The Executive Director of the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority Puleleiite Tufele Liamatua Jr. passed away early last evening at the LBJ Hospital.
A close friend told KHJ News that Pule, who is a dialysis patient, had not been well in the last few weeks but he was determined to see the Hawaiki Cable connected by next month as he had announced.
The LBJ Chapel was filled with family, friends and co workers of Puleleiite, some wanting to come and see for themselves if the shocking news of his passing, was true.
Acting Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga was present.
Governor Lolo Moliga departed the territory early yesterday morning for a meeting related to the Hawaiki Cable in Honolulu.
Puleleiite was appointed as Executive Director of ASTCA last year, early on at the start of the second term of the Lolo Lemanu Administration.
Before that he served several terms as the Sua No. 1 faipule in the House of Representatives.
He was also a key member of the BlueSky management team and technical division when the private phone company opened 15 years ago and continuing until he joined ASTCA.
Puleleiite, whose father was the first locally elected Lt.Governor of American Samoa, Tufele Liamatua, had desires to follow in his father’s footsteps and at one time mulled a run for the second top post in the executive branch.
In the Fono he was known for his wit, humor and mastery of the Samoan language.
Puleleiite leaves behind his wife Sinataaga Gaoteote Tufele and three children, his mother Tofiga and sisters and brothers.
Our condolences and prayers as they mourn Pule’s sudden passing.
