AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoan leaders and Greenpeace USA protested NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor, warning that seabed mapping could feed a federal deep-sea mining push despite the territory’s moratorium. US Pacific Security & Fisheries: At the Pacific Islands Forum, the U.S. announced a $17M IUU fishing project aimed at illegal Chinese fishing, with training and support for enforcement. Local Politics & Oversight: The House pressed for a full accounting of how about $10M in ARPA interest was invested, while lawmakers also questioned weak Fono oversight powers. Immigration Work Permits: A new Senate bill proposes a one-time Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program for foreign nationals out of status to work for key employers like StarKist Samoa. Health: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases tracked; officials say it’s an early warning signal. Courts (Alaska, American Samoans): Alaska’s appeals court tossed a felony voter misconduct indictment against Whittier resident Tupe Smith, saying prosecutors used the wrong legal standard and misled grand jurors. Education & Youth: ASCC named Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale as its new president effective Sept. 8, and ASCC students were arrested after a campus fight. Public Safety: Police charged suspects in separate cases involving alleged rape of a minor and an assault tied to a disturbance over alleged missing money.

Alaska Courtroom Win for Whittier Voter Case: The Alaska Court of Appeals tossed a felony voter misconduct indictment against Tupe Smith, an American Samoan resident, saying prosecutors used the wrong legal standard and misled grand jurors—potentially affecting similar cases targeting American Samoans in Whittier. US Congress & Deep-Sea Mining: A House Rules Committee blocked Guam Delegate James Moylan’s push to keep seabed mining off the FAST-41 expedited permitting track, even as the House advanced the Protecting Domestic Mining Act. Pacific Security & Missile Transparency: Pacific Islands Forum leaders urged countries conducting ICBM tests to give advance notice, after China’s July test reportedly passed over islands without adequate warning. Local Governance & Public Safety: American Samoa Community College students were arrested after a campus fight, with two suspects later charged with public peace disturbance and third-degree assault. Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases tracked there—an alert for mosquito-bite prevention across the region. Fisheries & Science: Western Pacific scientists will review fishing rules and bottomfish catch guidance affecting Hawaiʻi and American Samoa, including changes around Rose Atoll. Youth & Community Programs: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped up its PITA Jr. STEAM bootcamp, aiming to steer youth toward tech and engineering through hands-on learning.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: A House Rules Committee vote blocked Rep. James Moylan’s bid to keep seabed mining off a fast-track permitting bill, while American Samoa lawmakers and activists continue pushing back against deep-sea mining expansion. Pacific Security: Pacific leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum urged China to give advance notice for ICBM tests after concerns a July launch passed over islands without adequate warning. Courts & Voting Rights: Alaska’s Court of Appeals tossed a felony voter misconduct indictment against a Whittier woman born in American Samoa, saying prosecutors used the wrong legal standard and misled a grand jury—potentially affecting similar cases. Public Health: Hawaiʻi health officials reported dengue detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases tracked; dengue risk is noted across the Pacific, including American Samoa. Local Governance: The House Retirement Committee grilled ASG over unpaid Retirement Fund contributions and a growing debt, citing cash-flow problems and lack of progress. Youth & Education: ASCC students were arrested after an on-campus fight; meanwhile, the PITA Jr. STEAM bootcamp wrapped up, aiming to steer youth toward tech and engineering. Federal Funding: Congresswoman Aumua Amata announced a CDC preventive health grant for American Samoa. Immigration Policy: A new Senate bill proposes a one-time guest worker amnesty permit for foreign nationals in American Samoa without valid status, while another bill would pause a controversial immigration-law provision. Meta Settlement: AG Edward Manibusan announced American Samoa’s participation in a landmark Meta youth-safety settlement requiring new protections for children.

