Mayor-elect pays tribute
to his Samoan roots

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa » Mufi Hannemann, who will be the first mayor of Honolulu of Samoan ancestry, is visiting his parents' homeland.

"I wanted to do the right thing and be here at home, the land of my parents," said Hannemann, who flew to American Samoa to visit his mother's grave a week after defeating Duke Bainum for mayor.

Hannemann's brother, Gus Hannemann, said the mayor-elect wanted to pay tribute to his mother, Faiaso Soliai Hannemann, after doing the same thing for his father, Gustav Arthur Hannemann, in Laie where he is buried.

After visiting his mother's grave yesterday morning, Hannemann addressed about 300 students at the American Samoa Community College.

"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."

On Monday night, Gov. Togiola Tulafono, Lt. Gov. Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia, leaders of the Legislature and the Hannemann family in Pago Pago held an airport reception for Hannemann and six other members of his Honolulu family.

"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," he said. "I wanted to come home."

Hannemann said the Samoan people on Oahu were key to his victory in the mayoral race. He defeated Bainum by 1,355 votes after trailing in polls and early returns. Hannemann was to return to Honolulu tonight.