Scanlan v. Tuiasosopo
Scanlan v. Tuiasosopo
Opinion of the Court
The record of this matter begins after this manner upon due consideration of the Court regarding the motion introduced by the Afioga Salanoa S. Aumoeualogo.
After the T5fa Mageo Meauta testified, especially those who testified on the witness stand for Telesia Tiumalu Scanlan’s side, then the time was turned over to the Afioga
At the very beginning, and before the Afioga Salanoa speaks for his side, the motion was first duly introduced after the following wording: “Public Law 10-16, 1968 § (1) 751, Qualifications for succession to title; Provided, that any person not possessing at least one-half (%) or fifty percent (50%) Samoan blood shall be ineligible to succeed any matai title.”
Accordingly, the Afioga Salanoa classified and outlined Telesia’s blood in support of his motion to the Court, and stated that Telesia has Tongan blood amounting to about 6% deriving from her being the offspring of her mother, Tiumalu Taimane, who is presently holding the title Tiumalu; he (Salanoa) further stated that Telesia, too, possesses Filipino blood through her father, and the said blood amounts to approximately fifty (50%) percent. Summing up both the Tongan and the Filipino blood re: Telesia and it total up to S&k. In other words, Telesia has but only 433k Samoan blood flowing in her veins (body). On the other hand, this means that there is 61k more to make up 50 % re Telesia’s Samoan blood in order she may be qualified for succession to a Matai Samoa according to the motion as entertained by the Afioga Salanoa.
Accordingly, the motion was well taken by the Court, however, the said motion was denied by the Court on its discretion and serious consideration, as well, and to resume the trial in order to discover evidence to determine whether the motion is in order or not, before divulging some evidences that were presented before the Court by those witnesses who testified; but the Court would like to, first, disclose its reasons for denying the motion.
The law has its required considerations whereby properties are to be segregated in that the law is to interpret clearly the intent of the law; for it is not that as soon as
Upon the following motion: There is no difference of the herein law from the Law in the Code of American Samoa; Section VI, Code of American Samoa 1961, Ed. 6.0110, P.L. 10-61, 1968 whereupon it states that “If it be for one calendar year that a Matai Samoa has not continuously residing in American Samoa, but is residing in some far off countries like America, Hawaii, or in any country which located outside of Samoa.” It means that such is under the consideration of the law, thereupon the family has the right to remove said person from his status as a matai in accordance to the law.
See the evidence in the case of Saga T. Vaivao, in the village of Leloaloa, L&T# 1510-75, whereupon one branch of the family objected and complained to the Court that the matai title of their family be removed on the ground that it has been six years of residing away from the family, and, for not performing a tautua to the family through performing his matai responsibilities, to the village, district and the country; and particularly the family is not living peacefully on the grounds that the lands and family properties have been prejudicially designated by him (the matai) to some people even though they are properties or communal family lands of the family. It reveals from the decision of the Court that the motion was denied and dismissed due to insufficient evidence to warrant the removal of the title from Saga T. Vaivao. Again, note that a complaint filed by the family on the ground that he has resided away from the family for one year; the evidence is that his absence was not only for one year but for six (6)
While Afioga Tiumalu Taimane, 70 years, who is presently holding the title Tiumalu was on the witness stand, she testified that she denies that point that Telesia possesses Tongan blood, because she is of aged in that she is seventy (70) years of age yet she had never heard anything that there are Tongan relatives of the Tiumalu family, neither she has Tongan relatives. She also did not hear any talk about a Tiumalu family trip that would have gone to Tonga either to visit or to trace Tiumalu family genealogical line with the Tongans, not at all. She also neither heard nor learned of any story to that fact that Tongan relatives of the Tiumalu family had come to introduce them to us and declared that they (Tongan relatives) have connection (gafa) to the Tiumalu family in accordance with the conditions of the customs of Samoa, never.
Likewise, T5fa Mageo entertained a motion for denial, and, in objection to the motion which was introduced by Afioga Salanoa, regarding the blood of Telesia. Mageo, counsel for Telesia, stated in his motion that “on page 218 of the ‘Black’s Law Dictionary’ you will find that there are three (3) types of blood: Half Blood; Mixed Blood; and Whole Blood. The wording lh blood denotes the degree of relationship between those who have the same father or the same mother, but both parents in common. Whole Blood is interpreted a person descent from the same father and mother. Mixed blood includes persons who descended from ancestors of different races or nationalities; but particularly, in the United States, the term denotes a person one of whose parents (or more remote ancestors) was a negro. You will find it in the U.S. v. First National Bank of Detroit, Minnesota, 234 U.S. 245, 34 S.Ct. 846, 58 L.ed. 128.”
And the Court will now turn to find facts in reference to evidences and testimonies of those who testified for each party respectively before the Court.
