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Taeaoafua addresses alleged discrimination incident involving DHSS staff member

Director-nominee for the Department of Human and Social Services, Taeaoafua Dr Meki Solomona with DHSS employees following his confirmation hearing before the House of Representatives yesterday morning. The House in a vote of 13- 5 passed the nomination and he now awaits Senate confirmation.  [Photo: JL]
Confirmed as DHSS director by House, next stop the Senate
joyetter@samoanews.com

The director-nominee for the Department of Human and Social Services, Taeaoafua Meki Solomona, during his confirmation before the House of Representatives yesterday, publicly addressed — for the first time — an incident that was recorded during an alleged meeting that the then-DHSS director had with his staff, last year in November.

In the recording, Taeaoafua is heard telling Miss Simeonica Tuiteleleapaga a DHSS employee, to take off her clothes to see if “she is a boy or a girl.” The DHSS employee is a transgender and is currently, through the United States Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), suing the American Samoa Government for discrimination. (See story in Monday, Feb. 6, 2017 issue.)

The incident was first brought up in the hearing by House Vice Speaker Fetu Fetui Jr., who pointed out to the nominee that he has done so many good things for the community and the government of American Samoa through his service, but the one mistake that’s been published in newspapers has tarnished all these good works. He then asked how was Taeaoafua’s relationship with his employees.

At this time, Rep Pulelei’ite Li’amatua Tufele Jr. intervened saying the question was inappropriate, and several other lawmakers agreed and asked the Chairman, Fagaoatua Dorian Salave’a not to allow the question.

Pulelei’ite said the matter is in the hands of the authorities and there is no need to go back into it. The Vice Speaker responded, “I know what I’m doing, I’m not stupid with the questions I’m asking.” Vesi Talalelei Fautanu Jr. and Veevalu Meauta Mageo then asked why Fetu’s question is not allowed.

The Vice Speaker then repeated his question.

Taeaoafua, in Samoan, said he’s a human being who was tempted but in the end forgiveness is what’s there and “I am not perfect but with God’s grace I am able to use my capabilities to do what the governor and lieutenant governor have entrusted me to do in my capacity as a director.”

Lawmakers commended him for holding the fort down at one of the largest government departments and urged him to learn from the mistakes of the past. They noted that he’s more than qualified for the job, given his capabilities, and his exemplary resume.

At the end of the hearing, Taeaoafua was given a chance to make last comments. He told the committee, “I am not perfect, there are times that my services are not up to par, but the public is well aware of the services provided for them through our office. There are times that predicament arises but that will not stop me from providing the service to the community, but what’s important to me is forgiveness.

“We don’t bring the gossip on the street to stop me from providing the services to the community that I hold dear, however I am not perfect, I have offered forgiveness, since the incident occurred, I have heard but have not said anything because I believe that I’m doing what I have been appointed to do,” he said.

 The House approved the nomination in a vote of 13- 5. Taeaofua is scheduled to appear in the Senate next week Monday for his confirmation hearing.