Posted on: Thursday, June 24, 2004

Samoan lawmaker spent time in Hawai'i

By Vicki Viotti
Advertiser Staff Writer

Faasuka Taesaliali'i Simaile Lutu, who became a talking chief and a legislator in American Samoa after becoming known as a prep football star in Hawai'i, died Sunday at St. Francis Hospice. He was 66.

Lutu was born in Fagatogo, American Samoa. He then lived with family in Hawai'i while he attended school, graduating in 1956 from Kaimuki High School, said Gus Hannemann, Hawai'i liaison for the senate of American Samoa. At Kaimuki, he was a fullback and among the candidates for all-star honors in the league.

When he returned home, he became a member of the House of Representatives, where he served for 18 years, Hannemann said. He also took the name Taesaliali'i and became the orator ("talking chief") to high chief Lutu T. Fuimaono, he said.

His most recent post in the government was as director of the Office of Senior Citizens.

Hannemann said Lutu's experience in Hawai'i gave him the background he needed to convey the value of government aid to senior citizens in a culture that traditionally sees elder care as a family concern.

"We come to Hawai'i, we learn to assimilate and we bring that home because that's what our people need," he said.

Visitation will be at 5 p.m. Saturday, followed by a 6 p.m. service at Moanalua Community Church. Burial will take place in American Samoa. Moanalua Mortuary is handling arrangements.

He is survived by his wife, Fialupe; daughters Fetulele Cooks and Jerry Ann and Laalaai Lutu; sons Milliard, Moefatu and Raymond Lutu; brothers Leroy, Kipeni, Simaile, Faasuka Jr. and Marcus Lutu; sisters Faatamalii Falo, Salote Schuster, Taotafa Self, Oilau Tuliau, Elisa Lutu, Mokihana Ripley, Debbie Katina and Juliette Lutu; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Reach Vicki Viotti at 525-8053 or vviotti@honoluluadvertiser.com.