Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Senate delivered an eyebrow-raising rejection last Wednesday to Jansen Poyer, a locally educated engineer with nearly two decades of aerospace experience, who had been nominated to serve on the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) Board.

Poyer, a Fagaitua High School graduate with family ties to Laulii and Aua, currently works for Boeing and resides in Arizona. Despite his technical background and a confirmation hearing that offered no clear indication of trouble, the Senate voted 9–4 against his appointment.

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean had openly acknowledged Poyer’s strong qualifications after reviewing his résumé, making the final vote even more unexpected.

During the hearing, Poyer explained that he was approached only after another American Samoa–born engineer living in Arizona declined the Governor’s invitation to serve. She recommended him, and he accepted when contacted by the Governor’s Office.

When asked by Senator Olo Uluao Letuli what he would contribute to the ASPA Board, Poyer pointed to his nearly 20 years in aerospace engineering.

"Transferring from the aerospace to the utility industry, I bring a technically curious mind and I aim to ask the right technical questions when presented with technical data and my goal as an ASPA Board member is to act in the best interests of the American Samoa people to ensure that we have reliable, stable electricity, water, waste water, and soli waste service for the public."

Poyer declined to discuss the resignation of former ASPA Executive Director Wallon Young, citing nondisclosure agreements and legal advice. He confirmed that the board is currently reviewing applicants for the director position.

He also voiced strong support for ASPA’s renewable‑energy initiatives, noting that solar and wind projects could reduce dependence on fuel—especially important, he said, given global instability and its impact on oil prices.

Senator Leatualevao Asifoa said his understanding was that ASPA regulations allow only one off‑island member on the ASPA Board, and confirming Poyer would increase that number to two.

Committee Chairman Ponausuia L. Faleono clarified that the ASPA Board may have two off‑island members, with the requirement that one be a certified engineer. He noted that Douglas Buhr currently serves as the board’s designated engineering expert, filling one of the two off‑island seats reserved for specialized expertise.

This trip marked Poyer’s first visit to the Territory since his recess appointment to the ASPA Board last October. He told senators he understood that recess appointees are granted voting rights until the Legislature takes final action.

Committee Chairman Ponausuia, a former ASPA employee, urged the board to expedite the hiring process. He emphasized that ASPA’s greatest asset is its workforce, adding that employee dissatisfaction—driven largely by low pay—should be addressed through salary adjustments.

Senator Tuana‘itau Malaki Togiola expressed confidence in Poyer’s abilities and moved to excuse him, ending the roughly 30‑minute hearing.

But when the matter returned to the Senate floor, support evaporated. Only four senators voted to confirm Poyer, while nine opposed, ending his bid to join the ASPA Board.

BACKGROUND

Poyer’s rejection comes on the heels of the Senate not confirming Ted Leiato as a member of the ASPA board, earlier this month. Leiato had also been appointed by Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolau Pula as board chairman. Leiato was rejected by the Senate, but approved by the House. However, the appointment needs approval from both chambers to pass. Notably, Leiato was one of the board members that voted for terminating ASPA CEO Wallon Young. The board action took place after Leiato was rejected by the Senate.