“He leaves a legacy of love and service as an example to the next generation of stewards, with a challenge and hope for a better tomorrow for our people and the next generation of leaders entrusted to protect and build prosperity for the future of American Samoa.”
A line from the thank you note on the back of the program for last night’s celebration of the life of former Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin.
It was a celebration that had a bit of everything that Eni loved.
There was singing, dancing, and emotional and funny speeches.
There were his relatives, from the children to the elderly, the people he worked and lived with from his childhood to his senior years, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, pastors from various other churches, a graduate of Kahuku High School, former entertainers at the Polynesian Cultural Center, fellow
army reservists, attorneys, business p
eople , students whom Eni had 
nominated for the academies or passed through his office in D.C, his staff members, and those he dealt with in the three branches of the American Samoa Government.
People from all walks of life, a varied tapestry, reflective of the man that brought them together last evening: Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, a man for all seasons.
Reverend Elder Faletoi Uso , who led the service kept the tone of the evening upbeat, aided by the beautiful singing of the choir from his CCCAS congregation in Vailoa.
Lining the Lee Auditorium stage and immediately in front of the stage were large portraits of Eni in various stages of his life , but mostly during his time in C
ongress, and some family photos, draped in ula laumei, and set on stands covered in white.
In the audience were Acting Governor Lemanu Palepoi Mauga, Chief Justice Michael Kruse who had worked with Eni as staffers to American Samoa’s first Delegate A.U. Fuimaono & Mrs Kruse, Secretary of Samoan Affairs-Mauga Tasi Asuega & Mrs Asuega, Senator Tilo Vasaga who sailed to Hawaii with Eni and his family in the first migration of American Samoans to the 50th state and grew up with him in Laie, Senator Faiivae Iuli Godinet, who was chief of Staff of Faleomavaega’s local office and a personal friend and relative, Pulu Ae Ae Jr.,-Director of Congresswoman Aumua Amata’s local office, former Congressman Fofo & Mrs Sunia, DOI Field Representative -Lydia Faleafine Nomura, and a few lawmakers and directors.
Eleven speakers shared their memories of Faleomavaega: Adney Reid,-President of the Pago Pago West Stake, Acting Governor Lemanu, Senators Faiivae and Tilo, 
Faleafine-Nomura, Pulu Ae Ae Jr, Faleomavaega’s sister- Vaitinasa Dr. Salu Hunkin Finau, Mitzie Jessop Taase, Counsel for the Fono, Faauifono Vaitautolu-reitred army reservists and former staffers Mary Taufetee and Tasi Tuitele, Mitzie Jessop Taase, and Faauifono Vaitautolu.
KHJ News has woven excerpts from the various speakers each with a story to tell about the man who was Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin.
Play AudioENI-EULOGIES
