Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Senate chamber was packed with family, friends and staff of the Treasury Department who turned up in numbers yesterday morning in support of the governor's nominee for the position of Government Treasurer, Donald Kruse at his confirmation hearing.

In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Budget Committee Senator Utu S. Poasa introduced the nominee as a pastor and businessman. He then noted that he has gone through Kruse's resume and supporting documents in his official bio, but he cannot find a copy of a written application.

Utu asked Kruse whether he had applied for the position of Government Treasurer or if he had been appointed directly by Governor Pula. Before replying, Kruse respectfully removed the mosooi ula (lei) that Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean had placed on him, explaining that it would be inappropriate to wear it during a confirmation hearing in the presence of traditional leaders.

Donald Kruse during his confirmation hearing at the Senate yesterday morning. He was confirmed later in a 13-2 vote during the Senate regular session. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau]

Expressing his gratitude for the honor bestowed by Tuaolo, Kruse emphasized the importance of showing respect in such a formal setting. He then addressed Senator Utu's question, clarifying that he had indeed applied for the position by submitting his resume.

Senator Utu referenced Governor Pula's statement at the opening of the 39th Legislature, which mentioned that $28 million of government funds had been collected after the first quarter of the FY 2025 Budget, falling short of the projected total of $41 million. Utu emphasized that this discrepancy would result in the American Samoa Government facing a $55 million deficit by the end of the current fiscal year.

Utu then asked the treasurer nominee if he had conducted any research on the financial shortfall and what steps the government should take to rectify the problem.

Kruse clarified that he had only been appointed two weeks ago. He explained that the figures the governor cited were based on preliminary, unaudited reports. However, they do highlight the need to reduce expenses, which is why a 10 percent cost containment measure has been implemented. Kruse added that they are also working on identifying additional ways to address the issue.

Senator Utu expressed concern that if this trend continued, he was unsure how government payroll and other bills would be funded, potentially leading to a government shutdown.

Senator Magalei Logovi'i intervened, noting that the nominee had only been in the job for two weeks and would not have the answers to all these questions yet. He suggested that if Kruse were confirmed, the Senate should give him a month before summoning him again to address these financial concerns. For the time being, questions should focus on Kruse's experience and capability to perform the job.

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean also intervened, echoing Magalei's sentiments. He mentioned that he, too, had numerous questions for the treasurer nominee, including inquiries about the funds the government borrowed from the Retirement Fund. However, Tuaolo emphasized that this was a confirmation hearing, and these questions could be addressed later if the nominee were confirmed.

Tuaolo shared a personal anecdote, saying he was pleasantly surprised to find Kruse sitting on the eastern side of the chamber as he made his way to his seat. Tuaolo had removed the ula he was wearing and placed it on Kruse. He explained that the seats on the eastern and western sides of the Senate chamber are reserved for witnesses, the public, and the press, with witnesses typically entering and sitting on the western side.

Tuaolo elaborated on the cultural significance of his gesture, describing it as the action of a loving father or chief who has full confidence in his son's ability to take care of the family. In Samoan culture, the act of "Fa'aui le Ula," or transferring the lei from father to son, symbolizes the transfer of a title and all its powers from the father to the son. Tuaolo then instructed Kruse to put the ula back on, which he did.

"You may not be my son, but you are my spiritual father," Tuaolo declared dramatically.

The Senate president continued, stating that he had been eagerly anticipating who the governor would select as Treasurer, given the crucial responsibilities associated with the role in the effective functioning of the government.

He emphasized to the hearing that this position requires someone who is financially well-off, as such an individual would not be tempted to steal or embezzle government funds or engage in any unethical deals.

"Don's appointment is from God," Tuaolo asserted. "Our people have been dissatisfied for a long time. What really happened to the $36 million? The $2 million for the renovation of the former ANZ Office in Fagatogo, where the Governor's Office was supposed to relocate? And the $1.5 million allocated for building an airport at Swains Island? Where did it all go?"

Tuaolo mentioned that he had reviewed all the reports and found that only about $100,000 remained in the account, with nothing left for the ANZ renovation.

"I want to send a message," he said firmly. "Someone must be held accountable for these discrepancies."

He referenced the official motto of the United States, "In God We Trust," and that of the American Samoa Government, "Samoa, Faamuamua le Atua" (Samoa, Let God Be First).

Tuaolo lamented that these words seemed meaningless to some individuals who prioritize their selfish desires. He urged Kruse to investigate these matters if confirmed. He then addressed the hearing, expressing his recommendation for Kruse as Government Treasurer.

Senator Muagututi'a Tauoa concluded the hearing by raising his hands dramatically and bestowing his blessings upon the treasurer nominee. He also called upon God's blessings for His ordained pastor as he embarks on the challenging role ahead.

Don Kruse expressed his gratitude for the honor and blessings he has received from the Senate and stated that he was at a loss for words. He stated that he had applied for the position because of a desire to help the government and people of American Samoa and he would do his best if confirmed.

Kruse was confirmed in a 13-2 vote during the Senate regular session.

Kruse appeared before the House for a confirmation hearing yesterday, and after almost no questions the committee let him leave. His House confirmation vote is scheduled for next week.

In the meantime, the House did not confirm Tim Jones yesterday in a vote of 6- 12. The Speaker of the House asked for a ‘reconsideration vote’ and that was passed 8- 4. The vote is also scheduled for next week.

BARNEY SENE

The second hearing at the Senate yesterday was for the governor's nomination of Barney Sene for Director of the Port Authority.

Senator Muagututi'a Tauoa informed the hearing that the nominee, who hails from Sua District, was a son of his. He said Barney was one of the sons and daughters of American Samoa who have returned to serve the Territory.

Muagututi'a asserted that now is their time, and it was their duty to confirm them. Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean showed his support and pointed out that if Sene is confirmed, he can be summoned again to address the many concerns the Senate has regarding the Port Authority.

Subsequently, Barney Sene was unanimously confirmed in a 15-0 vote during the regular session that followed.

He was also confirmed in the House of Representatives yesterday after his Senate confirmation hearing and is now cleared to head the Port Authority.