Big Tech & Youth Safety: Attorney Edward Manibusan announced a landmark $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement, including American Samoa, requiring major Instagram/Facebook child-safety changes like daily time limits, “productive pauses,” and nighttime blocks. Local Governance & Accountability: A Senate Government Operations Committee hearing spotlighted ASG’s alleged $10 million-plus investments with no specifics, naming Brett Butler and Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolau Pula as key figures while the Acting Treasurer testified. Elections & Public Service: The Election Office listed candidates eligible for the Nov. 3, 2026 Midterm Election, and the Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC president effective Sept. 8. Public Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases tracked; officials say it’s an early warning and dengue risk is travel-related. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: American Samoa pushed back against deep-sea mining, as U.S. plans for seabed-mining leases near the territory drew renewed concern from local youth and activists. Crime & Courts: Police charged a suspect in a reported underage rape case, and another case involved an assault during a disturbance over alleged missing money.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: American Samoa leaders and youth environmental group Finafinau, with Greenpeace USA, confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer near Pago Pago Harbor over concerns that deep-sea mineral mapping could feed into commercial mining plans in U.S. waters. Public Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in a Hilo wastewater sample; officials say there are no active cases being tracked and the result is an early warning, with all known cases travel-related. Local Governance: The Senate Government Operations Committee grilled Acting Treasurer Carri-Lee Magalei-Tulafono over an alleged $10 million ARPA interest investment sent to a Kansas firm—she testified there has been no return as of Aug. 31. Education Leadership: American Samoa Community College named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as president effective Sept. 8, replacing interim leadership. Elections: The Election Office listed candidates deemed eligible for the Nov. 3, 2026 midterm election, including U.S. House and House of Representatives races. Food Prices: The Basic Food Index rose 0.2% in August, with increases in items like rice, milk, fish, taro, and bananas, while several staples fell. Meta Settlement: Wyoming AG announced a landmark $17.1B Meta settlement for youth safety; the deal includes American Samoa among participating jurisdictions. Sports & Community: Funkfit American Samoa won first place in the Scaled Division at the Toa Games in Apia.

Dengue Alert: Hawaiʻi’s DOH says a wastewater sample from Hilo tested positive for dengue virus, with no active cases currently tracked; officials stress it’s an early warning, not proof of community spread, and note dengue risk across the Pacific including American Samoa. Local Food Costs: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index rose 0.2% in August as rice, milk, fish, and ice cream climbed, while chicken, turkey tail, eggs, soda, and sugar fell. Elections Update: The Election Office named candidates eligible for the 2026 Midterm Election, and also listed final candidates for Nov. 3 races. ASCC Leadership: The Board of Higher Education appointed Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as ASCC President effective Sept. 8. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa leaders and activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer over concerns about deep-sea mineral mapping and a proposed lease sale near the territory. Youth Safety & Tech: Wyoming AG Keith Kautz announced a $17.1B Meta settlement tied to child safety reforms, with American Samoa included among the settling jurisdictions. Public Safety: Police charged a suspect in a reported rape case involving an underage girl, and another case tied to an alleged assault during a disturbance over missing money. Government Watch: A Senate hearing raised questions about an alleged $10M+ ASG investment from ARPA interest funds, with the Acting Treasurer saying no return had been seen as of Aug. 31.

Dengue Alert: Hawaiʻi DOH says a wastewater sample from Hilo tested positive for dengue virus, with no active cases currently tracked; officials stress mosquito-bite prevention and standing-water cleanup. Regional Diplomacy: American Samoa’s delegation at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau formally requested full membership, arguing political status shouldn’t limit a Pacific voice. Local Leadership: Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale was named the next American Samoa Community College president, taking over Sept. 8. Public Health & Climate: The National Weather Service warns a strengthening El Niño could bring heat, water stress, higher cyclone risk, and reef impacts—urging residents to prepare now. Government Accountability: A Senate hearing revealed questions over a reported $10 million ARPA interest investment, with testimony saying no return was seen as of Aug. 31. Court Update (US): A federal judge blocked Trump’s latest birthright citizenship executive order, citing Supreme Court guidance. Meta Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1B in a multistate deal tied to youth social-media harms, including American Samoa. ASTCA Fallout: Senator Muagututi‘a Tauoa sharply rebuked Governor Pula’s move to dissolve ASTCA’s board ahead of hearings. Community Loss: American Samoa mourns Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, LBJ Tropical Medical Center’s longest-serving doctor, who died in Honolulu at 80.

