Lolo Letalu Matalasi Moliga

Lolo Letalu Matalasi (August 12, 1947 – March 6, 2026) was an American Samoan politician, educator and businessman. He served as the seventh governor of American Samoa, from 2013 to 2021.

Early life and education Moliga was born in Taʻū, Manu'a, American Samoa, on August 12, 1947. His father was High Chief Moliga Sa'ena Aunuua Moliga, who was from Ta'u. His mother, Soali’i Galea’i, was a native of both Fitiuta and Olosega. He attended Papatea Junior Elementary and attended Samoana High School before graduating from Manu'a High School. Moliga held a bachelor's degree in education from Chadron State College in Nebraska. He received a master's degree in public administration from San Diego State University on July 30, 2012.

Career Moliga began his career as a teacher. and received the most votes, but not more than the 50% required to win. The runoff was held November 20, 2012, resulting in Moliga defeating Lieutenant Governor Faoa Aitofele Sunia.

2016 gubernatorial election

Moliga won re-election on November 8, 2016, with 60.2% of the vote, defeating Faoa Aitofele Sunia and Tuika Tuika.

COVID-19 pandemic On March 16, 2020, Moliga went into voluntary self-isolation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Moliga had previously traveled to Seattle and Hawaii, which had experienced cases of COVID-19.

Democratic National Convention The United States Department of Defense is investigating two masked, uniformed soldiers who joined Moliga when he appeared online during the 2020 Democratic National Convention because uniformed soldiers are not permitted to participate in partisan events.

Death Moliga died in Honolulu, Hawaii, on March 6, 2026, at the age of 78. Many released statements, including Congresswoman Amata Coleman Radewagen.