The House of Representatives has unanimously confirmed two members of the Pula and Pulu cabinet: Nathan Ilaoa as Director of the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources and Tauaisafune Niualama Taifane as Director of the Office of Budget Program Planning and Development.
The vote for the two cabinet members was 17-0.
Tauaisafune‘s confirmation hearing was held Tuesday morning before the House Budget and Appropriations Committee, chaired by Rep. Vailoata Amituanai.
House members expressed their support for Tauaisafune, acknowledging her long public service in jobs she’s held most recently as Executive Director of the American Samoa Humanities Council — a position she has held since its inception.
Several representatives did not have any questions, instead ging their blessings to the director nominee.
Tauaisafune said she has stepped down from Director of the Humanities Council and is no longer receiving a salary from there. However, she is providing help for the staff when needed. Rep. Avagafono Vaimaga Maiava asked the nominee if she owns a business. She responded that her son owns a business that she helps with.
Responding to questions about ASG’s financial status, Tauaisafune said there’s an expected shortfall in revenues vs projections. Local revenues for the current fiscal year were pegged at $165.9 million; however, at the end of the 3rd quarter revenues had not reached $100 million.
Rep. Trude Sunia Ledoux said the Senate had recommended to the Treasurer to submit a supplemental budget bill to the Fono to address outstanding government obligations.
She was concerned about ASG’s unpaid debt to the Retirement Fund and how this would be addressed.
Rep. Tiaoalii Sai said the public has been asking when tax refund checks will be released again and requested that the director help in any way she could to make this happen.
Rep. Faimealelei Anthony Allen said since the start of the administration and nominees for director positions were submitted for confirmation, he had been asking why Taua’s name was not among them. He noted that she had been at the lead of the campaign for Pula and Pulu. He was thankful that Taua has been selected to hold this very important position in the government.
When Speaker Talaviou Ale asked Tauaisafune if she was prepared and committed to serve the government and territory in this position, she answered, “With due respect I am.”
After the confirmation hearing, Vice Speaker Fetui Fetu and Speaker Savali asked that the House vote in support of Tauaisafune’s confirmation.
