AGP Executive Report

Daylight Saving Time (DST) Reminder: With the U.S. still set to “fall back” on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026 at 2 a.m., clocks will move back one hour to 1 a.m.—and some U.S. territories won’t observe the change. Public Safety & Governance: Senior Department of Public Safety officers say they plan to file grievances after Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula ordered the promotion of Commander Lauti Tautalasoo Moliga to Deputy Commissioner, arguing the post should have been opened for competition. Telecom Funding: The American Samoa Telecommunications Authority is set to receive $30 million in federal grants for the Le Vasa Google Cable project, with officials saying the goal is to build a digital economy through call centers and tech industries. Health Services: An OHSU pediatric eye team arrived for a week-long effort to screen about 230 schoolchildren for vision problems, starting at Matafao Elementary and continuing to Manu‘a. Fisheries Access: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council backed changes that would allow larger American Samoa longline vessels to fish 12 to 50 nautical miles from Muliava/Rose Atoll once monument-based prohibitions are lifted, while keeping waters within 12 miles closed. Public Order: A coordinated Fagatogo drug bust led to four arrests, with charges tied to possession of controlled substances. Consumer Protection: The Senate approved a Product Labeling Standards Act of 2026 requiring clear labels for packaged goods, including traditional foods, with English and Samoan translation rules and penalties for misleading labeling. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Environmental and community groups are urging Governor Apatang to use federal authority to stop a deep-sea mining lease sale near the Marianas, while American Samoa’s governor says commercial extraction should not proceed now and should focus on science and environmental study first. Health Equity Grant: The Department of Health received a CDC award of $324,271 to support targeted BRFSS data collection for health equity.

Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal comments to BOEM on the proposed PACM-1 lease, saying American Samoa does not support commercial deep-sea mineral extraction now and urging any early steps to stay scientific and precautionary. Local Governance & Accountability: The Fono’s joint budget hearing put ASTCA CEO Folasaitu Sorepa Thomas under direct questioning over a child support payment tied to former CEO Chuck Leota, as lawmakers also scrutinized ASTCA spending tied to American250. Fisheries Access Clarity: The Western Pacific Fishery Council clarified rules around Muliāva/Rose Atoll, saying American Samoa longline limited-entry vessels can fish from 12 to 50 nautical miles once monument-based prohibitions are lifted, while 12 nm remains closed. Infrastructure Update: Renovations to the A.P. Lutali Executive Office Building are now projected to finish by February 2027, with ARPA funding and displaced-department rental costs part of the plan. Public Service Deadline: Radio and TV stations in American Samoa and other U.S. territories must file their Annual EEO Public File Report by Oct. 1. DST Reminder: Daylight saving time still ends Nov. 1, 2026 at 2 a.m., unless Congress changes the law.

Deep-Sea Mining Response: Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal comments to BOEM on the proposed PACM-1 lease sale, urging that commercial extraction not proceed now and that any early steps focus on science and environmental study—while stressing the U.S. decision rests with Washington. Local Oversight & Spending Questions: In the Fono, ASTCA CEO Folasaitu Sorepa Thomas faced direct questioning over a child support payment reportedly made using ASTCA funds tied to former CEO Chuck Leota, as lawmakers also probe A-250 spending. Government Building Update: Renovations to the A.P. Lutali Executive Office Building are now projected to finish by February 2027, with lawmakers also pressing for proper budgeting of rental costs during the move. Fisheries Access Clarification: The Western Pacific Fishery Council clarified rules around Muliava/Rose Atoll, saying large American Samoa longline vessels may fish from 12 to 50 nautical miles once monument-based prohibitions are lifted, while 12 nm remains closed. Elections Law: The Senate unanimously passed a bill setting procedures for electing the Swains Island Delegate, now headed to the House. Pacific Science Visit: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer made its first Fiji stop for deep-seafloor mapping before heading to American Samoa for further work.

Deep-Sea Mining: Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal comments to BOEM on the proposed PACM-1 offshore mineral lease sale, saying American Samoa does not support commercial deep-sea extraction for now, citing major risks to fisheries and the marine environment. Fono Oversight: The Fono’s joint budget hearing put ASTCA CEO Folasaitu Sorepa Thomas on the spot over questions tied to former CEO Chuck Leota’s severance and a child support payment reportedly made with ASTCA funds. Government Project Update: Renovations to the A.P. Lutali Executive Office Building are now projected to finish by February 2027, with lawmakers also pressing for rental costs to be included in FY2027 budgets as ARPA spending deadlines approach. Fishing Access: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council advanced steps on fishing access in Pacific marine national monuments and reviewed Hawai‘i and American Samoa longline bottomfish rules, while deferring some decisions for more discussion. Whittier Voting Case: Alaska dropped criminal charges against 11 American Samoan residents tied to alleged illegal voting, after courts required proof of intent to deceive. Tourism/Travel: Oceania Cruises opened booking for 12 segments of its 2028 Oceania Aurelia “Around the World” voyage, including a South Pacific leg with a stop in Pago Pago.

