AGP Executive Report

Election 2026 Prep: A new online “Territorial Review” tool is tracking what past and current Guam senators have done, with plans to expand coverage to other U.S. territories including American Samoa. Regional Fisheries: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and the territory’s tuna industry are tightly linked for jobs, ports, and the cannery. Ocean Policy & Community Input: Finafinau’s Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i ocean forum drew residents to learn about deep-sea mining, port proposals, fisheries sustainability, and conservation, with experts and decision-makers on hand. Cost of Living & Fuel: The American Samoa Democratic Party says a fuel price jump is driving higher costs and claims ODAPM criticized its statements as “divisive.” Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted two HHS grants for American Samoa—HIV services support at LBJ and EMS for Children funding. Sports: CNMI Juniors beat American Samoa 14-3 in six innings at the Little League Asia-Pacific & Middle East tournament in South Korea. Local Sports Development: ASNFF’s Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp runs today and Friday at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Tafuna.

Pacific Ocean & Economy: American Samoa took part in the U.S.-Pacific Island Parties Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, with officials stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and the territory’s tuna industry are tightly linked for jobs, ports, and the cannery. Local Energy & Cost of Living: ODAPM reportedly sent a memo to the American Samoa Democratic Party calling its April warnings about rising fuel prices “divisive,” after the monthly average price jumped more than 32% from March to April. Ocean Policy & Community Voices: Finafinau hosted “Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i: Stand with the Moana,” a community ocean forum covering deep-sea mining, port plans, fisheries sustainability, and conservation, aimed at answering residents’ questions. Federal Watch: The EPA announced over $25 million for drinking water upgrades in small and rural communities, including help targeting PFAS and lead. Sports & Youth: ASNFF launched a Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp in Tafuna, with local coaches and athletes training the next wave of players. Telecom: The FCC wrapped the AWS-3 spectrum auction, raising about $3.57 billion, with proceeds tied to its “rip and replace” program; reported per-unit prices included American Samoa.

Local Sports & Youth Development: The American Samoa National Football Federation is running a Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Tafuna (June 24–25), led by Women’s National Flag Football Team coaches and athletes, aiming to spot and develop future national team players. Ocean Policy & Community Dialogue: Finafinau hosted “Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i: Stand with the Moana,” a free ocean forum focused on deep-sea mining, proposed port developments, fisheries sustainability, and conservation—built for residents to ask questions and hear updates. Tuna Trade & Jobs: American Samoa took part in the U.S.-Pacific Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and American Samoa’s tuna industry are tightly linked for cannery, port services, workforce, and local business. Cost of Living Pressure: The American Samoa Democratic Party says a June memo from ODAPM criticized its April statements about fuel-price spikes and rising living costs, while urging solutions like fuel tax relief and renewable energy. Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted two HHS grants for American Samoa—$33,200 for HIV services at LBJ and $86,554 for EMS for Children at LBJ. Public Safety: Police reported arrests tied to alleged assaults and domestic violence incidents, with court charges filed in recent cases. U.S. Policy Watch: CBP issued new rules tightening processing of low-value shipments and indefinitely suspending duty-free de minimis treatment for imports valued at $800 or less.

Offshore Minerals: The Trump administration is seeking industry input for what could be the first federal lease for seabed mineral mining in the Atlantic off Virginia’s Eastern Shore, raising fresh concerns from environmental groups about unproven risks to marine life and coastal communities. Ocean Forum: American Samoa held a community ocean forum, “Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i: Stand with the Moana,” with residents asking questions on deep-sea mining, port plans, fisheries sustainability, and ocean conservation. Tuna Treaty Talks: American Samoa joined a U.S.-Pacific tuna treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and the territory’s tuna industry are tightly linked through ports, processing, jobs, and the regional supply chain. Cost of Living & Fuel: The American Samoa Democratic Party says a June memo from ODAPM criticized its April warnings about fuel price jumps and the knock-on effects for food, electricity, and shipping. Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted two HHS grants for American Samoa—$33,200 for HIV services at LBJ Tropical Medical Center and $86,554 for EMS for Children at LBJ. Local Sports & Youth: ASNFF launched a Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp in Tafuna, while the Summer Youth Employment Program began with paid work placements for local youth. Public Safety: Police reported multiple assault and domestic violence cases, including one involving alleged threats with a knife and another where a man was charged after striking someone with a metal utility bar. U.S. Democracy Access: A new piece notes residents of U.S. territories like American Samoa lack voting representation in Congress, tying the issue to the Insular Cases and the 250th anniversary.

