AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa activists and community leaders confronted NOAA’s research ship Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor, warning that seabed mapping and mineral testing could feed the federal deep-sea mining agenda despite the territory’s moratorium. Local Governance & Oversight: The House raised concerns about how ASG invested roughly $10 million in ARPA interest, with lawmakers pressing for a full accounting and possible subpoena. Elections & Citizenship: Alaska’s appeals court tossed a felony voter misconduct indictment against a Whittier woman born in American Samoa, saying prosecutors used the wrong legal standard and misled grand jurors—an outcome that could affect related cases. Public Health: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases tracked; dengue risk includes Pacific islands, including American Samoa. Education & Youth Programs: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped its PITA Jr. Summer STEAM Bootcamp, aiming to spark future robotics and tech talent. Workforce Policy: A new Senate bill would create a one-time Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program for out-of-status foreign nationals to work in critical industries like StarKist Samoa.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: A House Rules Committee move blocked Guam Delegate James Moylan’s bid to carve seabed mining out of a bill that would fast-track approvals under FAST-41, keeping pressure on the region’s waters and oversight. Pacific Security: Pacific Islands Forum leaders urged China to give advance notice of ICBM tests after a July launch passed over islands without adequate warning, with Nauru dissenting. American Samoa at PIF: American Samoa met U.S. leaders at PIF to push for non-debt grant support for infrastructure and maritime border security coordination. Youth Safety & Local Impact: AG Manibusan announced a landmark $17.1B Meta settlement over Instagram/Facebook youth harms, with American Samoa included among the states receiving funds and new child-safety requirements. Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases tracked there; dengue risk is noted across the Pacific, including American Samoa. Local Governance: The Election Office listed candidates eligible for the Nov. 3 midterm, and the Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC president effective Sept. 8. Immigration Policy: A Senate bill proposes a one-time Critical Guest Worker amnesty for out-of-status foreign nationals to work for StarKist Samoa and other designated critical employers. Fisheries Science: Western Pacific scientists will review Rose Atoll large-vessel rules and set bottomfish catch guidance for 2027–2030.

Deep-Sea Mining Push Meets Local Resistance: Community leaders and Greenpeace USA activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor, protesting mapping tied to a proposed federal deep-sea mining lease near American Samoa, even as the territory maintains a seabed mining moratorium. Local Governance & Oversight: The House is pressing for a full accounting of how ASG invested roughly $10 million in ARPA interest, with lawmakers warning the Fono lacks clear reporting and may need subpoenas. Public Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases tracked there; officials say it’s an early warning and dengue risk is present across the Pacific region, including American Samoa. Youth Safety Settlement: AG Edward Manibusan announced a landmark $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement, including required child-safety changes for Instagram and Facebook, with American Samoa listed among the settling jurisdictions. Education: The Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC president, effective Sept. 8. Elections: The Election Office listed candidates eligible for the Nov. 3, 2026 midterm, and noted several House seats running unopposed. Immigration Policy: A Senate bill proposes a one-time Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program for foreign nationals out of status, aimed at filling critical labor needs like StarKist Samoa. Regional Security: Pacific leaders at PIF urged transparency after China’s missile test, calling for advance notification to reassure island nations. Court Ruling With Local Echoes: Alaska’s appeals court tossed a felony voter misconduct indictment tied to an American Samoan resident, citing prosecutors using the wrong legal standard and misleading grand jurors.

Meta Settlement for Youth Safety: Attorney Edward Manibusan announced a landmark $17.1 billion multistate deal with Meta, including American Samoa, requiring major new protections for children on Instagram and Facebook, such as daily time limits, “productive pauses,” and nighttime blocks. Local Education Leadership: The Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC president, effective Sept. 8, replacing interim President Sonny J. Leomiti. Election Office Updates: The Election Office listed candidates eligible for the 2026 Midterm Election and also released the final candidate list for Nov. 3 races. Public Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases currently tracked; officials say it’s an early warning and urge mosquito-bite prevention. Deep-Sea Mining Push Faces Pushback: American Samoa leaders and activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer over concerns about mapping and quantifying deep-sea minerals tied to potential future mining leases. Regional Voice at PIF: American Samoa’s delegation presented its request for full membership in the Pacific Islands Forum during the Palau leaders’ meeting. Government Funds Scrutiny: A Senate hearing raised questions about an alleged $10 million ARPA interest investment, with testimony saying there has been no return as of Aug. 31. Territory Crime: Police charged a suspect in a Leone assault case after a disturbance allegedly tied to missing money, and separate burglary cases were also reported.

