It is with shock and sadness that we are learning of the passing of Mr. Lewis Wolman, who wore many hats during his time in American Samoa. He is a former publisher and editor of Samoa News, former Country Manager of BlueSky Communications, former CEO of the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority, former CEO of the Reid Group and fromer President of the American Samoa Chamber of Commerce. He was 68.
His son, Iopa Winter Wolman, said in a Facebook post, “My Dad passed away this last Saturday at home here in Boulder surrounded by his family. A memorial service will be held next week … We appreciate all the love, prayers, visits, and thoughts offered on his behalf.
Lewis, a native of Wisconsin, first came to American Samoa as a Coastal Zone Management Program planner and worked for what was then the Economic Development Planning Office, now the Department of Commerce. He immersed himself in the community and showed a keen interest in the territory’s economic development, the Samoan way of life and the island’s news makers.
After his contract ended, he became Editor of the Samoa News. Lewis eventually purchased the Samoa News newspaper and turned it from a weekly publication to a three days a week newspaper and eventually to a Monday to Friday daily.
At the time, he made the purchase, the newspaper was housed in a rundown building. Lewis built the striking two story building that is home to the Samoa News today. He also purchased modern equipment to print the daily newspaper and a modern press barn. As editor, Lewis wrote scathing and questioning editorials and also introduced interesting columns such as “Is it true?”
He showed much pride in mastering Samoan dance and song and was part of the American Samoa performers at Pacific Arts Festivals in Fiji and Tahiti.
Lewis would later sell the newspaper to the Annesley family that owns and operates the newspaper today.
During the early years of his ownership of the newspaper, Lewis was to meet his wife, Eletise Matagi of Pago Pago. The couple moved off island with their children to spend time with Lewis’ elderly parents. When they moved back to the territory, Lewis was appointed Country Manager of Blue Sky Communications.
In 2018, he was named CEO of ASCTA and remained in that role until 2020 before moving to Boulder, Colorado, to be close to children and grandchildren. But he returned yet again. In April of 2023, he was named CEO of the Reid Group.
During the gubernatorial campaign season of 2024 Lewis was one of the strategist and key data analysts for the Pula and Pulu Committee. He was appointed one of the advisors for Governor Pulaali’i on economic development and telecommunications. He moved off-island before the end of the first year of the administration.
KHJ News met up with Lewis and his wife Eletise in May at the Fono building, still curious of the ins and out of government and the happenings on island. He said they were just visiting and intended to be here for awhile.
However, they had to leave island after he was diagnosed with cancer.
Lewis is survived by his wife Eletise, two daughters, two sons, and several grandchildren. To them, we offer our deepest condolences. American Samoa has indeed lost a true friend.
