Following Senate approval of Parks & Rec nomination, House rejects it

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — After declining his initial nomination during the first Fono session, senators reversed their decision last Wednesday following an apology from Tapusalaia Maneafaiga, who was reappointed by the governor to head the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Following the nomination hearing, the Senate convened in regular session, where enators voted 14– 2 in favor of confirming Maneafaiga.

Unfortunately, the nominee’s confirmation in the House of Representatives fell short last Friday. Maneafaiga required 11 votes to secure the appointment; however, only seven representatives voted in favor, while five opposed.

Notably, nine members were absent during the vote, as only 12 faipule attended the House session.

Following the outcome, Faipule Fiu Johnny Saelua introduced a motion for reconsideration, which was subsequently approved. This measure now provides an opportunity for a second vote on the director nominee at a later date.

SENATE HEARING FOR PARKS & REC DIRECTOR

In his opening remarks before the Senate Parks and Recreation Committee, chaired by Senator Noa Vae, Maneafaiga apologized to senators for any earlier misstatements, attributing them to his eagerness to serve. His expression of humility appeared to resonate across the chamber.

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean responded by urging colleagues to give the nominee a second chance. He said the governor’s decision to reappoint Maneafaiga reflects confidence in his ability to lead, adding that the apology personally moved him.

“There are still three years left in the term,” Tuaolo noted, “and the Senate retains its authority to recall him for questioning at any time.”

Senator Muagututi’a Tauoa joined Senate President Tuaolo in supporting Maneafaiga’s confirmation. However, he raised concerns over the state of Onesosopo Park, which has become unusable for Faga'itua High School students and Eastern District youth due to ongoing construction.

In response, Maneafaiga explained that work has begun on a new playground, and once that phase is completed, construction of a stadium will follow. His remarks acknowledged the disruption while outlining the department’s phased approach to development.

In response to questions from Senator Togiola T.A. Tulafono, Maneafaiga confirmed that his tenure as Acting Director of Parks and Recreation ended on March 17, 2025, following his rejection by the Senate. He only resumed duties on June 17, 2025, after being reappointed to the post.

Senator Togiola pressed for clarity on the remaining funds allocated for the Onesosopo Park Stadium. Maneafaiga reported that $3.2 million was still available.

“Where did the other $1 million go?” Togiola followed up. The Acting Director explained that the amount had been used to pay the firm that designed the project.

When asked to name the company, Maneafaiga identified Lively Architects, noting that the firm had been contracted before his appointment.

Togiola remarked that the owner of the company, Mark Lively, also served as contract manager for the new Fono building project, which has taken nearly 15 years to complete, and asked whether the stadium might be constructed in less time.

Maneafaiga assured senators that, if confirmed, he would do his utmost to ensure timely completion. “I like your confidence,” Togiola replied. “Can you be so bold?”

Togiola also inquired about efforts to secure land in the Eastern District for an additional park or playground. Maneafaiga acknowledged the department’s ongoing search but cited land availability as the primary obstacle.

Senator Tuana'itau Malaki Togiola said he was one of the senators who asked tough questions during Maneafaiga's last confirmation hearing, but after listening to a song that Maneafaiga recorded, he has had a change of mind.

Maneafaiga, a former businessman and manager of the Maliu Mai Beach Resort, built a wide following both on-island and throughout the Samoan diaspora in New Zealand, Australia, Hawai‘i, and the U.S.mainland through his musical work with Tap’s Band, which performed regularly at the resort. Among their most popular recordings was a Samoan-language cover of Bon Jovi’s rock ballad “Bed of Roses,” with Maneafaiga featured as lead vocalist.

Senators shared a lighthearted moment when Senator Tuana’itau sang a few bars of the song and asked whether Maneafaiga had in fact been the lead singer. Maneafaiga, who is now an ordained Assembly of God (AOG) pastor, confirmed with a smile. Senator Tuana’itau shared that he had listened to the song the night before and was so moved by it that he decided to support Maneafaiga’s confirmation.

He then appealed to his colleagues to confirm the nominee, saying Maneafaiga should be given the opportunity to serve as Parks and Recreation Director. “If we're dissatisfied with his performance,” Tuana’itau said, “we can always call him back for questioning.”

Senator Si'i Noaese Taetafa outlined three key concerns for the nominee to address if confirmed for the position:

First, he questioned the status of the Turtle & Shark project, which remains unfinished despite previously allocated funding. He asked for clarification on how the funds earmarked for the project were utilized, highlighting the need for transparency and fiscal accountability, particularly for developments at culturally significant sites.

Second, Senator Si'i emphasized that, by law, the Parks & Recreation Commission is required to hold public meetings to solicit community input on any projects proposed for National Park land. He challenged the nominee, Maneafaiga, to publicly commit to urging the Governor to appoint board members who will actively fulfill this obligation by convening meaningful public forums.

Third, the Senator raised a procedural concern: even after the Project Notification and Review System (PNRS) approves environmental and land use assessments for government land, the Zoning Board should still conduct public hearings.

Senator Gaoteote Palaie Tofau reflected on Maneafaiga's previous appearance before the chamber, noting the breadth of plans and projects he had outlined despite being newly appointed at the time.

He acknowledged that reversing a prior decision, particularly one made with careful deliberation, is no small matter. Yet, he affirmed that such a reversal must be rooted in compelling justification, and in this case, that justification is the desire to provide Maneafaiga with the opportunity to serve.