Mauga Palepoi (died 7 February 1963) was an American Samoan chief and politician. He served as a member of the Senate
Mauga Palepoi | |
|---|---|
 Palepoi with his grandchildren in 1954 | |
| Member of the Senate | |
| In office –1963 | |
| Constituency | Maoputasi County |
| Personal details | |
| Died | 7 February 1963 Pago Pago, American Samoa |
Biography edit
Palepoi succeeded Mauga Moimoi (a signatory of the Treaty of Cession of Tutuila) as a high chief,[1] and served as a District Governor.[2]
In 1924 he was convicted of assault and battery.[3] This was followed by a conviction for illegal possession of alcohol in 1946, and a conviction for smuggling alcohol in 1952.[3] Following his third conviction, a petition was presented to the High Court requesting that his chiefly title be revoked. However, the petition was rejected as fewer than 75% of adult family members had signed it.[3] A previous petition had been rejected in 1945 due to a lack of evidence of misconduct.[4] He was pardoned for his smuggling conviction by the Governor in 1954, allowing him to be reinstated as a chief of Maoputasi.[2]
Palepoi became a Senator for Maoputasi County, serving until his death in Pago Pago on 7 February 1963.[1]
His grandson Malaetasi Togafau later served as Attorney General of American Samoa.
References edit
- ^ a b High Chief Mauga Paleopi Pacific Islands Monthly, March 1963, p141
- ^ a b Chief Palepoi Mauga Pacific Islands Monthly, November 1954, p45
- ^ a b c Asuega v. Mauga American Samoa Bar Association
- ^ Mauga; Mauga Family v. American Samoan Bar Association