Togiola Tulafono

Togiola Tulafono is an American Samoan politician and lawyer who served as the sixth governor of American Samoa from 2003 to 2013. A member of the Democratic Party, Tulafono began his political career as lieutenant governor before ascending to the governorship following the death of his predecessor. His tenure as governor was marked by various initiatives, including regional cooperation efforts and discussions surrounding the political future of American Samoa.

Early life and career

Togiola Tulafono was born on February 28, 1947, on Aunu'u Island, part of American Samoa. His early education took place in Samoa, where he attended elementary school in Autu'u and later graduated from Samoana High School. Seeking higher education in the United States, Tulafono enrolled at Chadron State College, where he earned bachelor's degrees in political science and sociology in 1970. He continued his studies at Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas, obtaining a Doctor of Laws degree in 1975.

Following his graduation, Tulafono began his professional career in the legal field, initially working as a legal assistant at the Attorney General's Office in American Samoa. He also served as an administrative assistant for the Secretary of Samoan Affairs. In the late 1970s, he transitioned to private practice as an attorney and held a vice-presidential position at South Pacific Island Airways for two years.

Tulafono's political career began in earnest when he was appointed as a district court judge in 1978. He subsequently entered the American Samoa Senate in 1980, representing Sa'Ole County for one term. After a brief return to law practice, he successfully ran for a Senate seat again in 1989, this time representing Sua County, where he served for eight years. His leadership roles included chairing the board of directors for the American Samoa Power Authority and being the first chairman of the Board of Higher Education.

In addition to his legislative work, Tulafono was involved in various community initiatives. He co-chaired the South Pacific Mini Games committee in 1997 when American Samoa hosted the event and later co-chaired the American Samoa Centennial Committee in 2000, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of American Samoa's status as a U.S. territory. As of 2008, he was serving as the vice chairman of the territorial church general assembly of American Samoa.

After his governorship, Tulafono sought to continue his political career by running for the U.S. Delegate for American Samoa's at-large congressional district in the 2014 elections. However, he finished third in the race, receiving 11% of the vote.

Governorship

Togiola Tulafono's political ascent to the governorship began when he was sworn in as the Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa on January 3, 1997, under Governor Tauese Sunia. The pair was re-elected in 2000, and Tulafono continued to serve in this role until Sunia's unexpected death from a heart attack on March 26, 2003. Following this event, Tulafono became the acting governor and was formally sworn in as the governor on April 7, 2003.

In the November 2004 gubernatorial elections, Tulafono initially received 48.4% of the vote in the first round. He then won the second round against Afoa Moega Lutu, securing his position as governor. Tulafono was re-elected in the November 2008 gubernatorial election, where he and his running mate, Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia, received 41.1% of the vote. As no candidate achieved a majority, a runoff election was held, which Tulafono won against Utu Abe Malae.

During his time in office, Tulafono was actively involved in national organizations, including the National Governors Association and the Democratic Governors Association. He endorsed Senator Hillary Clinton during the 2008 presidential primaries and served as the national co-chair of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for Hillary.

Policy focus and legacy

Governor Tulafono's administration focused on regional cooperation and cultural initiatives. Under his leadership, American Samoa became a founding member of the Polynesian Leaders Group in November 2011. This regional coalition aimed to address various issues, including cultural preservation, education, climate change, and economic development.

One notable controversy during Tulafono's governorship involved Hawaiian Airlines. In July 2006, he mandated that the airline cease its service to Pago Pago International Airport, accusing it of predatory pricing practices and ethnic harassment. This decision drew criticism and led to a warning from the Federal Aviation Administration, which stated that American Samoa risked losing U.S. financial assistance if it did not allow the airline to continue its operations.

In 2012, Tulafono, alongside American Samoa's congressional delegate, initiated discussions about the territory's political future, suggesting that the population consider a move toward autonomy or independence. This proposal elicited mixed reactions from the community.

Tulafono's governorship concluded in 2013 due to term limits, as he was unable to seek a third consecutive term. His political career, marked by significant contributions to American Samoa's governance and regional cooperation, left a lasting impact on the territory's political landscape.