Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Roy J.D. Hall, Jr., one of American Samoa’s most senior attorneys, was unanimously confirmed yesterday to serve as the Territory’s Administrative Law Judge. All 17 senators present for the Senate vote supported his appointment, reflecting broad legislative confidence in his legal experience and long service to the community.

Hall becomes the fourth person to hold the position, which oversees administrative hearings, adjudicates regulatory disputes, and ensures due‑process protections across government agencies.

During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Senator Leatuaolevao Asifoa, veteran attorney Roy J.D. Hall Jr. delivered a reflective and heartfelt summary of his 52 years in the legal profession — a career spanning private practice, government service, legislative counsel, and judicial roles. Hall said he was grateful for “another opportunity to serve the people and government of American Samoa.”

He thanked Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula for nominating him and opened his remarks by praising God for sustaining him throughout his decades of service.

Hall devoted a portion of his testimony to acknowledging the people who shaped his life and career. He paid tribute to his late parents — Roy J.D. Hall Sr., a retired U.S. Navy veteran from Pago Pago, and Toaiva Ofoia of Vaitogi — crediting them for instilling in him a strong Christian faith, respect for elders, and pride in his Samoan heritage.

He also recognized the support of his siblings, recalling their encouragement during his childhood health challenges and later educational pursuits. Hall thanked his wife Jacklyn and their children for standing by him through “the long days and hours” of private practice and his years as Deputy Attorney General. Their love, he said, gave him the strength to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming an attorney.

Hall’s résumé reflects one of the most extensive public‑service records in the Territory. He served two terms in the House of Representatives, worked as a District Court Judge Pro Tempore, chaired both the American Samoa Visitors Bureau and the Board of Directors of ASTCA, and provided legal counsel to the Senate under then‑President Lolo Letalu Moliga.

He also served as counsel to the Senate Select Investigative Committee (SSIC) and has spent the last four years as Deputy Attorney General, handling complex legal matters on behalf of the government.

In the Senate chamber, Hall pledged that if confirmed, his rulings would be grounded in fairness, integrity, and respect for constitutional rights.

“My goal as an attorney was to ensure that all parties receive their constitutional right to due process and a fair and impartial trial,” Hall said. “If confirmed to serve as Administrative Law Judge, I will apply these same principles of fairness, integrity, constitutional and judicial due process to everyone who comes before the Administrative Law Court.”

Committee Chair Leatuaolevao noted that senators were well aware of Hall’s long service and said his credentials were unquestioned. Leatuaolevao briefly asked Hall for his opinion on the unsettled issue of director confirmations, referencing the Fono’s position that all directors should be submitted for confirmation versus the Governor’s stance that directors of line agencies under his office need not be confirmed. After posing the question, Leatuaolevao added that Hall did not need to answer.

Senator Gaoteote Palaie Tofau also spoke highly of Hall’s experience and expressed full support for his nomination. Gaoteote noted that some directors appear at hearings represented by attorneys, and asked Hall why this occurs. Hall explained that while confirmation hearings do not require legal counsel, a subpoena does, and in those cases the Attorney General’s Office appears with the witness.

Senator Muagututi‘a Tauoa said he had no doubts about Hall’s qualifications but offered fatherly advice. As a son of Samoa, he said, Hall should be able to address district leaders in Samoan when appearing before the Senate. He also urged Hall to be fair, treat everyone equally, and avoid discrimination.

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean remarked that Hall and former Governor Togiola T.A. Tulafono are now the Territory’s most senior attorneys. He revealed that the Senate had been considering Hall for the role of Senate Legal Counsel, following the departure of Senate Attorney Mitzie Jessop‑Ta‘afua to the Retirement Fund Office. Tuaolo joked that perhaps the Governor, hearing of those plans, moved quickly to appoint Hall as Administrative Law Judge.

Tuaolo acknowledged Senator Muagututi‘a’s advice about speaking Samoan, noting that Hall may find English more natural in legal settings because it is the language of the courts.

Hall succeeds Marie Alailima, who has served as Administrative Law Judge since 2007.