AGP Executive Report

Robocall Crackdown: American Samoa’s Attorney General Alan Wilson joined a multistate push urging the FCC to tighten rules so scammers can’t buy or access legitimate phone numbers to run robocalls and texts, after Americans lost nearly $2 billion last year to scams. Public Safety & Fire Station: The Fagatogo Fire Station is still partially operating with a small crew and one truck, despite Health closing it over unsafe electrical wiring and filthy bathrooms; officials say responders still cover emergencies. Domestic Violence Court Cases: Two separate Tafuna/Fagatogo Police reports detail alleged assaults and threats tied to domestic violence and protection-order violations, with suspects charged and bail set. Air Service Update: Samoa Airways’ Tutuila–Manu’a flights were extended for six more months after USDOT approved an exemption due to an emergency lack of U.S. carrier service. Health Watch (Regional): Hawai‘i DOH confirmed a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu (6 total for 2026), with officials urging residents to eliminate standing water to reduce mosquito breeding. Community & Culture: The London Missionary Society donated $50,000 to upgrade colleges and libraries in Samoa, while American Samoa wrapped its America 250 Independence Day celebration with a drone-and-fireworks finale.

Public Health Alert (Hawai‘i): Hawai‘i DOH confirmed a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, bringing the state total to six for 2026. Officials say the person was exposed while traveling in a dengue-prone region and that the expected risk of local spread is low, but DOH teams are inspecting the area and urging residents to cut mosquito breeding by removing standing water. Local Safety & Services (American Samoa): Search and Rescue says the Fagatogo Fire Station is still partially operational despite being closed by DOH over unsafe, unsanitary conditions, including dangerous electrical wiring and dirty bathrooms; a small crew and one fire truck continue responding. Domestic Violence Cases (American Samoa): Police report multiple arrests tied to alleged assaults and protection-order violations, including a man charged after an alleged PVC-pipe assault and another arrested for allegedly violating a court order. Governance & Security (American Samoa): Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula urged U.S. investment to keep American Samoa “future ready,” citing regional threats like illegal fishing, narco-terrorism, and competition for critical minerals amid China’s South Pacific moves. National Policy (Robocalls): A coalition of state attorneys general, including American Samoa, urged the FCC to strengthen rules to block scammers from accessing legitimate phone numbers.

Public Health: Hawai‘i DOH confirmed a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, the state’s 6th dengue case in 2026, with officials saying the chance of local spread is low but urging residents to cut mosquito breeding by removing standing water. Local Community: American Samoa radio personality Keziah “Sia” Atofau is leaving 93KHJ after nearly 20 years on “Samoan Sunrise,” with station leaders thanking her for decades of service. Governance & Security: Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula urged U.S. investment to keep American Samoa “future ready,” citing regional threats including illegal fishing, narco-terrorism, and competition for critical minerals. Public Safety: Acting DPS Commissioner Falana’i Taaase Sagapolutele’s recent personnel reshuffle continues to draw pushback, with former Public Safety Commissioner Taaga Saite Moliga disputing claims about who proposed the changes. American Samoa Celebrations: American Samoa wrapped up its America 250 Independence Day festivities with a major Lions Park event featuring a synchronized 300-drone show and fireworks. Consumer Protection (Regional): Multiple U.S. attorneys general, including American Samoa’s, urged the FCC to tighten rules to stop scam robocalls that use legitimate phone numbers.

Robocall Crackdown Push: Arizona AG Kris Mayes and 48 other attorneys general urged the FCC to tighten rules that would cut scammers off from legitimate phone numbers, saying fraudsters now buy real numbers and rotate them to dodge spam filters. Consumer Fraud Accountability: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill announced a $45 million multistate settlement with Block/Cash App over claims the company misled users about safety and fraud protection, leaving customers vulnerable to scams. Local Public Safety—Domestic Violence: Pago Pago police arrested a man for allegedly violating a High Court Protection Order, charging trespass (DV) and criminal contempt after an early-morning return to his estranged wife’s home. Local Public Safety—Assault Case: In Petesa, police charged two males after an alleged alcohol-fueled disturbance and assault, with one suspect held without bail and the juvenile handled through the juvenile system. Infrastructure Funding: DOT awarded nearly $1.74B in 2026 BUILD grants across 127 projects, including funding for American Samoa. Health Watch: Hawaii confirmed a new travel-related dengue case on Oahu, bringing the state total to six this year. America 250 Finale: American Samoa wrapped up its America 250 Independence Day celebration with a major July 4 event featuring a synchronized 300-drone show and fireworks.

