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Four more director-nominees fully confirmed

Newly confirmed Office of Public Information, KVZK-TV, director Tuimavave Tauapa’i Laupola during his Senate confirmation hearing yesterday.  [photo: FS]Newly confirmed Administrative Service Department director, Fuega Lua Moliga during his Senate confirmation hearing on Monday.  [photo: FS]
Office of Public Information, TAOA, Administrative Services, DHR
fili@samoanews.com

Following confirmation votes in the last two days, the Fono has officially confirmed four more cabinet directors for the Lolo Administration.

In the Senate yesterday, senators confirmed Tuimavave Tauapa’i Laupola as Office of Public Information, KVZK-TV, director in a unanimous 18-0 vote and Territorial Administration on Aging director Evelyn Lili’o-Satele in a 17-1 vote. Both were confirmed last week in the House. (See separate story on Lili’o-Satele printed elsewhere in today’s edition.

On Monday in the Senate, Department of Administrative Services director, Fuega Lua Moliga got a unanimous endorsement of 18-0. He was confirmed last week in the House.

And on Monday in the House, Human Resources Department director Eseneiaso Liu, was endorsed in a unanimous vote of 19-0. She was confirmed last week in the Senate.

OPI DIRECTOR

Tuimavave’s confirmation hearing yesterday in the Senate revealed that taping church services at a church’s location for KVZK-TV’s  ‘Faiga Lotu’ programs, which air on Sundays, came with a cost charged to the church in the form of a fee.

Sen. Tuaolo Manaia Fruean raised the issue of the cost of the program, to which Tuimavave said that following discussions with the governor, KVZK-TV no longer imposes a charge, because this is a government entity funded by ASG money.

Tuaolo asked as to where the money collected is deposited, to which Tuimavave said this is not clear following his review. Tuaolo advised the director-nominee not to impose charges because it’s “illegal” — and they can only be set by law.

As to how much KVZK-TV was charging churches, Tuimavave said it was about $400 to $500 and reiterated that he has halted such practices. He said this has been the charge in the last four years but the question is: If the program is aired on Sundays, by the government, why impose a charge?

He also said there is the question on the spending of the money collected and this is something that’s not really clear and still being reviewed.

Sen. Fai’ivae A. Iuli said the TV crew that works after hours should be compensated for their time in the field taping programs for KVZK as well as other work that cannot be done during working hours.

Sen. Paepae Iosefa Faiai offered advice for the TV crew taping “Faiga Lotu” — dress appropriately as they are also attending a church service. He also said that when his church was tape recorded for “Faiga Lotu”, he had asked as to whom the check should be made out to, and was told by a KVZK staff member to leave it blank — the “pay to” portion of the check. He believes that this charge was to help cover overtime and after hours for the TV crew.

Some senators asked Tuimavave to review local programs aired on TV, because some of the programs — such as fa’afiafiaga — have been aired many times over and over again.

Tuimavave, a military retiree, holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from the University of Albuquerque; a Master of Education from the University of Hawai’i - Manoa; and Master of Theology from AGAPE Bible College in American Samoa. He is currently working on a Doctorate Dissertation at Argosy University with an emphasis on organizational leadership and a completion date of September this year.

According to his resume, Tuimavave is familiar with media and information, given his experience during his military career. In the last 12 years of his 23-years of military service, Tuimavave was assigned as a senior Psychological Operations advisor to the 7th Psychological Operations Group.

He advised Commanding Generals on information and media that promoted US interest using various platforms to transmit these messages to foreign countries. These platforms include television and radio stations, newspaper and leaflets.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR

When asked about the condition of the A.P. Lutali Executive Building, which is taken care of by Administrative Service Department, Fuega said the facility is old, unsanitary and unsafe not only for ASG employees who work there, but also the public that visit the building.

He said he plans to conduct a full assessment of the facility, which needs to be repaired.

On the issue of the ASG Tafuna housing at Pala Lagoon, he said there are some buildings not safe for occupancy and there are some government agencies using the housing for offices without paying any rent.

He also noted that the Tafuna housing complex no longer has a fence and this makes it even more unsafe for ASG employees, who are on contract, and staying in these government facilities. Regarding the ASG housing at Fogagogo, he said about 20 of them are occupied.

Sen. Nuanuaolefeagaiga Saoluaga T. Nua asked if the director-nominee, who is the governor’s brother, will abide (“usita’i), with a directive from the governor and Fuega’s response prompted other senators to question him further.

Fuega responded that he is not afraid to speak the truth that he knows is in accordance with his responsibility and not violate the law. Additionally, if he knows there is a problem in carrying out his job, the governor should also know as well.

He said there is a difference between “usita’i” and carrying out his work as required of him.

However, Nuanuaolefeagaiga advised the director-nominee the importance of abiding, with the governor’s directive and final decision.

Sen. Magalei Logovi’i said he agrees with Fuega that honesty and truth should come first when carrying out his duties. But if the governor gives a final decision, “Would you accept it or not, despite what you think is right?” Magalei asked; and Fuega responded that the governor should be made aware of his beliefs when it comes to issues that involve carrying out his work as a director.

Magalei pointed out that he was a cabinet member in the past and knows where Fuega is coming from; however, when the governor gives a final decision, Magalei said he supported it because the governor is the leader.

Fuega said he would object to a decision if he believes it’s not in accordance with the way to carry out his job. At the same time, he will always respect the governor who is the leader. He insisted that the governor should still be made aware of his belief in carrying out his duties in accordance with the law.

Magalei responded by offering advice: “Wait until you are the governor then do what you want, but leave the final decision to come from the governor.”

Sen. Fa’amausili Mau Mau Jr., asked that the director-nominee to abide with the final decision made by the governor. Fa’amausili then asked, twice, if Fuega applied for the directorship post and the director-nominee said “no”.

Sen. Tuaolo Manaia Fruean, as well as at least three others senators, also advised Fuega to abide with the governor’s decision. “Whether you like it or not... you do what the governor says,” Tuaolo said. And if he (Tuaolo) was the governor and “you don’t agree, I’ll fire you,” Tuaolo told Fuega.

Later on during the hearing, Fuega sought to clarify his initial statement, saying that he will always abide with directive by the governor and his decisions, because the governor is his boss.

However, Fuega said he would provide a recommendation to the governor if he knows, that it’s something that will affect the law, in carrying out his job. He said that he is not saying that he will not abide with the governor’s directives.

Senate President Gaoteote Tofau Palaie said directors play an important role in an administration as they advise and made recommendations to the governor if they know there is conflict in carrying out their duties. And Gaoteote believes that this is what Fuega was trying to explain and shared with the committee. He agreed with Fuega in offering recommendations, as a director. 

Fuega’s confirmation hearing was held Monday morning.