Tufele Liamatua
Encyclopedia
Tufele Faatoia Liamatua, also spelled Tufele Li'amatua, (September 1940 – October 13, 2011) was an American Samoa
n politician
, businessman and paramount chief
. He served as the first elected Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa
under former Governor Peter Tali Coleman
from 1978 to 1985.
The chiefly title of Tufele before Liamatua's name was bestowed on him by the village of Fitiuta in the Manu'a Islands. He was a paramount chief
.
was held on Saturday, September 4, 2010, at the Gov. H. Lee Auditorium. His wife, Tofiga, is a longtime nurse at LBJ Medical Center.
of California
introduced a Bill on June 10, 1976, in the U.S. House of Representatives to allow for the popular election of the Governor and Lt. Governor, rather than appointment by the Interior Secretary. The Bill passed the House by a 377–1 majority. American Samoa Governor Hyrum Rex Lee
approved Public Law 15-23 on May 16, 1977, which called on the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to allow the direct election
of the Governor and Lt. Governor. On September 13, 1977, the Department of the Interior issued Order No. 3009 which provided a "Provision for Elected Governor and Lieutenant Governor, and Creation of Office of Government Comptroller". This paved the way for American Samoa's first popular gubernatorial election in November 1977.
Peter Tali Coleman
, who had previously served as appointed Governor during the 1950s, and his running mate
, Tufele Liamatua, won the 1977 gubernatorial election on November 1, 1977, becoming the first directly elected Governor and Lt. Governor of American Samoa, respectively. Liamatua was inaugurated as Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa
on January 3, 1978. Coleman and Liamatua successfully campaigned for a second full term in office in the 1980 gubernatorial election. Liamatua left office on January 3, 1985, and was succeeded by Eni Faleomavaega.
at one point.
Liamatua was appointed as the chairman of the Future Political Status Study Commission in 2006. American Samoan Senator
Tuaolo Fruean was appointed the Vice Chairman of the commission. The commission was created to study the potential political status of American Samoa, which is currently classified as an unincorporated territory of the United States. Liamatua asked for an extended deadline for the commission's findings.
Liamatua called for for full autonomy
for American Samoa in November 2006, citing a list of political weaknesses which needed to be addressed by the Future Political Status Study Commission. Liamatua noted concerns that while the Governor of American Samoa is elected by the people, he or she can be removed by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior at any time. Liamatua also cited three other examples in his argument for complete autonomy for American Samoa. He reiterated that the United Nations
lists American Samoa as a non-self governing territory
. He also cited American Samoa's application to join the Pacific Islands Forum
as an associate member by Governor Togiola Tulafono
, which the U.S. State Department wanted to rescind because the application was not handled by the federal government. Finally, Laimatua criticized interference by the U.S. National Park Service on a deal negotiated by Governor Tulafono to construct a McDonald's
restaurant on Utulei Beach
.
In 2009, Governor Tulafono nominated Liamatua to the board of directors
of the LBJ Medical Center. He was confirmed by the American Samoa Senate
in a 14-2 vote. Liamatua was elected to the American Samoa House of Representatives
in 2006, representing Su'a Number One District. He became the chairman of the House retirement and communications committees.
, or chiefs. The selection of the Samoan Affairs Secretary is the sole discretion of the Governor and does not need the approval of the American Samoa Fono
.
One of Liamatua's first duties as Samoan Affairs Secretary was to officiate the ava faatupu
, which was held on January 9, 2009, for the second inauguration of Gov. Tulafono and Lt. Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia
. Secretary Liamatua is also charged with welcoming visiting dignitaries , including Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton on her brief visit to American Samoa in November 2010.
On November 28, 2010, Secretary Liamatua called on the American Samoan community to help prevent the spread of HIV
and AIDs
in a keynote
speech presented in the run-up to to World AIDS Day
at a Sunday church service.
Tufele Liamatua died unexpectedly in Honolulu, Hawaii
, on October 13, 2011, at the age of 71. He was flown back to American Samoa on board a Hawaiian Airlines
flight on October 20, 2011.
American Samoa
American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of the sovereign state of Samoa...
n politician
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
, businessman and paramount chief
Paramount chief
A paramount chief is the highest-level traditional chief or political leader in a regional or local polity or country typically administered politically with a chief-based system. This definition is used occasionally in anthropological and archaeological theory to refer to the rulers of multiple...
. He served as the first elected Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa
Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa
The government of American Samoa consists of a locally elected governor, lieutenant governor and the American Samoa Fono, which consists of an 18-member Senate and a 21-member House of Representatives. The first popular election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor took place in 1977...
under former Governor Peter Tali Coleman
Peter Tali Coleman
Peter Tali Coleman was the first person of Samoan descent to be appointed governor of American Samoa and later became the territory's first popularly elected governor. A member of the Republican Party, he is the only U.S...
from 1978 to 1985.
The chiefly title of Tufele before Liamatua's name was bestowed on him by the village of Fitiuta in the Manu'a Islands. He was a paramount chief
Paramount chief
A paramount chief is the highest-level traditional chief or political leader in a regional or local polity or country typically administered politically with a chief-based system. This definition is used occasionally in anthropological and archaeological theory to refer to the rulers of multiple...
