A former American Samoa Assistant Attorney General and the first director of the short-lived Office of Special Prosecutor now sits on the bench in Washington State.
Fa’amomoi Masaniai is the first Samoan to be appointed to a judgeship in the state after he was unanimously confirmed by the Metropolitan King County Council during a virtual meeting on Tuesday. Judge Masaniai fills a vacancy in the King County District Court Southwest District.
He has served as a pro-tem judge in numerous municipal courts in King and Pierce counties in the state of Washington for many years.
“I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve the people of King County as a district court judge,” says Judge Masaniai.
“In the Samoan community, love, respect and honor are important value, which I am committed to bring to all people who come into my courtroom,” he added.
Judge Masaniai’s legal experience includes work in both criminal defense and prosecution. He has argued cases in numerous legal venues, including district and municipal courts in Washington state; the United States District Courts for Western and Eastern Washington, the United States Bankruptcy Court and courts in American Samoa.
In American Samoa, Masaniai was well known for prosecuting cases on human trafficking, immigration violations and public corruption.
King County councilman Pete Von Reichbauer said the appointment was made after a vigorous vetting and interview process.
“I am pleased to be able to support Fa’amomoi’s appointment to the District Court,” Mr. Reichbauer said.
He continued, “He has a history of persevering, even when the odds were against him. From walking onto the Washington State University football team to earning his law degree, Fa’amomoi has demonstrated a strong work ethic and an ability to take paths less travelled, which will serve our District Court system well.”
The King County District Court is the largest court of limited jurisdiction in the state of Washington processing approximately 200,000 matters per year.
Photo: Judge Fa’amomoi Masaniai & his wife Polu Fuatagavi Masaniai.