NOAA Marine Science: Hokuala Kai intern Christina Ieremia is nearing completion of her NOAA Daniel K. Inouye Regional Center internship as a marine science technician intern for Pacific Islands Fisheries. Public Health & Safety: DOH Environmental Health Services shut down two stores—Gold Conda Store (Vaitogi) and JKL Food Center (Futiga)—citing major sanitation and food safety violations. Local Governance Watch: The Senate Government Operations Committee grilled current and former ASTCA board members over American250 spending, including claims ASTCA funds were used for a child support payment tied to former CEO/COO Chuck Leota. Fisheries Management: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council advanced talks on fishing access in Pacific marine monuments and deferred some American Samoa longline sea turtle measures for more discussion. Deep-Sea Mining Timeline: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said deep-sea mining permits could come within months, while American Samoa’s 60-day BOEM review period for the PACM-1 lease sale is nearing its end. Maritime Security: Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak returned to Honolulu after a 52-day Operation Blue Pacific patrol, including port calls in American Samoa and joint anti-illegal fishing boardings. Legal Relief for Voters: Alaska dropped felony voter misconduct cases against 11 Whittier residents born in American Samoa after an appeals court raised the bar for proving criminal intent. Community & Culture: Flags were flown at half staff for former Senator Fonoti Tafa’ifa Aufata Fonoti.

Public Safety & Health: A resident’s complaint went viral after saying aiga buses in American Samoa are “unbelievably loud,” warning repeated bass exposure could harm kids’ hearing. Local Governance: The Fono questioned the legality of Governor Pula’s executive order to temporarily merge the Department of Corrections into the Department of Public Safety, citing budget and legal concerns. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The 60-day review period for the Governor’s comments on BOEM’s proposed deep-sea mining lease sale offshore American Samoa is due to end Sept. 15, with a potential lease sale targeted for Nov. Fisheries & Marine Access: The Western Pacific Fishery Council advanced discussions on fishing access in Pacific marine monuments and will consider American Samoa longline sea turtle measures. ASTCA Oversight: Senate Government Operations grilled ASTCA board members over spending tied to the A-250 celebrations. Food Safety: The Department of Health shut down two retail stores in Vaitogi and Futiga for sanitation and public health violations. Regional Education: A Pacific literacy report found less than half of Year 4 students met reading benchmarks in 2025. Maritime Security: The USCGC Joseph Gerczak returned to Honolulu after a 52-day patrol, including port calls in American Samoa and joint anti-illicit fishing operations.

Deep-Sea Mining Deadline: American Samoa Governor Pula’s 60-day review of BOEM’s proposed deep-sea mining lease sale is set to end Sept. 15, with a potential Nov. lease sale next; the proposal covers 31+ million acres offshore of Ta‘ū and would require minimum bids, while the territory has already submitted stipulations to BOEM. Fono vs ASTCA: The Senate Government Operations Committee grilled ASTCA board members over spending tied to the A-250 celebrations, including questions about whether funds were properly appropriated and how much was actually spent. Corrections/PS Merger Questioned: Lawmakers challenged the legality of an executive order temporarily merging the Department of Corrections into the Department of Public Safety, citing budget and oversight concerns. Fishing Access in Marine Monuments: The Western Pacific Fishery Council advanced discussions on fishing access around Pacific marine monuments, including possible changes affecting American Samoa longline turtle-related measures and the LVPA around Muliāva/Rose Atoll. Public Health Enforcement: DOH shut down two retail food stores in Vaitogi and Futiga after inspectors found major sanitation and public health violations. Education Results: A new Pacific literacy report found less than half of Year 4 students met reading benchmarks in 2025, with gaps by gender and subject. Regional Coast Guard Patrol: USCGC Joseph Gerczak returned to Honolulu after a 52-day Blue Pacific patrol that included port calls in American Samoa and maritime enforcement boardings with Pacific partners.

Voter Rights Relief: Alaska prosecutors dropped felony voter misconduct cases against 11 Whittier residents born in American Samoa after an appeals court said prosecutors must prove “consciousness of wrongdoing,” not just an honest mistake—relief for families who faced years in prison. Deep-Sea Mining Deadline: American Samoa Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula has until Sept. 15 to review and comment on the U.S. proposed deep-sea mining lease sale, with a potential Nov. 19 auction and BOEM expected to issue a final notice in October. Fono vs. ASTCA: The Fono refused to hold an American Samoa Telecommunications Authority budget hearing, saying ASTCA lacked a board, as the governor appointed a new board and dissolved the prior one. Public Health Enforcement: DOH Environmental Health Services shut down two retail food stores in Vaitogi and Futiga over sanitation and public health violations. Fisheries Watch: The Western Pacific Fishery Council meets Sept. 15–17, with key decisions on the Large Vessel Prohibited Area around Rose Atoll and discussion of deep-sea mining impacts on fisheries. Robocall Crackdown Push: AG Lynn Fitch and a bipartisan coalition urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls.