Local Sports & Youth Development: Keiki Misipeka is on island promoting “Kid From The Rock,” with a workshop for families and athletes today (3–4pm) at the DYWA Center in Tafuna, followed by a meeting at the ASNOC Office at the Stadium (5:30pm). Community & Health: The U.S. EPA announced more than $25 million in grants to improve drinking water infrastructure in small and rural communities, targeting PFAS, lead sources, and local water challenges. Ocean, Fisheries & Policy: American Samoa took part in the U.S.-Pacific Islands Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and the territory’s tuna industry are tightly linked for jobs, cannery support, and port services. Regional Economy & Energy Costs: A timeline on how the fuel crisis has hit the Pacific shows major diesel price ceiling increases across islands, pushing governments to seek solar and renewable options. Local Governance & Cost of Living: ODAPM reportedly sent a memo to the American Samoa Democratic Party calling its April cost-of-living statements “divisive,” after fuel price jumps from March to April. Public Safety (Courts): Police charged a man after an alleged assault with a metal utility bar in Vaitogi, and another case describes Samoa police being denied in-person interviews in a murder investigation in Vietnam. Education & Culture: Miss I‘oimata o Aiga Tilomai Tauiliili was crowned Miss American Samoa, and the territory also marked youth participation in national programs like Summer Youth Employment.

Flag Day in California: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata joined Samoan community celebrations in Adelanto, praising the turnout and sharing updates from American Samoa. Ocean forum on local stakes: Finafinau hosted “Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i: Stand with the Moana” to answer questions on deep-sea mining, port plans, fisheries sustainability, and ocean conservation. Cost-of-living dispute: ODAPM sent a memo to the AS Democratic Party calling its April fuel-price concerns “divisive,” after MAP fuel jumped 32.3% from March to April. Pacific push vs. China: The Trump administration says it’s expanding Pacific engagement to build resilience and offer alternatives to China’s influence; Amata questioned how Washington will reduce dependence. Local health funding: Amata highlighted two HHS grants for LBJ—$33,200 for HIV services and $86,554 for EMS for Children. Sports pipeline: ASNFF launched a Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp in Tafuna for future national team players. Public safety court cases: Police reported arrests tied to alleged domestic violence and assaults, with charges filed in court. Community culture: Miss American Samoa Tilomai Tauiliili was crowned, and a free “Celebrating Samoa” cultural experience is set for June 27.

U.S. Customs Update: CBP issued new rules that indefinitely suspend duty-free de minimis treatment for low-value shipments, tightening how low-value goods are processed and requiring more detail for international mail. Local Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifaatali Amata says two HHS grants will support HIV services at LBJ Tropical Medical Center and the Emergency Medical Services for Children program. Sports Development: The American Samoa National Football Federation kicks off a two-day Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Tafuna, led by the women’s national flag team. Community Care Access: Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula launched an HCBS website to help residents find home and community-based services, with a hotline planned. Port Repairs: DOI OIA funding will repair the ‘Au’asi Small Boat Harbor Terminal restrooms, closed since 2022. Culture & Youth: Samoa language commissioner Elisapeta Alaimaleata urges public support to preserve Samoan; and the Summer Youth Employment Program begins with paid work placements for 16–24 year olds. Pageant Spotlight: Tilomai Tauiliili was crowned Miss American Samoa. Public Safety: Court cases include assault and domestic violence-related arrests, plus a dismissed traffic citation after a road lacked centerline markings.

Local Justice: A Vaitogi man, Vevesi Pesamino, was charged after police say he assaulted another man with a metal utility bar, causing serious facial injuries that required hospitalization. Health & Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced two HHS grants for American Samoa—$33,200 for HIV services at LBJ Tropical Medical Center and $86,554 for the Emergency Medical Services for Children program. Sports & Youth: The American Samoa National Football Federation kicks off a two-day Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Tafuna, led by members of the Women’s National Flag Football Team. Workforce Development: The 2026 Summer Youth Employment Program has started, placing 500 youth ages 16–24 into 41 worksites across government, private, and nonprofit sectors through July 31. Community Services: Governor Pulaali’i launched a new HCBS website (hcbs.as.gov) to help residents find home- and community-based care options, with a hotline planned next. Public Safety: Customs officers found about 1 lb of marijuana inside a package at the Pago Pago Post Office, and the case has been turned over for further investigation. Culture & Pride: Tilomai Tauiliili was crowned Miss American Samoa, with pageant awards and public debate over results drawing attention.

