There were apologies all around from ASG officials called to explain why the Department of Public Safety purchased two vehicles from an account to which a $10 traffic enforcement fee is deposited, without prior approval of the Fono as the law requires.
Treasurer Uelegitone Tonumaipea, Budget Director Cathy Saelua and Commissioner of Public Safety Lei Sonny Thompson were called by the Chairman of the Senate Public Safety Committee, Senator Faamausili Mau Mau Jr. to answer questions about the purchase.
Senate President Pro Temp. Nuanuaolefeagaiga Saoluaga Nua asked the commissioner why he didn’t see a legal opinion from the Attorney generals office before using the money.
Without a response from any of the 3 government witnesses, Senator Nuanua directed his comments to Budget Director Saelua and said it’s not wise to lie to the Fono .
Saelua offered an apology to senators and said no one had any intention of breaking the law.
The Senate President Pro Tem, who last week declared that the Senate take this matter to court, demanded that the three apologize to senators for their mistake.
Committee Chairman Faamausili cited the law and sought an explanation from the officials why they spent the money when it was clear that the Fono must first approve use of the money in this account.
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The chairman of the Budget and Appropriations Committee Magalei Logovi’i who had first queried the funding source for the vehicle, said all senators wanted to hear from the ASG officials is an apology and admission that they made a mistake.
Magalei said if the officials knew what they did was wrong, their” case may be closed” if they just issued an apology and promise not to do it again.
Magalei added that the Senate is not against the purchase of vehicles as they understand DPS needs them to carry out their duties.
But the fact remains that the purchase was done without the Fono’s okay and that’s a violation of the law.
Senator Fonoti Tafaifa suggested that the matter be tabled until the Attorney General and the Fono’s legal counsel have a discussion on how to solve it.
Treasurer Tonumaipe’a declared at the hearing that he was not aware of the requirement for legislative approval before funds from the traffic enforcement account can be used.
Senator Tuiagamoa Tavai was not happy with the Treasurer’s comments considering that he has worked at Treasury for a long time yet he didnt seem to know the law.
Tuiagamoa demanded documentation of the vehicle purchase .
Commissioner Le’i Sonny Thompson simply apologized at the end of the hearing saying he’s glad that Senators understand that his intention was to obtain new vehicles to carry out DPS’ mission.
