Two more director nominees are officially cleared for their cabinet positions. Director of the Department of Education Maefau Dr. Mary Taufetee was confirmed by the Senate, Thursday, by a unanimous 17-0 vote. The House approved her nomination Monday, also by a unanimous vote.
At Maefau’s confirmation hearing, chaired by Senator Tuialuluu Vaimili, Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean said if she is confirmed, she would be the 8th women to lead the Department of Education. He referenced a statement by Senator Muagututi’a Tauoa that he has full confidence in women to take up leadership positions. “Women do not steal,” he said. Tuaolo told the nominee that their wish, as fathers of the territory, is to secure good quality of education for our children and added that we need good teachers.
Senator Muagututi’a said all he could add to Tuaolo’s statement is to wish Maefau well in her new position, and advised that she lead with love and honesty.
Senator Tuanaitau Malaki Togiola asked the director nominee to review the prices for taro and bananas being sold to the School Lunch Program. He said much of the funding for the School Lunch Program was being spent on imported foods, and this has limited local produce being sold to the program. He said the cost of living has risen, and he felt that the selling price of taro and bananas should be raised.
Senator Utu Sila Poasa pointed out that the DOE Director is a member of the Scholarship Committee, and recommended that the committee liaise with the private sector to identify professions and trades where there’s a shortage of locals to fill these positions.
“We have to identify specific fields where we don’t have enough of our own people, and align the scholarships to fill these areas,” he suggested. Utu pointed out that the territory is also short of lawyers and engineers.
Senator Atualevao Asifoa made a similar recommendation suggesting that the Nu’uuli Vocational Technical High School resume agricultural classes and upgrade mechanical engineering courses.
He said there won’t be enough space on the island for abandoned vehicles that can’t be fixed, because the technology is so advanced and the know-how of auto mechanics is lagging behind. He urged that students be given scholarships in these fields.
Senator Gaoteote Palaie noted that Maefau was a candidate in the recent gubernatorial elections with a platform for change, and he had confidence she was prepared to make changes that will be beneficial for the territory.
Ituau Senator Levu Iosia, as the senator for Maefau’s home district spoke in support of her nomination. He said the Senate is where she can come to seek help.
Maefau shed tears upon hearing the endorsements from senators. She said it was a blessing to hear the fatherly advice from senators, and will take them to heart and make use of them.
House confirms Health Director
The nomination of Dr. Saipale Fuimaono to be Director of Health narrowly passed in the House of Representatives. 11 members voted in support, which is the number needed to pass confirmation. Six representatives voted against. Dr. Fuimaono was unanimously approved by the Senate on Wednesday, so he is cleared to head DOH.
