Senate committee hears ACEDA confirmation; nominee cites favorable second-quarter collections and board legal counsel plan

A representative of the governor’s office appeared before the Senate committee to seek confirmation to the American Samoa Economic Development Authority board of directors and outlined the board’s makeup and recent revenue trends.

The nominee, appearing for confirmation, told senators the board currently includes two lawyers and that the governor’s office intends to consider adding the attorney general to the board when a vacancy arises. The nominee said the board seat being filled was formerly held by Fainu Lelei, whose term expired.

“...we have two lawyers on the board, Fainu Fainu Le… and we have Terry Van Eaton also representing on this board,” the governor’s representative said. He added that when Terry Van Eaton leaves the board the plan is to bring the attorney general onto the board.

On public finances, the nominee referenced the government’s outstanding bond obligations and debt service tied to what he described as the cedar bonds, and said the treasurer reported second-quarter collections were “very favorable” compared with the first quarter. He said the government still has bills to pay to local vendors and urged development of a strategy to return the government to a positive balance.

The nominee praised the status of the bonds as discussed with the executive secretary, identified in the hearing as Lulu Barber, and said the bond position appeared to be in good shape.

Why it matters: board composition and financial strategy shape how the authority will steward public projects and manage obligations tied to bond issuances. Senators asked questions about qualifications and succession planning for the board’s legal seat.

The hearing continued to other nominees; the committee said it would deliberate and inform the nominee later of any decision.