The American Samoa Power Authority Board of Directors, Executive Director Wallon Young Fong and the entire staff of ASPA are mourning the passing of Chief Operations Officer, High Chief Lavata’i Reno Vivao.
He passed away at the LBJ Hospital, Tuesday night.
An announcement from ASPA says HC Lavata’i has been a dedicated employee and pivotal leader of the American Samoa Power Authority since 1993.
He started his career as a young Power Plant Operator Trainee under the leadership of the late Utu Abe Malae.
HC Lavata’i, then, became one of the first individuals to complete ASPA’s Apprenticeship Program earning a Diploma in Electrical Engineering from Manukau Institute of Technology.
He steadfastly rose the ranks in ASPA as an aspiring Engineering Technician, Technician Foreman, T&D Supervisor, Project Engineer, T&D Manager, and, eventually, Chief Operations Officer which he has held for more than 16 years.
HC Lavata’i is remembered for his strong leadership, compassion, charisma, and, most of all, his unwavering dedication to ASPA and serving the people of American Samoa.
He was present through every hurricane, power outage, sunny day, or rainy night, serving with commitment and perseverance.
ASPA extends its sincerest condolences to Lavata’i’s wife, Mrs. Kristian Vivao, his mother, Mrs. Talafulu Vivao, and his entire family at this difficult time.
KHJ News also extends its condolences, for the untimely passing of this dedicated ASPA employee.
