Pohnpei - Legal Information System of the Federated States of Micronesia

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.

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]

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