The city's first mayor of Samoan ancestry first traveled to his parents' birthplace when he was 12 years old. As an adult, he's made it a point to visit once a year and maintain the link.

"Cultural identity was very important to my parents," said Hannemann, who is also of German and English extraction.

His father Gustav Arthur Hannemann was born in Samoa, the former German protectorate that was known until 1997 as Western Samoa. His mother Faiaso Soliai Hannemann hails from adjacent American Samoa, a U.S. territory since 1899.

When he is sworn into office on Jan. 2, Mufi Hannemann will become Honolulu's first O'ahu-born mayor since Neal Blaisdell left office in 1968.

Hannemann said he recognizes that his Samoan heritage carries a great significance, and that he feels a big responsibility to be a leader that people who share his background can be proud of.

But at the same time, he tries not to dwell too much on his ancestry, he said.

"People judge you by your actions, and not your words, your symbol, or your title," he said. "I think about it for a second and then I move on. But if it's going to make that Samoan kid study harder at school, try for better grades, and be a contributing member of our society, then I'm very happy about it."

His older brother, Gus Hannemann, lives in Hawai'i Kai but maintains strong political ties to American Samoa. He served a two-year term in the territory's Fono, or legislature, and twice ran to be its delegate to Congress. He currently serves as the Fono's appointed liaison to Hawai'i.

On Monday night, American Samoa Gov. Togiola Tulafono, Lt. Gov. Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia, leaders of the Fono and the Hannemann family held an airport reception for Mufi Hannemann and six other members of his Honolulu family in Pago Pago, the territory's capital.

"Now the door is open and the future is promising for the rest of us because we now all know it is possible," Tulafono said. "You've done it, and other children of Samoan ancestry can do likewise. You have become the role model for the rest of our children that will follow you."

Hannemann thanked the governor and said he was proud of his culture.

"I am very happy to be here with my brothers and sisters," Hannemann said. "I wanted to come home."

After visiting his mother's grave in Nuuuli on Tuesday morning, Hannemann addressed close to 300 students at the American Samoa Community College in Pago Pago.

"Dream big and reach for the stars," he said. "Work hard and never give up, because eventually it will pay off. But always believe in yourself, your heritage, your roots, and always honor your parents."