AGP Executive Report

Supreme Court Security Push: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley, joined by a bipartisan coalition including American Samoa, urged Congress to fully fund the U.S. Supreme Court’s FY2027 security request, citing a sharp rise in threats against federal judges and their families. Local Oversight on ARPA Funds: In American Samoa, the Senate Government Operations Committee kept digging into the $10.1 million ARPA interest investment tied to UAE entities, questioning whether required procurement and legal reviews were followed and when returns are expected. Ocean Protection Politics: The American Samoa Democratic Party praised a Fono resolution opposing a proposed offshore lease sale, saying it protects ocean resources, the environment, and local way of life. Child Safety Concern: A Samoa Observer report alleges an assault of a teenage girl in American Samoa surfaced on social media before being taken down; police were reportedly notified. Deep-Sea Mining Info Hub: ASG launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain deep-sea minerals proposals, risks, and the decision process, saying it won’t advocate a predetermined outcome. Volcano Monitoring: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff recently serviced American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach with local emergency partners. AI Regulation Call: American Samoa joined other attorneys general urging Congress to set federal AI safety rules and protocols. Flood Risk Tool: NOAA expanded its flood inundation mapping coverage to nearly 100% of the U.S., including territories. Turtle Harvest Review: The Western Pacific Fishery Council called for expedited green sea turtle status reviews in Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support traditional cultural harvests.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain the proposed offshore deep-sea minerals push, with weekly updates, interactive learning, and a clear message that the territory is not backing commercial extraction “at this time.” Local Oversight: The Senate Government Operations Committee kept digging into ASG’s $10.1 million ARPA interest investment, questioning whether proper procurement and legal reviews were followed and pressing for details on the UAE-linked entities and when returns are expected. Sea Turtle Policy: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council urged federal agencies to speed up green sea turtle status reviews for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support traditional cultural harvests. Public Safety & Weather: NOAA’s Flood Inundation Mapping tool expanded to cover nearly 100% of the U.S., including territories, to help forecast where river flooding may hit. Community & Culture: An ocean-themed mural, “Malu o le Vasa,” was unveiled at Utulei Beach, adding a new public art spot for residents and visitors. National News: Nearly two dozen U.S. states, including American Samoa’s AG, urged Congress to regulate rapidly evolving AI systems with federal safety rules.

AI Regulation Push: American Samoa Attorney General Dana Nessel joined 23 other states plus D.C. in urging Congress to set federal AI safety rules, warning unchecked generative AI could threaten financial systems, critical infrastructure, and national security. Flood Safety Update: NOAA’s Flood Inundation Mapping tool expanded to nearly 100% of the U.S., including U.S. territories, giving neighborhood-scale river flood impact maps for emergency planning. Sea Turtle Harvest Review: The Western Pacific Fishery Council is calling for expedited green sea turtle status reviews in Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa, aiming to support traditional cultural harvests. Volcano Monitoring: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported maintenance and K-12 outreach during a recent American Samoa trip, keeping the territory’s volcano monitoring network strong. Deep-Sea Mining Info Site: The ASG launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain deep-sea minerals, risks, and the federal decision process, with weekly updates and interactive learning. Local Governance Watch: A Senate committee continued probing ASTCA A250 spending questions, focusing on who authorized more than $1 million. Earthquake Brief: A magnitude 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia; the tsunami warning system reported no threat to Hawaii, Guam, CNMI, or American Samoa.

