The founder of the U.S territory's Democratic Party, he had a long career in the legislature and the judiciary in American Samoa.

[1] Lutali maintained a leading role in the American Samoa Democratic Party through the years.

He ran unsuccessfully for Governor in the 1977 American Samoan gubernatorial election, losing to Peter Tali Coleman.

In 1989, he was returned by his district (Sa'ole) to the Senate where he served as chairman of the Committee on Government Operations until he was again elected governor in 1992.

[9] Lutali played a key role in working with Samoan chiefs and the U.S. Congress to create the 50th national park of the United States in American Samoa.

His administration is remembered for its initiatives in public health, youth development, and environmental protection, including his strong opposition to nuclear testing in the Pacific region.

After his defeat in the 1996 gubernatorial election, Lutali continued to serve in the American Samoa Senate, where he was involved in various community projects, including the construction of the Senior Citizen Center that now bears his name.