AGP Executive Report

Tsunami Update: A magnitude 7.7 earthquake off Panama raised Pacific tsunami concerns, but the U.S. Tsunami Warning Center confirmed no threat to American Samoa. Government Oversight: The Senate approved measures seeking an independent prosecutor and court review of the administration’s handling of about $15.6 million in public funds, including $10.1 million in ARPA interest. Cybersecurity: Google says attackers compromised the .as domain registry and obtained unauthorized HTTPS certificates for Google and other sites; the certificates have been blocked or revoked. Seabed Mining: A federal judge is set to hear a challenge to American Samoa’s proposed seabed mining sale on Oct. 30, ahead of a planned Nov. 19 sale. A related Marianas lawsuit will proceed without a separate hearing. Tax Status: The EU removed Panama and Vietnam from its tax-haven blacklist, which still includes American Samoa.

Cybersecurity: Google says attackers compromised the .as registry, along with Ghana’s and Sierra Leone’s, to obtain unauthorized certificates for Google and other sites. The certificates were revoked; Google says its own systems were not breached. ASG Spending Probe: Senators want the attorney general to seek an independent prosecutor to examine roughly $10.1 million in ARPA interest funds, payroll spending and opioid settlement funds. The inquiry deepened after company representatives told senators they had not insured ASG’s investment, contradicting earlier testimony. Seabed Mining: A proposed November lease sale covers more than 31 million acres off American Samoa. Critics say federal review failed to adequately assess potential harm to protected marine life. Ocean Monitoring: NOAA announced $45.7 million in first-year funding for regional coastal observing networks, which provide information used for weather forecasts, navigation and coastal hazard planning.

Cybersecurity: Hackers hijacked American Samoa’s .as domain registry, along with Ghana’s and Sierra Leone’s, to obtain unauthorized security certificates for Google and other sites. Google says its own systems were not breached; the certificates have been revoked and blocked in Chrome. ASG Investment: Representatives of two companies told senators they did not insure or guarantee the government’s $10.1 million investment of ARPA interest funds, contradicting earlier testimony from administration officials. Retirement and ASTCA: Senators merged bills that would reduce ASG’s Retirement Fund contributions and convert government debt into a $31 million ASTCA loan, with repayment terms still at issue. Airport Energy: A privately financed solar and battery project at Pago Pago International Airport is planned to generate 25 megawatts and is targeted to begin operating by the end of 2027. Health and Support: The Health Department is urging HIV testing while stressing that the Fiji outbreak does not spread through casual contact or travel. A new federal award will also establish a disability-led Center for Independent Living. Pago Pago Flights: Hawaiian Airlines has moved check-in and bag drop for Honolulu–Pago Pago flights to Terminal 2, Lobby 4.

ASG Investment Inquiry: A plain-language timeline traces the $10 million transfer from interest earned on federal COVID relief funds. The probe intensified after representatives of two insurance companies told senators they had issued no policy guaranteeing the investment, contradicting earlier administration statements. Seabed Mining: A proposed lease sale could open more than 31 million acres off American Samoa to mining. Opponents have challenged the federal review, while territorial leaders and residents say Washington is overriding local opposition. Fono and Retirement Fund: Senators advanced a package combining a proposed $31 million ASTCA loan to the Retirement Fund with a phased reduction in ASG’s contributions. Airport Energy: Pago Pago International Airport is advancing a privately financed 25-megawatt solar farm with battery storage, targeted to operate by the end of 2027. Cybersecurity: Google says hackers compromised the .as domain registry and obtained unauthorized security certificates; the identified certificates were blocked, but the incident put domains using .as at risk.

Cybersecurity: Google says hackers compromised the .as domain registry and obtained unauthorized HTTPS certificates, putting domains using the ending at risk. Chrome blocked identified certificates; Google said its own systems were not breached. Retirement Fund: Senators approved a merged bill that would turn ASG’s debt into a $31 million ASTCA loan while gradually reducing the government’s retirement contributions. Community: The Moso’oi Festival opened in Utulei with traditional performances and a new song honoring the flower and Samoan culture. Substance Abuse: Governor Pula dissolved the Comprehensive Substance Abuse Council and created a new council to guide opioid and substance-use policy and oversee settlement funds. Airport Energy: A proposed 25-megawatt solar farm with battery storage at Pago Pago International Airport is targeted to open by the end of 2027, with private financing. Travel: Hawaiian Airlines moved Pago Pago flight check-in at Honolulu airport to Terminal 2, Lobby 4. Mail Service: USPS now estimates 10 days or more for Ground Advantage packages to and from American Samoa, with some deliveries taking longer. Ocean Protection: A lawsuit challenges federal approval for a proposed seabed-mining lease sale covering more than 31 million acres off American Samoa.