Deep-Sea Mining Deadline: American Samoa Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula’s 60-day review of the proposed BOEM deep-sea mining lease sale ends Sept. 15, with a possible Nov. 19 sale for 31+ million acres east of Taʻū; the governor says ASG already submitted lease stipulations and BOEM is expected to issue a final notice in October. Local Governance Clash: The Fono refused to hold an ASTCA budget hearing, saying the authority lacked a board—while the governor released a new ASTCA board memo appointing five members. Fisheries & Monitoring: Samoa hosted a regional fisheries monitoring workshop for Tokelau, American Samoa and Samoa, training staff on the Ikasavea data system and fish biological sampling; meanwhile, the Western Pacific Council’s science panel is weighing turtle gear impacts and LVPA options around Rose Atoll. Maritime Security: The USCGC Joseph Gerczak returned to Honolulu after a 52-day Blue Pacific patrol, including port calls in the Marshall Islands, Fiji and American Samoa and joint boardings targeting illegal fishing. Food Safety Closures: DOH Environmental Health Services shut down two stores—Gold Conda Store (Vaitogi) and JKL Food Center (Futiga)—over sanitation and public health violations. Court Update on Voter Forms: Alaska prosecutors dropped felony voter misconduct cases against American Sāmoans after an appeals ruling required proof of criminal intent, ending a long legal fight for Whittier residents. Public Safety Staffing: DPS deputy commissioner says the territory is short on police officers and vehicles, asking lawmakers for funding for a new academy for 50 recruits. Wharf Input: The Port Administration met with the Aunu’u community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, collecting concerns tied to safety and tidal surge impacts.

Maritime Security: The Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak returned to Honolulu after a 52-day Blue Pacific patrol, logging 7,500 nautical miles and working with Pacific partners on 29 bilateral boardings plus eight high-seas boardings to curb illegal fishing. Shipping Costs: Maersk announced a new $500 per-container surcharge for Gulf-bound shipments to the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Iraq, with start dates beginning mid-September and later for “regulated countries” including American Samoa. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation and community groups filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s deep-sea mining push, including a case tied to American Samoa; a separate push in the CNMI calls for a 50% revenue cut for territories. Local Infrastructure: PAAS met with the Aunu’u Community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, with residents pressing for safety fixes after June 2026 tidal surges and urging repair of the eastern wave absorber. Public Safety Staffing: DPS Deputy Commissioner Falana’ipupu Sagapolutele said the territory is short on police officers and vehicles, and plans an academy for 50 new officers in the new fiscal year. Elections & Courts: Alaska dropped voter misconduct felony cases against American Samoan-born residents after an appeals court ruled prosecutors couldn’t prove the required intent. Comms Scam Crackdown: Multiple U.S. attorneys general urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to stop illegal robocalls. Commemoration: American Samoa marked the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 with flags lowered statewide.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups and community partners filed a new lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s push to advance deep-sea mining leases tied to American Samoa and the Marianas, arguing the government is underestimating risks to protected species like humpback whales, manta rays, and sea turtles. Local Infrastructure: The Port Administration met with the Aunu’u Community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, hearing safety concerns after the June 2026 tidal surge and emphasizing the need to repair the eastern wave absorber; permitting is underway with construction bids expected in October 2027. Territorial Governance: Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula appointed a new American Samoa Telecommunications Authority board after dissolving the prior one, explaining it was to avoid board members testifying without the ASTCA CEO; the change also affected a planned Senate hearing. ARPA Funds Oversight: Senators learned that interest earnings from the American Samoa ARPA Fund are being invested in the United Arab Emirates, with questions raised about accounts and how ARPA interest is handled. Civics & Education: The ASVB launched “Our Paogo,” a new children’s book aimed at cultural and environmental learning, while UH Mānoa and ASDOE’s long-running teacher certification partnership is set to end in December 2026. Public Safety: A bus-driver altercation in Fagatogo led to arrests and misdemeanor charges including public peace disturbance and assault.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation and community groups, including Earthjustice, filed suit challenging the Trump administration’s push to start deep-sea mining near American Samoa and the Marianas, arguing it could harm protected species and the ocean ecosystem; Local Infrastructure: The Port Administration met with the Aunu’u Community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, with residents pressing for safety fixes after June 2026 tidal surges and urging repair of the eastern wave absorber; Territorial Politics: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds and challenger Galvin Deleon Guerrero sparred in a Saipan Chamber debate over disaster recovery, federal contracting, birthright citizenship, Medicaid, and tourism; Governance & Oversight: The Senate Government Operations Committee heard testimony on the ASG’s $10 million ARPA interest earnings now invested in the UAE, as lawmakers questioned how the funds were handled; Public Safety/Legal: Alaska prosecutors dropped voter misconduct cases against American Samoans after a court ruled the state couldn’t prove the required intent behind an erroneous “US citizen” voter form box; Telecom: Governor Pulaali’i appointed a new ASTCA board after dissolving the prior one ahead of a Senate hearing.

