Eni Faleomavaega | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from American Samoa's at-large district | |
| In office January 3, 1989 – January 3, 2015 | |
| Preceded by | Fofó Sunia |
| Succeeded by | Amata Coleman Radewagen |
| 3rd Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa | |
| In office January 3, 1985 – January 2, 1989 | |
| 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. (/ˈɛniː fəˌleɪ.oʊmɑːvəˈɛŋɡə/ EH-nee fə-LAY-oh-mah-və-ENG-gə; August 15, 1943 – February 22, 2017) was an American Samoan politician and attorney who served as the territory's third lieutenant governor, from 1985 to 1989 and non-voting delegate to the United States House of Representatives, from 1989 to 2015.[1][2] As a delegate, Faleomavaega served on committees and spoke on the House floor; however, he was not permitted to vote on the final passage of any legislation. He also was the father-in-law of former professional American football fullback Fui Vakapuna.
Throughout his career, Faleomavaega was an advocate for greater autonomy and self-determination for American Samoa. He worked towards achieving a status of free association with the United States, similar to the relationship between the Cook Islands and New Zealand, to address what he referred to as "colonial abuse" in the territory. Additionally, he sought to diversify American Samoa's economy to reduce its dependency on federal support. One of his legislative achievements included securing $4 million annually for scholarships enabling American Samoan students to attend colleges and universities in the United States.[3]
- ^ "Eni Faleomavaega, who served 13 terms as delegate from American Samoa, dies at 73". Washington Post.
- ^ American Samoa Congressional Map Archived 2006-01-26 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Craig, Robert D. (2011). Historical Dictionary of Polynesia. Scarecrow Press. Page 86. ISBN 9780810867727.