Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Senate has declined to confirm Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula’s nomination of Theodore “Ted” Le’iato for another four-year term on the Board of Directors of the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA). Le’iato received seven votes in favor and five against, falling short of the ten votes required for confirmation.

Le’iato has served on the ASPA Board since 2022, following a 23-year career at the authority, including nine years as Power Generation Manager and oversight of renewable energy programs. He later joined the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) as Special Projects Manager. A graduate of the Fiji School of Technology and the Manukau Institute of Technology, Le’iato brought extensive technical and managerial experience to his role.

During his confirmation hearing last Wednesday, senators questioned him on several issues: the discontinuation of debit meters, renewable energy projects such as the Pavai’a’i solar farm and the planned Manunu wind project, his resignation from ASPA, and possible conflicts between the ASPA Board and ASTCA management.

Senator Leatualevao S. Asifoa pressed Le’iato on why he had resigned from ASPA in 2016.

Le’iato explained that his pastor at the time, Rev. Enesi Enesi, had approached him to serve as Assistant Pastor at their church. Accepting the call to ministry, he sought employment with more regular hours and joined ASTCA. He noted that his role there allowed him to finish work earlier, giving him time to read and study the Word of God, while avoiding the after-hours trouble calls that had been routine at ASPA.

Senator Leatualevao then asked whether Le’iato was currently serving as ASPA Board Chairman. Le’iato confirmed that he was.

Leatualevao voiced concern over the appointment, pointing out that Le’iato had assumed the chairmanship before being confirmed by the Senate. He likened the situation to the Samoan proverb, “Ta le ‘aufā’i ae fa’anoi mulimuli”— cutting the banana bunch first and asking permission later — illustrating his view that proper process had not been followed.

Le’iato clarified that Governor Pula appointed him Chairman in October 2025, and though his board term expired in January, he was asked to remain. Statute requires the Governor to designate the chairman annually from among board members, while the board elects its vice-chairman.

Senator Levu Sa Iosia enquired about the discontinued installation of debit meters, noting their past popularity among the public.

In response, Le’iato reminded the chamber that he had first introduced the debit meters in 2000, emphasizing their widespread acceptance among customers at the time. He explained, however, that the current ASPA Chief Executive Officer has since clarified that the technology is now outdated and will be replaced with modern systems better suited to today’s needs.

Turning to renewable energy, Senator Levu asked whether he supported the proposed wind project. Le’iato affirmed his strong backing, recalling that he was among the first to endorse the initiative. He highlighted his efforts in urging the timely securing of land leases with the villages involved to ensure the project’s progress. He further emphasized his commitment to supporting any renewable energy development that would reduce electricity costs for the people.

Senator Olo Uluao Letuli asked whether tensions or differences of opinion existed between the ASPA Board and management.

In his response, Senator Le’iato drew upon the parable of the Good Samaritan, recalling how a man left beaten by robbers was ignored by a priest and a Levite, but rescued by a Samaritan who was moved with compassion.

“That is how we, the Board members feel,” Le’iato explained. “We are currently conducting a review (iloiloga) on several issues and conditions that we believe require correction. While some insist ASPA is functioning well, they represent only a small number of employees who benefit from these conditions. The majority, however, are suffering.”

Le’iato then quoted God’s words to Moses: “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering.” He continued, “We, the Board members, have seen the misery and heard the suffering of ASPA employees. If we fail to act, we have sinned against God.”

He concluded by stating that if senators were in the Board’s position, they too would feel compelled to act decisively to resolve the many challenges affecting ASPA’s workforce.

Senator Le’iato assured committee members that a comprehensive report addressing the issues and conditions identified for correction will be submitted once the Board’s ongoing review and investigation are completed.

Senator Olo Uluao Letuli then noted that Le’iato had resigned from ASPA in 2016, and asked whether the discrepancies he referred to had originated during the tenure of former CEO Utu Abe Malae. Le’iato acknowledged that some concerns had existed under Utu’s leadership, but emphasized that they were not as severe as those that emerged after the current CEO assumed office.

Pressing further, Senator Olo asked what the most urgent challenge facing ASPA would be in the next twelve months.

Le’iato cited several pressing concerns: the absence of monthly financial and operational reports, delays in management responses to Board requests, and even a case of fraud involving an off-island engineer. He stressed that these matters demand immediate attention to safeguard ASPA’s integrity and ensure transparency and accountability to both employees and the public.

Senators Togiola Tulafono and Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean pressed Le’iato on renewable energy projects.

Senator Tuaolo asked whether ASPA had considered hydroelectric power generation as a viable option. Senator Le’iato replied that this possibility had been explored during the tenure of former CEO Andra Samoa. However, feasibility studies determined that the territory lacks rivers of sufficient size to generate a reliable supply of electricity, making hydro-power impractical for American Samoa.

The Senate President then enquired about the electricity situation in Manu‘a, asking whether services were running smoothly for the people. Senator Le’iato reported that a new generator has been installed on Ta‘ū, ensuring improved reliability there. He added that the generator in Ofu remains operational, though the solar power facilities in Ofu have not been functioning for some time.

Senator Togiola asked about the current status of the new Pavaiai solar farm and the Manunu wind project.

Le'iato reported that power from the Pavai’a’i solar farm is gradually being integrated into the grid, while the Manunu wind project is progressing, with land registration currently underway.