Senate Resolution Honors HTC Tuilefano Vaelaa

17171978

Before the third regular session of the Fono ended yesterday, the House of Representatives approved a Senate resolution honoring a prominent traditional leader who has held many leadership positions in the executive and legislative branches and in his church, village and family: Tama Matua Tuilefano Vaelaa.

Tuilefano passed away March 14 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Leasina and Aitulagi Senator, Leatualevao Asifoa sponsored the resolution in honor of High Talking Chief Tuilefano who once sat in the Senate as Leasina senator for 12 years.

One of the last government positions he held before he became ill was liaison between the Governor’s Office and the Fono during the Togiola Faoa administration.

The resolution records Tuilefano’s service to the government through positions in the Governor’s Office, as commissioner of Public Safety and as a member of many government boards and commissions.

Tuilefano also served in the US Marine Corps for more than two decades.

The resolution says he was well-known for his distinct voice and his stern presence which usually commanded immediate attention and respect.

He was often sought by many for his counsel.

Tuilefano was active in the Malaeloa Village Council and village police and was dedicated to his Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa.

He was made deacon of the CCCAS in Hawai’i and continued his service to the church at the Malaeloa CCCAS.

Those who knew Tulefano have described him as a generous man who helped many people in distress.

His body will be brought home next Monday and funeral services are planned for April 7th and 8th.

The Senate measure conveys the Legislature and people of American Samoa’s condolences to Tuilefano’s wife, Mrs. Painuulasi Fesagaiga Saipale Asuega Tuilefano and children and honors his selfless service to the territory in the many spheres that he worked in.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,