Higher Education Board confirmed

New library board will have to wait until next Legislative session By Asi Andrew Fa'asau andrew@samoanews.com Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Governor’s five nominees to the Board of Higher Education cleared their final hurdle on Monday, securing confirmation from the House of Representatives and completing the approval process that began in the Senate last week. With both chambers now in agreement, the board that oversees the American Samoa Community College is fully authorized to move forward with its work. The House Education and Scholarships Committee, chaired by Rep. Fiu Johnny Saelua, held a brief confirmation hearing Monday morning. The session moved quickly, with no questions directed to the nominees. Several lawmakers noted that the candidates were already well‐known to the government workforce. Rep. Vailoata Amituanai highlighted that all five nominees are long‐serving ASG employees with extensive experience and qualifications. Voting reflected broad support, though not uniformly: • Dr. Oreta Mapu Crichton and Dr. Lina Galeai‐Scanlan were confirmed 17–1. • Brigette Moala and Loata Sipili were approved 16–1. • Sesula Fepuleai McMoore‐Tufele received 15 yes votes and 3 no votes. The variation in totals stemmed from three faipules arriving after the first round of votes. While the House wrapped up its confirmations, the Senate turned its attention to another board. A resolution to confirm seven nominees to the Feleti Barstow Public Library Board of Directors was introduced Monday morning. Senate President Pro Tem Magalei Logovii assigned the measure to the Education Committee but recommended that the committee wait until the next legislative session to hold hearings. With only a few days left in the current session, he said, delaying the process would not harm government operations. The House has already approved the seven library board nominees: Lance J. Glodowski, Fa’ailoa Seui Afalava, Dr. Ernest Tamafili Seiuli, Dr. Salote Aoelua‐Fanene, Lancelot Te‘i, David Edison, and Aitofi Lomu. Their confirmations now rest with the Senate once lawmakers reconvene. Section: Local News Tags: BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION
2026-04-09 16:33:12