Governor replaces Tualatai District county chief

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Maiavatele Vaigafi Maiava is replacing Fuimaono Ponafala as County Chief of Tualatai District.

This was confirmed in a general memorandum issued by Governor Lemanu P. S Mauga recently.

 “After consideration of the recommendations of the county council, upon the request of a majority of the chiefs of the county, and pursuant to A.S.C.A. Sections 5.0201 and 5.0202, County Chief Fuimaono Ponafala is removed as County Chief of Tualatai County and Maiavatele Vaigafi Maiava is appointed County Chief of Tualatai County to complete the remainder of the four-year term.”

According to local laws there shall be in each county a County Chief, appointed by the Governor of American Samoa after he considers the recommendations of the appropriate County Council and District Governor as to who should be appointed.

The law states that the County Chief shall preside at the meetings of the County Council, act under the District governor of the district and communicate with him upon all matters concerning his county, be responsible for the welfare and good order of the people of his county, and report all meetings of the County Council to the District Governor.

 “Also a County Chief may be removed from office by the Governor, either directly or upon request of a majority of the chiefs of his county, for misconduct, incompetence, or neglect of duty.”