Dengue Alert: Hawaiʻi DOH says a wastewater sample from Hilo tested positive for dengue virus, with no active cases currently tracked; officials say it’s an early warning signal and note dengue risk across the Pacific, including American Samoa. Local Education Leadership: American Samoa Community College’s Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC president, effective Sept. 8, replacing interim President Sonny J. Leomiti. Elections Office Updates: The Election Office listed candidates eligible for the Nov. 3, 2026 Midterm Election and also released the slate of House and congressional candidates, including several running unopposed. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa leaders and youth/environment groups urged against deep-sea mining plans offshore, while NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer drew peaceful engagement from activists. Government Funding Watch: Lawmakers pressed for details on ASG’s ARPA interest investment, after testimony said $10 million was moved to a Kansas firm with no return reported as of Aug. 31. Meta Youth Safety Settlement: A major multistate Meta settlement would require new teen safety limits on Instagram and Facebook, with American Samoa included among the jurisdictions seeking changes. Public Safety Court News: Police charged a suspect in a Leone assault tied to a disturbance over alleged missing money, and separate burglary cases allege repeated home entries while the owner slept.

Local Politics & Elections: The Election Office says these candidates are eligible for the Nov. 3, 2026 Midterm Election, listing delegate and House races across districts. Education Leadership: The Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC president, effective Sept. 8, replacing interim president Sonny J. Leomiti. Public Safety Incident: A disturbance in Leone allegedly turned violent after missing money claims, leading to an assault case and charges filed against the suspect, who was held without bail. Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases currently tracked; officials say it’s an early warning and urge mosquito-bite prevention. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa leaders and activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer over concerns about mapping tied to future deep-sea mineral leasing. Regional Voice: Guam’s governor backed full Pacific Islands Forum membership for associate territories, while American Samoa also formally requested full membership. Youth Online Safety: A multistate Meta settlement would require new teen protections; American Samoa is listed among the states receiving funds. Government Funding: Congress passed a short-term federal funding extension to prevent a shutdown, keeping American Samoa funded through Dec. 11. ARPA Investment Scrutiny: A Senate hearing raised questions about a reported $10 million ARPA interest investment, with claims of no return as of late August.

Regional Governance: Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero urged Pacific Islands Forum leaders to grant full membership to associate members like Guam, arguing political status shouldn’t silence voices, while American Samoa’s delegation also pushed for full Forum membership. Public Health: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in a wastewater sample from Hawaiʻi County (Hilo), with no active cases currently tracked; officials say dengue risk is travel-linked and urge mosquito-bite precautions. Local Politics & Oversight: The Senate Government Operations Committee pressed Acting Treasurer Carri-Lee Magalei-Tulafono on an alleged $10 million ARPA interest investment that, she testified, has produced no returns as of Aug. 31; lawmakers also questioned Governor Pulaali’i Pula’s dissolution of the ASTCA board and the legality of dismissing six members. Federal Funding: The U.S. House passed a bipartisan government funding extension through Dec. 11, with Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata saying it prevents an end-of-September shutdown and preserves American Samoa funding. Youth & Online Safety: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate settlement targeting Instagram/Facebook harms to children, alongside new teen safety requirements. Environment & Preparedness: The National Weather Service warned a strengthening El Niño could bring heat, water stress, higher cyclone risk, and coral bleaching, urging residents to prepare now.

ASG ARPA Investment Scrutiny: The Senate Government Operations Committee pressed Acting Treasurer Carri-Lee Magalei-Tulafono over a rumored $10 million ARPA interest investment, including claims it was moved to a Kansas firm in March and that no return has been seen as of Aug. 31. Local Governance Clash: Separate Senate questions continue over Governor Pulaali’i Nikolau Pula’s moves involving ASTCA, including the legality of dismissing six board members while he is overseas and concerns about ASTCA spending tied to the July 4 “America 250” celebration. Meta Settlement Reaches American Samoa: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate youth-safety settlement, with new limits and safety features for Instagram and Facebook. Regional Diplomacy: American Samoa’s delegation at the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum in Palau formally requested full membership, arguing observer and associate status has lasted long enough. Weather & Safety: The National Weather Service warns a strengthening El Niño could bring heat, water stress, and higher cyclone risk, urging residents to prepare now. Food Assistance Update: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year EBT benefit on Sept. 1, expiring Sept. 30. Deep-Sea Minerals Watch: NOAA’s American Samoa seafloor mapping continues as federal plans move toward a seabed lease sale off the territory.