.
Personal life
Tufele Liamatua was born in American Samoa. His 70th birthday galaGala
-Events and festivities:*A gala, a festivity *A swimming gala is a British/South African term for an amateur swimming competition, often known as a swimming carnival in Australia....
was held on Saturday, September 4, 2010, at the Gov. H. Lee Auditorium. His wife, Tofiga, is a longtime nurse at LBJ Medical Center.
Lieutenant Governor
U.S. Rep. Phillip BurtonPhillip Burton
Phillip Burton was a United States Representative from California. A Democrat, he was instrumental in creating the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Burton was one of the first members of Congress to acknowledge the need for AIDS research and introduce an AIDS bill. He was the brother of...
of California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
introduced a Bill on June 10, 1976, in the U.S. House of Representatives to allow for the popular election of the Governor and Lt. Governor, rather than appointment by the Interior Secretary. The Bill passed the House by a 377–1 majority. American Samoa Governor Hyrum Rex Lee
Hyrum Rex Lee
Hyrum Rex Lee , usually called H. Rex Lee, was the Governor of American Samoa from May 24, 1961 to July 31, 1967 and from May 28, 1977 until January 3, 1978. He was the seventh appointed civilian Governor of American Samoa...
approved Public Law 15-23 on May 16, 1977, which called on the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to allow the direct election
Direct election
Direct election is a term describing a system of choosing political officeholders in which the voters directly cast ballots for the person, persons or political party that they desire to see elected. The method by which the winner or winners of a direct election are chosen depends upon the...
of the Governor and Lt. Governor. On September 13, 1977, the Department of the Interior issued Order No. 3009 which provided a "Provision for Elected Governor and Lieutenant Governor, and Creation of Office of Government Comptroller". This paved the way for American Samoa's first popular gubernatorial election in November 1977.
Peter Tali Coleman
Peter Tali Coleman
Peter Tali Coleman was the first person of Samoan descent to be appointed governor of American Samoa and later became the territory's first popularly elected governor. A member of the Republican Party, he is the only U.S...
, who had previously served as appointed Governor during the 1950s, and his running mate
Running mate
A running mate is a person running together with another person on a joint ticket during an election. The term is most often used in reference to the person in the subordinate position but can also properly be used when referring to both candidates, such as "Michael Dukakis and Lloyd Bentsen were...
, Tufele Liamatua, won the 1977 gubernatorial election on November 1, 1977, becoming the first directly elected Governor and Lt. Governor of American Samoa, respectively. Liamatua was inaugurated as Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa
American Samoa
American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of the sovereign state of Samoa...
on January 3, 1978. Coleman and Liamatua successfully campaigned for a second full term in office in the 1980 gubernatorial election. Liamatua left office on January 3, 1985, and was succeeded by Eni Faleomavaega.
Public career
Liamatua later served as the Governor of Manu'a District. He also held the position of police commissionerPolice commissioner
Commissioner is a senior rank used in many police forces and may be rendered Police Commissioner or Commissioner of Police. In some organizations, the commissioner is a political appointee, and may or may not actually be a professional police officer. In these circumstances, there is often a...
at one point.
Liamatua was appointed as the chairman of the Future Political Status Study Commission in 2006. American Samoan Senator
American Samoa Senate
The American Samoa Senate is the upper house of the American Samoa Fono. The Senate, like the lower House of Representatives, is a nonpartisan body. It is composed of 18 senators, serving a four-year term.-List of Senators:* Utu Abe Malae...
Tuaolo Fruean was appointed the Vice Chairman of the commission. The commission was created to study the potential political status of American Samoa, which is currently classified as an unincorporated territory of the United States. Liamatua asked for an extended deadline for the commission's findings.
Liamatua called for for full autonomy
Autonomy
Autonomy is a concept found in moral, political and bioethical philosophy. Within these contexts, it is the capacity of a rational individual to make an informed, un-coerced decision...
for American Samoa in November 2006, citing a list of political weaknesses which needed to be addressed by the Future Political Status Study Commission. Liamatua noted concerns that while the Governor of American Samoa is elected by the people, he or she can be removed by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior at any time. Liamatua also cited three other examples in his argument for complete autonomy for American Samoa. He reiterated that the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
lists American Samoa as a non-self governing territory
United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories
The United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories is a list of countries that, according to the United Nations, are non-decolonized. The list was initially prepared in 1946 pursuant to Chapter XI of the United Nations Charter, and has been updated by the General Assembly on recommendation...
. He also cited American Samoa's application to join the Pacific Islands Forum
Pacific Islands Forum
The Pacific Islands Forum is an inter-governmental organization that aims to enhance cooperation between the independent countries of the Pacific Ocean. It was founded in 1971 as the South Pacific Forum...
as an associate member by Governor Togiola Tulafono
Togiola Tulafono
Togiola Talalelei A. Tulafono is the Governor of American Samoa. He is a member of the Democratic Party. He had previously served as Lieutenant Governor, taking this position on January 3, 1997....
