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ABOUT THE STATE OF POHNPEI
The State of Pohnpei is one of the four states that make up the Federated States of Micronesia, along with the states of Chuuk, Kosrae, and Yap. Pohnpei lies just east of Kosrae, which is the eastern-most island in the FSM.
Pohnpei island is the biggest island in the FSM and is circular in shape. Pohnpei has lush tropical forests, and beautiful waterfalls and rivers. It's famous landmarks are Sokehs Rock and the ancient ruins of Nan Madol. It has abundant marine resources especially in its outlying atolls.
Pohnpei State has its own constitutional
government with three co-equal branches of government consisting of
the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The Pohnpei
Constitution also upholds, respects, and protects the customs and traditions of the traditional kingdoms of Pohnpei. See, Art. 5 of the
Pohnpei Constitution.
The Executive Branch is headed by a Governor and Lt. Governor who appoint their own cabinet members and are primarily responsible for executing the laws and administering state government services. See, Art. 9 of the Pohnpei Constitution.
The legislative or law making power of the state is vested in the Pohnpei Legislature whose primary responsibility is to make the law and create state government programs. The Legislature is composed of 23 Senators who are elected by the voters of the electoral districts of Kapingamarangi, Mwokil, Ngetik, Nukuoro, Pingelap, Kolonia Town, Net, Uh, Kitti, Madolenihmw, Sokehs. See, Art. 8 of the Pohnpei Constitution.
The judicial power of the State is vested in the Pohnpei State Court and such inferior courts as may be created by law. The judiciary interprets the constitution and laws of the state. See, Art. 10 of the Pohnpei Constitution.
The state
government leaders and
some key staff are as follows:
| Executive Branch |
| Governor: |
Hon. Reed P. Oliver |
| Lt. Governor: |
[VACANT] |
| Special Assistant/Chief of Staff: |
Mr. Kapilly Capelle |
| Public Affairs Officer: |
Peteriko Hairens |
| Budged Officer: |
Mr. Leon Panuelo Jr. |
| Acting Attorney General: |
Monaliza Abello-Pangelinan, Esq. |
| Assistant Attorney Generals: |
Mr. Judah C. Johnny |
|
Ms. Varanisese Demo K. Bulabalacu |
|
Tyson Elias, Esq. |
| Director, Education: |
Hon. Stanley Etse |
| Director of Fisheries & Aquaculture: |
Hon. Albert Augustine |
| Acting Director of Health & Social Services: |
Mr. Wincener David |
| Director of Land & Natural Resources: |
Hon. Peter Lohn |
| Director of Public Safety: |
Hon. Patrick Carl |
| Chief of Police: |
Mr. Kehper Joel |
| Director of Treasury & Administration: |
Hon. Christina Elinei |
| Director of Resources & Development: |
Hon. Hubert Yamada |
| Director of State Election Commission |
Hon. Heinrick Stevenson |
| Administrator, Office of Transportation and Infrastructure
|
Iso Nahnken of Madolenihmw Hon. John Adolph
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| Acting Program Manager, Pohnpei Management Office |
Mr. Daniel Isaac |
| Administrator, Office of Fisheries & Aquaculture (OFA) |
Hon. Dahker Abraham |
| Chairman, COVID-19 Task Force |
Mr. Winsner David |
| Legislature Branch |
| Speaker: |
Hon. Marvin T. Yamaguchi |
| Vice Speaker: |
Hon. McGarry Miquel |
| Floor Leader: |
Hon. Hudson Abraham |
| Chairman of Committe on Resources & Development: |
Hon. Jason Walter |
| Vice Chairman of Committee on Resources & Development: |
Hon. Jack S. Harris |
| Chairman of Committee on Health: |
Hon. Brian P. Etscheit |
| Vice Chairman of Committee on Health: |
Hon. Helgena J. Johnson |
| Chairman of Committee on Judiciary & Government Operation: |
Hon. Stevick A. Edwin |
| Vice Chairman of Committee on Judiciar & Government Operation: |
Hon. Dahker D. Daniel |
| Chairman of Committee on Environment and Climate Relations: |
Hon. Ricky Carl |
| Vice Chairman of Committee on Environment and Climate Relations: |
Hon. Mikail (Mike) Loyola |
| Chairman of Committee on Social Services, customs, tradition and Historic Preservation: |
Hon. Sonster A. Edgar |
| Vice Chairperson of Committee on Social Services, customs, tradition and Historic Preservation: |
Hon. Kasinda C. Ludwig |
| Chairperson of Committee on PWT&C: |
Hon. Herolyn S. Movick |
| Vice Chairman of Committee on PWT&C |
Hon. Kikuo Apis Jr. |
| Chairperson of Committee on E&CA: |
Hon. Sendilina Lekka |
| Vice Chairman of Committee on E&CA: |
Hon. Mitaro I. Simina |
| Chairman of Committee on Land: |
Hon. Adelino Edmund |
| Vice Chairman of Committee on Land: |
Hon. Nelbert Perez |
| Chairman of Committee on Finance: |
Hon. Stevenson A. Joseph |
| Vice Chairman of Committee on Finance: |
Hon. Aisek Artui |
| Members: |
| Hon. Francisco L. Ioanis |
| Hon. Shelten G. Neth |
| Legislative Clerk: |
Mr. Charles Johnson |
| Legislative Counsel: |
Thomas Beckmann, Esq. |
| Judiciary Branch |
| Chief Justice: |
Hon. Nelson A. Joseph |
| Associate Justices: |
Hon. Nickontro W. Johnny |
| Hon. Mayceleen JD Anson |
| Hon. Erwine Hadley Nanpei |
| Hon. Robert P. Nakasone |
| Court Administrator: |
Mr. Gustine Harris |
| Staff Attorneys: |
[VACANT] |
|
[VACANT] |
| Chief Clerk of Courts: |
Mr. Johnny Peter |
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| Court of Land Tenure |
| Principal Judge: |
Hon. Gusto Ligohr |
| Associate Judges: |
Hon. Oliver Johnny |
|
Hon. Jackson Smith |
| Administrative Officer: |
Mr. Benjamin Ekiek |
| Other Agencies/Organizations |
| Acting Public Devender: |
Timoci Romanu, Esq. |
| MLSC, Directing Attorney: |
Danally Daniel, Esq. |
| MLSC, Trial Counselors: |
Vincent Kollop, Esq. |
|
Belsipa M. Isom, Esq. |
|
Benedict Robert, Esq. |
| Public Auditor: |
Hon. Ihlen Joseph |
| Director of EPA: |
Hon. Henry Susaia |
| Director PTA: |
Hon. Wilson Panuel |
| General Manager PPA: |
Mr. Pius Roby |
| CEO/General Manager PUC: |
Mr. Nixon Anson |
| Commissioner Pohnpei Public Broadcasting Corp.: |
Mr. Peterson Sam |
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