The Senate confirmed on Friday two of the four new members appointed to the Board of Directors of the American Samoa Power Authority.
Talaimalo Marcellus Uiagaleleli and Tamaalemalo Tasi Mauga were approved by unanimous vote, 14-0.
During a confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on ASPA, chaired by Senator Ponausuia, Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean asked Uiagalelei about the fringe benefits he was receiving as an attorney at the AG’s Office.
Uiagalelei said he receives a monthly housing allowance of $1,500 and also a monthly utility allowance. The Senate President asked if it was right for local attorneys to receive these benefits, pointing out that in the past, the housing allowance was offered to palagi contract workers who do not have housing in the territory.
Uiagalelei replied that the benefits are justified and said that if these benefits were not offered, he wouldn’t have agreed to join the Attorney General’s Office. He said that he was earning more when he was operating his private practice.
The attorney testified that former Attorney General Fainuulelei Alailima-Utu asked him to join the AG’s Office at a time when the only prosecutor on the staff had gone off-island for medical reasons. He said it was difficult for him not to honor the request when his help was needed. Uiagalelei said he has ended his private practice since he began working at the AG’s office, except for cases that there are no lawyers to pass on to. However, he has not taken on any new cases.
Senator Togiola Tulafono said Uiagalelei was an assistant counsel to him when he was Governor and vouched that he is very intelligent and a trustworthy attorney.
Togiola noted that Uiagalelei’s resume did not include his service as attorney to the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa.
Uiagalelei said he became the church attorney three years ago but he informed the church chairman 3-4 months ago that he was stepping down.
Commenting on Tamaalemalo Tasi Mauga, Togiola said he has served the territory in various capacities and recalled that Mauga conducted research at his request on Essential Air Service for American Samoa.
He thanked both Uiagalelei and Mauga for willing to serve on the ASPA Board, noting that ASPA has a critical role to play in the quality of life of residents. Senator Tuanaitau Malaki Togiola asked that the nominees look into the lease rate charged by ASPA, which is 25 cents per square foot per year. He said ASPA has used his land for a water well for 30 years, and the rate is still $1,100 for the whole year. He suggested that ASPA raise the lease rate to be on par with the rising cost of living.
During the vote, senators voted 14-0 to confirm the two nominees.