, which the U.S. State Department wanted to rescind because the application was not handled by the federal government. Finally, Laimatua criticized interference by the U.S. National Park Service on a deal negotiated by Governor Tulafono to construct a McDonald's
McDonald's
McDonald's Corporation is the world's largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants, serving around 64 million customers daily in 119 countries. Headquartered in the United States, the company began in 1940 as a barbecue restaurant operated by the eponymous Richard and Maurice McDonald; in 1948...
restaurant on Utulei Beach
Utulei, American Samoa
Utulei is a village in American Samoa. Located there are the governor's office and the Rainmaker Hotel.-External links:*...
.
In 2009, Governor Tulafono nominated Liamatua to the board of directors
Board of directors
A board of directors is a body of elected or appointed members who jointly oversee the activities of a company or organization. Other names include board of governors, board of managers, board of regents, board of trustees, and board of visitors...
of the LBJ Medical Center. He was confirmed by the American Samoa Senate
American Samoa Senate
The American Samoa Senate is the upper house of the American Samoa Fono. The Senate, like the lower House of Representatives, is a nonpartisan body. It is composed of 18 senators, serving a four-year term.-List of Senators:* Utu Abe Malae...
in a 14-2 vote. Liamatua was elected to the American Samoa House of Representatives
American Samoa House of Representatives
The American Samoa House of Representatives is the lower house of the American Samoa Fono. The House consists of 21 representatives serving two-year terms, with 20 popular elected members, and one representative elected by a public meeting on Swains Island....
in 2006, representing Su'a Number One District. He became the chairman of the House retirement and communications committees.
Private sector
In February 2009, Liamatua became the chief technology officer of BlueSky Communications, an Internet provider and communications firm headquartered in American Samoa. He had been an employee for the company since its establishment in July 1999.Secretary of Samoan Affairs
Governor Togiola Tulafono appointed Liamatua as Secretary of Samoan Affairs on January 7, 2009. He succeeded outgoing Secretary Mauga Tasi Asuega. Liamatua simultaneously became the head of the Department of Local Government upon his appointment to the office. Under American Samoan law, the Secretary of Samoan Affairs is selected and appointed by the Governor from the territory's senior mataiFa'amatai
Fa'amatai is the chiefly system of Samoa, central to the organization of Samoan society.It is the traditional indigenous form of governance in the Samoa Islands, comprising American Samoa and the Independent State of Samoa...
, or chiefs. The selection of the Samoan Affairs Secretary is the sole discretion of the Governor and does not need the approval of the American Samoa Fono
American Samoa Fono
The Legislature of American Samoa or Fono is the territorial legislature of American Samoa. Like most state and territorial legislatures of the United States, it is a bicameral legislature with a House of Representatives and a Senate...
.
One of Liamatua's first duties as Samoan Affairs Secretary was to officiate the ava faatupu
Samoa 'ava ceremony
The Ava Ceremony is one of the most important customs of the Samoa Islands involving a solemn ritual where a ceremonial beverage is shared to mark most important occasions in Samoan society. The Samoan word ava is a cognate of the Polynesian word kava associated with the kava cultures in Oceania...
, which was held on January 9, 2009, for the second inauguration of Gov. Tulafono and Lt. Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia
Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia
Ipulasi Aitofele Toese Fiti Sunia is an American Samoan lawyer and politician. Sunia has served as the Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa since April 11, 2003.-Early life :...
. Secretary Liamatua is also charged with welcoming visiting dignitaries , including Secretary of State
Secretary of State
Secretary of State or State Secretary is a commonly used title for a senior or mid-level post in governments around the world. The role varies between countries, and in some cases there are multiple Secretaries of State in the Government....
Hillary Clinton on her brief visit to American Samoa in November 2010.
On November 28, 2010, Secretary Liamatua called on the American Samoan community to help prevent the spread of HIV
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus is a lentivirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome , a condition in humans in which progressive failure of the immune system allows life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers to thrive...
and AIDs
AIDS
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a disease of the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus...
in a keynote
Keynote
A keynote in literature, music, or public speaking establishes the principal underlying theme. In corporate or commercial settings, greater importance is attached to the delivery of a keynote speech or keynote address...
speech presented in the run-up to to World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day, observed December 1 every year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. Government and health officials observe the day, often with speeches or forums on the AIDS topics. Since 1995, the President of the United States has made an...
at a Sunday church service.
Tufele Liamatua died unexpectedly in Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Hawaii. Honolulu is the southernmost major U.S. city. Although the name "Honolulu" refers to the urban area on the southeastern shore of the island of Oahu, the city and county government are consolidated as the City and...
, on October 13, 2011, at the age of 71. He was flown back to American Samoa on board a Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. is a major airline of the United States. It is the largest airline based in the State of Hawai'i, and is the 11th largest commercial airline in the country. Based in Honolulu CDP, City and County of Honolulu, the airline operates its main hub at Honolulu International...
flight on October 20, 2011.