The Senate confirms three department directors

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Senate confirmed three department directors during its Wednesday morning session.

Taua’isafune Niualama Taifane was approved as Director of the Office of Budget Programs and Development, Tapusalaia Maneafaiga received confirmation to lead the Department of Parks and Recreation, and Nathan Ilaoa earned unanimous support as Director of the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources.

Taua’isafune’s confirmation passed with an 11-5 vote; Maneafaiga’s appointment was endorsed 14-2; and Ilaoa’s nomination received full backing from the Senate with a 16-0 vote.

Taua’isafune and Ilaoa are now fully cleared to serve in the Pula and Pulu cabinet following unanimous approval by the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

Taua’isafune Niualama Taifane was approved as Director of the Office of Budget Programs and Development in both chambers. [photo: AF]

Maneafaiga’s confirmation hearing was held in the House yesterday, following the conclusion of its regular session. A formal vote by Representatives is expected to take place today.

During the Senate confirmation hearing, Senator Gaoteote Palaie Tofau raised concerns about the current salary structure. He noted that the Governor earns $120,000 annually, the Lieutenant Governor $100,000, while directors and executive assistants are receiving salaries ranging from $80,000 to $90,000, with some reportedly earning even more.

Senator Gaoteote asked Taua’isafune whether she would advise the Governor to consider widening the salary gap between the top executive offices and subordinate positions. Taua’isafune responded that she would offer counsel to the Governor on the matter, but emphasized that the final decision rests with him.

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean said he had no concerns about the nominee’s credentials, noting that Taifane’s background is rooted mainly in the field of education.

Tuaolo asked whether she had personally requested to be appointed as Budget Director, to which Taua’isafune replied no. He acknowledged her unwavering support during the Pula and Pulu campaign and said he had expected she would be among the first to receive an opportunity to choose a position in government.

Taua’isafune explained that her involvement in the campaign stemmed from a deep belief in the leadership of Pula and Pulu, not from a desire to secure a government role. After the election, she said director positions were publicly advertised and required formal applications. She had not been seeking a government post at the time, as she was already employed. While the Governor did extend an offer, she noted that he had also consulted with other individuals and committees, and so she waited. When the opportunity arose, she felt it was a calling.

Asked whether she had contributed to the preparation of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, Taua’isafune said that after her appointment, she collaborated with then Acting Budget Director Aukuso Satia to assist in compiling the budget. Local revenues for the proposed FY2026 Budget are estimated at $141.2 million, according to the executive summary submitted to the Fono.

In response to a question about plans should revenue targets not be met, Taua’isafune stated that her office, in consultation with the Treasurer and Governor, would explore measures to strengthen revenue collection.

Tuaolo also referenced comments from members of Taua’isafune’s family who described her as a strict and uncompromising matai. The nominee responded with humility, expressing that while some relatives may see her as hard-line, her role as a matai obligates her to protect both family members and communal property. She assured him that she is, at heart, a loving person and a Christian.

Alataua Senator Noa Vae described her as one of the most devoted and dependable matai of Alataua, highlighting her longstanding service to her family, village, district, church, and government. He expressed confidence in her qualifications for the role to which she was appointed.

Senator Tuana’itau Malaki Togiola raised concern over a salary discrepancy, noting that one of the executive advisors in the Governor’s Office receives compensation equal to that of the Lieutenant Governor. He asked Taua’isafune to explain this disparity.

“I don’t believe this was the right move by the Governor,” she replied. She pledged that, if confirmed, she would advise on measures to address the imbalance.

Meanwhile, Senator Togiola T.A. Tulafono drew attention to the reduction in projected local revenues for Fiscal Year 2026, from $165 million in the current fiscal year to $141.3 million. He noted the absence of provisions to address the government's outstanding debts and pointed out that the 10 percent budget ceiling reductions prescribed in FY2025 had not been properly implemented across departments.

Senator Togiola expressed deep concern over the government’s mounting debts, including its obligations to the Retirement Fund, noting that there is still no clear plan to address them. With only two months remaining in the fiscal year, he said the administration has yet to propose any revenue-generating measures to offset the shortfall.

In response, nominee Taua’isafune shared that legal counsel is currently examining whether ARPA funds could be used to cover the Retirement Fund debt, given that employee contributions were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. She added that a supplemental appropriation had also been considered, but the Governor did not support it.

When asked whether a sales tax might be introduced, Taua’isafune confirmed that it is among the measures being explored. If confirmed, she said she would strongly advocate for implementing a sales tax to help stabilize local revenues.