Eni Faleomavaega

Eni Faleomavaega
Delegate to the
U.S. House of Representatives
from American Samoa's at-large district
In office
January 3, 1989 – January 3, 2015
Preceded byFofó Sunia
Succeeded byAmata Coleman Radewagen
3rd Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa
In office
January 3, 1985 – January 2, 1989
GovernorA. P. Lutali
Preceded byTufele Liamatua
Succeeded byGalea'i Peni Poumele
Personal details
BornEni Fa'aua'a Hunkin Faleomavaega Jr.
(1943-08-15)August 15, 1943
DiedFebruary 22, 2017(2017-02-22) (aged 73)
Provo, Utah, U.S.
PartyDemocratic
SpouseHinanui Bambridge Cave
Children5
EducationBYU–Hawaii(AA)
BYU(BA)
University of Houston(JD)
UC Berkeley(LLM)
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch
Years of service1966–1969 (Active)
1982–1990 (Reserve)
Rank Captain
Unit100th Battalion,
442nd Infantry Regiment
ConflictVietnam War
AwardsCommendation Medal
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Eni Fa'aua'a Hunkin Faleomavaega Jr. (/ˈɛn fəˌlˌmɑːvəˈɛŋɡə/ EH-nee fə-LAY-oh-MAH-və-ENG-gə; August 15, 1943 – February 22, 2017) was an American Samoan politician and attorney who served as the territory's third lieutenant governor from 1985 to 1989 and non-voting delegate to the United States House of Representatives from 1989 to 2015. As a delegate, Faleomavaega served in committees and spoke on the House floor; however, he was not permitted to vote on the final passage of any legislation. He was the father-in-law of former professional American football fullback Fui Vakapuna.

Throughout his career, Faleomavaega was an advocate for greater autonomy and self-determination for American Samoa. He worked towards achieving a status of free association with the United States, similar to the relationship between the Cook Islands and New Zealand, to address what he referred to as "colonial abuse" in the territory. Additionally, he sought to diversify American Samoa's economy to reduce its dependency on federal support. One of his legislative achievements included securing $4 million annually for scholarships enabling American Samoan students to attend colleges and universities in the United States.