Eni Faleomavaega facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eni Faleomavaega
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| Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from American Samoa's at-large district |
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| In office January 3, 1989 – January 3, 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Fofó Sunia |
| Succeeded by | Amata Coleman Radewagen |
| 3rd Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa | |
| In office January 3, 1985 – January 2, 1989 |
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| Governor | A. P. Lutali |
| Preceded by | Tufele Liamatua |
| Succeeded by | Galea'i Peni Poumele |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Eni Fa'aua'a Hunkin Faleomavaega Jr.
August 15, 1943 Vailoatai, American Samoa, U.S. |
| Died | February 22, 2017 (aged 73) Provo, Utah, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Hinanui Bambridge Cave |
| Children | 5 |
| Education | Brigham Young University, Hawaii (AA) Brigham Young University (BA) University of Houston (JD) University of California, Berkeley (LLM) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service | United States Army • United States Army Reserve |
| Years of service | 1966–1969 (Active) 1982–1990 (Reserve) |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Unit | 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Commendation Medal |
Eni Fa'aua'a Hunkin Faleomavaega Jr. (August 15, 1943 – February 22, 2017) was an important politician and lawyer from American Samoa. He served as the territory's third lieutenant governor from 1985 to 1989. After that, he became a non-voting delegate to the United States House of Representatives from 1989 to 2015.
As a delegate, Faleomavaega worked on different committees. He could speak on the House floor, sharing his ideas and concerns. However, he was not allowed to vote on the final approval of any new laws. He was a dedicated public servant who worked hard for the people of American Samoa.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Eni Faleomavaega was born in Vailoatai, American Samoa. He grew up in Oahu, Hawaii. He went to Kahuku High School. After high school, he attended Church College of Hawaii, where he earned his associate's degree.
He then moved to Brigham Young University in Utah. There, he earned a bachelor's degree in political science and history in 1966. Later, he continued his studies to become a lawyer. He received his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center in 1972. He also earned another law degree from the UC Berkeley School of Law in 1973.
Military Service
Faleomavaega served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969. He was an enlistee during this time. He completed a tour of duty in the Vietnam War.
Later, he served as an officer in the United States Army Reserve from 1982 to 1989. He left the military with the rank of captain. He and his wife were active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Legal Career
After his military service and education, Faleomavaega began his legal career. From 1973 to 1975, he worked as an administrative assistant. He helped American Samoa's delegate, A.U. Fuimaono.
He then worked for the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs. He was a staff counsel there from 1975 to 1981. From 1981 to 1984, he served as the Deputy Attorney General of American Samoa. This role meant he helped lead the legal department for American Samoa.
Political Career
Faleomavaega started his elected political career in 1985. He ran for office with A. P. Lutali in the race for governor. He became the Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa. He held this position from 1985 to 1989.
In 1987, he took part in a special event. He sailed from Tahiti to Hawaii in a canoe. This journey followed traditional Polynesian life experiences.
Congressional Delegate Role
In 1988, Faleomavaega was elected as a Democrat to the United States House of Representatives. He served there from January 3, 1989, until January 2015. As a delegate, he worked hard to get more federal money for American Samoa. This funding was especially important for health care and other key services.
He also spoke out against free trade deals involving meats and seafood. This was because nearly one-third of American Samoa's people work in the tuna industry. He wanted to protect their jobs. Faleomavaega also suggested a law that would let people from U.S. territories vote in presidential elections if they were serving in the military.
In 1996, he joined a boycott against Jacques Chirac. Chirac was the French president. He gave a speech to the U.S. Congress. Faleomavaega boycotted him because France was doing nuclear tests in the Pacific Ocean.
Committee Work
Faleomavaega was a member of several important committees in the House of Representatives:
- Committee on Foreign Affairs
- Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment (He was the Ranking Member, meaning the top member from the minority party)
- Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere
- Committee on Natural Resources
- Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
- Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs
Other Groups
He was also part of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. This group works on issues important to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Support for American Samoa's Future
In 2012, Faleomavaega and American Samoa's Governor, Togiola Tulafono, asked the people to think about becoming more independent. This idea received different reactions from the public.
Legacy
VA Clinic Name
On March 31, 2017, President Donald Trump signed a new law. This law named the VA clinic in Pago Pago, American Samoa, the "Faleomavaega Eni Fa'aua'a Hunkin VA Clinic." This was a way to honor his service. The bill was sponsored by Delegate Amata Coleman Radewagen, who took over Faleomavaega's role.
Death
Eni Faleomavaega had health problems that he believed were related to his time in the Vietnam War. Some people think these health concerns might have played a role in his election loss in 2014.
Faleomavaega passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, at the age of 73. The exact cause of his death was not shared. He was survived by his wife, five children, and ten grandchildren.
See also
- List of Delegates to the United States House of Representatives from American Samoa
- List of Asian Americans and Pacific Islands Americans in the United States Congress
