Two members of the cabinet have won legislative approval and are now cleared to serve on the Lolo Lemanu cabinet.
A confirmation vote for Treasurer Ueligitone Tonumaipe’a and Director of Port Administration Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Poumele took place in the Senate this morning.
Both directors received unanimous approval 16-0.
Tonumaipe’a was approved by the House of Representatives yesterday.
The House voted to confirm Taimalelagi as port director by a vote of 16-2 this morning.
Other nominees whom the House approved this morning were Budget Director Catherine Aigamaua Saelua who was confirmed 15-3 and Commissioner of Public Safety Le’i Sonny Thompson who received unanimous approval from all 18 Representatives present.
Senator Tuaolo Fruean praised Taimalelagi for bringing to reality several long planned projects such as the acquisition of the MV Manuatele and relocation of fuel tanks from the airport parking lot, opening the way for funding from the Federal Aviation Administration for airport improvement projects.
He said when the MV Manu’atele sailed into Pago Pago Harbor he shed a few tears thinking of Taimalelagi’s father, the late Senator Tuanaitau Tuia and wishing he was alive to see what his daughter has achieved.
Tuaolo said many of the works the director was able to implement during her tenure are projects that are meant for men but she has tackled them with success.
Several questions were asked about the status of the MV Manu’atele and when it will be ready to sail to Manu’a.
Senators Tuiagamoa and Nuanuaolefeagaiga Saoluaga Nua were concerned to hear about plans to have the new boat go to nearby countries like Samoa and Tonga.
They said that the boat was intended to improve transportation for Manu’a but if it goes to Tonga for example, that trip takes a several days, which means Manu’a will not have any transportation.
And this said Tuiagamoa would defeat the purpose of why the vessel was acquired.
Samoa was not a concern because of its proximity.
Employees of Port Administration led by Deputy Director Christopher King packed the House gallery during her confirmation hearing.