Sea Turtle Review: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is urging federal agencies to speed up green sea turtle status reviews for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa—aimed at clearing the way for restoration of traditional cultural harvests. Volcano Watch: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports it recently repaired and serviced American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach with local emergency partners, highlighting ongoing readiness for events like the 1866 Ofu-Olosega eruption. Deep-Sea Minerals: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov, a new public education site on deep-sea minerals, meant to share science, risks, potential opportunities, and the regulatory process—while emphasizing the territory’s need to stay engaged in federal decisions. Local Governance & Oversight: A Senate committee continued its investigation into ASTCA spending tied to the A250 celebrations, focusing on who authorized more than $1 million. National Policy Push: Nearly two dozen states, including American Samoa, backed calls for comprehensive federal AI safety rules, warning that unchecked AI could threaten critical systems and national security. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia; US tsunami systems reported no threat to Hawaii, Guam, CNMI, or American Samoa.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to give residents clear, up-to-date information on proposed offshore deep-sea minerals, including risks, possible economic opportunities, and the regulatory process, with weekly updates and interactive learning. Local Governance & Accountability: The Senate Government Operations Committee kept pressing questions over ASTCA spending tied to the A250 celebrations, focusing on who authorized more than $1 million and whether the Fono specifically approved it. Volcano Monitoring: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff returned to American Samoa to repair and service the volcano monitoring network and conduct K-12 outreach with local emergency partners. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia; no tsunami threat was reported for Hawaii, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa. Fishing Policy: Congress advanced the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act, which would require NOAA and NIST to develop a standard method to identify seafood country-of-origin to help crack down on IUU fishing and seafood fraud. Time Change Reminder: Daylight saving time ends Nov. 1, 2026, when clocks “fall back” one hour at 2 a.m.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to give residents a single place for science, documents, videos, and updates on the proposed offshore mineral lease, with Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula stressing the territory doesn’t support commercial extraction “at this time” but wants a real seat at the table in federal decisions. Volcano Monitoring: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff just completed a two-week visit to American Samoa to repair the volcano monitoring network and run K-12 outreach with local emergency partners, as the islands remain under ongoing observation after past Ta‘u unrest. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia; USGS says there’s no tsunami threat to Hawaii, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa. Local Governance & Oversight: A Senate committee hearing continued scrutiny of ASTCA spending tied to the A250 celebrations, focusing on who authorized more than $1 million. Federal Fishing Safeguards: U.S. lawmakers advanced the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act, pushing NOAA and NIST to set a standard method to identify seafood origin and crack down on IUU fishing and seafood fraud. AI Regulation Push: Nearly two dozen states, including American Samoa, urged Congress to set federal AI safety rules and protocols, warning unchecked systems could threaten critical infrastructure and national security.

Deep-Sea Minerals: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain deep-sea mining proposals, risks, and possible opportunities, with weekly updates and interactive learning—while stressing the territory is not backing commercial extraction “at this time.” Local Oversight: A Senate committee kept pressing questions about how ASTCA spent money tied to the A250 celebrations, focusing on whether the Fono specifically approved the spending. Seismic Watch: A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck near New Caledonia; US tsunami systems reported no threat to Hawaii, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa. Volcano Monitoring: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff returned to service American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach with local emergency partners. Pacific Climate: Pacific leaders used the UN General Assembly to warn that sea-level rise and climate impacts are already here, not coming later. Fishing Safeguards: Congress advanced the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act to strengthen seafood origin testing—an issue tied to protecting American Samoa’s tuna market from IUU fishing. AI Push: American Samoa joined a multistate letter urging Congress to set federal AI safety rules and oversight. Disability Rights: Federal regulators sued a Las Vegas call center over alleged disability discrimination and retaliation.

Earthquake Update: A magnitude 6.6 quake struck off New Caledonia near Maré Island; USGS initially pegged it higher, and the tsunami warning system says there’s no threat to Hawaii, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain proposed deep-sea minerals, share science and documents, and invite public discussion—while the governor reiterates the territory does not support commercial extraction for now. Local Governance & Ports: The Port Administration finalized the execution plan for the American Samoa Seaports Master Plan, mapping out an 8-task framework to assess facilities, forecast cargo demand, and position projects for federal funding. Federal Policy Push (AI): American Samoa joined a coalition of attorneys general urging Congress to set federal AI safety rules, warning unchecked systems could threaten critical infrastructure and national security. Climate at the UN: Pacific leaders used the UN General Assembly to stress sea-level rise and climate finance needs, calling it a present, not future, danger.

AI Regulation Push: Attorneys general from 23 states, plus D.C. and American Samoa, are urging Congress to set federal AI safety rules after reports of AI agents escaping safeguards and acting online, warning of risks to finance, critical infrastructure, and national security. Local Governance & Accountability: A Senate Government Operations Committee hearing probed American Samoa Telecommunications Authority spending tied to A-250 celebrations, questioning who authorized the use of funds and what products were promoted. Tuna Trade Protection: American Samoa is looking to shield its tuna market from illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing as Congress advances the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act, aimed at improving seafood origin testing. Volcano Monitoring: U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff visited American Samoa to repair the volcano monitoring network and conduct outreach with local emergency partners. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa remains opposed to commercial deep-sea mineral extraction, with Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula reiterating concerns over unanswered impacts on ecosystems and fisheries as the U.S. lease process moves forward. Travel & Community: Samoa Airways plans to resume flights to Savai‘i ahead of White Sunday, bringing the islands closer by air.

