AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. is moving ahead with a plan to auction up to 33 million acres of deep ocean around American Samoa for mineral exploration, with a Nov. 19, 2026 sale date—while critics point to major environmental data gaps and note the auction is only for exploration, not commercial mining. Local Governance & Corrections: The American Samoa Senate unanimously approved a concurrent resolution saying the governor’s executive order shifting the Department of Corrections under DPS is invalid and has no legal effect, arguing the Corrections department can’t be moved by executive order. Retirement Fund Changes: The governor is proposing to cut ASG’s Retirement Fund contribution rate from 14% to 8% for FY2026-27, then adjust again later, calling the current rate “clearly unsustainable.” Aviation Update: Port Administration says the NTSB has released the Samoa Airways runway excursion investigation at Fitiuta Airport, the runway is open, and recovery/investigation steps continue. Regional Travel & Security: The governor reaffirmed a formal request for a permanent U.S. Coast Guard station in American Samoa, citing concerns about narcotics trafficking and transnational crime. Samoa Rugby Fallout: In Samoa, opposition leaders are warning of a possible World Rugby suspension over the government’s withdrawal of support for Lakapi Samoa, calling it political “madness.” Tourism Snapshot: June 2026 visitor spending in Hawai‘i rose slightly to $1.98B, with more spending per visitor but shorter stays—an indirect read on Pacific travel demand.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration says it plans a Nov. 19 lease sale tied to seabed mining in waters around American Samoa, with 20-year leases potentially covering about 127,500 square kilometers; the governor gets 60 days to comment, while opponents warn of major marine impacts. Church Opposition: The Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa passed a resolution opposing deep-sea mining in or near local waters, citing ecological, cultural, and scientific uncertainty concerns. Corrections Under Fire: The Senate unanimously approved a concurrent resolution declaring the governor’s executive order moving the Department of Corrections under Public Safety invalid, after security failures at the Tafuna Correctional Facility and Juvenile Detention Center. Retirement Fund Change: The governor proposed lowering ASG’s Retirement Fund contribution rate from 14% to 8% for FY2026-27, then 10% for FY2027-28, calling the current rate unsustainable. Aviation Update: Port officials say the NTSB has released its initial hold after a Samoa Airways Twin Otter runway excursion at Fitiuta; the runway is open and recovery continues. Regional Travel: Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula arrived in Samoa for meetings with Prime Minister La‘aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt. Daylight Saving Time: With the Senate still stuck, most Americans are still set to “fall back” on Nov. 1, and doctors warn the medical fix would be permanent standard time, not permanent daylight time.

Deep-sea mining push: The U.S. government says it plans a lease sale for seabed mining in waters around American Samoa, with a Nov. 19 lease sale proposed and the governor given 60 days to comment—while opponents warn it’s a major step toward commercial deep-sea mining. Corrections shake-up overturned: The American Samoa Senate approved a concurrent resolution declaring the governor’s executive order moving the Department of Corrections under DPS invalid, citing limits on executive power over statutory departments. Retirement Fund contribution changes: The governor proposes lowering ASG’s Retirement Fund contribution rate to 8% for FY2026–FY2027, then 10% for FY2028, arguing the current 14% rate is unsustainable. Fitiuta runway incident update: Port Administration says the NTSB has released the aircraft from its hold after a Samoa Airways Twin Otter veered off the runway; the runway is open, flights resumed, and recovery/investigation coordination continues. Tax refunds: Treasury released the fourth batch of tax refund checks, with claim pickup at the DWYA Center in Pago Pago and photo ID required. Visitor spending: June 2026 visitor spending in Hawai‘i rose slightly to $1.98 billion, with more spending per visitor but shorter stays. Moananuiākea Voyage reroute: Weather risks tied to El Niño and climate change have led the Polynesian Voyaging Society to extend and revise the voyage plan, including additional stops that may include American Samoa.