Tarague Beach Supreme Court fight: Five amici briefs were filed supporting Prutehi Guahan in the U.S. Supreme Court case over the Air Force’s open detonation plans at Tarague Beach in Guam, with arguments set for Oct. 7. Local Governance: The Senate merged bills to turn ASG’s $31 million Retirement Fund loan into a deal tied to ASTCA, while also adjusting ASG’s Retirement Fund contribution rates over the next several years. Public Health: American Samoa’s Health Department is urging HIV testing after Fiji declared a national HIV crisis, stressing HIV isn’t spread through everyday contact or travel. Substance Abuse Policy: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula dissolved the Comprehensive Substance Abuse Council and replaced it with an Opioid and Substance Abuse Council to oversee opioid abatement and settlement-funded programs. Energy & Infrastructure: Port Administration advanced a major solar and battery storage project at Pago Pago International Airport, targeting full operation by end of 2027. Community & Culture: The Moso’oi Festival kicked off with performances, a new song debut, and tributes at Afioga Tufele Liamatua Sr Cultural Center. Aviation Update: Hawaiian Airlines moved Honolulu check-in for Pago Pago flights to Terminal 2, Lobby 4, effective Oct. 3. Elections Reminder: The Election Office says Oct. 5 is the deadline to register for the Nov. 3, 2026 midterm election.

Deep-Sea Mining & Ocean Protections: A U.S. lawsuit challenges NMFS’s plan to lease about 31 million acres off American Samoa for seabed mining, with critics saying the agency signed off without proper review of exploration and mining impacts on protected species. Daylight Saving Time: Congress is still stuck on the Sunshine Protection Act, so American Samoa and other U.S. territories are set to “fall back” on Nov. 1, 2026, returning clocks from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m. Local Health Watch: American Samoa’s Department of Health says Fiji’s HIV crisis should not be taken as a sign of HIV spreading through everyday contact or travel to the territory. Airport Energy Push: The Port Administration is moving ahead with a major solar plus battery storage project at Pago Pago International Airport, targeting about 25 MW of solar and 20 MW/80 MWh storage, with operations planned for end of 2027. Samoa Media Freedom: Journalists in Samoa are demanding answers after a reporter’s camera was removed and photos deleted during a public event involving the prime minister’s security. Government & Services: The House left a bill to temporarily suspend ASG’s “special provision” immigration clause stalled as the legislature adjourned, pushing any next action to January. Budget Update: Governor Pulaali’i signed the FY2027 budget but used line-item vetoes on several appropriations, including parts of capital improvement projects. Voting Reminder: The Election Office says Oct. 5 is the deadline to register for the Nov. 3 midterm election.

USPS Delivery Updates: Starting Oct. 1, USPS lengthened typical delivery expectations for packages to and from Alaska, Hawai‘i, and American Samoa under Ground Advantage and Priority Mail, citing longer distances and more realistic service timelines. Supreme Court Security Push: A bipartisan coalition of 43 state attorneys general, including American Samoa, urged Congress to fully fund the U.S. Supreme Court’s FY2027 security request, warning threats have surged in volume and credibility. Local Budget Moves: Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula signed the FY2027 budget bill but used line-item vetoes, cutting several appropriations including Legal Affairs, Manu‘a shoreline/disaster road, Swains transportation, emergency road repairs, and about $11.9 million in CIP projects. Medicaid Funding Concern: Advocates renewed calls to protect Medicaid local match after a House-approved reduction to the Governor’s Medicaid subsidy, warning it could limit provider enrollment and access to personal care and home health. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Congresswoman Uifa‘atali Amata told federal officials she opposes deep-sea mining in American Samoa’s waters, raising concerns about environmental harm and autonomous “AI drones.” Election Reminder: The Election Office says Oct. 5 is the deadline to register for the Nov. 3, 2026 midterm election, including the Delegate to Congress and House seats. Education Spotlight: The Territorial Bank of American Samoa launched the Lolo Matalasi Moliga Scholarship—20 awards of $5,000 for ASCC students—marking TBAS’s 10th anniversary.

