Aoelua finally confirmed as director of Office of Public Information

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — KVZK-TV Acting Director Aoelua Solomona Aoelua was finally confirmed by the Senate yesterday morning in a 15-0 vote.

In his brief confirmation hearing before the Senate’s regular session, Senator Soliai Tuipine Fuimaono reminded him of how his initial nomination to the post of KVZK-TV director by Governor Lemanu in 2020, was rejected by the Senate.

Soliai stated that once the Senate reaches a consensual agreement on whether or not to confirm the governor’s nominations to government posts, that decision is final.

However, this is the first time their decision has been reversed because the governor had earnestly requested their approval.

The Ituau senator said that this doesn’t look good for them as traditional leaders because it reflects irresolute and wavering leadership and the least he can do is to prepare a meal for the senators.

He then moved to excuse the witness and confirm his appointment.

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean also brought up the Senate’s stance in the matter and pointed out certain areas of KVZK-TV’s services to improve when he starts his tenure as director.

First Tuaolo said, he must improve the quality of the news being aired daily and to report on important things that affect the lives of the community, set up a channel to be used exclusively to broadcast Fono sessions and programs, and on Sundays, to insert sermons by pastors of the various denominations on-island or in the mainland, during the hymn program.

He also inquired when a new TV station will be built and Aoelua answered that government is currently looking for funds to fund the construction of a new station.

Aoelua also reassured senators that a channel will be used exclusively to broadcast the Fono sessions and programs.

Aoelua Solomona Aoelua’s name was first submitted by Governor Lemanu to the Fono for their approval in 2022.

However, his nomination was rejected. There were 8 votes for Aoelua, two short of the number required to confirm him. Seven senators voted against his confirmation.

Last year, Governor Lemanu appointed him as Acting Director when former Director Aaron Hall resigned in September 2022.

In his letter dated December 8, 2023 to Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean submitting Aoelua’s name for confirmation as the Director of the Office of Public Information, Governor Lemanu stated in part that “Mr. Aoelua has past experience with the Office of Public Information having worked as a cameraman and later promoted to TV Producer Director.

“His extensive executive management in addition to his working knowledge of media operations makes him an ideal candidate for the position.

“I am resubmitting Mr. Aoelua for confirmation as his confirmation hearing was postponed. Respectfully, I urge you and your colleagues to review and confirm the nomination of Aoelua Solomona Vaioletama Aoelua as the Director for the Office of Public Information.”