Senate unanimously approves new director for ASSRA

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Senate unanimously approved Save Liuato Afa Tuitele as the Director of the American Samoa Search and Rescue Agency during yesterday’s session.

The vote was 14-0.

Earlier yesterday morning, Save appeared before the Senate Government Operations Committee chaired by Senator Olo Uluao Letuli in a brief hearing attended by members of Save’s family and friends who filled up one side of the gallery.

Committee members seemed to have come to a consensus to approve Save’s nomination before the hearing started and after greeting the witness, Senator Satele Aliitai Lilio stated that he has confidence in Save’s ability to lead this important government agency, due to his many years of service and his vast experience in leadership roles such as being a former DPS Commissioner and former Associate Judge in the local High Court.

“I have no questions, only congratulations and well wishes as he takes on this new challenge to lead this new government department,” Satele said. “I therefore move a motion to excuse the witness and forward a recommendation for the Senate’s approval of his nomination.”

The motion was seconded by Senator Ma’o Faauma Gogo.

According to the Senate Resolution introduced by Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean, “… Mr. Save is a product of the local education system. He graduated from Samoana High School as a member of the National Honor Society before joining the US Army.

“His years of military service highlight his skills in leadership, critical and analytical thinking and problem-solving. He was entrusted with the professional development and safety of hundreds of people as well as equipment valued at millions of dollars.

“He also served the Territory as Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, Director of the Office of Fraud Investigations, and Associate Judge in the High Court. His background and experience make him an ideal leader of the Department of Search and Rescue.”

The Senate unanimous approved Save, which is a complete turn-around from their rejection of Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga’s first nomination to the post, Faamasino Galoia, in January this year. In a vote of 8 ayes to 7 nay, where 10 ayes are needed to be confirmed — Galoia’s nomination was rejected.

The bill legitimizing the establishment of the Search and Rescue Agency was approved by the Senate in final reading in November 2022.

The new department according to the bill will be responsible for providing fire, emergency medical services and marine patrol services for American Samoa. The EMS, Fire Department and Marine Patrol all fall under the ASSRA umbrella.

“The Governor shall appoint a Director of Search and Rescue who is responsible to oversee all operations of the Department of Search and Rescue…” the bill states.

Acting Governor Talauega E.V. Ale’s nominee to the ASSRA head post will testify before the House of Representatives this morning at a Public Safety Committee hearing chaired by Rep. Avagafono T.V. Maiava.