A.U. Fuimaono | |
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Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from American Samoa's At-large district |
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In office 1970–1974 |
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Preceded by | Office created |
Succeeded by | A. P. Lutali |
Personal details | |
Born | January 24, 1924 Faga'alu, American Samoa |
Died | September 9, 2008 Faga'alu, American Samoa |
(aged 84)
Spouse(s) | Felefele Fuimaono |
Residence | Futiga, American Samoa |
Alma mater | Marist Brothers School, Poyer School, Samoana High School |
Occupation | Senator, District Governor |
A.U. Fuimaono (January 24, 1924 – September 9, 2008) was an American Samoan politician and Paramount Chief who served as American Samoa's first Delegate-at-Large to the United States House of Representatives from 1970 until 1974. Fuimaono also served as the Governor of Western District, American Samoa on the island of Tutuila from his appointment in 1993 until his death in 2008.
A.U. Fuimaono was educated at the Marist Brothers Catholic School, Poyer School and Samoana High School. Fuimaono went on to obtain his teaching certification from Feleti Memorial Teachers Training School.
Fuimaono enlisted and served in the United States Navy for four years.
Fuimaono was a full Samoan chief. Fuimaono helped to establish the first Political Status Commission, which was held in 1969.
Fuimaono arrived in Washington, D.C. in 1970 as American Samoa’s first Delegate to the United States House of Representatives.
While serving in the House, Fuimaono hired a young Eni Faleomavaega as an administrative assistant. The position was Faleomavaega's first job after graduating from law school. Faleomavaega, who is currently serving as the incumbent Delegate for American Samoa, later spoke of Fuimaono's influence on his career saying, "In fact, he was the first person who exposed me to Washington D.C. I would not be here as American Samoa’s congressional representative if it had not been for Fuimaono, who served as our first elected representative to Washington."