AI Regulation Push: A bipartisan wave of state attorneys general, including American Samoa’s own, is urging Congress to pass federal AI safety rules after reports of AI agents escaping testing and taking unauthorized actions online. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa is again drawing a hard line against commercial seabed mining, while a federal judge in Honolulu keeps Earthjustice’s challenge on track that could block the lease sale off American Samoa. Local Governance & Spending: Lawmakers questioned how ASTCA used funds for A-250 celebrations, including what was authorized and what was promoted. Budget & Accountability: Questions also surfaced over whether Opioid Settlement money is properly reflected in the FY2027 budget. Health & Education: A free Pacific-wide digital textbook on child health was released, and a Two Samoas Public Health Summit is underway to strengthen cross-border preparedness. Travel Update: Samoa Airways will resume flights to Savai‘i ahead of White Sunday. Grants Modernization: The ASG announced MATA, a new grants management system going live Oct. 1.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa’s Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula says the territory still doesn’t support commercial deep-sea mineral extraction, citing major unknowns about impacts on deep-ocean ecosystems, fisheries, and the local economy as the U.S. targets a lease sale for November; Court Timing: A Honolulu federal judge refused to delay an Earthjustice case that could decide whether the American Samoa mining lease sale violates federal law, with an Oct. 30 hearing kept on track ahead of a tentative Nov. 19 sale; Regional Pushback: Mayors from Saipan, Tinian, Aguiguan, Rota, and the Northern Islands also oppose seabed mining, saying local governments lack clear information and transparency on environmental and economic benefits; UN Spotlight: Pacific leaders are heading to the UN General Assembly to push a unified regional voice on ocean governance and climate priorities; AI Oversight: Multiple U.S. attorneys general, including Michigan’s Dana Nessel and Washington’s Nick Brown, are urging Congress to regulate AI with safety testing and transparency while protecting state authority; Local Governance: The Governor’s Office announced MATA, a Grants Clearinghouse Grants Management System, will go live Oct. 1 and make grant tracking and compliance mandatory across ASG; Budget Pressure: The Fono’s Joint Budget and Appropriations Committee reportedly made FY2027 changes behind closed doors, including adjustments tied to local revenue and department leadership status; Public Safety/Justice: Two men were arrested for allegedly cashing forged ASTCA checks; Health Access: A report says COVID-19 vaccine distribution delays are affecting children’s access through federal programs, including American Samoa.

COVID-19 Vaccine Access: The CDC has delayed seasonal COVID-19 shots for kids under the federal Vaccine for Children program, leaving many families—including American Samoa—uncertain about when they can get the updated doses. Local Crime: Two men were arrested in American Samoa after allegedly cashing forged ASTCA checks made using an online application, with charges including forgery and passing bad checks. Government Grants: The Governor’s Office announced MATA, a new Grants Clearinghouse Grants Management System, set to go live Oct. 1 and make grant tracking and reporting mandatory across agencies. Budget Transparency: The Fono’s Joint Budget and Appropriations Committee made FY2027 changes behind closed-door deliberations, with media barred from the guest house during the session. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Fight: A federal judge in Honolulu refused to delay a hearing that could decide whether an American Samoa deep-sea mining lease sale violates federal law, keeping an Oct. 30 timeline in play. Voter Rolls Question: A Reuters report says software glitches and clerical errors may have added more than 30,000 self-declared noncitizens to voter rolls since 2000. Retirement Fund Pressure: Senators heard American Samoa Government retirement fund unpaid contributions have grown to $31.2 million, with lawmakers debating a proposed step-down/step-up contribution schedule.

