Senate extends condolences to family of Sen Lauifi after his passing

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Members of the Senate yesterday approved a Senate Concurrent Resolution which “conveys the deepest condolences of the Legislature on behalf of the people of American Samoa to Mrs. Lise Ane Tauiliili and the bereaved Tauiliili family on the passing of Senator Lauifi Nunu Paopao Tauiliili and pays tribute to him and his family, district and the territory of American Samoa.”

The concurrent resolution introduced by Senators Ma’o Fa’auma Gogo and Malaepule Saite Moliga states that Senator Tauiliili Lauifi Paopao Tauiliili was born on October 27, 1944 to parents Tauiliili Lauifi Nunu Paopao of Fitiuta, Manu’a and Vaipunalagilealofisau’otuimanu’a Tuifea Namulauti of Ta’u, Manu’a.

He began his education at Papatea School and then attended and graduated from Samoana High School.

In the early 1960s, Tauiliili began his employment with the American Samoa Government during the ASG TV Teacher program. He was an Art Teacher promoting and teaching art to the students of American Samoa.

Tauiliili enlisted in the United States Navy in 1969 and by November of that year, he was serving in the Vietnam War. He dedicated 23 years of service to his country. Tauiliili retired as a Chief Petty Officer earning various awards and decorations in recognition of exemplary service, meritorious achievements and outstanding contributions to Navy missions.

After retiring from the US Navy in 1991, Tauiliili returned to civilian life and reinvested in his education. He attended Fresno City College where he received his Associate of Arts in Business Administration, he matriculated to Fresno State University where he earned a degree in Business Management.

Tauiliili was employed as a Tax Examiner/Auditor for the Internal Revenue Service and also served as Chief Executive Officer for Goodwill Incorporation. He eventually moved back home to American Samoa in 19997 where he devoted his experience and knowledge into the community by working with various local organizations.

Tauiliili served and worked in many capacities as an advocate for the people of American Samoa and most especially his village of Fitiuta. He was a member of the American Samoa Community College Board of Higher Education and the Humanities Council Board.

He was a former president of the American Samoa Veteran’s Association and the American Samoa Navy Association. He was a member of the AS Disaster Planning Council and also a public representative for the Department of Human and Social Services. Tauiliili was also very active in the Fitiuta Village Council as well as the Manu’atele District Council.

In 2008, he was bestowed the High Chief family title of Tauiliili from Fitiuta, Manu’a. Tauiliili loved and cherished his family and district and dedicated his life in service to them.

High Chief Tauiliili was selected by his village council to serve as Senator for Manu’a District #1 during the 37th and 38th Legislature of American Samoa. The President of the Senate, Tuaolo Manaia Fruean appointed him as Chairman for the Parks and Recreation committee and as member of the Samoan Affairs, Retirement, Marine and Wildlife Reservation, and Economic Development Ways and Means committees for the Senate.

Tauiliili was a staunch supporter of non-profit organizations seeking to assist low-income families and also lobbied for the continued safe practices of virtual learning for the Manu’a students during the Covid-19 pandemic. As a retired serviceman, he exuded strict compliance with rules and regulations and was always candid and honest in his opinion of matters that were important to his constituents.

A faithful servant of God, Tauiliili and his family were members of the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa (CCCAS) of Fitiuta and Iliili where he served as Deacon.

Tauiliili was married to his beloved wife Lise And Mase Lealaimatafao from the village of Iliili. Together they have three children and seven grandchildren. He was known for his kindness, Humility and quiet strength as a father and leader of the community.

HC Lauifi Nunu Paopao Tauiliili passed away peacefully on July 9, 2023 at the Triple Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Legislature together with the people of American Samoa celebrate the life and legacy of this great statesman and pays tribute for his lifelong service to the people of American Samoa.

Tauiliili is the second member of the sitting legislature to have passed during the Fono’s adjournment. He was 78 years of age.

The Senate Concurrent Resolution will be officially presented to Mrs. Lise Ane Tauiliili at his funeral service at the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium.