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: |
Hon. Feliciano Perman |
Chief of Staff: |
Mrs. Susan Lowe-Gallen |
Public Affairs Officer: |
Mr. Kapilly Capelle |
Budged Officer: |
Mr. Leon Panuelo Jr. |
Attorney General: |
[VACANT] |
Assistant Attorney Generals: |
Monaliza Abello-Pangelinan, Esq. |
|
Mr. Judah C. Johnny |
|
Mr. Israel Mella |
Director, Education: |
Hon. Stanley Etse |
Director of Fisheries & Aquaculture: |
Hon. Albert Augustine |
Director of Health & Social Services: |
Hon. Wincener David |
Director of Land & Natural Resources: |
Hon. Peter Lohn |
Director of Public Safety: |
Hon. Patrick Carl |
Chief Police: |
Mr. Hermis Edmund |
Director of Treasury & Administration: |
Hon. Christina Elinei |
Director of Resources & Development: |
Hon. Hubert Yamada |
Director of State Election Commission |
Hon. Heinrick Stevenson |
Legislature Branch |
Speaker: |
Hon. Ausen T. Lambert |
Vice Speaker: |
Hon. Stevick A. Edwin |
Floor Leader: |
Hon. McGarry Miquel |
Chairman of Committe on Resources & Development: |
Hon. Marvin T. Yamaguchi |
Vice Chairman of Committee on Resources & Development: |
Hon. Hudson Abraham |
Chairman of Committee on Health & Social Services: |
Hon. Shelten G. Neth |
Vice Chairman of Committee on Health & Social Services: |
Hon. Helgena J. Johnson |
Chairman of Committee on Judiciary & Government Operation: |
Hon. Jack S. Harris |
Vice Chairman of Committee on Judiciar & Government Operation: |
Hon. Dahker D. Daniel |
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. Sonster A. Edgar |
Chairman of Committee on Land: |
Hon. Adelino Edmund |
Vice Chairman of Committee on Land: |
Hon. Nelbert Perez |
Chairman of Committee on Finance: |
Hon. Salter Loyola |
Vice Chairman of Committee on Finance: |
Hon. Stevenson A. Joseph |
Members: |
Hon. Aisek Artui |
Hon. Mitaro Simina |
Hon. Jayson Walter |
Hon. Kacinda Ludwig |
Hon. Francisco Ioanis |
Hon. Ricky Carl |
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 |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
Mr. Benedict Robert |
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 |
|