Meta Settlement for Kids: American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from Meta’s landmark $17.1 billion multistate deal, with new rules aimed at limiting Instagram and Facebook use for children, including daily time caps, “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, and stronger age checks. Local Governance Clash: Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula dissolved the ASTCA Board, triggering sharp pushback from Senator Muagututi‘a Tauoa and legal questions from Senate leaders over the move and ASTCA spending. Deep-Sea Minerals Watch: NOAA is mapping American Samoa’s seafloor as the U.S. moves toward a seabed lease sale that could open the door to commercial mining in federal waters near the territory. Food Assistance Update: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year benefit on Sept. 1, funded by unspent federal funds, with benefits expiring Sept. 30. Online Scam Alert: Cybersecurity experts warn Pasifika about a surge in AI-driven online shopping scams and urge residents to slow down and verify before paying. National Park Spotlight: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata highlights the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week, calling out its unique wildlife and cultural sites.

Seabed Minerals & NOAA Mapping: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is mapping American Samoa’s seafloor as the U.S. moves toward a Nov. 19 lease sale for seabed mineral rights, with a lawsuit already filed challenging the plan. Meta Settlement for Youth Safety: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced a $17.1 billion multistate Meta deal; American Samoa will receive $1.1 million, and Meta must add new Instagram/Facebook protections for children, including daily time limits and nighttime blocks. Local Governance Clash at ASTCA: Gov. Pula’alii Nikolao Pula dissolved the ASTCA Board ahead of a Senate hearing, drawing sharp criticism from Sen. Muagututi’a Tauoa, who called for the governor’s removal. Food Assistance Update: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year benefit loaded to EBT on Sept. 1, expiring Sept. 30. National Park Spotlight: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata highlighted the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week, stressing wildlife protection and the park’s unique South Pacific role. Election & Citizenship Debate: The Election Office set a Sept. 1 nomination petition deadline, while U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith pushed a bill targeting birthright citizenship in territories.

Meta Settlement for Youth Safety: American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from a landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta, requiring sweeping new Instagram and Facebook safeguards for children, including daily time limits and nighttime blocks. Local Governance & Oversight: Governor Pula’alii Nikolao Pula dissolved the ASTCA Board ahead of a Senate hearing, drawing sharp criticism from Senator Muagututi’a Tauoa, who called for the Governor’s removal. Food Assistance Update: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year benefit loaded to EBT cards on Sept. 1, with benefits expiring Sept. 30. Elections Watch: The Election Office set Sept. 1 at 4:30 p.m. as the deadline for nomination petitions for the House and U.S. Congress, while voter registration remains open. National Park Spotlight: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week, emphasizing wildlife protection and unique bird species. Pacific Security & Diplomacy: American Samoa is sending a delegation to the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum in Palau as leaders weigh security, climate, and regional cooperation. Deep-Sea Minerals & Policy: The U.S. is moving toward seabed mineral development near American Samoa, while NOAA announced deep-sea mapping expeditions around the territory.

Meta Settlement for Youth Safety: American Samoa is set to receive $1.1 million from Meta’s landmark $17.1 billion multistate deal, with the company required to overhaul Instagram and Facebook protections for children and teens, including daily time limits and “productive pauses.” Local Election Watch: The American Samoa Election Office says nomination petitions for House and U.S. Congress seats are due Sept. 1 at 4:30 p.m., while voter registration remains open for eligible voters. Drug Enforcement Oversight: House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Fagaima Larry Sanitoa schedules a Sept. 3 hearing to review DHS “Oticide” drug and human trafficking case counts and results, comparing them to last year’s figures. Deep-Sea Minerals Push: NOAA announced deep-ocean expeditions to map and survey seafloor areas around American Samoa tied to critical mineral evaluation, with live-streamed ROV dives and public data releases. Pacific Policy Context: Pacific leaders meet in Palau amid rising competition over ocean resources and security, with American Samoa and Guam listed as associate members.

