Senate affirms 7 more Samoan Language Commission members

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Senate has confirmed seven more members of the Samoan Language Commission nominated by Gov. Lemanu P. S. Mauga, as the current First Regular Session heads into its final day tomorrow, Apr. 14.

The seven confirmed members during the Senate session on Tuesday are: Deacon Malaki Timu; Rev. Vaimoli Kuresa; Rev. Elder Fouvale Asiata; Deputy Samoan Affairs Secretary Tauese V. Sunia; Rep. Manavaalofa T. Manase; Milaneta Tinitali; and Paopao Kuresa.

The confirmation vote followed a Senate committee hearing earlier in the day, where the nominees appeared.

The Senate had already confirmed the first-three members: former Education director Vaitinasa Dr. Salu Hunkin-Finau, Aiono Okenaisa Fauolo and Sen. Fai’ivae Iuli Godinet.

Of the 11 members of the Commission appointed by the governor, the only member left for Senate confirmation is Education director Talauega Dr. Samasoni Asaeli.

Senators expedited the confirmation process so that the Commission could continue on with its mission and goal, as mandated by law. One of the important tasks for the Commission is to set policies and procedures.

Meanwhile, the Senate also expedited passage of an Administration bill, which seeks to correct the typographic error in the number of Commission members. The governor informed Fono leaders that one provision of current law states that the Commission shall consist of 15 members, but another provision establishes staggered terms for 11 members and describes the qualification for 11 members.

According to the governor, the Administration bill corrects the number to 11 members and deletes 15.

The Senate approved its version of the bill in third reading on Tuesday.