This matter was first referred to the Office of Samoan Affairs pursuant to law, in that investigation be conducted to discover whether settlement could be reached that Tiumalu family would live peacefully. The family, however, was unable to reach settlement, accordingly, it was referred to the law and the Court. Moreover, it was filed with the law because of Telesia Tiumalu Scanlan offering the title Tiumalu to register in her name, and this application was filed on March 11, 1974, Fagatogo, County of Ma’uputasi. Whereupon Palauni Tuiasosopo filed his application for registration of the title Tiumalu in his name, in the month of May 14, 1975, Fagatogo, County of Ma’uputasi.
Counsel for Telesia Tiumalu P. Scanlan — Tofa Mageo Meauta Atufili.
Counsel for Palauni Tuiasosopo — Afioga Salanoa Aumoeualogo.
Section 6.0107, Code of American Samoa outline considerations which the Court shall be guided in its determination as to which candidate to the title is suitable to register the matai title, and the section reads as follows:
Section 6.0107 — that determination of the Court on Land and Titles shall be guided by the Court on important considerations as outlined:
(1) The best hereditary right, as to which the male and female descendants shall be equal in families where this has been customary; otherwise, the male descendant shall prevail over the female.
(2) The wish of the majority or plurality of the clans as customary in that family.
(3) The forcefulness, character and personality and the knowledge of Samoan customs.
(4) The value of the holder of the matai title to the family, village, county and country.
The first consideration of the Court was on the issue on hereditary right to the title Tiumalu. The Court deliberated on the evidence and grouped them together in the light of the witnesses’ testimonies and counsels’ arguments. These caused the Court to believe that Telesia possesses one-half C/2) or fifty percent (50%) Tiumalu blood in Telesia’s veins — and Afioga Salanoa who counseled for Palauni Tuiasosopo concurred.
Regarding Palauni’s blood, the Court had difficulty to firmly determine Palauni’s blood due to a number of those who testified against the Tanielu clan; the Court believes that a person who desires confirmation of his blood for the purpose of succeeding or becoming a matai of a certain family, based on his connection to a certain title, through
In the entire written statements by Samu Fa’amao Tiumalu, he said in his testimony that if he would testify on behalf of either of them, Telesia or Palauni, he would state the truth from God. The testimony in its entity causes the Court to positively know and believe that it is a remonstrant testimony emphasizing the fact that there is no Tanielu clan in the ancestry lines of Tiumalu family. Those who were introduced and made statements in the record of Samu Fa’amao Tiumalu’s testimony are the following:
(a) Ta’amu who descended from Luteru clan told Samu Fa’amao Tiumalu that clans of Tiumalu family are Luteru, Malaki, Male (Faigatá) and Eseta.
(b) Likewise is the testimony of Liufau whom Tiumalu Taimane, the present holder of the Tiumalu title, descended from. Liufau’s statement to Samu Fa’amao, too, that, remember your ancestors to wit: Luteru, Malaki, Male (Faigatá), and Eseta.
(c) Also the testimony of the tama’ita’i matua Mausa and Tiumalu La’ila’i given to Samu Fa’amao Tiumalu in the same language.
(d) In the statement Samu Fa’amao Tiumalu, he testified that his grandmother (tiná-matua) Tá’itai, told him the following: “Tanielu was the father of Motumotu; Motumotu was the father of Tuiasosopo Mariota, Toso,
(e) Fa’aafe’s father, Luteru, adopted Ta’ateo. Her statement to Samu Fa’amao Tiumalu was that Ta’ateo was an adopted one, she too, has no Tiumalu blood. Fa’aafe also informed him, if he liked to know for sure then ask Pala Tavu’i.
(f) Pala Tavu’i verified statements of Ta’itai and Fa’aafe that there is no Tiumalu blood in Tanielu and his seeds, so as Ta’ateo and her children.
(g) All of these recorded statements were around 1928, 1930,1932,1936, and 1938.
The opinion of the Court formed from the testimony of Petelo and the entire statements of Samu Fa’amao Tiumalu seemed like a picture taken by a camera, in the mind of the Court, in that Tanielu clan is an applied or an added one into the genealogical lineage of Tiumalu family, but according to the true tradition of Palauni family as was related by one direct testimony in that the genealogical lineage re their connection to Tiumalu family is as follows: Tiumalu Mataiasi was the ancestor of Tanielu, Luteru, Malaki, Faigata and two girls, Tupu and Litea.
This Tanielu married Tia’ina, daughter of Savea of Matu’u, whom Motumotu is descended. Said Motumotu married Mereane, daughter of Kuki (minister), the offspring was Tuiasosopo Mariota, Toso, Fa’ata’ape and Saufaiga; and this same Tuiasosopo whose offsprings are Mariota, Mere, and Palauni now candidate to the title Tiumalu.
