Senator Tauiliili Paopao Lauifi of Fitiuta, Manu’a, passed away yesterday morning at Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu. He was 78.
Senator Tauiliili, a retired US Navy veteran, was serving his first term as one of the 2 senators for Manu’a District #1.
Among measures that Senator Tauiliili sponsored are constitutional amendments to remove the veto override power, and to add two additional senators for Manu’a. He also co-sponsored a resolution to continue virtual classes in Manu’a when the Department of Education decided to hold in person classes in Manu’a, at the time when there were no covid cases in the islands.
Tauiliili served for many years on the Board of Higher Education and was very active in the Veterans Association of American Samoa.
An announcement about his passing on the Manu’atele Community Worldwide Facebook page said the late senator carried himself with great dignity and compassion, and a strong commitment to Manu’atele and its sacred stories and history.
Tauiliili is survived by his wife Lise and children.
He is the second member of the sitting legislature to have passed during the Fono adjournment.
Funeral services for Manu’a House Representative Alumamalu Ale Filoialii, who passed away last month, are being held this week.
