Tuanaitau F. Tuia
Tuanaitau Fa'atamala Tuia (c. 1920 – January 22, 2010) was an
Tuia was heavily involved in all major political changes and debates in American Samoa between 1961 and 2010.[2] He was in office more than a decade before the current American Samoa Fono building, completed in 1973, was constructed.[3] Following Tuia's death in 2010, the longest-serving member of the Fono is currently House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale.[4]
Biography
Personal life
Tuia was from the village of
Tuia served as a
American Samoa House of Representatives
Tuia's career in politics began in the November 1960 legislative election,
Tuia, though virtually unknown in political circles,[2] was elected as the Speaker of the House in 1961, on his first day in office as an elected representative.[4] His election as Speaker surprised many observers, as Tuia, a political newcomer and first-term representative, knew few people outside Tualauta County.[4] The book, Fono Jubilee, which was published in 1998 and edited by Senator Fofo I.F. Sunia, described the surprise at Tuia's selection as Speaker, "Few people ever heard of him which is why his election as Speaker came as a shock."[2] Tuia later served as Speaker on during several legislative sessions from 1967 to 1968; 1978–1984; and 1987–1992.[2]
Tuia spent 30 years in the American Samoa House of Representatives, including 18 years as the Speaker of the House.[2] He chose not to seek re-election in 1992 to pursue a successful campaign for the American Samoan Senate.
American Samoa Senate
He was elected to the American Samoa Senate for Tualauta County in 1992.[1][4] His first term as Senator began in 1993[2] and he remained in that office until his death in 2010.[1]
Tuia was taken to
A
Tuia's funeral was held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in his home village of Pavaiai.[4] He was buried at his home in Pavaiai.[4]
References
- ^ Radio New Zealand International. January 22, 2010. Retrieved February 26, 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Sagapolutele, Fili (January 23, 2010). "Territory's longest serving legislator, Senator Tuanaitau Tuia, passes away at 89". Samoa News. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved March 1, 2010.
- ^ Executive Offices of the Governor American Samoa Government
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Sagapolutele, Fili (January 26, 2010). "Territorial leaders bid farewell to Tuana'itau". Samoa News. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved March 1, 2010.