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Fono offers condolences to Faleomavaega’s family

[photo: Aoelua]
reporters@samoanews.com

The U.S Flag draped oak-coffin of the late former Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, accompanied by a military honor guard, at the Provo Cemetery in Provo, Utah on Mar. 11 for burial service. Faleomavaega passed away Feb. 22 at his home in Provo at the age of 73. Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga, Senate President Gaoteote Tofau Palaie and Sen. Fai’ivae Iuli Godinet were among the local officials who attended the service.

A Fono resolution was read and presented to the Mrs. Hinanui Bambridge Cave Hunkin during the church service that conveys the deepest sympathies and sincere condolence of the Legislature and the people of American Samoa to Mrs. Hunkin and the bereaved Hunkin and Faleomavaega families on the passing of the late former Congressman.

The resolution, which was initiated from the Senate, also pays tribute to Faleomavaega’s life and extensive service to the people of American Samoa.

Faleomavaega “charmed American Samoa’s voters for many years during election season by sitting by the road either at Utulei Beach or in Nu’uuli, waving to cars that passed by. He would be there early in the morning or after work,” the measure states.

“With a humble wave and a compelling smile,” Faleomavaega was American Samoa’s longest serving Delegate to the U.S. House — for 26 years, according to the resolution, which provided background on Faleomavaega’s education, military service and working background as well as his love for his “Samoan roots” and his religious faith — the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

It also outlined a summary of Faleomavaega’s many accomplishments during his tenure in Congress. It also notes that Faleomavaega was well known for his soft, melodic tenor voice and ukulele playing.

He would sing and play the ukulele whenever and wherever the opportunity presented itself. “For a few years he even sang his own election advertisement songs on radio and the voters loved it,” the resolution says.

It also cited one of Faleomavaega’s favorite Samoan proverb, ‘O le ala i le pule o le tautua” or “the road to authority is through service as he dedicated his life to serving others, primarily the people of American Samoa.”

The resolution went through official approval protocol this week in the Fono, with a unanimous endorsement by the Senate on Wednesday and the House yesterday, with the House observing a moment of silence to honor and remember Faleomavaega. The Fono reconvened Monday this week.