Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo and Dr. Robert Underwood, University of Guam President and former Guam Congressman, today issued the following statement on the passing of former American Samoa Congressman, Eni Fa'aua'a Hunkin Faleomavaega, Jr.

“I worked with Congressman Faleomavaega since he was Lt. Governor of American Samoa in the 1980s. He was my mentor, colleague and most of all a true statesman for the Pacific. He was relentless when he felt something was wrong and he was understanding when someone was in need,” said Dr. Robert Underwood. “He went to school at Wettengel Elementary when his father was stationed on Guam. He spoke at our Presidential lecture series and was UOG's Commencement Speaker in May 2010. My condolences go out to his wife, Hinanui and the rest of the family.”

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of former Congressman Eni Fa'aua'a Hunkin Faleomavaega, Jr., and I join the people of American Samoa in mourning his loss," said Congresswoman Bordallo. "Eni was a true leader who dedicated his life to serving and improving his community. He was a dedicated public servant and faithfully served as American Samoas delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives for over two decades. I will always remember the time we served together as delegates and I thank him for his tireless work on behalf of the territories. He was a leader on issues important to Pacific Islanders and used his leadership positions in Congress to advocate for our causes. I extend my sincere condolences to his family and the people of American Samoa. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He was a dear friend and he will be deeply missed.”

For more information, visit Congresswoman Bordallo's website https://bordallo.house.gov/.