Governor submits nominations for two ASG boards

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Gov. Lemanu P. S. Mauga has appointed Uta Dr. Laloulu Tagoilelagi as a member of the Board of Higher Education — the governing board of the American Samoa Community College; and Taulapapa William Sword, as member of the Board of Registration for Professional Surveyors.

BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION

In an Aug. 30 nomination letter to Fono leaders, the governor noted that Uta is an experienced educator with many years of experience in local government. He has a Masters and Doctorate degree in Education and has served as the Director of the American Samoa Department of Education in the past.

“His experience in education and passion to create a better education system for the people of American Samoa will make him a valuable member of the Board of Higher Education,” the governor pointed out.

According to the governor, Uta — if confirmed by the Fono — will serve a 4-year term expiring in 2027.

BOARD OF REGISTRATION

In a separate Aug. 30 nomination letter to the Senate President, the governor pointed out that Taulapapa holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and a Masters in Construction Engineering Management from Oregon State University.

Additionally, he is a licensed engineer in both Oregon and American Samoa and is also a licensed professional land surveyor in American Samoa. Taulapapa has served on the Board of Registration for Professional Surveyors previously “and provided valuable insight and experience during his first term.”

If confirmed by the Senate, Taulapapa will serve a 3-year term expiring in 2026, the governor said.

Local law states that the Board of Registration for Professional Surveyors membership shall consist of the Director of Public Works who shall serve as chairman, and 4 members appointed by the Governor with the approval of the Senate only. (Samoa News notes that, this means only the Senate reviews and approves nominations to this ASG board.)

Among the duties and responsibilities of the board cited in the law is to, qualify all persons who shall practice the profession of land surveying in the territory; and receive applications for certificates of registration and issue such certificates to those who meet its qualifications.