AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, backed by Earthjustice, sued the Trump administration to stop the first-ever commercial seabed mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing NOAA Fisheries wrongly concluded mining “is not likely to adversely affect” Endangered Species Act-protected animals and that the review was too thin for a process critics call rushed and risky. Local Government & Health: Acting Gov. Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. proposed a new way to fund school sports—taking a $2 deduction from monthly government paychecks—while Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted recent Medicaid discussions with CMS aimed at improving access for island residents. Public Safety: Police charged a man after an alleged domestic dispute turned violent in Aua, and another case after a 14-year-old called 911 when his mother’s boyfriend allegedly threatened and assaulted her. Community & Services: A nine-member National Park of American Samoa wild-land fire crew deployed to the U.S. mainland for a monthlong wildfire response, and the Seafood Academy American Samoa held its inaugural graduation. Elections: The Chief Election Officer officially set the 2026 Midterm Election for Nov. 3, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with candidate paperwork due Sept. 1.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Environmental groups, including Faʻasao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, sued the federal government to stop the first commercial deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing regulators wrongly concluded mining “is not likely to adversely affect” endangered species and that the review was too thin. Local Governance & Community Impact: The lawsuit comes as the Trump administration pushes ahead with a rushed Pacific leasing process, while local leaders and faith groups continue to press for caution and stronger protections for the moana. NOAA Mission Returns Home: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer has sailed to American Samoa after a Cook Islands expedition, bringing biological and geological ocean artifacts for display at a local museum. Public Safety & Courts: Two separate domestic-violence cases in Pago Pago led to suspects being held without bail after alleged assaults and threats involving a husband and a mother’s boyfriend. Wildfire Support: A nine-member National Park of American Samoa wild-land fire crew has deployed to the U.S. mainland for a monthlong assignment. Elections: The Chief Election Officer officially set Nov. 3, 2026 for American Samoa’s midterm election, with candidate filing deadlines announced.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Environmental groups and community advocates, including Fa‘asao Amerika Samoa, sued the U.S. government to stop the first-ever commercial deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing regulators wrongly found mining “is not likely to adversely affect” endangered species and that the process skipped required review under the Endangered Species Act. Local Impact & Response: American Samoa Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula has a 60-day window to review and comment on the proposed leasing notice, while local opponents say the territory’s own moratorium should be respected. Regional Pressure: Guam’s governor and delegate are also pushing back, saying Guam was shut out of the formal comment process for the Mariana Trench lease sale and warning Washington is moving faster than science allows. Public Safety & Courts: Two separate domestic-related cases saw suspects held without bail after alleged assaults and threats, including one involving a 14-year-old who called 911. Community & Culture: A National Park of American Samoa wild-land fire crew is deployed to the U.S. mainland for a month, and the Seafood Academy American Samoa held its inaugural graduation. Elections: The Chief Election Officer officially set Nov. 3, 2026 as the Midterm Election date.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Environmental groups, including Fa‘asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, sued the U.S. government to stop the first commercial deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing federal regulators wrongly found mining “not likely” to harm endangered species and that required reviews were inadequate. Local Politics & Governance: Chief Election Officer Dr. Lealofi Uiagalelei officially set the 2026 Midterm Election for Nov. 3, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with filings due Sept. 1. Health & Community: Samoa’s main hospital oxygen shortage that reportedly disrupted surgeries was resolved after oxygen supplies arrived from American Samoa. Public Safety: Two separate domestic-related cases led to suspects being held without bail after alleged assaults and threats involving a husband and a mother’s boyfriend. Culture & Education: The inaugural American Samoa Seafood Academy graduated its first class, with leaders urging students to protect ocean knowledge for future generations. Sports Funding Idea: Acting Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. proposed a $2 payroll deduction for government employees to support DOE sports programs. Wildfire Support: A nine-member National Park of American Samoa wild-land fire crew deployed to the U.S. mainland for a monthlong response assignment.

