Elections and political parties in Tuvalu its own government. The second stage occurred on 1 January 1976 when separate administrations were created out of the civil service of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony. Elections to the House of Assembly of the British Colony of Tuvalu were held on 27 August 1977; with Toaripi Lauti being appointed as prime minister on 1 October 1977. The parliament was dissolved in July 1978 with the government of Toaripi Lauti continuing as a caretaker government until the 1981 elections were held. The first elections after independence will not held until 8 September 1981. 26 candidates contested the 12 seats.
Ocean Pacific Jenks of San Diego wanted to create clothing that met the demands of surfers in and out of the surf. He received the name from his then employer Don Hansen and the Ocean Pacific apparel line was created. Jenks' idea for clothing under the Ocean Pacific label quickly became popular with the surf culture with its instantly recognizable "OP" logo. The Ocean Pacific brand experienced financial trouble through the 1990s. Richard Baker's investment group Doyle & Boissiere bought Ocean Pacific in 1998. Baker stayed on as Warnaco acquired Ocean Pacific in 2003 and sold it to current owner Iconix Brand