It therefore decided that the Tiumalu blood flowing in Telesia Tiumalu Fouuluvale Scanlan’s veins is 50%; but Tiumalu blood running in Palauni Tuiasosopo Sarnia’s veins is V32. In other words, Telesia prevails over' Palauni on hereditary issue.
The second issue of the matter “The wish of the majority or plurality of the clans of the family as customary to that family.”
In Palauni’s questionnaire it discloses that there are seven (7) clans in the family, namely, Tanielu, Malaki, Luteru and Faigata; and this is Palauni’s concrete testimony while on the witness-stand that there are only four (4) clans of Tiumalu family. But Fagaso’aia Lio testified on the witness-stand that the family has five (5)
It was very clear to the judge that Tófá Mageo Meauta, counsel for Telesia did ask Fagaso’aia twice while on the witness-stand “About how many clans of the Tiumalu family?” Fagaso’aia’s answer is “Only five (5) clans,” and this has indicated to the Court that Palauni is somewhat contradicting Fagaso’aia Lio who testifies representing Luteru side which is supporting Palauni. But the Court knows now these two contradicted each other and this seems to the Court they do not agree on the issue on clans, according to the belief as maintained by supporters of Palauni. Anyway, this is an acknowledgment to the Court that Fagaso’aia Lio strongly opposing Palauni, as the court understood it, and from what was testified in that Fagaso’aia Lio, who is acting for Luteru clan, is supporting Palauni. The careful weighing of evidence the Court has detected that the majority of Luteru clan is not with Palauni since they admitted that there are five (5) clans of Tiumalu family; however, Palauni with his side re Tanielu maintained the belief that there are four (4) clans of Tiumalu family.
Each questionnaire contains twenty-four persons who signed their names on each questionnaire respectively. That means they are on a par as to the total number of persons who affixed their signatures respectively on both of them (Telesia and Palauni); but there is something rude therein when it comes to think of it. In both questionnaires are names of those who signed twice. This denotes that these (persons) have not yet set their minds to one of the above two, consequently, they signed their names on both questionnaires of Telesia and that of Palauni.
The Court, thoroughly studying both questionnaires, is positively sure that there are only four (4) persons of the
On other clans that T5fa Mageo referred to such as Malaki clan being the largest in the Tiumalu family is backing Telesia. Faigata clan — part of said clan is upholding Telesia, so as Tanielu clan. The evidence from the argument of T5fa Mageo, he outlined the division of Faigata clan and their names are: Male, Fa’amao, Falo and Yiavia; Tofá Mageo’s testimony was that Palauni is supported by Male’s heirs, but Fa’amao is upholding Telesia, ref the children of Falo and Viavia — the Tofá Mageo further said in his testimony that candidacy of Telesia is supported by clan of Faigata; in the clan of Eseta according to this matter, Mageo testified that the herein clan is splitting in two since Telesia is being supported by the elderly lady (tama’ita’i-matua) Fa’alogoa’e who is still living with her family. Her brother’s children, however, are supporting Palauni.
On the issue on forcefulness and personality. It appears in the mind of the Court that Palauni had gained higher educations, and especially his government service. Palauni had attended some major center of education in America at the University of Oregon, and the University of Southern California, he also attended education center in Hawaii, at the East West Center, and Punahou School in Hawaii; he too had completed high school in American Samoa especially the many other fields of education and employment he was engaged in as listed in his questionnaires. Telesia attended and graduated from the Sisters School in American Samoa. She also went off island for schooling in Hawaii, at Lauahola, taking a special course on handicrafts; Telesia also took up courses on general knowledge and the English as well as vocational courses, and particularly a course on dancing and entertainer, in Honolulu. The Court has accepted that Palauni’s education and services are very outstanding, especially his present position as an Aide to the Governor, thereupon he draws very high wage of $23,270.00 per annum not counting his
On the item of personality, their personality and calmness seemed to be equal; but the Court seems to take the view that Telesia bears a pleasant personality while Palauni a fallen countenance; because Palauni is quiet and it apparent he does not like people, however, he is considered a person of good conduct; Telesia, however, prevails on personality and in living happily. This is another part of the issue on qualification to persuade members of a Samoan family; many of the Samoan people are accustomed to speak to other people in general saying, “how good is that man and that woman who bear happy countenances, but it sounds bad in the fa’a-Samoa when it said that “the man and the woman are good except they don’t look happy with the people.” Indeed we know the culture and the true Samoan customs that if a person is found to be living happily, a couple or a family who lives after this manner such as living happily is liken to living true Samoan custom; if, however, a person lives a seemingly unhappy life, he would likewise be undesirable by anyone else, as was mentioned by Tofá Mageo in his
(a) Telesia has the Power of Attorney to represent some matters, as stated, that in 1966, she served as personal representative of Tiumalu within Fagatogo Village directly with Faletua and Tausi in connection with the cleaning and beautifying of Fagatogo. The said drive caused Fagatogo to win the first prize on the beautification contest.