Meta Settlement Reaches American Samoa: Meta agreed to pay up to $18B and overhaul Facebook/Instagram safeguards for teens, including a combined two-hour daily limit, nighttime blocks, and stronger age checks; American Samoa is listed among the territories in the multistate deal. American Samoa Election Update: The Election Office set a Sept. 1, 4:30 p.m. nomination petition deadline for House and U.S. Congress candidates, while voter registration remains open. Deep-Sea Mining & U.S. Auction Watch: A U.S. plan to auction seabed blocks off American Samoa is framed as a major UNCLOS and environmental flashpoint, with critics warning about how mining rules are being handled. NOAA Ocean Exploration: NOAA announced deep-sea expeditions to map and survey waters around American Samoa, with live-streamed ROV dives and public release of collected data. Local Governance & Security: A House Homeland Security Committee hearing is set for Sept. 3 to review DHS Oticide drug and human trafficking cases and compare reported numbers with Public Safety records. National Park Spotlight: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week, tying local wildlife and cultural heritage to the park’s mission.

Deep-Sea Minerals: NOAA says it will run two deep-ocean expeditions to map and survey American Samoa’s seafloor, with live-streamed ROV dives and public data releases. Local Elections: The American Samoa Election Office set Sept. 1 (4:30 p.m.) as the deadline for House and U.S. Congress candidate nomination petitions, while voter registration remains open. Drug Enforcement Oversight: House Homeland Security Committee chair Fagaima Larry Sanitoa scheduled a Sept. 3 hearing to review DHS “Oticide” drug and human trafficking case numbers and results. Meta Settlement Impact: A major multistate Meta deal includes American Samoa in child-safety reforms for Facebook and Instagram, with new limits and protections aimed at teens. Pacific Security & Resources: Pacific leaders meet in Palau (Aug. 30–Sept. 4) to push for more control over security and ocean resources amid U.S.-China competition. National Park Spotlight: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week. Birthright Citizenship Fight: A U.S. judge declined, for now, to block Trump’s latest birthright citizenship order, keeping the legal battle active. Sports & Culture: Stanford’s Samoan-American coach won his debut on Pacific Islander night, featuring cultural celebration at the game.

Local Politics: American Samoa’s Election Office set a key deadline for House of Representatives and U.S. Congress candidate nominations: Sept. 1 at 4:30 p.m., while voter registration remains open for eligible residents and U.S. citizens. Territorial Citizenship Fight: A U.S. judge declined to immediately block Trump’s latest birthright citizenship order, and a conservative think tank is urging Congress to limit citizenship in U.S. territories like American Samoa. Youth Online Safety: A major multistate settlement with Meta requires sweeping changes to Facebook and Instagram for teens, including daily time limits and nighttime blocks; American Samoa is listed among the jurisdictions joining the case. Public Safety Oversight: The House Homeland Security Committee chair scheduled a Sept. 3 hearing to review drug and human trafficking case numbers reported by DHS’s Oticide division. NOAA & Marine Science: NOAA announced deep-sea exploration expeditions to map and survey American Samoa’s seafloor, with live-streamed ROV dives and public data releases. Community & Culture: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week. Sports: Centennial’s football team posted a 74-41 win, but the coach flagged defensive focus issues after a big second-half slide.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to about $17.1B in a multistate deal and overhaul Facebook/Instagram teen protections, including a combined two-hour daily limit, “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, and tighter age/content controls; American Samoa is listed among the territories receiving funds. Local Elections: American Samoa’s Election Office set Sept. 1 at 4:30 p.m. as the deadline for House and U.S. Congress candidate nominations, while voter registration remains open. Deep-Sea Exploration: NOAA announced two 2026 expeditions to map and survey American Samoa’s seafloor, with live-streamed ROV dives and public release of collected data. Security & Justice Oversight: House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Fagaima Larry Sanitoa scheduled a Sept. 3 hearing to review DHS “Oticide” drug and human trafficking case numbers and outcomes. Government Travel Freeze: ASG suspended all government-funded local travel for the rest of FY 2026, with limited exceptions for court, top officials, and grant-funded travel. Birthright Citizenship Fight: A U.S. judge declined—for now—to block Trump’s latest birthright citizenship order, directing plaintiffs to address it in their ongoing lawsuit. National Park Spotlight: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata highlighted American Samoa’s National Park during National Park Week.