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Resolution to increase Manu’a senators passed unanimously by Senate

Now goes to the House, but only 2 more days left in the session
fili@samoanews.com

Lawmakers reconvened yesterday after a mid session recess of one and half weeks with the current 4th Regular Session of the 34th Legislature to officially close tomorrow, Friday, with the dedication of the newly renovated Samoan Guest Fale on the Fono compound. 

At yesterday’s Senate session senators passed in third and final reading the Senate Joint Resolution which seeks to increase the number of Manu’a senatorial seats from three to five.

Before the final vote was carried out, Senate President Gaoteote Tofau Palaie noted that Friday is the final session day and it would be great for the Senate to end the 34th Legislature with a good decision on the resolution - which was introduced in February this year.

Because the joint resolution seeks to amend of the constitution, Gaoteote said the measure would still need to go through three separate readings before it’s presented to the governor to be placed on a referendum in the November general election.

However, he said there are only two days left in the current session and no one knows how the House will act on the measure.  And after the measure was approved, Gaoteote says “we wash our hands clean” of the measure.

The final Senate vote on the resolution was unanimous 14-0 to pass. Those who voted yes for approval are: Senators Galeai Tu’ufuli, Laolagi F.S. Vaeao, Fuiava Avaloa, Matautia L. Afonotele, Tialavea Misualapa, Tuaolo M. Fruean, Afoa M. Lutu, Uti Petelo, Soliai Tuipine Fuimaono, Alo Fa’auuga, Gaea P. Failautusi, Leatualevao Asifoa, Avegalio P. Aigamaua and Senate President Gaoteote Tofau Palaie.

The resolution, sponsored by Galeai, goes to the House where it is expected to go through first reading today.

The resolution would increase the number of senators from 18 to 20 — with five from the Manu’a District, which would be “composed of one senator from each of the five respective traditional counties of the Manu’a: Ta’u, Fitiuta, Faleasao, Olosega and Sili, and Ofu.”

Galeai had said that Manu’a had traditionally had 5 senators — representing the five counties — from the beginning until some years later when it was reduced to three — two senators representing Ta’u, Fitiuta and Faleasao and one senator representing Olosega and Ofu.

“The Manu’a districts have been at a disadvantage in the Senate for too many years,” he said, and that it’s “time that Senate representation in American Samoa mirror images that of the rest of the United States.”

BACKGROUND

Increasing the number of Manu’a senators from three to five was one of the many amendments approved during the 2010 Constitutional Convention, and it was rejected when all the amendments were put to voters under a one-question ballot for electors to vote “yes” or “no” to the amendments, with the “no” winning the day.

Speaking to the Fono in January this year, Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga suggested that the Legislature look at any proposed amendments to the Constitution and if the Fono approves a particular issue it will be automatically placed on a referendum for the people to vote on during this year’s election. He said this process is more cost effective then spending funds to hold another constitutional convention.