Deep-Sea Mining Legal Fight: Earthjustice, on behalf of Fa‘asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, sued the U.S. government to stop the first deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing the National Marine Fisheries Service wrongly said mining won’t harm Endangered Species Act-protected animals and that the review was too thin. Local Politics & Faith Voices: The American Samoa Democratic Party praised Catholic and Episcopal leaders in the Pacific for urging caution on deep-sea mining, saying the ocean is not just a resource to be exploited. Next Steps for the Process: The Trump administration has also advanced a separate leasing plan for the Northern Mariana Islands, with critics warning the pace is outstripping science. Health Update (Regional): Samoa’s oxygen shortage at Moto’otua Hospital was resolved after oxygen arrived from American Samoa, restoring supplies for surgeries. Elections: Chief Election Officer Dr. Lealofi Uiagalelei officially set American Samoa’s 2026 Midterm Election for Nov. 3, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with candidate paperwork due Sept. 1. Public Safety: Two men were held without bail after an alleged assault tied to a Vailoa aumaga curfew dispute. Community & Training: The Department of Commerce held graduation for the inaugural American Samoa Seafood Academy class, training local fishermen for commercial fishing in the EEZ.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Fa‘asao Amerika Samoa and Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, represented by Earthjustice, sued the U.S. government to stop the first-ever deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, challenging NOAA Fisheries’ finding that mining won’t harm Endangered Species Act-protected animals and asking a judge to halt the process. Local Impact: The lawsuit comes as the Marine Minerals Administration moves ahead with a Nov. 19 lease sale for about 31 million acres off American Samoa, while faith and community voices continue to urge caution. Regional Pressure: Guam’s Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Delegate James Moylan warned Washington not to fast-track seabed mining in the Marianas before risks are fully understood. Community & Safety: In American Samoa, a Vailoa village curfew dispute led to two men being held without bail after alleged assault charges. Health Update: Samoa’s hospital oxygen shortage was resolved after supplies arrived from American Samoa, though surgeries had been delayed. Elections: The Chief Election Officer officially set Nov. 3, 2026 for American Samoa’s midterm election, with candidate paperwork due Sept. 1. Education: The Department of Education opened the school year with a church service emphasizing service and excellence for students.

Deep-Sea Mining Lawsuit: Faʻasao Amerika Samoa and Conservation Council for Hawaiʻi, represented by Earthjustice, sued the U.S. government in Hawaii to block the first-ever commercial deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing NOAA Fisheries wrongly concluded mining “is not likely to adversely affect” endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. Local Ocean Voices: The American Samoa Democratic Party praised Catholic and Episcopal leaders for their joint stance warning that the Pacific Ocean is not just a resource to be exploited. Faith Community Caution: CEPAC urged “humility” and “prudent” discernment as leasing plans expand around American Samoa and near the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument. Health Watch (Regional): Hawaiʻi DOH reported a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, bringing the state total to seven in 2026, and reminded residents to eliminate standing water—especially after Tropical Cyclone Lala flooding. Local Capacity Building: The Department of Commerce held graduation for the inaugural American Samoa Seafood Academy class, training nine fishermen under the Super Alia project. Airport Update: Fitiuta Airport reopened after a Samoa Airways incident, with PAAS saying the runway is secure while the NTSB investigation continues.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, represented by Earthjustice, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Hawaii to block the Trump administration’s first deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, challenging the National Marine Fisheries Service’s finding that mining is “not likely to adversely affect” endangered species like whales and sea turtles. Local Voices: The American Samoa Democratic Party praised Catholic and Episcopal leaders in Samoa-Pago Pago and the Pacific for their joint stance against deep-sea mining, calling the ocean a shared home, not an industrial resource. NOAA Mapping Push: NOAA Ocean Exploration announced two expeditions around American Samoa (Aug–Sept and late Sept–Oct) to map deep seafloor areas for critical mineral exploration, with publicly available data. Health Update: Samoa’s main hospital oxygen shortage that reportedly delayed surgeries was resolved after additional oxygen supplies arrived from American Samoa. Airport Incident Update: PAAS said Fitiuta Airport reopened after a runway excursion, with an NTSB investigation ongoing. Customs Training: American Samoa Customs is taking part in a regional Oceania Customs Organization training to strengthen post-clearance audit capability. Public Health Reminder: Hawaii reported another travel-related dengue case on O‘ahu and urged residents to eliminate standing water.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Environmental groups and community advocates, including Fa’asao Amerika Samoa, sued the U.S. government to stop the first-ever commercial deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing federal agencies wrongly cleared the plan under the Endangered Species Act and failed to properly assess impacts on protected species. Mariana Trench Push: The Trump administration also advanced seabed leasing for the Mariana Trench despite more than 60,000 public comments, with critics calling it fast-tracked and ignoring community concerns. NOAA Mapping Missions: NOAA says it will run two deepwater expeditions around American Samoa this summer and fall to map and characterize the seafloor for critical mineral exploration, with publicly available data. Local Airport Update: Fitiuta Airport reopened after a Samoa Airways incident, following an emergency response and an ongoing NTSB investigation. Public Health Watch: Hawaii reported another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, bringing the state total to seven in 2026, and urged residents to eliminate standing water.

