A. P. Lutali
A. P. Lutali | |
|---|---|
| 2nd & 4th Governor of American Samoa | |
| In office January 3, 1993 – January 3, 1997 | |
| Lieutenant | Tauese Sunia |
| Preceded by | Peter Tali Coleman |
| Succeeded by | Tauese Sunia |
| In office January 3, 1985 – January 2, 1989 | |
| Lieutenant | Eni Faleomavaega |
| Preceded by | Peter Tali Coleman |
| Succeeded by | Peter Tali Coleman |
| Delegate at-large of American Samoa | |
| In office January 3, 1975 – January 3, 1979 | |
| Preceded by | A. U. Fuimaono |
| Succeeded by | Fofō Sunia |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Aifili Paulo Lutali December 24, 1919 Aunu'u, American Samoa, U.S. |
| Died | August 1, 2002 (aged 82) Pago Pago, American Samoa, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 9 |
| Education | University of Hawaii, Manoa |
Aifili Paulo Lauvao (December 24, 1919 – August 1, 2002), was twice governor of American Samoa (1985–1989, 1993–1997). The founder of the U.S territory's Democratic Party, he had a long career in the legislature and the judiciary in American Samoa.
Governor Lutali was a preservationist who wanted to preserve large areas of the territory's nature. Lutali also worked to preserve American Samoa's ancient sites and historical buildings. He revitalized the Historic Preservation Office. In 1987, Governor Lutali initiated efforts to create a national park in American Sāmoa. After 18 months of preparatory work, he testified before the U.S. House Subcommittee on National Parks in Washington, D.C., leading to a unanimous House vote to establish the National Park of American Samoa.
Lutali maintained a leading role in the American Samoa Democratic Party through the years. Lutali served as a sergeant in the First Samoan Battalion during World War II, helped establish Samoana High School, later became Speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the American Samoa Senate, served as American Samoa’s second delegate to Washington, D.C., and was the second elected Governor of American Samoa.