Supreme Court Security Push: Forty-three state attorneys general, including American Samoa, joined a bipartisan letter urging Congress to fully fund the U.S. Supreme Court’s FY2027 security request after threats against justices and their families surged. Local Budget Watch: Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula signed the FY2027 budget bill but used line-item vetoes, cutting several appropriations including major CIP projects and road-related funding, while restoring a Legal Affairs salary reduction. Medicaid Funding Concern: Advocates warn that a House-approved cut to the Governor’s Medicaid subsidy—from $6 million to $3 million—could limit access to personal care and home health services by tightening the local match. Election Reminder: The Election Office says Monday, Oct. 5 is the last day to register for the Nov. 3, 2026 midterm election, including the Delegate race and House seats. Civics Bee Win: South Pacific Academy student Shalidiloya Faavaoga will represent American Samoa at the 2026 National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C. Energy & Environment: U.S. mapping efforts near American Samoa continue, while Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata reiterated opposition to seabed mining during IGIA remarks.

Samoa Politics: Samoa’s prime minister apologized after an old 2007 video surfaced showing him leading a Nazi “Heil Hitler” salute at a family reunion, saying the words and gesture were inappropriate and capable of causing offense. Local Elections: The American Samoa Election Office reminded voters that Monday, Oct. 5 is the deadline to register for the Nov. 3, 2026 midterm election for Delegate and House seats. Budget Watch: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula signed the FY2027 budget bill but used line-item vetoes, removing funding for several Legal Affairs, road, transportation, and major CIP projects, while restoring one Legal Affairs cut. Medicaid Pressure: An op-ed and related coverage warn that a House-approved cut to the Medicaid subsidy could limit access to personal care and home health services, affecting patients, caregivers, providers, and the local healthcare economy. DST Reminder: Multiple reports note daylight saving time still ends this year with clocks “falling back” on Nov. 1, 2026, as the push for permanent DST remains stalled in the Senate. Regional/Environment: A U.S. study highlights new hydrothermal manganese mineralization processes near American Samoa, adding to growing scientific interest in the region’s seafloor resources.

Daylight Saving Time: The push for permanent daylight saving time is still stuck in Washington, so American Samoa residents should still expect the usual “fall back” this year, with clocks set back one hour on Nov. 1, 2026. Local Government: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula signed the FY2027 budget bill but used line-item vetoes, cutting several appropriations including major CIP projects and specific road and transportation funding. Elections: The Election Office reminds voters that Oct. 5 is the last day to register for the Nov. 3, 2026 midterm election. Healthcare & Medicaid: A new call is growing to protect Medicaid funding and the local match, warning that reduced support can limit access to personal care and home health services. Seabed Mining & Ocean Stewardship: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata reiterated opposition to deep-sea mining in IGIA remarks, tying concerns to environmental protection and trust in autonomous systems. Education & Youth: TBAS marked its 10th anniversary by announcing the Lolo Matalasi Moliga Scholarship for ASCC students, and the Chamber of Commerce named a Civics Bee finalist headed to Washington, D.C.

Local Politics & Budget: Gov. Pulaali’i signed the FY2027 budget bill but used line-item vetoes to remove several appropriations, including $150,000 for a Manu’a shoreline/disaster access road, $50,000 for Swains transportation, $210,000 for emergency road repairs in Nua and Seetaga, and about $11.9 million in CIP projects—while restoring $79,000 to the Department of Legal Affairs. Healthcare & Medicaid: An op-ed and follow-up letters warn that a House-approved cut to the Medicaid subsidy—from $6 million to $3 million—could limit access to personal care and home health, especially if the local match can’t support more enrolled providers. Elections: The Election Office reminded voters that Oct. 5 is the deadline to register for the Nov. 3, 2026 midterm election, with registration closing at 4:00 pm. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata told IGIA the territory’s top concern is the rush to deep-sea mine, urging federal agencies to reject it and listen to indigenous voices. Civics & Education: The American Samoa Chamber of Commerce says Shalidiloya Faavaoga will represent the territory at the 2026 National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C. Science & Environment: A USGS study reports new hydrothermal manganese mineralization processes near American Samoa, adding to growing scientific interest in the region’s seafloor resources.