Deep-Sea Mining Lawsuit: Earthjustice says the U.S. must stop moving forward with plans to auction seabed areas around American Samoa for potential mining, arguing the National Marine Fisheries Service failed to properly follow the Endangered Species Act and other federal laws. NOAA Ocean Mapping: NOAA will run two deep-sea expeditions around American Samoa this summer and fall to map and characterize the seafloor, with publicly available data aimed at guiding future exploration and decisions. Airport Update (Fitiuta): Fitiuta Airport reopened after a Samoa Airways runway incident, with PAAS saying emergency response is complete and the aircraft will remain in place while the NTSB investigation continues. Public Safety/Local Governance: The Governor’s Office warned residents not to share a fake missile-strike memo circulating on social media. Infrastructure Funding: DPW received an $800,000 EPA grant to build American Samoa’s first territory-wide stormwater asset inventory and planning tools. Health Alert: Hawaii reported another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, urging people to eliminate standing water to reduce mosquito breeding.

Flag Football Upset: American Samoa stunned the No. 1 U.S. men’s team 38–32 at the IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Düsseldorf, ending a 14-year U.S. streak at the event; Sports & Community: the win is being framed as more than a game, with American Samoa’s culture and connection to players highlighted in coverage from the Pacific; Deep-Sea Mining Push: BOEM moved ahead with proposed seabed mining leasing steps for the Mariana Trench region, while NOAA says it will run two deepwater mapping missions around American Samoa aboard the Okeanos Explorer; Local Governance: a Senate hearing continued over raised crosswalks and road signs, with a senator saying the installations are illegal; Public Safety: the Office of the Governor warned residents that a circulating “missile strike” memo is fake and not authorized; Civics Education: American Samoa students and educators took part in national civic programs, including the Young People’s Continental Congress and the Civics Bee expansion to American Samoa; Youth & STEM: Society for Science selected 100 educators nationwide for its 2026–2027 Advocate Program, including support aimed at expanding student access to science research and competitions.

Deep-Sea Minerals: NOAA says it will run two summer-to-fall expeditions aboard the Okeanos Explorer to map and characterize deep waters around American Samoa, with real-time ROV streaming and public data meant to support future commerce and planning. Pacific Seabed Mining Push: The Trump administration keeps moving seabed mining forward, including a proposed lease sale this year off the Northern Mariana Islands and BOEM’s Mariana Trench leasing notice—despite tens of thousands of public comments and warnings about irreversible ecosystem risks. Earthquake Update: A magnitude-4.1 quake near Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo on Hawaiʻi Island is likely an aftershock of a May 6.0 event; no damage expected, and monitoring continues. Sports Spotlight: American Samoa stunned the world by beating the defending No. 1 U.S. flag football team 38–32 at the IFAF World Championships in Düsseldorf, snapping a 14-year U.S. streak at the event. Public Safety: The Office of the Governor warns a circulating social media “missile strike” memo is fake and not authorized. Local Justice: A raised crosswalk and road signs are being challenged in the Senate as illegal under the American Samoa Code. Community & Culture: A Kagman High School teacher and student represented the islands at the Young People’s Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Manu’a Fire: The Manu’a Store building in Tafuna was destroyed in a major fire; officials are still assessing damage and cause.