Independence Day Wrap-Up: American Samoa closed its America 250 celebrations with a massive July 4 event at Lions Park, capped by a synchronized 300-drone show and fireworks honoring U.S. service members. Public Safety & Courts: A woman reported her husband allegedly violated a Protection Order in the early morning; he was arrested and charged with trespass (DV) and criminal contempt. Alleged Violence: Police arrested two men after an alleged alcohol-fueled assault and disturbance in Petesa, with one juvenile handled through the juvenile system. Local Health Compliance: The Department of Health warned businesses that operating without a valid license can lead to closure and said inspections won’t be done for renewal or permits without proper documentation. Food Costs: The Basic Food Index rose 0.3%, with fish up sharply, while eggs, sugar, taro, and chicken saw declines. Education Spotlight: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata congratulated Lucas “Hoss” Foster, American Samoa’s first FCCLA National Leadership Conference scholarship recipient. Federal Policy Push (Robocalls): Multiple attorneys general, including American Samoa’s, urged the FCC to strengthen rules to cut scammers off from legitimate phone numbers. Infrastructure Funding: DOT announced $1.73B in 2026 BUILD grants, including projects in American Samoa.

Robocall Crackdown: A coalition of 49 attorneys general, including American Samoa’s own signers, is urging the FCC to tighten rules that would cut scammers off from buying and cycling legitimate phone numbers—after Americans lost nearly $2 billion last year to scam robocalls and texts. Local Public Safety: Fagatogo residents are calling for the reopening of the Fagatogo Fire Station after two recent fires, including one that destroyed a home and forced delayed response from Tafuna while the station has been closed for weeks. Health Compliance: The Department of Health warned businesses that operating without a valid license can lead to enforcement actions, including no inspections for renewal or permits until licensing is in order. Telecom Upgrade: DXN won an AU$1 million contract to build a Cable Landing Station for ASTCA’s La Vasa subsea cable, aimed at boosting American Samoa’s connectivity and resilience. Community & Education: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata congratulated Lucas “Hoss” Foster, American Samoa’s first FCCLA national scholarship representative, now in Washington, D.C. Food Prices: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index rose 0.3% this month, with fish up sharply while several items like eggs and sugar declined.

Robocall Crackdown Push: A bipartisan group of 49 U.S. attorneys general, including American Samoa’s own signers, urged the FCC to tighten rules so scammers can’t buy and rotate legitimate phone numbers—after Americans lost nearly $2 billion last year to scam calls and texts. Health Workforce & Pay: Local doctors and the Samoa Medical Association renewed calls for the government to raise salaries for public-hospital medical staff and address overtime pay, as the territory struggles to retain specialists. DOH Business Licensing: The Department of Health warned that operating without a valid business license can lead to enforcement actions, including closure and missed inspections for renewals/permits. Public Safety in Fagatogo: After two fires, lawmakers are calling for the reopening of the Fagatogo Fire Station, while another blaze gutted a holding-cell facility behind police headquarters. Local Crime & Courts: Police charged multiple people in separate incidents, including alleged domestic threats with a knife and alleged burglary in Aua. Food Costs: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index rose 0.3% in June, with fish and several staples up while eggs, sugar, and some meats fell. Education Spotlight: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata congratulated American Samoa’s first-ever FCCLA national scholarship and leadership representative, Lucas “Hoss” Foster. Telecom Upgrade: DXN won an AU$1 million contract to build a Cable Landing Station for ASTCA to support the La Vasa subsea cable.

