Fono Briefs by Fili Sagapolutele and La Poasa Samoa News Staff SENATE BILL DISSOLVING ASPA IS REJECTED BY A CLOSE VOTE A Senate measure aimed at dissolving the American Samoa Power Authority by transferring its services to the executive branch was killed yesterday in final reading in the Senate. Nine senators voted to approve the measure while eight voted against it. One more vote was needed in order for the bill to pass. Sen. Tuaolo M. Fruean, who first voiced opposition against the bill, recalled frequent power outages and poor service that happened years back when electric and water were managed by the government (under the Department of Public Works). He said residents cannot escape changes and the cost of living but added that we need to find ways to cut down electric usage and save money. Sen. Tulifua T.P. Lam Yuean reminded senators that the government used to provide a subsidy for ASPA's electric service but that stopped because ASG could not afford it. Salanoa Salanoa, the bill's sponsor, pointed out that it's been almost four years since the Senate tried to help reduce the cost of electricity but nothing has happened, and yet, ASPA officials continue to attribute the hike in electric rates to the increase in fuel prices. He questions what will happen to low-income families when their electricity is disconnected because they can't afford it. Sen. Pulefa'asisina Tuiasosopo said he supports the bill's intention but said there was no testimony presented to the Senate that having ASPA service transferred to ASG will in fact reduce power rates. Sen. Tuitele T. Tuitele said there are other ways to make sure electric and water rates are fair and affordable and one way is through a Public Utilities Commission, which would be similar to commissions established in other U.S. jurisdictions. He said American Samoa cannot control the cost of fuel, but there are ways in which that can be controlled locally, such as cutting down the high salaries and other perks offered to ASPA officials. He said these savings can be passed down to customers. HEARING ON LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH HOLIDAY FOR MOTHERS IS TODAY A bill proposing a holiday to recognize mothers in the territory will be reviewed at a hearing today before the House Rules Committee, chaired by Vice Speaker Agaoleatu Charlie Tautolo. The hearing was initially set for last Friday but it has been pushed back to today. Those who are scheduled to testify at the hearing are the governor's chief counsel Tasi Tuiteleleapaga, Human Resources director Malu Mageo, and Treasurer Gaea Pelefoti Failautusi. The legislation is sponsored by House Reps. Fiasili Pun E. Haleck and Mary L.M. Taufete'e - the only female lawmakers serving in the current legislature and proposes the Monday after Mother's Day be recognized as the official Mother's Day holiday. SENATE AMENDS POLITICAL CAMPAIGN BAN BILL TO INCLUDE A FINE PROVISION A bill that would prohibit the public display of political campaign signs, such as billboards and display illustrations, has been amended to include penalties against those who violate the bill if enacted into law. The amended bill was approved by the Senate yesterday on second reading. A final or third reading of the bill is scheduled for today. The legislation now provides that violators will be fined "no less than $100". The amendment was made by the Senate Government Operations Committee, which reviewed the bill. SENATE TO REVIEW NOMINEES ON REGISTRATION FOR PROFESSIONAL SURVEYORS TOMORROW The Senate Public Works Committee, chaired by Sen. Tulifua Tini Lam Yuen, will hold a confirmation hearing on Wednesday to review the governor's nominations of four individuals to serve on the ASG's Board of Registration for Professional Surveyors. The new nominees, who are subject to Senate approval and would each serve three year terms, are Faleosina Voight, Fa'ipaua Mareko, Taulapapa William Sword and Meko L. Aiumu. Voight, deputy director for the Department of Public Works, holds an Associate of Arts degree from the American Samoa Community College and a Bachelor of Science degree from Idaho State University. She is a licensed professional engineer in Hawaii. Mareko, manager of the ASPA wastewater operation plant, is a graduate of ASCC. He obtained an Associates of Science for Design Technology (Architectural and Civil) degree from Utah Technical College. Taulapapa, a licensed professional land surveyor in the territory, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Science in Construction Engineering Management from Oregon State University. He is currently the terminal manager/terminal engineer for British Petroleum in the territory. Aiumu currently serves as the manager of the Land and Survey Division of the Department of Public Works. He attended Honolulu Community College in 1969 where he received his Survey Management training. HOUSE TO REVIEW DBAS APPROPRIATIONS BILL TOMORROW The House Budget and Appropriations is scheduled to review tomorrow legislation that would allocate $1 million every year to the Development Bank of American Samoa (DBAS) to assist the bank in achieving its purpose of promoting private enterprise and developing the local economy. Those who are scheduled to provide testimony at the tomorrow's hearing are representatives of Treasury and the Budget Office. Proponents of the legislation say the $1 million annual appropriation will benefit the community and boost economic development. Reach Fili Sagapolutele at fili@samoanews.com. Reach La Poasa at la@samoanews.com. © Osini Faleatasi Inc. dba Samoa News reserves all rights.