Local Budget Watch: Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula signed the FY2027 budget bill but used line-item vetoes to remove several appropriations, including $150,000 for a Manu’a shoreline/disaster access road, $50,000 for Swains transportation, $210,000 for emergency road repairs in Nua and Seetaga, and about $11.9 million in CIP projects, while restoring $79,000 cut from the Department of Legal Affairs. Medicaid Access: An op-ed and follow-up letter warn that a House-approved cut to the Medicaid subsidy—from $6 million to $3 million—could limit enrollment of personal-care and home-health providers, leaving approved benefits “on paper” instead of reaching patients. Election Reminder: The Election Office says Oct. 5 is the last day to register for the Nov. 3, 2026 midterm election, with registration closing at 4:00 pm. Education & Youth: Territorial Bank of American Samoa marks its 10th anniversary with the Lolo Matalasi Moliga Scholarship—20 awards of $5,000 for ASCC students—and the Chamber of Commerce names Shalidiloya Faavaoga to represent American Samoa at the 2026 National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata told IGIA that American Samoa’s top concern is the rush to deep-sea mine local waters, urging federal agencies to reject the plan. Environment & Science: A USGS study reports new hydrothermal manganese mineralization processes near American Samoa, while a separate lawsuit challenges U.S. plans for offshore mineral extraction near the territory.

Aviation Travel: If you’re flying Hawaiian or Alaska soon, plan extra time for checked bags—bag tags and drop-off now need to happen 50 minutes before departure, not 30. Local Governance: Gov. Pulaali’i signed the FY2027 budget bill but used line-item veto power, cutting several appropriations including $150,000 for a Manu’a shoreline/disaster access road, $50,000 for Swains transportation, $210,000 for emergency road repairs, and about $11.9 million in CIP projects (with one Legal Affairs cut later restored). Health Policy: A major concern is growing around Medicaid local match funding—advocates say reduced local support is limiting enrollment of personal care and home health providers, affecting access to long-term care. Seabed Mining & Environment: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata urged federal agencies to reject deep-sea mining in Samoan waters, warning about risks to heritage and the ocean. Local Courts & Public Safety: The Senate postponed action on a bill to convert ASG’s $30M+ retirement fund debt into a loan tied to ASTCA repayment. Science & the Sea: A new USGS study reports fresh findings on hydrothermal manganese mineralization near American Samoa. Education: American Samoa’s Shalidiloya Faavaoga will represent the territory at the 2026 National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C.

Supreme Court Security Push: American Samoa’s Attorney General Jeff Jackson is leading a bipartisan coalition of 45 attorneys general urging Congress to fully fund the U.S. Supreme Court’s FY2027 security request as threats against justices and their families rise. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata used an Interagency Group on Insular Affairs meeting to renew opposition to seabed mining in American Samoa waters, warning against an “unchecked” push and calling for indigenous voices to be heard. Local Governance & Budgeting: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula signed the FY2027 budget bill but used line-item vetoes, including cuts tied to roads and capital improvement projects, while directing some restored funding for the Department of Legal Affairs. Medicaid Access Concern: Advocates are pressing for Medicaid local match funding to be protected, saying reduced support is limiting enrollment of personal-care and home-health providers. Legislature Delays: The Senate postponed action on a bill to convert ASG’s ASGERF debt into a loan, and also temporarily set aside a House measure to codify ASTCA in territorial law. Civics Spotlight: Shalidiloya Faavaoga will represent American Samoa at the 2026 National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C. Sports: Lupe o le Soaga is set to return to the OFC Champions League 2021.

Medicaid Access in Focus: EPIC is urging lawmakers to reverse a House-approved cut to American Samoa’s FY2027 Medicaid subsidy, warning the reduced local match is blocking enrollment of personal-care and home-health providers for elderly residents, people with disabilities, and medically fragile patients. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata used an IGIA meeting to renew opposition to deep sea mining in American Samoa waters, tying concerns to environmental harm and fears about autonomous “AI drones” used in the process. Local Budget Moves: Gov. Pulaali’i signed the FY2027 budget bill but used line-item vetoes on multiple items, including legal affairs funding, several road repairs, and $11.9 million in CIP projects. Retirement Fund Debt: The Senate postponed further action on a bill to convert ASG’s $30M+ debt to ASGERF into a formal loan, while also temporarily setting aside a separate ASTCA codification measure. Civics Bee Win: Shalidiloya Faavaoga will represent American Samoa at the 2026 National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C. Sports & Community: Lupe o le Soaga is set to return to the OFC Champions League, and TBAS marks its 10th anniversary this Saturday.