Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula has appointed Tauaisafune Niualama Epenesa Taifane as Acting Director of the Office of Budget Program Planning and Development.
Tauaisafune has been Director of the American Samoa Humanities Council for more than two decades. She headed the Campaign Committee for the Pula and Pulu camp in the last general elections.
Governor Pulaalii said—in a memo issued on Wednesday—that Tauaisafune’s name will be submitted to the Fono for confirmation. “With a Masters degree in Education and extensive public service, Mrs. Tauaisafune brings a wealth of experience to the position of Budget Director,” said Governor Pulaalii. “I am pleased that she has agreed to take on this important role for the Pula and Pulu Administration.”
This will be the administration’s second nomination for Budget Director to be submitted to the Fono for confirmation. The first nominee, Mrs. Sesula McMoore-Tufele was approved by the Senate, but was rejected by the House of Representatives.
Satia Aokuso Satia has been Acting Director of the Budget Office since March.
It’s a crucial time for the Budget Office preparing the Fiscal Year 2026 budget for ASG for submission to the Fono for review when it reconvenes in July for the Second Regular Sessions of the 39th Legislature. A budget call that was sent out last week set May 30 as the deadline for all budget requests to be submitted.
