The new senator for Manu’a District #1, Poumele Pete Apisa Galeai was sworn in Friday morning by Associate Judge Mamea Sala in the Senate chamber.
With a granddaughter holding the Holy Bible, Poumele pledged to uphold the constitutions of the United States and American Samoa, and to obey all laws of the same. 
His wife, Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Poumele, and sister, Mrs. Lagi Asuega, and several family members and matai of Manu’a witnessed the swearing in.
Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean named a committee of three: Senators Togiola Tulafono, Alo Stevenson and Olo Uluao Letuli, to review whether the selection of Poumele fulfilled requirements of the law.
The committee promptly returned to the chamber after a few minutes and Olo announced that they were satisfied that Poumele’s selection was in compliance with the law, and there was no reason why he shouldn’t be sworn in.
Poumele is continuing the term of the late Senator Tauiliili Paopao Lauifi, who passed away in July.
The new senator was most recently Director of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
