It’s the opinion of Maoputasi District Senator Tuaolo Manaia Fruean that the Senate chamber is the epitome of the faasamoa in the Legislature and therefore senators can make decisions that do not necessarily follow Senate rules and policies.
Tuaolo made the comment after his attempt for reconsideration of Roy JD Hall Jr’s nomination to the Visitors Bureau Board was rejected by the Senate.
The Senate rejected Hall by a 7-6 vote yesterday.
A motion for reconsideration would have kept Hall’s nomination alive so that senators can vote again on the nomination at a later time.
During yesterday’s Senate session, Tuaolo told Senate President Pro Tem Nuanuaolefeagaiga Saoluaga that the Senate chamber is a cultural dwelling.
And whatever rules the Fono may have set as standard procedures for the Senate to follow, those rules can be broken or set aside with the aganuu or culture.
Tuaolo said his request for reconsideration was based on the belief that the Senate chamber is operated by chiefly leaders of Tutuila and Manu’a who have the wisdom and foresight to make decisions that are beneficial for the people.
He added that perhaps this is the first time this has happened in the Senate, but he wanted his colleagues to know that some of the Senate rules are not set in stone.
In response, President Pro Tem Nuanuaolefeagaiga said he understands where Tuaolo is coming from, however Senate rules cannot be ignored.
He said if it is the wishes of senators to change the rules then they should follow proper procedures to change them.
Manu’a Senator Galea’i Tu’ufuli apologized to the Maoputasi senator and said because no motion was made to forego the Senate rules as Tuaolo had wished, the issue is moot.
Nuanuaolefeagaiga said senators have a chance to discuss Roy JD Hall’s nomiation at a later date.
Senator Laolagi Savali Vaeao said they should leave the matter as is and added that senators have already spoken their minds through their vote.
Ituau Senator Soliai Tuipine agreed and said the governor has the authority to resubmit Hall’s nomination for the Fono’s reconsideration.
