Lolo Matalasi Moliga facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lolo Matalasi Moliga
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Moliga in 2012
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| 7th Governor of American Samoa | |
| In office January 3, 2013 – January 3, 2021 |
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| Lieutenant | Peleti Mauga |
| Preceded by | Togiola Tulafono |
| Succeeded by | Peleti Mauga |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 12, 1947 Taʻū, American Samoa, U.S. |
| Died | March 7, 2026 (aged 78) Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic (before 2011, 2016–2026) Independent (2011–2015) |
| Spouse | Cynthia Malala |
| Education | Chadron State College (BA) San Diego State University (MPA) |
| Signature |  |
Lolo Letalu Matalasi (born August 12, 1947, died March 7, 2026) was an important leader from American Samoa. He was a politician, a teacher, and a businessman. He served as the seventh governor of American Samoa from 2013 to 2021.
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Lolo Moliga's Early Life and Education
Lolo Matalasi Moliga was born on August 12, 1947. His birthplace was Taʻū, in the Manu'a Islands of American Samoa. His father was High Chief Moliga Sa'ena Aunuua Moliga. His mother, Soali’i Galea’i, came from Fitiuta and Olosega.
Lolo went to Papatea Junior Elementary School. He then attended Samoana High School. He later graduated from Manu'a High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in education from Chadron State College in Nebraska. He also received a master's degree in public administration from San Diego State University in 2012.
Lolo Moliga's Career Journey
Lolo Moliga started his career as a teacher. He became a principal at an elementary school. Later, he was the principal of Manu'a High School. This school is located in the Manu'a Islands.
He also worked as an education administrator. He helped manage elementary and high schools for American Samoa. Lolo Moliga was also the director of the ASG Budget Office. He served as the chief procurement officer for two terms. This role involves managing government purchases. Outside of government work, he owned a construction business.
Becoming a Political Leader
Lolo Moliga was elected to the American Samoa House of Representatives. He served there for four terms. Later, he became a Senator in the American Samoa Senate. He was the Senate President from 2005 to 2008.
He thought about running for governor in 2008. However, he decided not to run at that time. Governor Togiola Tulafono later appointed him. Lolo Moliga became the president of the Development Bank of American Samoa. The Senate approved this appointment.
The 2012 Governor Election
In 2011, Lolo Moliga announced he would run for governor. He chose Senator Lemanu Peleti Mauga as his running mate. Lemanu Mauga would run for Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa. Mauga was a retired U.S. Army member. He also led important committees in the Senate.
Lolo Moliga left his job at the Development Bank. This allowed him to focus on his campaign. The election was held on November 6, 2012. Moliga competed against five other candidates. He received the most votes. However, he did not get more than 50% of the votes. A second election, called a runoff, was held. This was on November 20, 2012. Lolo Moliga won this runoff election. He defeated Lieutenant Governor Faoa Aitofele Sunia.
The 2016 Governor Election
Lolo Moliga ran for re-election in 2016. He won the election on November 8, 2016. He received 60.2% of the votes. He defeated Faoa Aitofele Sunia and Tuika Tuika.
Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic
In March 2020, Lolo Moliga took action during the COVID-19 pandemic. He chose to self-isolate. This means he stayed away from others to prevent spreading illness. He had recently traveled to Seattle and Hawaii. These places had reported cases of COVID-19.
Appearance at the 2020 Democratic Convention
Lolo Moliga appeared online during the 2020 Democratic National Convention. This was a political event. Two uniformed soldiers were seen with him. The United States Department of Defense looked into this. Rules state that uniformed soldiers should not take part in political events.
Remembering Lolo Moliga
Lolo Moliga passed away on March 7, 2026. He was 78 years old. He died in Honolulu, Hawaii. Many people shared their condolences. Congresswoman Amata Coleman Radewagen was among those who released statements.
See also
In Spanish: Lolo Matalasi Moliga para niños
