Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

American Samoa’s longest serving legislator dies

Posted at 20:34 on 22 January, 2010 UTC

American Samoa senator Tuanaitau F. Tuia, the longest serving member of the Legislature, has passed away this morning.

He was 89.

Tuanaitau’s grandson, territorial lawmaker Galu Satele Jr., says the senator was rushed to the LBJ Medical Center yesterday morning and was admitted to the ICU until his passing, surround by family members.

Tuanaitau began his political career in 1961 when he entered the House for the Tualauta County and was elected House Speaker during his first term in office.

When he left the House in 1992 for the Senate, he left behind a record of 30 years in the House of Representatives.

He remained senator until the time of his death.

In all Tuanaitau served 49 years in both the Senate and House.

He is survived his six children, grandchildren and greatgrand children.