[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 49 (Tuesday, March 21, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E353-E354]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. COLLEEN HANABUSA

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 21, 2017

  Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I remember the first time I met Eni. It 
was in the Supreme Court of the State of Hawaii. As the Judiciary and 
Hawaiian Affairs Chair for the Hawaii State Senate, I was speaking on 
behalf of a Circuit Court Judge, the first of American Samoan ancestry 
who was confirmed by the Senate and there to receive his oath of 
office. Eni was there, the Delegate to the Congress of the United 
States from American Samoa, to show his support for the Judge. Eni was 
so proud, as if he was being sworn in. I do know that American Samoans 
in Hawaii looked up to Eni as if he was their ultimate role model.
  I was fortunate to serve four years in the House of Representatives 
with Eni. I learned from him how we each represent a constituency that 
deserves our advocacy, albeit that we may come from islands in the vast 
Pacific Ocean. I learned that our voices are equal to our colleagues 
and it is up to us to ensure that we are heard.
  My favorite memory of Eni comes from 2012 when he performed the 
formal Samoan dance with his niece to honor the retirement of our much 
beloved and respected Senator Daniel K. Akaka. Eni told me Senator 
Akaka was his friend and his Senator. Eni proudly showed me his 
tattoos, made the traditional way. I was in awe of his strength and 
perseverance.
  Most importantly, I will never forget the friendship of Eni and his 
wonderful smile and big bear hug I was so fortunate to receive whenever 
I saw him. Upon my return to Congress, my first questions were about 
Eni and if anyone had seen him.
  I will miss you my friend.
  My condolences to his wife, Hinanui Bambridge Cave, and their five 
children. Mahalo (Thank You) for sharing him with us for all these 
years.

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