Flag Football Shock: American Samoa stunned world No. 1 USA 38–32 at the IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Düsseldorf, snapping the U.S. 14-year streak in world-championship play; Deep-Sea Minerals: NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer will chart deep-sea critical minerals near American Samoa in two 2026 expeditions, with real-time ROV streaming and public data; Critical Minerals Politics: An op-ed argues Trump’s critical minerals executive order raises pressure on American Samoa’s “No” stance toward federal lease efforts; Public Safety—Misinformation: The Governor’s Office warns a fake “missile strike” memo is circulating online and says there were no missile strikes; Aviation Recovery: PAAS and Samoa Airways completed the complex recovery of a Twin Otter aircraft from Fitiuta Airport; Local Fire: A major blaze destroyed the Manu’a Store building in Tafuna, with cause and damage still being assessed; Sports & Community: Kagman High teacher and student brought islands’ stories to a national civic forum, while EPIC’s AmeriCorps VISTA push adds workforce and education support in American Samoa.

Public Safety & Misinformation: American Samoa’s government says there were NO missile strikes and warns residents not to share a fake emergency memo circulating online. Police Online Conduct: Samoa’s SPPCS issued a public warning about AI-generated posts, fake accounts, and unauthorized use of police insignia that could mislead the public. Local Business: A major fire destroyed the Manu’a Store building in Tafuna, with damage extent and cause still under review. Sports (American Samoa’s moment): In Germany, Taulia Tagovailoa led American Samoa to a 38-32 upset over Team USA in flag football, snapping the U.S. men’s 14-year streak at the IFAF World Championships. Regional Diplomacy: The U.S. and Pacific partners criticized China’s nuclear-capable missile test for falling short on advance notice, raising peace-and-security concerns. Climate & Education: A Samoan student received a University of Waikato climate scholarship, planning to return home to help tackle Pacific climate impacts. Fisheries Policy: The Forum Fisheries Agency says it’s shifting toward value retention and economic development for Pacific tuna members. Jobs & Community Support: EPIC’s AmeriCorps VISTA program was approved for three members to expand workforce and economic opportunity in American Samoa.

Flag Football Shock: Taulia Tagovailoa led American Samoa to a 38-32 upset over the U.S. men’s team in Düsseldorf, snapping Team USA’s 14-year unbeaten run at the IFAF World Championships. Local Emergency Warning: The American Samoa Government urged residents not to share a fake “missile strike” memorandum circulating online, saying there were “NO missile strikes” in the territory. Fire Damage in Tafuna: A major blaze destroyed the Manu’a Store building in Tafuna; officials say the cause and any injuries are still unconfirmed. Pacific Security & Diplomacy: The U.S. and several Pacific partners criticized China’s nuclear-capable missile test for falling short on advance notice, calling it dangerous. Regional Environment & Ocean Policy: SPREP’s Executive Board meeting in Samoa highlighted climate, biodiversity, and pollution priorities, while Pacific bishops urged caution on deep-sea mining. Community & Jobs: EPIC’s AmeriCorps VISTA program was approved to expand workforce and economic opportunity in American Samoa. Governance Watch: The Senate moved to scrutinize ASTCA spending tied to the July 4th 250th celebrations.

Flag Football Upset: American Samoa’s Taulia Tagovailoa led a stunning 38-32 win over the U.S. men’s team at the IFAF World Championships in Düsseldorf, snapping Team USA’s 14-year unbeaten run at the event. Local Sports & Community: The win comes as American Samoa’s athletes keep making headlines across the Pacific sports scene. Emergency Preparedness: The American Samoa government warned residents about a fake social-media missile strike memorandum, saying there were “NO missile strikes” and urging people to use official channels. Fire & Local Business: A major blaze destroyed the Manu’a Store building in Tafuna; officials say the cause and any injuries are still unconfirmed. Public Safety Leadership: The Senate failed to confirm the governor’s nominee for Commissioner of Public Safety, Lauti Tautalasoo Moliga, after a vote short of the needed total. Education & Sports Funding: The Department of Education says it no longer has an Athletics Office and that FY2027 budget funding for sports events is not available, leaving schedules uncertain. Fisheries & Security: Samoa is pushing stronger fish stock monitoring and EEZ security at the WCPFC scientific session in Apia. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Pacific bishops urged prudence on deep-sea mining, warning that lack of full certainty shouldn’t justify proceeding without due care. Regional Environment Governance: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board meeting is underway in Samoa, with Wallis-et-Futuna chairing the session.