Telecom & Local Economy: The FCC wrapped up its AWS-3 spectrum auction on June 23, raising $3,572,889,200 across 200 licenses in 72 rounds, with up to $3.3 billion earmarked for “rip and replace” reimbursements—an update that could shape future wireless competition for U.S. territories including American Samoa. Health Grants: U.S. Rep. Uifa’atali Amata highlighted two HHS awards for American Samoa—$33,200 for HIV services at LBJ Tropical Medical Center and $86,554 for the EMS for Children program at LBJ. Youth & Sports: The American Samoa National Football Federation kicks off its Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp today and Friday at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Tafuna, led by the women’s national flag team. Disaster Recovery: Congress expanded disaster aid through legislation expected to shift more support toward lower-income communities. Public Safety: Police charged a Vaitogi man after an alleged assault with a metal utility bar; separate cases also involved domestic violence and threats at a school. Community Services: Gov. Pulaali’i launched a new HCBS website (hcbs.as.gov) to help residents find home-and-community care options. Infrastructure: Port Administration received DOI funding to repair ‘Au’asi Small Boat Harbor terminal restrooms, closed since 2022, with bidding expected by August 2026. Culture & Leadership: Miss American Samoa 2026 was crowned Tilomai Tauiliili, and the Western Pacific Fishery Council meeting opened in Pago Pago with an ‘ava ceremony.

Disaster Recovery: Congress approved a major expansion of federal disaster aid, with analysts saying the money will better reach lower-income households through HUD as FEMA spending is scaled back. Pacific Fisheries: Leaders in the Marianas weighed in on Trump’s order to reopen protected Pacific waters for limited commercial fishing, saying it could boost local opportunity while raising conservation questions. Telecom Costs: The FCC’s AWS-3 spectrum auction wrapped at $3.5 billion, with per-unit prices varying widely, including low rates reported for American Samoa. Local Justice: Police arrested a man after an alleged domestic violence incident at Fagatogo, charging assault, private peace disturbance, and resisting arrest; another case involved a parent accused of threatening a school principal with a firearm. Community Care: Gov. Pulaali’i launched an HCBS website to help residents find home-based services, with a hotline planned. Infrastructure: Port Administration received DOI funding to repair restrooms at the ‘Au’asi Small Boat Harbor Terminal, closed since 2022. Culture & Pride: Tilomai Tauiliili was crowned Miss American Samoa, and the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council opened its meeting with an ‘ava ceremony in Pago Pago.

Immigration & Travel Costs: The Trump administration has proposed steep increases to U.S. citizenship filing fees—potentially raising Form N-400 costs by about 75% to 80%—a move that could affect people seeking passports and international travel. Spectrum & Tech Economy: The FCC wrapped its AWS-3 spectrum auction after 72 rounds, raising $3.57B from 200 licenses, with winners expected soon. Local Public Safety: Pago Pago police arrested a man after an alleged domestic violence incident involving threats with a knife; he was charged with assault, private peace disturbance, and resisting arrest. Schools & Community Tensions: Another case saw a parent allegedly disrupt a school graduation event and threaten staff with a firearm; he was arrested and charged with public peace disturbance and assault. Health & Care Access: Gov. Pulaali’i launched a new HCBS website (hcbs.as.gov) to help residents find home-based services, with a hotline planned. Infrastructure: DOI OIA CIP funding will repair the ‘Au’asi Small Boat Harbor Terminal restrooms, closed since 2022, with bidding expected by August 2026. Regional Fisheries: The Western Pacific Fishery Council opened its meeting in American Samoa with an ‘ava ceremony and remarks on stewardship of Pacific fisheries. Pageant Spotlight: Tilomai Tauiliili was crowned Miss American Samoa, with public debate continuing over the judging results.

Territorial Governance & Oversight: The Office of Public Accountability received a full compliance “pass” rating after an independent peer review under Government Auditing Standards, with auditors saying its internal quality controls were designed and operating effectively. Local Health & Care Access: Governor Pulaali’i launched a new Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) website, hcbs.as.gov, to help older adults, people with disabilities, families, and providers find home-based care options, with a hotline planned next. Fisheries & Regional Decision-Making: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council opened its June 9–11 meeting in American Samoa with an ‘ava ceremony, as leaders stressed the stakes for local fisheries management. Public Safety: A father was charged after allegedly threatening a principal over his child’s class rank, while another case involved a mother reporting her son’s disturbance after his release from prison. Infrastructure: Port Administration American Samoa received DOI Office of Insular Affairs funding to repair and renovate the ‘Au’asi Small Boat Harbor Terminal restrooms, closed since 2022, with bidding expected by August 2026. Community Impact: A Fagaima fire left 17 people homeless, with families staying with relatives as officials coordinate temporary housing help. Culture & Spotlight: Tilomai Tauiliili was crowned Miss American Samoa, though the pageant’s results sparked public complaints online.

