Togiola Tulafono facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Togiola Tulafono
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| 6th Governor of American Samoa | |
| In office March 26, 2003 – January 3, 2013 Acting: March 26, 2003 – April 7, 2003 |
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| Lieutenant | Faoa Aitofele Sunia |
| Preceded by | Tauese Sunia |
| Succeeded by | Lolo Matalasi Moliga |
| 7th Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa | |
| In office January 3, 1997 – March 26, 2003 |
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| Governor | Tauese Sunia |
| Preceded by | Tauese Sunia |
| Succeeded by | Faoa Aitofele Sunia |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 28, 1947 Aunu'u, American Samoa, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Mary Ann Tu |
| Children | 5 daughters 1 son |
| Education | Chadron State College (BA) Washburn University (JD) |
Togiola Tulafono is a politician and lawyer from American Samoa. He was the sixth governor of American Samoa. He also served as the seventh lieutenant governor. He belongs to the Democratic Party.
Togiola Tulafono became acting governor on March 26, 2003, after Governor Tauese Sunia passed away. He officially became governor on April 7, 2003. He was elected for a full four-year term in November 2004 and was re-elected in November 2008.
He could not run for governor again in 2012 because of term limits. This means he had served the maximum number of terms allowed. In 2014, he ran for a seat in the United States Congress representing American Samoa, but he was not successful.
Early Life and Education
Growing Up in American Samoa
Togiola T. A. Tulafono was born on February 28, 1947. His birthplace was Aunu'u Island in American Samoa.
He went to elementary school in Autu'u. Later, he attended Samoana High School.
College and Law School
Tulafono traveled to the United States for his college education. He studied at Chadron State College. In 1970, he earned two bachelor's degrees there. These degrees were in political science and sociology.
He then went on to study law. In 1975, he received a law degree. This degree was from the Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas.
Tulafono has also been a deacon at the Congregational Christian Church in Sa'ilele, American Samoa. He served in this role for more than 25 years.
Public Service Career
Early Roles in Government
After finishing college, Tulafono began his career in public service. He worked as a legal assistant for American Samoa's Attorney General's Office. He also served as an administrative assistant for the Secretary of Samoan Affairs.
In the late 1970s, he spent two years working as a private attorney. He also worked as a vice president for South Pacific Island Airways.
Serving as a Judge and Senator
In 1978, Tulafono was appointed as a district court judge. Two years later, in 1980, he joined the American Samoa Senate. He served one term representing Sa'Ole County.
After this, he returned to practicing law. However, he successfully ran for a Senate seat again in 1989. He then served eight years in the American Samoa Senate for Sua County.
Leadership in Boards and Committees
Tulafono also held important leadership positions. He chaired the board of directors for the American Samoa Power Authority. He was also the first chairman of the Board of Higher Education.
In 1997, he helped lead the committee for the South Pacific Mini Games. American Samoa hosted these games that year. In 2000, he co-chaired the American Samoa Centennial Committee. This committee celebrated 100 years of American Samoa being a U.S. territory.
As of 2008, Tulafono served as vice chairman of the territorial church general assembly of American Samoa.
Later Political Efforts
After his time as governor ended, Tulafono ran for U.S. Delegate in 2014. This position represents American Samoa in the U.S. Congress. He placed third in the election with 11% of the votes.
Governor of American Samoa
Becoming Governor
Togiola Tulafono became the Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa on January 3, 1997. He served alongside Governor Tauese Sunia. They were re-elected in 2000 and began their second terms on January 3, 2001.
Tulafono was still lieutenant governor when Governor Sunia passed away suddenly on March 26, 2003. Tulafono then became the acting governor. He was officially sworn in as Governor of American Samoa on April 7, 2003.
Elections and Leadership
In the first round of elections on November 2, 2004, Tulafono received 48.4% of the votes. Since no candidate won more than 50%, a runoff election was held. On November 16, he won the runoff against Afoa Moega Lutu with 56% of the votes.
As governor, Tulafono was a member of important groups. These included the National Governors Association and the Democratic Governors Association.
During the 2008 presidential primaries, Tulafono supported Senator Hillary Clinton. He became a national co-chair for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who supported her campaign.
In November 2011, American Samoa became a founding member of the Polynesian Leaders Group. This group helps Polynesian islands work together on culture, language, education, and climate change. This happened under Governor Tulafono's leadership.
The Dispute with Hawaiian Airlines
In July 2006, Governor Tulafono told Hawaiian Airlines to stop flying to Pago Pago International Airport. This airport is in Pago Pago, American Samoa. Hawaiian Airlines was the only airline offering flights from Honolulu to American Samoa.
The governor accused the airline of charging unfair prices and treating people badly. However, in August 2006, the FAA stepped in. They told the governor that American Samoa must allow Hawaiian Airlines to continue its flights. If not, the territory could lose financial help from the U.S.
2008 Gubernatorial Election
Governor Togiola Tulafono and Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia announced they would run for re-election on May 10, 2008. The election took place on November 4, 2008.
Tulafono and Sunia received 41.1% of the votes. The other candidates were Utu Abe Malae and Nua Mailo Saoluaga (31.4%), and Afoa Leulumoega Lutu and Velega Savali (26.8%). Since no one got over 50%, a runoff election was held on November 18, 2008. Tulafono won the runoff against Utu Abe Malae.
Discussion on American Samoa's Future
In 2012, Governor Tulafono and American Samoa's delegate to the U.S. Congress, Eni Faleomavaega, suggested a discussion. They asked the people of American Samoa to think about moving towards more self-governance or even independence. People had different opinions about this idea.
See also
In Spanish: Togiola Tulafono para niños
