‘Eni was an incredible congressman’

126_2624-eni-hina_revised

Leaders in Washington D.C. and corporate America are paying tribute to American Samoa’s long serving Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin.

The ranking Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee on which Faleomavaega served for many years, Arizona Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva released a statement on the passing of his friend and colleague, Congressman Eni F. H. Faleomavaega of American Samoa.

He said “I’m heartbroken by the news that Eni has passed.

“I was lucky enough to have served with him on the Natural Resources Committee where I got to see him fight every day to better the lives of his constituents. He dedicated his career to being a strong advocate for the people of American Samoa and made sure they all had a voice in Washington.”

Congressman Grijalva said, “Eni was an incredible Congressman, and a great friend and colleague to so many of us in Congress.  He will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

Perhaps one of the most famous quotes by Congressman Faleomavaega concerned  the wages of cannery employees.

In  2008, he testified before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources regarding the impact of the first 50 cent increase in the minimum wage in American Samoa.

He said, “While I wish StarKist and Chicken of the Sea would be better corporate partners and stay in American Samoa for the long-haul, especially since they have exported almost $10 billion dollars worth of tuna from our home and lived off our backs for more than 50 years, American Samoa cannot and must not remain dependent on a single-industry.”

That was in 2008.

Today Starkist Co. issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman Faleomavaega:

On behalf of StarKist Co. and our employees in American Samoa and around the globe, it is with the deepest sadness that we today learned of the passing of the distinguished former Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin.

Congressman Faleomavaega was a tireless leader, father, and champion for American Samoa and the greater Pacific.

Andrew Choe, StarKist President & CEO said, “Faleomavaega was a tremendous advocate for American Samoa.

“He was never hesitant to extend a welcoming handshake to those who needed his help and wisdom,”

“His efforts to grow and support the local economy and to protect the tuna canneries against the daily intrusion of globalization were tireless.

“He will be greatly missed and we send our condolences to the Congressman’s family during this difficult time.”