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 Talalelei A. Tulafono (born February 28, 1947) is a politician and lawyer from American Samoa. He served as the sixth governor of American Samoa. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Before becoming governor, he was the seventh lieutenant governor.
Tulafono became acting governor on March 26, 2003. This happened when Governor Tauese Pita Fiti Sunia passed away. He officially became governor on April 7, 2003. He was elected for a full four-year term in November 2004. He won re-election in November 2008.
Tulafono could not run for governor again in 2012. This was because of term limits. He later tried to become a U.S. Delegate in 2014 but was not successful.
Contents
About Togiola Tulafono
His Early Life
Togiola T. A. Tulafono was born on February 28, 1947. His birthplace was Aunu'u Island in American Samoa.
He went to school in Samoa. He attended elementary school in Autu'u. Later, he went to Samoana High School.
Tulafono then studied in the United States. He went to Chadron State College. In 1970, he earned degrees in political science and sociology. He later received a law degree in 1975. This was from Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas.
His Career Before Governor
After college, Tulafono worked as a legal assistant. He was at American Samoa's Attorney General's Office. He also worked for the Secretary of Samoan Affairs. For a few years, he was a private attorney. He also worked as a vice president for an airline.
In 1978, Tulafono became a district court judge. In 1980, he was elected to the American Samoa Senate. After one term, he went back to practicing law. He was elected to the Senate again in 1989. He served for eight years for Sua County.
Tulafono also led the board of directors for the American Samoa Power Authority. He was the first chairman of the Board of Higher Education. He helped organize the South Pacific Mini Games in 1997. American Samoa hosted these games. He also helped with the American Samoa Centennial Committee in 2000. This group celebrated 100 years of American Samoa being a U.S. territory.
After his time as governor, Tulafono ran for U.S. Delegate. This was for American Samoa's at-large congressional district in 2014. He came in third place and did not win.
Becoming Governor of American Samoa
Tulafono became the Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa on January 3, 1997. He served under Governor Tauese Sunia. They were re-elected in 2000. They started their second terms on January 3, 2001.
Tulafono was lieutenant governor until Governor Sunia passed away. This happened 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.
In the November 2, 2004, election, Tulafono received 48.4% of the votes. Since no one got over 50%, a runoff election was held. On November 16, Tulafono won against Afoa Moega Lutu. He received 56% of the votes. As governor, Tulafono was part of the National Governors Association.
Tulafono supported Senator Hillary Clinton for President in 2008. He became a national co-chair for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for Hillary.
Under Tulafono's leadership, American Samoa became a founding member of the Polynesian Leaders Group. This happened in November 2011. This group works together on culture, language, education, and climate change.
Disagreement with Hawaiian Airlines
In July 2006, Governor Tulafono had a disagreement with Hawaiian Airlines. He wanted the airline to stop flying to Pago Pago International Airport. He said the airline was charging too much. He also accused them of unfair treatment.
In August 2006, the FAA sent a letter to the governor. The FAA said American Samoa must let Hawaiian Airlines continue flying. If not, the territory could lose U.S. financial help.
2008 Governor Election
Governor Togiola Tulafono and Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia ran for re-election. They announced their campaign on May 10, 2008. The 2008 American Samoa gubernatorial election was 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%). Afoa Leulumoega Lutu and Velega Savali received 26.8%.
Since no one got over 50%, a runoff election was held. This was between Tulafono and Utu Abe Malae on November 18, 2008. Tulafono won this election.
Discussing Independence
In 2012, Governor Tulafono and the U.S. Delegate for American Samoa, Eni Faleomavaega, talked about the future. They suggested that the people think about more self-rule or even independence. People had different opinions about this idea.
See also
In Spanish: Togiola Tulafono para niños
