Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula yesterday appointed five acting directors.
The Governor named a former Chief of Police and Deputy Commissioner, Taase Sagapolutele, as Acting Commissioner of Public Safety until further notice.
Joseph Faaita has been appointed as Acting Director of the Department of Search and Rescue after the resignation of Director Saunoa Poto was accepted on January 3. Faaita’s appointment as acting director is until further notice. Faaita has been Chief of Medical Services.
Named as Acting Director of the Office of Veterans Affairs is Arrianna Princess Auvaa. Auvaa was a Program and Marketing Coordinator and Veterans Service Officer for the VA, and was a candidate in the House of Representatives election for Tuala -tai in the 2024 general election.
Elisapeta Ponausuia was appointed Acting Director of health, while Acting director Faraitoafa Utu is off island—returning today.
Tala Uiagalelei was named as Acting Director of the Department of Legal Affairs until Acting Attorney General Roy JD Hall returns from off island on Thursday, January 9.
The confirmation of directors usually takes up most of the first regular session of a new legislature following a gubernatorial election. The opening of the new legislature is the second Monday of January, which falls on January 13.
In remarks at the Inauguration Ball on Saturday, Governor Pula indicated that the names of director nominees would be forwarded to the Fono soon.
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