for the commission's findings. Liamatua called for full autonomy for American Samoa in November 2006, citing a list of political weaknesses which needed to be addressed by the Future Political Status Study Commission. Liamatua recognized that the Governor of American Samoa, elected by the people, could be removed by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior at any time. Liamatua also cited three other examples in his argument for complete autonomy for American Samoa. He reiterated that the United Nations lists American Samoa as a non-self governing territory. He also cited American Samoa's application to join the Pacific Islands Forum as an associate member by Governor Togiola Tulafono, which the U.S. State Department wanted to rescind because the application was not handled by the federal government. Finally, Laimatua criticized interference by the U.S. National Park Service on a deal negotiated by Governor Tulafono to construct a McDonald's restaurant on Utulei Beach. In 2009, Governor Tulafono nominated Liamatua to the board of directors of the LBJ Medical Center. He was confirmed by the American Samoa Senate in a 14–2 vote. Liamatua was elected to the American Samoa House of Representatives in 2006, representing Su'a Number One District. He became the chairman of the House retirement and communications committees. Secretary of Samoan Affairs Governor Togiola Tulafono appointed Liamatua as Secretary of Samoan Affairs on January 7, 2009. He succeeded outgoing Secretary Mauga Tasi Asuega. Liamatua simultaneously became the head of the Department of Local Government upon his appointment to the office. Under American Samoan law, the Secretary of Samoan Affairs is selected and appointed by the Governor from the territory's senior matai, or chiefs. The selection of the Samoan Affairs Secretary is the sole discretion of the Governor and does not need the approval of the American Samoa Fono. One of Liamatua's first duties as Samoan Affairs Secretary was to officiate the ava faatupu, which was held on January 9, 2009, for the second inauguration of Gov. Tulafono and Lt. Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia. Secretary Liamatua is also charged with welcoming visiting dignitaries, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on her brief visit to American Samoa in November 2010. On November 28, 2010, Secretary Liamatua called on the American Samoan community to help prevent the spread of HIV and AIDs in a keynote speech presented in the run-up to World AIDS Day at a Sunday church service. Death Tufele Liamatua died unexpectedly in