New Manu’a senator expected to take oath

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Unless there’s an order from the court stopping the swearing in, Logoai Siaki Logoai is expected to occupy the seat for Manu’a District #1 this morning.

As far as KHJ News has been able to establish, while disputes on the manner in which Logoai was selected have been raised, there has been no filing with the High Court for declaratory relief.

A matai of Tau village, Tauese Vaa Sunia, has raised objections over Logoai’s selection in that a meeting of the district was not convened and that only Fitiuta village made the selection without the other villages in the district, Tau and Faleasao.

And Solia Mutini of Faleasao has written o Senate President Gaoteote Palaie Tofau asking that Logoai not be admitted to the Senate for similar reasons.

The swearing in of Logoai is scheduled for 8:30 this morning in the Fono guest house.

Senior Fono staffers tell KHJ News that unless there is a court order to stop the swearing in, Logoai will be taking up the seat today.

This has happened in similar situations in the past for the same senatorial district,

At last week’s cabinet meeting, Secretary of Samoan Affairs Mauga Tasi Asuega apologized to Governor Lolo Moliga over the handling of the selection.

In reference to the disputes, he said the Office of Samoan Affairs has a clear conscience and did not attempt anything untoward in the handling of this matter.

He believes the Office of Samoan Affairs went about calling meetings for the purpose of selecting a senator the right way.

Meanwhile, the opening of the 36th Legislature is scheduled for 10 am in the Lee Auditorium.

House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale will preside and Rev Elder Tony Hollister of the Iliili Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa will provide prayers, and the choir from his congregation will sing the hymns.

Governor Lolo Moliga will deliver his state of the territory address and a response will be given by Senate President Gaoteote Palaie.

From what the governor told directors last week, he will present a comprehensive report on ASG finances beginning from the time they first took office in 2013 to now.

The state of the territory address usually lists major accomplishments and previows the administration’s legislative agenda.

Since this is the start of a new Legislature it’s expected that members of the House and Senate Retirement Committees will be heading to Honolulu next month for briefings with Retirement Fund consultants and advisors.