Amata Congratulates Judge Faauuga Toʻotoʻo Upon 10-Year Circuit Court Term In Hawaiʻi

Press Release

Sunday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed the news that Judge Faauuga Toʻotoʻo has been retained to another ten-year term as Judge on the Circuit Court of the First Circuit in Hawai'i.

"Congratulations to Judge Faauuga Toʻotoʻo on this prestigious position and important responsibility," said Aumua Amata. "He is one of our own from Nuuuli. He is highly qualified and experienced, and his retention is the right decision. I know he will continue doing a great job, and being a credit to American Samoa."

The judge's mother was Paia Tago of the Tago and Lavatai family of Nuuuli as well as the Poloa family of Leone, where the Judge graduated Leone High School in 1976, and his father, Laititi Toʻotoʻo of Olosega.

Judge Faauuga Toʻotoʻo

Judge Faauuga Toʻotoʻo earned a Bachelor's degree at Missouri Valley College, studied in Greece, and earned a law degree at St. Louis University.

Since 2010, he has served as judge on the Circuit Court of the First Circuit. This includes the domestic violence calendar, and a broad array of felony cases, including murder, assault, robbery, burglary, and many more. He also served as a substitute justice for the Supreme Court of Hawaii, participating in the oral argument and decision of the rail litigation.

Beginning in 1994, through his 2010 appointment to the next level court, he served as judge on the District Court of the First Circuit, where he presided over the criminal, traffic, drug, domestic violence, and civil calendars.

Prior to becoming a judge, he served ten years as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Honolulu, where he led cases of a broad variety, including felony jury trial cases and murder cases.

Community involvement includes Moʻokini Heiau Foundation Lumanaʻi Awards Committee, feeding the homeless in Waiʻanae with the Paris ʻOhana, Waimānalo Community Fair & Christmas Parade, Board and Stone Class, Youth Challenge, various Samoan cultural events, Kūhiō Park Terrace Christmas party for the elderly, and Kāneʻohe Canoe Club.

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