Representative Shaun Vaa has requested the House committee responsible for the Department of Parks and Recreation to look into reports that he’s received from employees of the department.
He said he has been notified by some of the workers that the Acting Director is moving to terminate their services. At the same time the acting director is reported to have hired new employees without going through the proper employment process.
He urged that the House hold a hearing to find out if these reports are true.
House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale said it was his understanding that an acting director who doesn’t pass confirmation cannot continue in the director position. They can be renominated in the next Fono session but they must step down as director once they are disapproved.
He agreed that a hearing should be held to investigate the matter that the faipule has raised.
Section 4.0112 (d) of the American Samoa Code Annotated states: “If a nomination of appointment is rejected, the authority to serve in office ceases immediately. Failure to confirm a nominee at a session at which his confirmation is considered does not preclude the Governor from resubmitting that name for the same position, at the next succeeding session.
Acting Director of Parks and Recreation Tapusalaia Maneafaiga did not pass confirmation in the Senate.