Deep-sea mining push: The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration says it plans a Nov. 19 lease sale for seabed mining in waters around American Samoa, with 20-year leases potentially covering about 127,500 square kilometers; the governor gets 60 days to comment, but the sale isn’t guaranteed. Local government & corrections: The American Samoa Senate unanimously approved a concurrent resolution saying the governor’s March executive order moving the Department of Corrections under DPS is invalid and has no legal effect. Retirement fund proposal: The governor is seeking to cut ASG’s Retirement Fund contribution rate from 14% to 8% for FY2026-27, then 10% for FY2027-28, citing the current rate as unsustainable. Maritime security: The governor reaffirmed a formal request for a permanent U.S. Coast Guard station in American Samoa, including cutters and personnel based in Pago Pago Harbor. Aviation update: Port Administration says the NTSB has released its initial assessment after a Samoa Airways Twin Otter runway excursion at Fitiuta; the runway is open and recovery continues. Moananuiākea voyage: The Polynesian Voyaging Society added a year to the Western Pacific portion of the Moananuiākea Voyage due to elevated El Niño-related weather risks. Tourism & cost pressures: Visitor spending in June rose slightly in Hawaii, while American Samoa’s inflation rate for Q2 sits at 2.3%, with transportation still the biggest expenditure driver. Community & culture: The Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa adopted a resolution opposing deep-sea mining.

Moananuiākea Voyage Update: The Polynesian Voyaging Society says climate-driven weather risks from El Niño have forced a one-year extension and a revised Western Pacific sail plan for Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia, with added stops including American Samoa, Samoa, Tonga and more. Corrections Shake-Up Reversed: American Samoa’s Senate approved a concurrent resolution declaring the Governor’s executive order moving the Department of Corrections under DPS invalid, citing limits on executive power over statutory departments. Retirement Fund Proposal: The Governor is pushing changes to ASG’s Retirement Fund contribution rate, proposing a drop to 8% for FY2026-27 before later increases. Fitiuta Airport Incident: Port Administration says the runway excursion involving a Samoa Airways Twin Otter is cleared by the NTSB for investigation to continue, with the airport open and recovery steps underway. Inflation Watch: New figures show American Samoa’s inflation rate at 2.3% for Q2 (April-June 2026), with transportation costs driving the biggest increases. Visitor Economy: June 2026 visitor spending rose slightly to $1.98 billion, while total visitors edged up but average length of stay fell. Tax Refunds: Treasury released the fourth batch of tax refund checks, with claimers required to use photo ID at the DWYA Disbursing Office in Pago Pago. Regional Security Push: The Governor reiterated a formal request for a permanent U.S. Coast Guard station in American Samoa to strengthen maritime security and search-and-rescue. Samoa Rugby Tension: Samoa’s opposition leader alleges World Rugby suspension risk stems from “political madness” after the government withdrew support from Lakapi Samoa. Local Politics: The American Samoa Democratic Party endorsed Sandra King–Young for Delegate to the U.S. House.

Corrections Power Struggle: The American Samoa Senate unanimously declared Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula’s March 16 executive order moving the Department of Corrections under DPS “invalid and without legal effect,” arguing the governor can’t restructure a department created by statute. Retirement Fund Pressure: The governor also proposed cutting ASG’s Retirement Fund contribution from 14% to 8% for FY2026-27, with a later step-up to 10%, citing the current rate as “clearly unsustainable.” Governor in Samoa: Gov. Pulaali‘i arrived in Samoa with First Lady Lois Pula for meetings in Apia, including discussions on drug trafficking, border security, and the upcoming Two Samoa Talks. Coast Guard Push: He reaffirmed a formal request for a permanent U.S. Coast Guard station in American Samoa, including cutters and personnel based in Pago Pago Harbor. Airport Update: Port Administration released an update on the July 28 runway excursion at Fitiuta Airport involving a Samoa Airways Twin Otter; the runway is open and the NTSB investigation is ongoing. Local Economy: June 2026 visitor spending rose slightly to $1.98B, with 858,577 visitors statewide, though average length of stay fell. Public Safety & Aviation: A separate report says a Samoa Airways aircraft veered off the runway at Fitiuta, injuring one passenger; emergency response procedures were activated. Community Health: A Pacific-wide children’s nutrition and healthy living program marked 15 years of work across American Samoa and other Pacific communities. Sports Spotlight: Team American Samoa will feature former Bulldogs at the USA Softball International Cup in Oklahoma City, with games streamed on ESPN+ and USASoftball.tv. Deep-Sea Mining Opposition: The Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa passed a resolution opposing deep-sea mining in or near the territory’s waters and EEZ. Regional Weather & Voyaging: The Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan was revised to add one year due to elevated El Niño risks and changing climate conditions. Time Change Watch: Daylight saving time is set to end Nov. 1 unless Congress passes legislation, with clocks expected to “fall back” one hour.

