Lutu T. S. Fuimaono
Lutu Tenari S. Fuimaono (September 15, 1930 - September 19, 2004) was the longest-serving territorial senator in American Samoa history.[1] He served as the President of the American Samoa Senate from 1996 until his death in 2004. Before being elected president, he served three terms in the American Samoa House of Representatives prior to becoming a senator.
Personal life
Fuimaono was born and raised in Fagatogo where he attended Poyer School, named for Governor John M. Poyer, and later High School of American Samoa. Upon graduating high school, Fuimaono moved to California where he enrolled at Reedly Junior College in Reedley, California and later Automation Institution of California. He later served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954-58. He married his wife Sinira Talatonu in California. They had eight children.
In the mid-1960s, Fuimaono moved with his family back to American Samoa where he attended American Samoa Community College while also being employed as a newscaster for Television KVZK as well as radio station WVUV. He became the radio station’s manager in 1966. He also worked briefly as a U.S. Meat Inspector.
Political career
Fuimaono was later elected to the American Samoa House of Representatives where he served for three terms as the Chief Clerk. He was first elected to the American Samoa Senate in the 15th Legislature. He served as a senator for 19 years prior to being elected Senate President in 1996. During his first election for Senate President, he unsuccessfully ran against incumbent Letuli Toloa in January 1995. Upon Letuli’s death, Fuimaono was elected Senate President. He won his first full term in January 1997 and served until his death in September 2004.
References
Sunia, Fofō I. F. (1998). The Story of the Legislature of American Samoa: In Commemoration of the Golden Jubilee 1948-1998. Pago Pago, AS: Legislature of American Samoa. Page 264. ISBN 9789829008015.