Deep-Sea Mining Debate: An American Samoa op-ed argues the deep-sea mining fight is really about leadership and stewardship, warning that outside-driven decisions can leave lasting environmental and human harm. Marine Fisheries & Protection: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council opened its June meeting in Pago Pago with an ‘ava ceremony, as leaders weigh the future of Pacific fisheries. Local Health Access: Gov. Pulaali’i launched a new HCBS website (hcbs.as.gov) to help residents find home- and community-based care options, with a hotline planned. Port Repairs: Port Administration says DOI funding will repair the ‘Au’asi Small Boat Harbor terminal restrooms, closed since 2022, with bidding expected by August 2026. Community Safety: A fire in Fagaima left 17 people homeless, and police also reported separate disturbances involving alleged threats and assaults tied to family and school tensions. Leadership & Recognition: Tilomai Tauiliili was crowned Miss American Samoa, and VA officials opened an expanded Faleomavaega Eni Fa’aua’a Hunkin lab facility for veterans.

DEA & Fentanyl Crackdown: New Mexico records say the DEA watched hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills hit the streets from 2023-2025 without seizing them, raising alarms about public safety. Pacific Marine Protections: A Trump order would reopen parts of Pacific marine monuments to commercial fishing, including waters around American Samoa; reactions from Pacific experts and officials are mixed, with concerns about cultural and ecological impacts. El Niño Prep: SPREP urges Pacific communities to prepare now that El Niño is underway, stressing early action to protect families. Health Watch: Hawai‘i DOH reports a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu tied to a visitor; officials say the risk of local spread is low and urge residents to remove standing water. Local Politics & Land Use: American Samoa’s At-Large Delegate race kicks off as Tuifagaloa Dr. Afu Lefaoseu III picks up nomination papers; meanwhile, the Zoning Board revisits who should receive lease payments for Atu‘u land tied to foreign-owned businesses. Veterans Services: The VA clinic in Faleomavaega Eni Fa‘au‘a‘a Hunkin officially opens its expanded lab facility, boosting local testing for veterans. Community & Culture: Samoa’s Pacific Strongest 2026 powerlifting event is set for Apia this weekend.

Tourism & Oil Shock: Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says the island has avoided a worst-case GDP slide despite Middle East-driven oil price pressure, pointing to record visitor numbers and continued growth. Climate Preparedness: SPREP is urging Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño now that it’s been declared underway, stressing early action to protect families. Pacific Fishing Policy: Trump’s order reopening parts of Pacific marine monument waters to commercial fishing is drawing mixed, watchful reactions in Guam and Hawai‘i, with officials weighing food security against conservation. Health Watch: Hawai‘i DOH reported a travel-related dengue case on O‘ahu involving a visitor; officials say the risk of local spread is low but remind residents to remove standing water. Local Governance & Services: VA Clinic in American Samoa held the official opening and blessing of its newly expanded laboratory facility, boosting testing capacity for veterans. American Samoa Politics: The race for the At-Large Delegate seat kicked off as Tuifagaloa Dr. Afu Lefaoseu III picked up nomination papers and launched a petition drive. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A new local Q&A and follow-up commentary continue raising concerns about natural radioactivity and unknown impacts tied to polymetallic nodules.

Pacific Fishing Policy: Trump’s proclamation restoring commercial fishing in Pacific marine national monuments drew responses from Guam officials and the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, with leaders saying it could shift fisheries management back toward regional control while raising preservation and community concerns. Airfare Costs & Cabotage: A U.S. Senate hearing highlighted how air cabotage rules keep fares high and options limited for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa, with calls for a cabotage waiver. Public Health: Hawai‘i DOH reported a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu involving a visitor; officials say local transmission risk is low but urged residents to remove standing water. Local Health Infrastructure: The VA Faleomavaega Eni Fa’aua’a Hunkin VA Clinic opened and blessed a nearly $2 million expanded laboratory facility to speed testing and improve veteran care. Elections: American Samoa’s 2026 Midterm campaign for the At-Large Delegate seat officially kicked off as Tuifagaloa Dr. Afu Lefaoseu III picked up nomination papers and began petitioning. Governance & Land Use: The Zoning Board revisited who is entitled to lease payments for Atu‘u land tied to foreign-owned businesses. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A new Q&A and ongoing local commentary continue weighing natural radioactivity and unknown environmental impacts tied to polymetallic nodules. Community & Culture: The City of Carson announced its Samoan Heritage Celebration on June 27 at Foisia Park, featuring major entertainment and cultural performances.