Aunu’u lawmaker barely escapes censure for “outlandish” behavior

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The House of Representatives has given the Aunu’u lawmaker — Rep Titialii Kitara Vaiau  — strong advice regarding what is being characterized as continual behavior —making outlandish remarks and interrupting other faipule while they have the floor.

Rep Titialii was supposed to face censure by the House for behavior that his colleagues’ feel is unbecoming of a lawmaker. However, after receiving advice from the house leaders during a closed door discussion to address the issue, called by the Vice Speaker of the House. Fetu Fetui Jr after the House session last Friday, Titiali’i was given another chance.

The Aunuu lawmaker is known for his ‘bad’ behavior during committee hearings or even during fono sessions.

The latest incident happened last Friday morning as the confirmation hearing for the Director of Department of Youth, Women Affairs (DYWA), Dr. Salote Aoelua Fanene was coming to a close. Titialii who is chair of the Youth and Woman Affairs committee, arrived late and as a result, vice chairman Rep. Lavea Fatulegaee Palepoi Mauga chaired the hearing.

Throughout the hearing, Titiali’i kept signaling to Lavea to give him a chance to speak, however, Lavea kept ignoring Titiali’i’s request but continued on with the confirmation hearing.

At the same time, Titiali’i was also signaling to the director nominee not to answer questions posed by faipule. After final remarks by Fetu and Rep. Lavea were given, Titialii interrupted and said he wanted to advise the “children of the House” about leadership for the education of members of the committee.

Titiali’i told Lavea that he kept signaling him to give him a chance to say something to the witness but he kept ignoring him.

“Okay, you all better listen to me while I’m trying to address this beautiful director nominee appearing before us …”

As Titiali’i was speaking, Lavea, Fetu and Rep. Vailoata E. Amituana’i were also speaking to Titiali’i at the same time and trying to stop him from making any further statements. Four people speaking at the same time made it very difficult for members of the committee to her the message.

Rep Amituanai reacted angrily telling Lavea to advise Titiali’i that they are not his children, they are elected representatives of their districts.

Lavea apologized to the committee and then gave the floor to the director nominee for her closing remarks where she tearfully thanked representatives for taking their time to meet with her and hear her statement.

After the Director was excused, Vice Speaker Fetu expressed his displeasure with Titialii’s behavior. Titialii’ then swore profanities while turning to the other side, right in front of the area where two house employees and media personnel were sitting.

Fetu continued to speak and told Titiali’i that he keeps on ignoring House Rules especially when it comes to committee hearings.

Titiali’i interrupted and told Fetu that he should blame Lavea because he was the person who caused his anger. He kept asking Lavea for a chance to address the witness as he is the committee chair but Lavea never listened.

Fetu reminded Titiali’i that the reason Lavea never give him the chance to chair the confirmation hearing was because he came in late. Fetu also reminded the Aunu’u lawmaker that it’s very unprofessional and rude for committee members to argue among themselves in front of the witness.

“You keep [up] this type of attitude, and it takes away the integrity of this chamber,” Fetu told Titiali’i.

Titiali’i was very angry and immediately stood up and left the Chamber while Fetu was still speaking, addressing the issue. He opened the door by pushing it by force and the door made a loud noise that caught the attention of lawmakers.

Fetu called out to the Aunu’u lawmaker to stop his childish behavior before he comes out and ‘demolishes’ him (sole, ou ke alu aku loa iiga kaei oe eh).

Fetu was very angry, and stood up and went to follow TItiali’i out, however, his colleagues stopped him from leaving the chamber and advised him to be patient. Fetu acknowledged his colleagues advice, but told them that he wanted to go to the House Speaker (who was at the Samoan Fale at the time) to advise him of the situation. Fetu did go outside but he remained inside the chamber.

Several lawmakers took their time to voice their disappointment about what they had observed.

Veteran Lawmaker.s Vaetasi Tuumolimoli Moliga said that he very disappointed with the attitude of the lawmaker from Saole,

“This lawmaker’s action not only brings disrepute to the House but also makes us all look bad and people will think that the House of Representatives members are all behaving like this man — but we’re not,” Vaetasi said, adding that that they need to address the problem as soon as possible.

Vaetasi suggested a suspension or other disciplinary action to make Titialii realize the error of his ways. He said the news will spread to the whole community and constituents might think that this how the House of Representative operates during their daily tasks.

Reps. Vailoata and Avagafono echoed Vaetasi’s opinion.

Vailoata said that this is not the first time Titiali’i had done this in the House and immediate action was needed to address the problem.

Avagafono also supported the statements made by Vaetasi and Vailoata. He further stated that they also need to pray for Titiali’i’s safety and well being because issues like this are not easy.

The Vice Speaker said he would take the matter up with Speaker Savali Talavou Ale after their discussion.

Samoa News understands that there was a heated confrontation of words between the Vice Speaker and Titiali’i at the Samoan Fale, where Titiali’i challenged Fetu to a fist fight. Several lawmakers, House Speaker and several House employees witnessed what happened.

When given the chance during the House session, Titiali’i apologized to lawmakers for his action and begged for forgiveness. He also apologized to Vice Speaker Fetu for what happened and said that he’s sorry.

A closed door discussion to address the issue was held after the session. Samoa News was told that leaders of the House and all faipule agreed to give Titiali’i another chance.

A similar incident like this one also happened on Tuesday during the House Judiciary Committee hearing with the Attorney General, Fainu’ulelei Falefatu Ala’ilima-Utu, when Titiali’i interrupted while the committee chairman, Rep. Vaetasi Tuumolimoli Saena Molia had the floor.