Robocall Crackdown Push: A coalition of 49 state attorneys general, including American Samoa’s own AG Anne Lopez, is urging the FCC to tighten rules that would cut scammers off from buying legitimate phone numbers—after Americans lost nearly $2 billion last year to scam calls and texts. Telecom Upgrade for American Samoa: DXN says it won an AU$1 million contract from ASTCA to design and commission a Cable Landing Station for the La Vasa subsea cable, aiming for service by Q3 2026. Public Safety Update: A fire gutted a holding-cell facility behind the Fagatogo Police Headquarters, while separate investigations continue after a fatal traffic crash tied to escaped inmates. Local Justice Cases: Police charged multiple residents in domestic and property-related incidents, including tool-throwing and threats involving knives. Independence Day in Pago Pago: American Samoa marked July 4 with church services and a large concert at Lions Park, followed by fireworks and drones. Environment Watch: NOAA and regional partners are preparing for El Niño impacts as ocean temperatures run near record highs.

Telecom Upgrade: DXN won an AU$1 million (US$690,000) contract from American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) to design, build, deliver, and commission a Cable Landing Station for the US$45 million La Vasa subsea fiber project, aimed to boost connectivity and resilience; manufacturing starts immediately, with delivery due by March 2027 and expected operations by Q3 2026. Public Safety: A fire gutted a holding-facility behind the main Police Headquarters in Fagatogo, forcing firefighters to respond from Tafuna after the nearby Fagatogo Fire Station was closed for hazards. Courts & Crime: Police charged a Faleniu man after an alleged tool-throwing domestic dispute; another case involves a Nuuuli man accused of threatening to cut his wife’s mouth with a knife. Serious Allegations: A stepfather was arrested and charged in a case alleging sexual abuse of his stepchildren, with the names withheld to protect minors. Health Partnerships: A cross-sector push for adolescent health highlights how schools can connect youth to prevention and clinical services. Independence Day (America 250): American Samoa marked July 4 with church services and community events, including a large Lions Park concert with fireworks and drones.

Telecom Upgrade: DXN won an AU$1 million contract from American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) to design, build, deliver and commission a Cable Landing Station for the US$45 million La Vasa subsea fiber project, linking American Samoa with Fiji and French Polynesia; work starts immediately, with delivery due by March 2027 and expected operations by Q3 2026. Public Safety: A fire gutted a holding-cell facility behind the main Police Headquarters in Fagatogo, with firefighters responding after thick smoke was spotted near the (recently closed) Fagatogo Fire Station. Court & Police: Police investigations continue after a fatal traffic crash tied to escaped inmates, with separate inquiries by Traffic and Criminal Investigations and the case treated as homicide by vehicle; in other arrests, a Faleniu man allegedly threw tools at his sister, and a Nuuuli man allegedly threatened to cut his wife’s throat with a rock. Health & Community: A cross-sector partnership push highlights how schools can connect adolescents to health services, supported by CDC’s adolescent health efforts. Culture & Film: A Pacific choreographer behind Disney’s Moana dance work is credited with casting hundreds of dancers for the live-action adaptation.

American Samoa Celebrates America 250: Pago Pago marked the U.S. Independence Day 250th anniversary with a special church service at Fagatogo Pavilion and remarks from Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pulaali’i Pula stressing pride in the American family while keeping Samoan culture strong. Local Crime Update: Police arrested two men after a June 19 Fagatogo disturbance and alleged property damage, with charges including public peace disturbance and resisting arrest; one suspect also faces third-degree property damage. Child Sexual Abuse Case: A stepfather was arrested and charged after an alleged assault on his stepchildren and daughter, with multiple felony counts including deviated sexual assault, sexual abuse, incest, and rape; he remains held without bail. Pacific Weather Watch: El Niño is back, with late-2026 forecasts pointing to a strong-to-very strong event that could disrupt ocean life and weather patterns. Regional Policy & Fishing: NOAA outlined plans to cut seafood regulations and adjust protections, including potential changes to Alaska sea lion closure boundaries. Citizenship Legal Fallout: A Supreme Court ruling on birthright citizenship is being cited as strengthening constitutional citizenship arguments for U.S. territories, including American Samoa. Business/Tech: DXN won and expanded cable landing station work tied to American Samoa, while also shifting its data center strategy.