(b) She, for six (6) years, served as a faletua of the Tiumalu family, and simultaneously she participated with the village council or associated with matai in accordance with Samoan customs.
(c) In 1973, selected by ali’i and faipule of Fagatogo village to be Pulenu’u and she served in this position for two years.
(d) That Telesia requested Public Works Department to construct a bridge, thus the said request was brought to pass at the completion of the said project in the village of Fagatogo.
(e) That Telesia appealed to Afioga Kovana Itumalo, Eastern District that Fagatogo village performed the dance- and the song for the Flag Day celebration of the Government of American Samoa. Telesia made the said request by virtue of her being the Pulenu’u — but, this section of the third (3rd) consideration of the Court was objected
Moreover, this entire part, like all of the above facts which were presented has pointed out that Telesia is truly qualified to succeed the matai title Tiumalu upon her leadership performance in that every one of them completed favorably; however, the Court in its own wisdom, the judges was able to pose a hypothetical sample question as follows: Had Tiumalu felt, concurred by one group of the family, to appoint Palauni to represent Tiumalu Taimane on the grounds that she is old in age and feeble, such as in the case of Telesia, will Palauni have performed the good works herein as in the manner Telesia did? The Court’s hypothetical answer is that Palauni could also do all the herein works as did Telesia. Though the Court is in doubt whether Palauni does the said work or not; any way, Afioga Tiumalu Taimane had not expressed intentions that Palauni continues her administration as she (Tiumalu Taimane) declared that Telesia takes over her administration due to her age; but the Court indeed believe that Telesia’s good works could be superseded by Palauni’s good works if it be done willingly. The Court, therefore, contended that they are in parity on this point, that is consideration three (3) of the Court — “Forcefulness, character, personality, knowledge of Samoan customs”— thus the Court has reached this decision after dividing their points or percentage as follows:
a. Regarding the issue on knowledge of the Samoan customs, they are in parity;
b. Regarding education and employment, as well as income, Palauni prevails Telesia;
d. On forcefulness and character, they are at par. The Court after considering the following sub-sections of the third (3rd) consideration to wit: forcefulness, character, personality, and the knowledge of the Samoan customs find they are equal.
The fourth (4th) issue says: The value of the holder of the matai title to the family, the village, and the country. This issue is part of the matter (fa’amasinoga) and it’s a difficult issue the Court had to consider; other people, and legal counsels are of the opinion that when a person prevails over the third (3rd) consideration, it would be interpreted that that person automatically prevail on the fourth (4th) consideration. The Court’s answer to said conclusion is “no.” Legal counsels and the public are fully aware of the language of the third (3rd) consideration which says: “Forcefulness, character, personality, and knowledge of Samoan customs.” But the fourth (4th) consideration, “The value of the holder of the matai title to the family, the village, district and the country.” This makes difference as pointed out by the Court. The Court will now consider with great care which of these two should bear or succeed to hold the title Tiumalu during this period.
And, will begin after this manner: All activities and works which have completed by them, activities and things which are still going on, the court is taking judicial notice; moreover, a picture apparently depicting an invisible move that both candidates to the Tiumalu title desiring to perform, furthermore, the income received by each of them as in the case of Palauni who receives from his present employment as the Official Aide to the Governor of American Samoa, thereupon he gets $23,270.00; if his wife’s income be added then the grand total would be
The Court is of the opinion that that would only be something that would be a physical result of the wisdom and knowledge which he gained from higher education, especially of much money which he gets — and the most treasured thing to a man would be his beautiful strong fale for him, his wife and children to live in. But lo and behold, when Tofá Mageo, counsel for Telesia, asked Palauni while on the witness stand — if he’s got a house, Palauni’s answer was “no.” Mageo asked Palauni as to whose house he is living now. Palauni’s answer is that “his sister’s house.” Mageo asked if he is serving a Samoan matai, and Palauni’s answer was “no.” Mageo asked if he
Regarding Telesia, if the Court were to contemplate the record of her works already done — in reference to consideration three (3) as follows: Forcefulness, character, personality, and knowledge of Samoan customs — we will not repeat this, since the Court believes that Telesia is well familiar with proving and fulfilling the matai-family relationship in view of her experimental service, she needs no other training to an attempt to succeed to hold a matai
WHEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED, DECREED AND ADJUDGED, that Telesia F. Tiumalu Scanlan has the decision, and is hereby awarded the title “Tiumalu” of the village of Fagatogo. The Territorial Registrar is hereby instructed to register the title Tiumalu upon Telesia. Court
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.