Taimalelagi and Faleafine-Nomura unanimously confirmed to LBJ Board

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Yesterday's Senate confirmation hearing for Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Tuia-Poumele and Lydia Faleafine-Nomura, both nominated by Gov. Pulaalii N. Pula to serve on the American Samoa Medical Center (ASMC) Board of Directors, was a brief and straightforward proceeding.

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean remarked that Tualauta senators Magalei Logovii and Tuana'itau Malaki Togiola must be especially proud of the nominees, noting that both hail from their district.

Tuaolo highlighted that Dr. Tuia-Poumele and Faleafine-Nomura are highly respected and well-known members of the community, recognized for their many years of dedicated service to the government. He also paid tribute to Dr. Tuia-Poumele's late father, a longtime lawmaker, acknowledging his invaluable role as a mentor and teacher to them when they were first elected to the Legislature.

The Senate President praised the nominees, stating that they are highly qualified in their respective fields and expressed full confidence in their ability to serve effectively on the ASMC Board of Directors. He urged his fellow senators to give their approval, emphasizing that their expertise and experience would greatly benefit the board and the territory’s healthcare system.

Tuaolo reminded those present at the hearing of Senator Muagututi‘a's earlier advice, emphasizing that it is time for the sons and daughters of American Samoa to step forward and take the helm of leadership.

He stressed that it was their time to help shape a stronger future and ensure that all residents have the opportunity to enjoy a higher standard of living. He then moved that Senator Muagututi‘a, as the most senior member of the Senate, be given the honor of bestowing his blessings upon the nominees as they prepare to assume their new responsibilities.

Muagututi‘a expressed his gratitude to Tuaolo for the opportunity and, in addressing the nominees, commended them for their nearly four decades of dedicated service to the government of American Samoa.

"I want to thank Governor Pulaalii for recognizing your many years of dedicated service to the government and the people of American Samoa," Senator Muagututi‘a stated. "You are exactly the kind of individuals we need to help lead our government — people who have consistently demonstrated, through decades of hard work and unwavering commitment, a genuine desire to improve the lives of our residents and to build a better future for our territory."

Muagututi‘a then offered his blessings to the nominees, expressing his heartfelt support and well wishes as they prepare to take on their new responsibilities.

He also urged them to share any plans or initiatives they may have to improve healthcare services throughout the Territory, emphasizing the critical role of the ASMC Board in addressing the community’s needs. Muagututi‘a stated that the Senate had been deeply dissatisfied with the performance of the previous board, citing a lack of transparency, poor accountability, and a pattern of flawed decision-making.

Dr. Tuia-Poumele, a career educator and former Director of both the Department of Education (DOE) and the Port Administration, responded cautiously, acknowledging that she does not have direct experience in healthcare services.

However, she emphasized her commitment to learning and understanding the healthcare system by closely observing operations and engaging directly with those on the frontlines — not only the hospital’s administrative staff but, more importantly, the doctors, nurses, and all employees directly involved in patient care.

Taimalelagi stated that only through this hands-on approach would she be able to identify key issues and determine which matters should be brought to the attention of the chairman and fellow board members. She further stressed that through careful deliberation and collaboration, the board would be able to make well-informed recommendations on what actions need to be implemented to enhance the quality of healthcare services provided to the public.

Faleafine-Nomura, currently serving as the Department of the Interior's American Samoa Field Representative, emphasized the importance of engaging with hospital employees at all levels — from the CEO to the janitorial staff.

“The heart of any organization is its people,” she said. “When I was selected for this board, my primary thought was: how can I best serve both the hospital and the community? And the first step is listening to those who work there.”

She added, “I would encourage the chairman and my fellow board members to convene staff meetings that include every employee at the hospital. We need to hear directly from them about the challenges they face and their ideas for solutions.”

Faleafine-Nomura also emphasized the need for ongoing professional development.

“It’s essential to provide progressive training opportunities for doctors, nurses, and all staff directly involved in healthcare services. Equally important are those in hospital administration, whose work is vital to the smooth and effective operation of the facility.”

In the Senate’s regular session that followed, both women were unanimously confirmed, each receiving a 15- 0 vote of approval.

Hospital Board nominations need only be confirmed by the Senate.

Meanwhile, the Senate Parks and Recreation Committee is scheduled to convene at 8:30 this morning for the confirmation hearing of Governor Pulaalii’s appointment of Andrew A. Pelesasa as Parks and Recreation Director.

This will be followed by the first of the FY2026 Joint Budget hearings, which are also scheduled to take place in the Senate chambers.