NOAA Seafood Deregulation: NOAA says it’s rolling out regional priorities to cut regulatory burdens and boost U.S. seafood production, citing a Trump-era directive and hundreds of public comments. American Samoa Citizenship Ruling: A U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down Trump’s birthright citizenship order is being framed by advocates as a win for people born in U.S. territories, including American Samoans facing related legal fights. Local Justice: A stepfather was arrested and charged after an alleged sexual abuse case involving his stepchildren, with the suspect held without bail. Tech & Business: DXN, an Australian data center firm, sold a Tasmania facility while continuing to pursue modular data center plans; the week also included coverage of DXN winning an American Samoa CLS contract. Sports & Youth: Strongman Samoa says a new regional strongman event is creating fresh pathways for Pacific athletes to compete. America 250 Spotlight: The nation’s 250th birthday celebrations include a special Times Square ball drop schedule that culminates with American Samoa at 7 a.m.

Western Governors’ Association: Gov. Josh Green was voted chair for 2026-2027, with a winter meeting in Hawaii set for Dec. 7, and plans to push shared talks on healthcare funding and disaster recovery, including participation from Japan and Pacific leaders. Sports & youth development: Strongman Samoa says the Pacific Strongest competition is creating new pathways for young athletes, with regional competitors testing unfamiliar sand-based challenges in a bid to grow local talent. America 250, local relevance: As the U.S. marks its 250th birthday, Times Square’s ball will drop eight times across U.S. time zones, with the final drop scheduled at 7 a.m. for American Samoa—part of the “Giving 4th” push for community service and charity. Citizenship milestone: Hundreds of new U.S. citizens were sworn in during America 250 celebrations, including participants from American Samoa among dozens of countries represented.

America 250 & Local Pride: America’s 250th birthday rolled out with major national celebrations, but American Samoa’s own spotlight included the Times Square “Giving 4th” ball-drop marathon ending with midnight in American Samoa, plus local America 250 events and community programming. Weather & Disruptions: Severe storms and record heat forced evacuations, delays, and cancellations across parts of the East Coast and elsewhere, including National Mall evacuations before programming resumed. Citizenship Milestone: In Seattle, more than 250 people from 55 countries were sworn in as new U.S. citizens on July 4, including representatives listing American Samoa among the countries. Sports & Community: The 2026 America 250 fautasi championship results were announced by ASTCA, with Vatia’s Fuao taking first ($30,000) and Pago Pago’s Aeto placing 6th ($10,000). Health Alert: In American Samoa, children with rheumatic heart disease are missing daily penicillin doses after a shift from injections, with doctors warning of serious relapses and disability risk.

American Samoa in the spotlight for America250: A Seattle naturalization ceremony for the nation’s 250th anniversary included new citizens from many places, with American Samoa named among the represented countries. America250 countdown goes nationwide: Times Square’s iconic ball will drop eight times to mark midnight across U.S. time zones, with the finale timed to American Samoa. Local Independence Day plans: Redondo Beach’s 2026 July 4 calendar highlights multiple events, including fireworks and a drone light show honoring America’s 250th. Health alert for kids in American Samoa: Doctors say children with rheumatic heart disease are missing daily penicillin doses, with relapses and severe joint pain reported after a shift from injections to daily pills. America250 sports and culture: The territory’s America 250 fautasi championship results were announced, with Vatia’s Fuao taking first place, and a museum exhibition in American Samoa is featuring artifacts tied to the union with the U.S.

America 250 Countdown in American Samoa: Times Square’s ball drop is now a multi-time-zone marathon for the U.S. semiquincentennial, with the finale timed for 7 a.m. Saturday in American Samoa—marking midnight there—after earlier drops for Guam, the East Coast, and every time zone in between. Local Health Alert: In American Samoa, children with rheumatic heart disease are reportedly missing daily penicillin doses, with doctors warning relapses and serious complications after gaps of more than three months. Community Giving: The Rotary Club of Pago Pago delivered 15 modern hospital beds to Hope House, funded by local sponsors at $1,000 each. ASCC Leadership: The Board of Higher Education named Sonny J. Leomiti interim president of American Samoa Community College effective July 1. America 250 Fautasi Results: Vatia’s Fuao won the America 250 Fautasi Regatta grand final, taking the $30,000 prize.