Federal Court Clash Over Citizenship: A Maryland judge blocked President Trump’s latest birthright citizenship order, saying the Supreme Court already affirmed citizenship at birth for babies born on U.S. soil, with the order also targeting U.S. territories where only American Samoa lacks a congressional citizenship law. Meta Youth-Safety Settlement: American Samoa is set to receive $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate settlement, which requires major limits on Instagram and Facebook for children, including daily time caps, “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, and stronger age-assurance and content controls. Local Governance Fight: The Senate Government Operations Committee pressed for specifics on ASG’s $10 million ARPA interest investment, after testimony said the money was moved to a Kansas firm with no return reported as of Aug. 31. ASTCA Board Turmoil: Gov. Pulaali’i dissolved the ASTCA board, prompting sharp rebukes from Sen. Muagututi‘a Tauoa and questions about legality and spending tied to the America 250 celebration. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The U.S. appears poised to auction federal waters near American Samoa for seabed-mining leases, with NOAA mapping ongoing as regulators advance the plan. Weather Alert: The National Weather Service warns a strengthening El Niño could bring heat, water stress, higher cyclone risk, and coral bleaching impacts across American Samoa. Food Assistance Update: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year benefit on Sept. 1, expiring Sept. 30.

Meta Settlement for Kids: A landmark $17.1B multistate deal forces Meta to add new safety rules for Instagram and Facebook, including daily time limits, “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, and stronger age checks; American Samoa is set to receive $1.1M. Local Governance Clash: Senator Muagututi‘a Tauoa delivered a sharp rebuke after Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula dissolved the ASTCA board, accusing him of disrespecting the Fono and misusing funds. ASTCA Oversight: The Senate is also probing ASTCA’s July 4 America 250 spending and questions the legality of dismissing six board members while the governor is overseas. Online Scam Warning: Cybersecurity experts say Pacific communities are seeing a surge in AI-driven e-shop scams and urge people to slow down, verify offers, and protect accounts. Food Assistance Update: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year EBT top-up on Sept. 1, expiring Sept. 30. Public Safety: DSAR- Fire Department urges residents to prevent fires after two major blazes in Nuʻuuli, warning of increased home and business fires. Deep-Sea Minerals Watch: NOAA mapping continues around American Samoa as the U.S. moves toward a seabed lease sale targeting uncharted areas.

Meta Youth-Safety Settlement: American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate deal, which also forces new Instagram and Facebook limits like daily time caps, “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, and tighter controls for bullying and self-harm. Local Governance Clash: Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula dissolved the ASTCA Board, triggering a sharp Senate rebuke from Senator Muagututi‘a Tauoa, who accused the move of disrespecting the Fono and misusing funds. ASTCA Hearing Questions: Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean raised concerns about the legality of dismissing six ASTCA board members while the governor is overseas, as lawmakers probe ASTCA spending tied to the July 4 America 250 celebration. Deep-Sea Minerals Push: NOAA mapping is underway around American Samoa as the U.S. moves toward a seabed lease sale targeting uncharted areas, part of a broader critical-mineral race. Public Safety: Search and Rescue urged proactive fire prevention after two major Nuʻuuli fires; police also reported arrests in separate assault cases, including a woman allegedly attacked over a pig’s head. Food Assistance Update: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year benefit on Sept. 1, expiring Sept. 30.

