House members of the 38th Legislature sworn-in yesterday

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The longest serving lawmaker, Alataua Representative Savali Talavou Ale has been reelected Speaker of the American Samoa House of Representatives for another two years. 

With a total of 19 votes cast for him, it was unanimous. The swearing in ceremony for the 38th legislature was held at the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium conference room, which is being used as a temporary chamber for the House while legislators wait for completion of the new Fono building.

Absent from the swearing in ceremony was Manu’a Rep Alumamalu Filoialii who is currently off island.

House members of the 38th legislature were sworn in by Chief Associate Judge Mamea Sala Jr.  The five new lawmakers are Shawn Onosai Va’a, Malaeoletalu Melesio Gurr, Tapai Alailepule Benjamin Vaivao, Tautoloitua Sauasetoa Ho Ching, and Fiu John Saelua.

The returning Reps are Savali; Fetu Fetui Jr.; Alumamalu Ale Sea Filoiali’i; Tiaoalii Fauagiga Sai; Titiali'i Kitara Vaiau; Luaitaua Gene Pan; Avagafono Tuavao Vaimaga Maiava; Vailoata Eteuati Amituana’i; Vesiai Poyer S. Samuelu; Faimealelei Anthony Fu'e Allen; Manumaua Wayne C. Wilson; Samuel Ioka Ale Meleisea; Larry Simou Sanitoa; Manavaalofa Tutuila Manase; Ape Mike Asifoa - Aitulagi and Su'a Alexander Eli Jennings.

Reverend Faaili Otineru of the Fagalii Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa during the sermon used the story of Tuna and Fata and how they won the battle between Samoa and Tonga to illustrate the importance of strategizing and preparation ahead of time.

He cited the importance of “being well prepared” and urged lawmakers to be ready. “Whether you are new to the political arena or a senior member, that is pointless unless you’re prepared,” he said. 

The only nomination for the Speakership was motioned by Manu’a Representative Fetu Fetui, and Aua Representative Faimelalelei Anthony Allen seconded the nomination.

After the vote, the Speaker thanked his colleagues for their trust and faith in him to lead them in the 38th legislature.

“I am thankful to God for the unanimous decision by the House of Representatives as evident by the votes cast and I am grateful and thankful of the trust by you all so I can continue to serve the government and the people through the Speaker’s office,” said Speaker Savali.

He also cited the importance of working together.

The Chief Clerk of the House Vaiatiu Mulinuu Maluia was reelected by unanimous vote as he was the only nominee. Vaiaitiu’s nomination was motioned by Ituau Representative  Manumaua Wayne Wilson, and was seconded by freshman faipule Lotoaoalii Joseph Ho Ching. 

The lone nominee for House Seargeant at Arms was Line Olo who was elected by unanimous vote after he was nominated by Rep. Vailoata Eteuati Amituanai and seconded by Rep. Faimelalelei Anthony Allen.