Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The newest cabinet member of the Lemanu and Talauega Administration is Director of the Department of Port Administration Mrs. Falenaoti Loi-On Fruean, after she was official approved by the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Jan. 18, in a vote of 17 yays and 1 nay.

This makes her the second woman to head the Department of Port Administration, with Taimalelagi Dr Claire Tuia Poumele being the first.

Mrs. Fruean was appointed after the late Director Christopher King passed away. She had already received the green light from the Senate in a unanimous vote.

According to the governor’s nomination letter to Fono leaders, Fruean has served as deputy director of Port Administration since January 2020 and has held various positions in Port Administration since January 1994.

“Her educational accomplishments as well as her long history with Port Administration makes her an ideal candidate for Director of Port of Administration,” according to Gov. Lemanu P. S Mauga.

House lawmakers said her credentials and years of experience speak for themselves, but urged the director to make transportation for Manu’a a priority.

Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, Rep Tiaoalii Fau Sai asked Fruean to consider the fact that the Manuatele is down and to have a backup plan to ensure transportation to and from Manu’a does not rely solely on air transportation.

During the Senate confirmation hearing, Sen. Magalei Logovi’i shared with the committee that he has known the director-nominee for many years during his time working in government.

And that Loi-On Fruean has worked her way up through the ranks including as deputy director, acting director, and now has been nominated by the governor to the directorship post, said Magalei.

The Tualauta senator described the director-nominee as a person, whose “actions speak louder than words.”