The Senate has confirmed by unanimous vote, 13-0, Fiti Alexander Sunia to serve as District Court Judge of American Samoa.
Sunia replaces Judge John Ward II who has retired.
Sunia was nominated by Chief Justice Michael Kruse, and Govenror Lolo Moliga submitted his name to the Senate for confirmation at the start of this third regular session.
Only Senate confirmation is required for appointments to the bench.
Sunia was appointed to serve as District Court pro tempore in March of last year and according to the chief justice,”has regularly presided in the District Court, serving ably in that position.”
Sunia earned his Juris Doctorate at Howard University School of Law in Washington DC and is admitted to the Pennsylvania, District of Columbia and the American Samoa Bar Association.
He practiced law in Washington D,C for a number of years before returning to American Samoa in 1997 and joined the Attorney General’s Office,
After five years he became Attorrney General. Sunia, who carries the title Muagutitia, left the AG’s office in 2005 to open his law office.
Governor Lolo said in his letter of nomination that Chief Justice Kruse “speaks very highly of Judge Sunia’s learning, character and temperant for the role of judge, noting that he will continue to be an asset to the bench.”
The Senate Judiciary Committee held a confirmation hearing for Sunia this morning, witnessed by his parents Fofo and Tuna Sunia, his wife Agnes, his daughters and other relatives.