Alaska Voter Case: Alaska prosecutors dropped felony voter misconduct charges against American Samoan residents in Whittier after an appeals court said the state couldn’t prove defendants had a “consciousness of wrongdoing” when they mistakenly checked the “U.S. citizen” box. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups and communities filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s push to start deep-sea mining near American Samoa, arguing it could harm protected species like humpback whales, manta rays, and sea turtles; CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds also wants territories to receive a 50% revenue cut. Local Infrastructure: The Port Administration met with the Aunu’u Community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, with residents urging safety fixes after June 2026 tidal surges and calling for repairs to the eastern wave absorber. Government Watch: The Senate Government Operations Committee held hearings tied to ASG spending and the $10 million ARPA interest investment, while the Governor appointed a new ASTCA board and explained why the prior board was dissolved ahead of a Senate hearing. Election Update: Local absentee voting opened Sept. 7 for eligible voters, with the Election Office open Saturdays and absentee voting running until Nov. 2.

CNMI Politics: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds and challenger Galvin Deleon Guerrero faced voters in a Saipan Chamber debate, clashing on disaster recovery, federal contracting, birthright citizenship, Medicaid, and tourism. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups and Earthjustice filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s deep-sea mining push, including a separate case tied to American Samoa; the dispute centers on whether protected species like humpback whales and sea turtles are at risk. Local Infrastructure: Port officials met with the Aunu’u Community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, with residents pressing for safety fixes after June 2026 tidal surges. Territorial Governance & Money: Joint Fono budget hearings opened on the FY2027 proposal, while senators scrutinized the ARPA interest investment placed in the UAE. Robocall Crackdown: A bipartisan coalition of attorneys general urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to stop illegal robocalls and scams. Community & Culture: The American Samoa Visitors Bureau launched “Our Paogo,” a children’s book to teach culture and conservation of the territorial flower.

Election & Voting Access: Local absentee voting is open for the Nov. 3 midterm, with the Election Office staying open Saturdays and until Nov. 2; off-island voters must meet eligibility rules and bring an airline ticket plus voter ID. Local Infrastructure: PAAS met with the Aunu’u Community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, with residents pushing for safety fixes after the June 2026 tidal surge and urging repair of the eastern wave absorber. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups and Earthjustice filed a lawsuit challenging deep-sea mining plans tied to American Samoa and the Marianas, while CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds backs revenue-sharing legislation. ARPA & Public Scrutiny: Senate Government Operations and Joint Fono budget hearings continued over ASG’s $10 million ARPA interest investment, including questions about where the money went and whether it was handled with proper legislative knowledge. Telecom & Consumer Protection: Multiple U.S. attorneys general are urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Sports & Community: ASTA says junior Kalianna Joseph will represent Pacific Oceania and American Samoa at the 12U Asian Tennis Federation event in Kazakhstan; ASVB launched “Our Paogo” to teach children about the territory flower.

Seabed Mining Fight: NOAA’s latest dives around American Samoa found a polymetallic nodule field, including nodules up to 15 cm wide—new details as the U.S. moves toward possible seabed mineral leasing. Local Politics & Oversight: Joint Fono budget hearings are underway, including a Senate Government Operations probe into a $10 million ARPA interest investment tied to the Pension Fund of the UAE and questions about whether it was done without Fono input. Territorial Benefits Bill: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced PACMESA, pushing for revenue sharing (reported 50% of certain federal bonuses, rentals and royalties) and stronger bonding and environmental mitigation for Pacific territories affected by seabed mining. Robocall Crackdown: Multiple U.S. attorneys general—including AGs in the region—are urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to stop illegal robocalls and texts. Education & Community: ASVB launched “Our Paogo,” a children’s book to teach the Paogo’s cultural and conservation value. Sports & Youth: A junior tennis player from American Samoa was selected for Pacific Oceania’s 12U Girls Team in Kazakhstan, and Faipule Sanitoa is seeking ARPA funds to finish the Tafuna High School gym and access improvements.