On January 10, 2023, Governor Oliver received the Committee to Wait on the Governor. On behalf of the Speaker of the 10th Pohnpei Legislature, Marvin T. Yamaguchi, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Stevenson Joseph called on Governor Oliver to inform him that Legislature started their first regular session of 2023 on January 9, 2023, for 60 days and to discuss areas of mutual interest and concern. Accompanying Chairman Joseph were Committee member Senator Sendilina Lekka and Legislative staff Serleen Hadley Walliby.
Governor Oliver and Chairman Joseph briefly discussed items including the compact of free association negotiations, run-off election, election law amendments, and awareness efforts of the eight proposed constitutional amendments.
Governor Oliver informed Chairman Joseph that awareness efforts for the constitutional amendments will begin shortly at the community level. He shared outcomes of recent meetings with Constitutional Convention (ConCon) delegates, Noahs U Mason Albert, and Mr. Tendy Liwy to discuss strategies moving forward. Governor Oliver advised Chairman Joseph that he looks forward to hearing from Pohnpei’s representatives on the Joint Committee on Compact Review and Planning for compact negotiations, whom he has already contacted to provide an update to both the executive and legislative branches.
Governor Oliver advised Chairman Joseph that a run-off election for the Lt. Governor’s seat is scheduled for January 17, 2023. He also wanted to follow up on transmitted requests for proposed amendments to the election law to allow early voting times and closing of polling stations at 5 pm vs. 7 pm.
Governor Oliver thanked Chairman Joseph, Senator Lekka, and Ms. Walliby for their visit and the opportunity to share updates between the Legislative and Executive branches.