mageo is chair, Manumaua is vice chair.

IMMIGRATION BOARD MEMBERS SUBMITTED FOR FONO APPROVAL

Despite being rejected by the Senate during the last legislature, Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga has resubmitted Rep, Timusa Tini Lam Yuen and Ray McMoore as Immigration board members.

In a letter to Fono leaders, Lolo pointed out that Matagi, a former member and House Speaker and also a former director for Port Administration would serve out the remainder of Moatulu’i Sipili Fuiava’s two-year term. For Timusa, Lolo said that he’s the traditional designee of the House Speaker.

“Both nominees possess the requisite knowledge and understanding of the role of the immigration board in protecting our border and preserving economic opportunities for the people of American Samoa.”

Lolo asked the Fono to confirm these nominations to the Immigration board.