Aviation Safety in Manu’a: Port Administration says the runway is open after a Samoa Airways Twin Otter veered off the centerline at Fitiuta Airport on July 28; NTSB has cleared the aircraft from its initial hold, but PAAS will keep investigating with Samoa Airways while a charter flight supports recovery and site assessment. Maritime Security Push: Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula reaffirmed his formal request for a permanent U.S. Coast Guard station in American Samoa, including cutters and personnel based at Pago Pago Harbor, citing rising regional trafficking concerns. Deep-Sea Mining Opposition: The Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa passed a resolution opposing deep-sea mining in or near local waters and the EEZ, urging stewardship and precaution amid ecological and cultural risks. Voyaging Update: The Polynesian Voyaging Society added one year to the Moananuiākea Voyage Western Pacific sail plan due to elevated El Niño risks, with NOAA forecasting very high chances of strong conditions into 2027. Local Economy Watch: American Samoa’s inflation rate rose to 2.3% for Q2 (April–June 2026), with transportation costs leading the increase. Politics & Community: The American Samoa Democratic Party endorsed Sandra King–Young for Delegate to the U.S. House.

Maritime Security Push: Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula reaffirmed his formal request for a permanent U.S. Coast Guard station in American Samoa, including cutters and personnel based in Pago Pago Harbor, citing rising regional narcotics trafficking and transnational crime concerns. Aviation Update (Manu‘a): Port Administration says the runway excursion involving Samoa Airways Twin Otter Flight 990 at Fitiuta Airport is still under investigation after the NTSB released the aircraft from its investigative hold; the runway is open and recovery steps are being coordinated. Local Economy Watch: American Samoa’s inflation rate rose to 2.3% for Q2 (April–June 2026), with Transportation the biggest expenditure driver and mixed movement across food, housing, and other groups. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: The Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa adopted a resolution opposing deep-sea mining in or near the territory’s waters and EEZ, urging stewardship and caution over unknown impacts. Community & Education: Vivian Ho Ching became the first American Samoa student to complete an online Master of Social Work program while living in the territory, highlighting expanded education pathways. Public Safety Oversight: A Senate Public Safety Committee hearing is set to question officials on the year’s spate of fires and reports of fire hydrant water issues, plus concerns about unpaid police overtime.

Fono & Immigration: Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula has sent the Fono a bill to impose a 12-month moratorium on the Immigration Board’s “special provision,” aiming to pause new foreign-worker entries while the government reviews whether current populations can be sustained economically and socially. Retirement Fund: The Governor also moved to amend ASG’s Retirement Fund contribution rate, cutting it to 8% for FY2026–FY2027 (from 14%), saying the current rate is “clearly unsustainable.” Deep-sea mining pushback: The Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa passed a resolution opposing deep-sea mining in or near the territory’s waters and EEZ, citing ecological, cultural, and scientific uncertainty concerns. Aviation incident: Samoa Airways’ Twin Otter veered off the runway at Fitiuta Airport; one passenger suffered a leg injury, and authorities say the cause is still under investigation. Public safety hearing: The Senate Public Safety Committee is set to question public safety leaders over the year’s fires, including reports of fire hydrants lacking water, and also over alleged unpaid overtime at the Territorial Correctional Facility. Sports: American Samoa is set to play in the USA Softball International Cup in Oklahoma City starting July 30, with former Bulldogs representing Team American Samoa. Diplomacy: U.S. Ambassador Jared Novelly presented credentials in Samoa and said he will respect Samoa’s seabed-mining position while offering connections to experts. Travel advisory: The Department of Health issued guidance limiting travelers’ imported food to 10 units total and requiring medications to be labeled and declared for personal use. Education milestone: Vivian Ho Ching became the first American Samoa resident to complete an online MSW program while living in the territory.

