In separate unanimous votes of 14-0, the Senate last Friday confirmed the nominations of local attorney Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde as judge pro tempore for the District Court; and Tunupopo T. Alaalafaga as associate judge for the High Court.

The votes were carried out during the Senate session following confirmation hearings held earlier in the day by the Senate Judicial Committee. At the start of the hearing, both nominees were called to the witness table, but about ten minutes later, the committee decided that each nominees would be questioned one at a time, starting with Tauiliili-Langkilde and followed by Tunupopo.

Friends and family members of the two nominees as well as Chief Associate Judge Mamea Sala Jr., were in the Senate gallery during the confirmation hearings.

JUDGE PRO TEMPORE

Because the nominee is also the legal counsel for the election office when needed, Sen. Matautia Afonotele asked Tauiliili-Langkilde about the requirement to hold another election for a new faipule to fill the seat of House District #6, Sua #2 following the sudden passing last month of the late Rep. Lemanu Suiaunoa Talo.

Matautia pointed out that some constituents of the district have questioned why there is a need for a new election and sought an explanation. (Besides Lemapu, the only other candidate in the race was Matagi David Sialega Mauga)

Tauiliili-Langkilde explained that the Nov. 4 general election results have already been certified and that election is done and over with. Further, under the Constitution, if a vacancy occurs, the governor is responsible for calling a special election to fill the vacant seat.