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Historic firsts in Honolulu as Samoan-American mayor sworn in by Samoan-American judge (1787 hits)

Monday January 5, 2009
By Fili Sagapolutele fili@samoanews.com

For the first time a mayor of a major American City who is of Samoan ancestry was sworn into office by a judge who is also of Samoan ancestry.

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann took the oath of office for a second four-year term at Kapolei Hale last Friday morning presided over by Honolulu District Family Court Judge Bode Amilale Uale

“The ceremony was very moving one and an important one for my brother, because his family was present,” said Afimutasi Gus Hannemann, the mayor’s brother. “The ceremony was attended only by the Mayor’s staff and the family.”

“During the Mayor’s brief comments at the swearing in ceremony, he spoke about the importance of family and the important role they play in a person’s life,” said Afimutasi in a telephone interview from Honolulu on Friday afternoon.

Among the family members in attendance was Toloai Soliai “who was recognized by the Mayor” and Taufilinu’u David Hannemann, who conducted the prayer, said Afimutasi, who noted the Mayor’s various family clans were represented at the ceremony.

What was even more impressive, and historically important was that the Mayor, the first person of Samoan ancestry to become the Mayor of Honolulu was sworn into office by a Samoan judge, said Afimutasi.

Around 5 p.m. on Friday, Mayor Hannemann appeared at the Hawai’i Theater in downtown Honolulu for his official speech and the rest of the inauguration activities.

According to a copy of the Mayor’s speech, Mayor Hannemann told the audience he and his wife Gail are grateful for the vote of confidence by the people of the City and County of Honolulu during the November election.

“As I stand before you tonight, I’m reminded again of the hard work and sacrifices that my father and mother, Gustav and Faiaso, made for their children,” Hannemann said. “Like you, I am eternally grateful for being blessed with loving parents who provided me with an opportunity to pursue my hopes and dreams. Just as they did for me, I want to leave the place of my birth better than I found it.”

Hannemann, who was in the territory after he was re-elected in November, spoke about a wide range of issues including economic conditions faced by the U.S. and his plans for the future.

In closing Hannemann said he approaches his second term in office “ready to listen....ready to collaborate....[and] ready to lead.”
Posted By: The Bitty Baby Shop .
Tuesday, January 6th 2009 at 9:50AM
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