Governor Lemanu appoints Independent Living Council

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Pursuant to the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Gov. Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Sialega Mauga early last week appointed new and continuing members of the American Samoa Statewide Independent Living Council - which is the advisory panel dealing with services for those with disabilities and their families.

The appointment of the 18-member panel, to serve three-year terms, also provides sectors of the community that each member represents. The members are:

Poumele P. Galea’i, Executive Director (ex-officio member); Makerita Enesi, Consumer; Punipuao Sivas, Human Resources deputy director; Norma Smith, Human Resources Department; Matautu Dr. Peter Tinitali Director, Office of Protection and Advocacy for the Disabled; Tafaimamao Tua-Tupuola ASCC-UCEDD; Rev. Pelekina Laupati, Consumer; Evelyn Lili’o Satele, director Territorial Administration on Aging; Vaiausia E. Yandall, Consumer; Dr. Herbert Boat, ASDOE-Special Education; Paepaetele Mapu Jamias, Veterans Affairs; Manuia Lacambra; Guardian; Solipo Samuel Tagaloa, Parent; Rep. Vesiai Poyer Samuelu, Advocate-Private; Esther Solaita-Pelefoti, American Samoa Center for Independent Living; Sigalu Tinitali, ASCC-Student Services; Fausaga Taufete’e, Consumer; and Dana Love-Ili, Advocate/SPEDInstructor.

According to the governor’s memo, the Council shall select a chairperson during the first meeting among voting members. And the governor has directed all departments and agencies of ASG to support and where appropriate, assist the Council in the development and implementation of its goals.