Aviation Safety: Samoa Airways says a Twin Otter veered off the runway during a landing at Fitiuta Airport, injuring one passenger’s leg; the aircraft had recently returned to service after a major overhaul, and authorities say the cause is still under investigation. Church & Environment: The Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa passed a resolution opposing deep-sea mining in and near American Samoa waters, citing ecological, cultural, and long-term risks. Local Travel Rules: The Department of Health issued a traveler advisory on importing food and medications from Samoa, limiting food to 10 units per person and requiring medications to be labeled and declared. Robocall Crackdown Push: A bipartisan group of U.S. attorneys general urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to stop illegal robocalls, pointing to massive national losses from scam calls and texts. U.S.-Samoa Relations: U.S. Ambassador Jared Novelly presented his credentials and said Washington’s role is to respect Samoa’s seabed-mining decisions while connecting local leaders with experts. Sports: Former Bulldogs will represent American Samoa at the USA Softball International Cup in Oklahoma City starting July 30. Education Milestone: Vivian Ho Ching became the first American Samoa resident to complete an MSW online while living in the territory. Regional Climate Planning: Polynesian Voyaging Society added one year to the Moananuiākea Voyage due to elevated El Niño-related weather risks.

Citizenship Debate: Rep. Morgan Griffith defended a push to limit birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, citing “birth tourism” and pointing to American Samoa’s unique legal status after a court ruling. Robocall Crackdown: A bipartisan group of attorneys general urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to stop illegal robocalls, citing massive scam volumes and losses. Local Aviation Safety: Samoa Airways’ newly refurbished Twin Otter veered off the runway at Fitiuta Airport; one staff member was injured and the cause is under investigation. Travel Advisory: DOH issued limits for travelers bringing food and medications from Samoa, including a 10 “food unit” cap and strict personal-use rules. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: The Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa formally opposed deep-sea mining, warning of ecological, cultural, and long-term risks. Governance & Money: The Fono begins review of the FY2027 budget proposal ($789.3m), with lawmakers expected to scrutinize revenue ceilings and debt-service assumptions. Public Health & Food Safety: Jade Restaurant’s reopening sparked calls for tougher enforcement after a prior DOH closure. Infrastructure Boost: DPW secured $19.3m in BUILD grant funding to rebuild and modernize Route 001 between Leone and Nu’uuli. Legal Appointment: Roy J.D. Hall Jr. was unanimously confirmed as Administrative Law Judge. Education Milestone: First American Samoa resident earned a UH online MSW degree. Community & Culture: A Samoa Airways/ASG-linked radio honor: Joey Cummings (South Seas Broadcasting, Pago Pago) is a finalist for a 2026 NAB Marconi Radio Award.

Robocall Crackdown: Attorney General Dan Rayfield and a bipartisan group of 49 other AGs are urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to stop illegal robocalls before they reach the public. Local Aviation Safety: A newly refurbished Samoa Airways Twin Otter veered off the runway at Fitiuta Airport; one staff member was injured and the cause is under investigation. Travel Health Advisory: DOH issued guidance on importing food and medications from Samoa, limiting travelers to 10 food units and requiring meds to be labeled and declared. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: A Pacific-wide debate is heating up as the Trump administration moves toward opening federal waters for deep-sea mining, while local churches and Samoan voices oppose it. Governance & Justice: Roy J.D. Hall Jr. was unanimously confirmed as American Samoa’s Administrative Law Judge. Community & Services: Grants totaling $900,000 were announced for domestic violence survivor services in American Samoa, and the Fagatogo Fire Station reopened after health-related closure. Education Milestone: First American Samoa resident earns a UH online master’s degree in social work. Sports & Culture: Oceania Volleyball is set to come to Guam next week, with American Samoa among participating teams.

Robocall Crackdown: A bipartisan group of U.S. attorneys general is urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to stop scammers from getting calls onto the U.S. network, with multiple AGs including Alan Wilson, Brenna Bird, Raoul, and Jeff Jackson pushing for tougher baseline standards. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: The Trump administration is moving toward opening federal waters for deep-sea mining, including a proposed lease sale off American Samoa—prompting local opposition and a “Stand with the Moana” shoreline demonstration rooted in Pacific values. Local Infrastructure: The Department of Public Works secured a $19.3 million FY 2026 BUILD grant to rebuild and modernize the Leone to Nu’uuli Route 001 corridor, targeting safety, drainage, and traffic improvements. Public Safety & Health: The Fagatogo Fire Station has reopened after DOH shut it down over unsanitary conditions, while the Jade Restaurant re-opening sparked renewed public debate over enforcement. Domestic Violence Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced two American Samoa nonprofit grants totaling $900,000 to support survivors, starting Aug. 1. Governance: The American Samoa Government submitted its FY 2027 budget to the Fono—$789.3 million, down 2%—as hearings begin. Judicial Process: Roy J.D. Hall Jr.’s appointment as Administrative Law Judge was submitted for Senate confirmation. Community & Culture: American Samoa will welcome the “Chasing Yesterday” endurance team for a marathon challenge supporting Nacoa, and youth-led coral awareness efforts continue during Coral Reef Awareness Week.

