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. Stevenson Joseph |
Lt. Governor: |
Hon. Herolyn S. Movick |
Special Assistant/Chief of Staff: |
Mr. Benjamin Rodrigues |
Public Affairs Officer: |
Mr. Patrick Petrus |
Budged Officer: |
Mr. Anthony Dainard |
Attorney General: |
Belsipa Mikel Isom, 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. Jorg Anson |
Director of Health & Social Services: |
Mr. Stuart Penias |
Director of Land & Natural Resources: |
Hon. Luciano Abraham |
Director of Public Safety: |
Hon. Eltes Pelep |
Chief of Police: |
Mr. Kehper Joel |
Director of Treasury & Administration: |
Hon. Sihna Lawrence |
Director of Resources & Development: |
Hon. Mark Kostika |
Director of State Election Commission |
Hon. Alperihna Donre |
Administrator, Office of Transportation and Infrastructure
|
Hon. Daniel Isaac |
Acting Program Manager, Pohnpei Management Office |
Mr. David Hawkins |
Administrator, Office of Fisheries & Aquaculture (OFA) |
Hon. Dahker Abraham |
Legislative Branch |
Speaker: |
Hon. Marvin T. Yamaguchi |
Vice Speaker: |
Hon. McGarry Miquel |
Floor Leader: |
Hon. Hudson Abraham |
Chairman of Committe on Resources & Development: |
Hon. Bill E. Edward |
Vice Chairman of Committee on Resources & Development: |
Hon. Francisco Simram |
Chairman of Committee on Health: |
Hon. Shelten G. Neth |
Vice Chairman of Committee on Health: |
Hon. Tendy Tesiwo Liwy |
Chairman of Committee on Judiciary & Government Operation: |
Hon. Nelbert A. Perez |
Vice Chairman of Committee on Judiciar & Government Operation: |
Hon. Edgar W. Lickaneth |
Chairman of Committee on Environment and Climate Relations: |
Hon. Aisek Artui |
Vice Chairman of Committee on Environment and Climate Relations: |
Hon. Benjamin H. Ludwig |
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. Kikuo Apis, Jr. |
Chairperson of Committee on PWT&C: |
Hon. Denny L. Lebehn |
Vice Chairman of Committee on PWT&C |
Hon. Aurelio P. Joab |
Chairperson of Committee on E&CA: |
Hon. Mitaro I. Simina |
Vice Chairman of Committee on E&CA: |
Hon. Dionisio E. Saimon |
Chairman of Committee on Land: |
Hon. Alfredson Ladore |
Vice Chairman of Committee on Land: |
Hon. Welfred H. Edmund |
Chairman of Committee on Finance: |
Hon. Ricky Carl |
Vice Chairman of Committee on Finance: |
Hon. McGarry Miguel |
Members: |
Hon. Peteriko L. Hairens |
Hon. Stevick A. Edwin |
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 Kallop, Esq. |
|
VACANT |
|
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 |
|