Director of Human Resources Mrs Eseneiaso Liu has registered her disappointment with the chairmen of the joint budget committees of the Fono over what she calls “libelous and derogatory remarks” made by Senator Fonoti Tafaifa towards her when she appeared to testify on her department’s budget.
She complained that the Tuala-uta Senator pursued on a quest to “assassinate my character and defame my life of public service that spans 52 years to the American Samoa Government and a law abiding citizen.”
According to the DHR Director Senator Fonoti made a baseless accusation that a dining facility leased on government property was a direct violation of the law yet failed to produce any substantiated evidence to support her claim.
“To blatantly launch such a frivolous claim paints a false perception in a public forum. Furthermore, the senator’s implication that our small business company (3BEVs Corporation), which has been serving American Samoa for 40 years, were excluded from paying water and electric utilities is an absolute falsehood,“ she charged.
At the DHR budget hearing, Fonoti asked Mrs Liu if the Territorial Zoning Board ever reviewed the business location and issued a permit for it.
Mrs Liu said the restaurant had fulfilled all of the requirements for setting up a business, but Senator Fonoti declared that her business has violated the law.
The DHR director explained that a lunch wagon had been serving the EOB for more than 10 years and the owner had been instructed to set up a sit down eating facility.
She said she bought the lunch wagon from the owner and converted it into a sit down restaurant. .
In her letter to the Budget Committee chairmen, Mrs Liu also took issue with Senator Fonoti’s comment that she refrain from future illegalities to prevent the village of Vaitogi from burning. This was a reference to the great fire that happened in Vaitogi more than two centuries ago which is remembered with an annual sa or curfew by the village. Mrs Liu’s husband is a matai from Vaitogi.
Mrs Liu said the statement was highly offensive to her, the village council and every resident and constituent of Vaitogi.
She offered assurances to Senator Fonoti, that all requisites necessary to lease government property, registration of a business, and securing health permits were followed.
“While the line of questions had no bearing or substance to the original intent of the hearing, I found it necessary to defend myself and our small business by setting the record straight,” she told the lawmakers.
She concluded with a request to the budget committee chairmen, Senator Magalei Logovii and Rep Vailiuama Steve Leasiolagi to reinforce decorum and conduct of members that reflects the core values of the chambers they duly represent.
“Our failure to do so will embolden this type of behavior, serve as a detriment to the integrity of our legislative halls and sets a negative precedent for our children and future leaders,” said the DHR Director.