Sports Tourism: Guam will host the Oceania Volleyball Championship Aug. 3–9, with elite men’s and women’s teams from across the Pacific including American Samoa, at the UOG Calvo Field House. Food Safety & Enforcement: Public debate is growing after Jade Restaurant reopened following Environmental Health Services action over unacceptable warehouse conditions, with residents calling for tougher, possibly permanent, consequences for repeat violators. Roads & Federal Funding: The Department of Public Works secured a $19.3 million FY2026 BUILD grant to rebuild and modernize Route 001 between Leone and Nu’uuli, including drainage and traffic-safety upgrades. Domestic Violence Grants: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata says two American Samoa nonprofits won DOJ/OVW grants totaling $900,000 to expand services for survivors, starting Aug. 1, 2026. Public Safety: The Fagatogo Fire Station has reopened after DOH shut it down for unsanitary conditions; DSAR says human error is behind many recent fires and notes staffing shortages. Deep-Sea Mining Opposition: A “Stand with the Moana” shoreline demonstration urged federal leaders to stop proposed deep-sea mining leases in American Samoa waters. Local Governance: The FY2027 budget was submitted to the Fono, totaling $789.3 million, with hearings set to begin Monday.

Deep-Sea Mining Push Meets Local Resistance: Youth, elders, educators, fishermen and community leaders held a peaceful “Stand with the Moana” shoreline demonstration in Utulei, urging the U.S. to stop proposed federal deep-sea mining leases off American Samoa waters. Budget & Governance: The American Samoa Government submitted its FY2027 budget to the Fono, proposing $789.3 million in spending (about 2% lower than FY2026) as lawmakers prepare to open hearings Monday. Road Infrastructure: DPW secured a $19.3 million BUILD grant to rebuild the Route 001 Leone to Nu’uuli road, targeting roadway, drainage and traffic safety upgrades. Fire Safety Updates: Firefighters responded to a Pago Pago abandoned house fire near Pago Pago Elementary School, and the Fagatogo Fire Station has reopened after earlier health-related closure. Community & Culture: American Samoa will welcome the “Chasing Yesterday” endurance team for a two-marathon challenge across the International Date Line, plus Boys & Girls Clubs wrapped up its DIY ukulele project under the ASVB “Save the Music” program. Regional Citizenship Debate: Guam and CNMI leaders urged U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith to withdraw a bill aimed at ending birthright citizenship in territories, arguing it could create statelessness and violates territorial protections. Local Sports: Samoa Airways completed a second Twin Otter overhaul, restoring service on routes that connect Apia and Pago Pago.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: American Samoa community leaders held a peaceful “Stand with the Moana” shoreline demonstration against proposed federal deep-sea mining leases, with youth and elders calling for the plan to be stopped before irreversible harm. Local Budget Watch: The American Samoa Government submitted its FY2027 proposed budget to the Fono, totaling $789.3 million, with hearings set to begin July 27 and a focus on shifting from pandemic recovery toward long-term sustainability. Road Funding: DPW secured a $19.3 million BUILD grant to rebuild the Route 001 Leone to Nu’uuli road, targeting safety and reliability on a heavily used corridor. Citizenship Debate: U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith’s bill to end birthright citizenship in some territories is drawing pushback from Guam and CNMI leaders, who warn it could create statelessness and violates territorial agreements. Health & Safety: DOH reminded travelers they can only bring limited food and properly labeled personal medications from Samoa; it also explained why some health-closed businesses can reopen after corrections and follow-up inspections. Community & Culture: American Samoa is set to welcome the “Chasing Yesterday” endurance team for a marathon challenge supporting children affected by alcohol addiction, and Manu’atele marked the 122nd anniversary of Manu’a Cession Day.