PAGO PAGO, American Samoa – The tragic murder of Dr. Caroline Sinaviana-Gabbard, 78, the aunt of former Democratic Hawaiian Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, has shocked the community. Sinaviana-Gabbard was found dead in her protege Papalii Sia Figiel’s home in Vaivase-Uta, Samoa. The incident occurred on May 25, leading to Figiel being charged with manslaughter, which was later upgraded to murder as the investigation revealed the brutality of the attack.
Figiel, an award-winning playwright who was mentored by Sinaviana-Gabbard, allegedly attacked her with both a hammer and a small knife, resulting in multiple stab wounds. The two women were reportedly alone in the house when the altercation took place, prompting Figiel to flee to a friend’s house before turning herself in to the authorities.
As the police continue their investigation leading up to Figiel’s court appearance on June 10, the motive behind the attack remains unclear. Figiel has been transferred from Tanumalala Prison to the National Hospital in Motootua, where she is under 24-hour suicide watch.
Sinaviana-Gabbard, a respected academic and poet of Samoan descent, was the first individual of Samoan heritage to become a professor at an American university. She dedicated over 20 years to teaching Pacific literature at the University of Hawaii and was known for her creative and scholarly works published worldwide.
Colleagues and friends remember Sinaviana-Gabbard for her profound impact on the literary and academic community. Poet and novelist Albert Wendt praised her writing for drawing strength from her Samoan roots and blending various cultural influences. English Department colleague Joan Peters described her poetry as spiritually profound yet rooted in earthly wisdom.
The tragic loss of Sinaviana-Gabbard has deeply affected her family, including Hawaii State Senator Mike Gabbard, who fondly recalled their close relationship during their teenage years. While forgiving Figiel for the heinous crime, Gabbard emphasized the importance of serving justice in honor of his sister’s memory.
The upcoming court proceedings in Samoa will shed more light on the circumstances surrounding Sinaviana-Gabbard’s untimely death, as the community mourns the loss of a pioneering academic and creative force.