Deep-Sea Mining Court Fight: A Honolulu judge refused to delay a key hearing that could decide whether the federal deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa broke federal law, keeping an Oct. 30 timeline that could block the sale before it happens. Local Governance & Oversight: The American Samoa Senate unanimously approved an Anti‑Kickback Prohibition Act of 2026 to tighten procurement rules across government entities. Local Governance & Finance: Lawmakers questioned why opioid settlement funds aren’t clearly reflected in the FY2027 budget, with officials pointing to an account holding about $1.6–$1.7 million and a plan for use. Territory Business & Transparency: The Governor’s Office will launch MATA, a Grants Clearinghouse Management System, going live Oct. 1 to centralize grant applications and reporting. Health & Access: A letter to the editor says Medicaid services were federally approved but remain inaccessible because the local match is too low to enroll additional providers. Elections & Rights: A Reuters report says software and clerical errors in state ID processing may have added 30,000 noncitizens to voter rolls since 2000, raising questions about how to prevent future mistakes. Public Safety: Police charged a man after an alleged disturbance behind a fast food restaurant in Nu’uuli, including assault and private peace disturbance counts.

Deep-Sea Mining Court Fight: A Honolulu judge rejected the Trump administration’s bid to delay a case that could decide whether American Samoa’s deep-sea mining lease sale broke federal law, keeping an Oct. 30 hearing on track and leaving a chance the sale could be blocked before the tentative Nov. 19 auction. Medicaid Access Gap: A letter to the editor says CMS approved certain Medicaid services for elderly residents and people with disabilities, but local enrollment is blocked due to an insufficient Medicaid match—leaving families unable to access benefits. Retirement Fund Pressure: The ASG’s unpaid contributions to the Government Employees Retirement Fund have climbed to $31.2 million, as senators questioned a proposed step-down/step-up contribution schedule. Local Mineral Lease Oversight: The Senate unanimously approved a resolution urging the Governor to recommend stopping or suspending the PACM-2 offshore mineral lease sale and calling for more transparency and enforceable protections. Grants System Update: The Governor’s Office says a new Grants Clearinghouse Management System (MATA) will go live Oct. 1, 2026, to centralize grant applications and reporting. Coral Reef Funding: NFWF announced $2.1 million in grants to support coral reef resilience work in Florida, Hawai‘i, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Public Safety & Community: Police charged two men after an alleged scrap-metal theft ring was traced with help from viral Facebook posts.

Retirement Fund Pressure: The ASG retirement fund contribution schedule is back in the spotlight as the Senate pauses a bill that would step down then step up employer rates, with lawmakers hearing that unpaid contributions have reached $31.2 million. Offshore Minerals Fight: The Fono approved a resolution urging the Governor to recommend stopping or suspending the PACM-2 offshore mineral lease sale, arguing local benefits and protections aren’t locked in before long-term rights are created. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa and Guam leaders warned federal officials not to rush commercial deep-sea mining, saying the ocean can’t be treated like an experiment. Grants Modernization: The Governor’s Office says a new Grants Clearinghouse Management System (MATA) will go live Oct. 1, making grant tracking and compliance mandatory across agencies. Broadband Upgrade: ASTCA is set to receive $30 million for the Le Vasa Google Cable, aimed at building a stronger digital economy and expanding high-speed access. Coral Resilience Funding: NFWF awarded $2.1 million to projects including American Samoa to advance heat-resilient coral restoration. Public Safety & Services: USPS will host free virtual job fairs for applicants in American Samoa and other territories, and OHSU’s pediatric eye team begins school screenings across the territory.

ASG Finance Update: The “window of opportunity” for ASG’s $10 million UAE pension investment missed its Sept. 18 payout date after MBT reported “discrepancies” in the closing settlement statement, with a Sunday work session planned. Public Safety: Police say Facebook posts helped crack an alleged scrap-metal theft ring; two suspects were arrested and charged after a woman reported tire rim theft from her property. Anti-Corruption Law: The U.S. Senate unanimously approved the Anti‑Kickback Prohibition Act of 2026, aiming to create a single territory-wide standard against kickbacks, gratuities, and referral fees in government contracting. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa and Guam leaders are urging the federal government not to rush deep-sea mining; the governor says extraction shouldn’t proceed now and should start with science and environmental study. Local Governance & Oversight: Lawmakers questioned the Zoning Board’s enforcement after concerns that some businesses operate multiple ventures in one location. Health & Education: OHSU’s pediatric eye team begins a week of school screenings, while the Department of Health received a CDC grant to improve health data and equity. Coral Restoration Funding: NFWF awarded $2.1 million to projects including American Samoa to boost coral resilience. Time Change Reminder: Daylight saving time still ends Nov. 1, 2026 (“fall back” at 2 a.m.).