Meta Settlement for Youth Safety: American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from a landmark $17.1 billion multistate Meta deal, with Meta required to add major protections for children on Instagram and Facebook, including daily time limits, “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, and stronger controls. Local Governance: Gov. Pula’alii Nikolao Pula dissolved the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority board ahead of a Senate hearing, triggering sharp criticism from Sen. Muagututi’a Tauoa, who called for the governor’s removal. Food Assistance Update: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year benefit on Sept. 1, loaded on EBT cards, but all benefits must be used by Sept. 30. Public Safety: Search & Rescue urged residents after a spate of fires, including a house fire in Nu’uuli that sent one person to hospital, warning of cooking, electrical, and brush hazards. National Park Spotlight: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata highlighted the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week, spotlighting its unique wildlife and multi-island sites. Sports: Floating Coconuts wrapped up their campaign at the IVF Va’a World Sprint Championships in Singapore, with multiple crews advancing in heats.

Meta Settlement for Kids: American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from a $17.1 billion multistate Meta deal, with sweeping new Instagram/Facebook safeguards for children and teens, including daily time limits and nighttime blocks. Local Health Crisis: Two Health ACEOs and a senior official were suspended over alleged oxygen gas cylinder sales to FESA, blamed for hospital oxygen shortages. American Samoa Politics: The Election Office set a Sept. 1, 4:30 p.m. deadline for House and U.S. Congress nomination petitions, while voter registration remains open. Deep-Sea Minerals Watch: NOAA announced deep-sea mapping expeditions around American Samoa to evaluate offshore critical minerals, with live-streamed ROV dives and public data releases. Citizenship Fight: A U.S. judge declined to block Trump’s latest birthright citizenship order for now, as lawmakers and groups push to limit citizenship in U.S. territories. Community & Safety: A house fire in Nu’uuli sent one person to the hospital, the fourth major fire in American Samoa this month. Nature Spotlight: A lush canopy along the Pola Trail in the National Park of American Samoa drew attention during National Park Week.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to about $18B and add new limits on teens’ Facebook and Instagram use, including daily time caps and nighttime blocks, with American Samoa named among the jurisdictions seeking child-safety reforms. Local Health Accountability: In Samoa, two Health ACEOs and a senior official were suspended over allegations they sold oxygen gas cylinders to FESA, worsening hospital oxygen shortages while a Public Service Commission investigation continues. American Samoa Elections: The Election Office set Sept. 1 at 4:30 p.m. as the deadline for House and U.S. Congress candidate nomination petitions, while voter registration remains open. Public Safety: A house fire in Nu’uuli sent one person to the hospital and was the fourth major fire in American Samoa this month; the cause is still unreported. Marine Science & Policy: NOAA announced deep-sea mapping expeditions around American Samoa aboard the Okeanos Explorer, with live-streamed ROV dives and public data releases. Sports: Tafuna (American Samoa) was shut out 42-0 by Liberty in prep football coverage.

Oxygen Shortage Probe: American Samoa’s Health Ministry suspended three senior health employees, including two ACEOs, over allegations they sold oxygen gas cylinders to FESA—an issue the minister says likely contributed to hospital oxygen shortages. Election Deadlines: The Election Office set Sept. 1, 4:30 p.m. as the nomination petition deadline for House and U.S. Congress candidates, while voter registration remains open. Child Safety Settlement: Meta’s multistate deal over Instagram/Facebook harms includes American Samoa, with new teen limits (two hours daily) and nighttime blocks without parental consent—pending court approval. Deep-Sea Mapping: NOAA announced two 2026 expeditions aboard the Okeanos Explorer to map and survey waters around American Samoa for critical minerals, with live-streamed ROV dives and public data releases. Public Safety: A house fire in Nu’uuli sent one person to the hospital; it was the fourth major fire in the territory this month. Education & Community: Intersections completed its first ACCESS program for special needs students, and a maternal health grant of $295,000 was awarded to the Department of Health via CDC.

Pacific Politics: A new diplomatic flashpoint is brewing after Trump posted a photo labeling the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia as “U.S. territories,” a move critics say ignores their free association status. Local Elections: American Samoa’s Election Office set a hard deadline of Sept. 1 at 4:30 p.m. for House and U.S. Congress candidate nominations, while voter registration remains open. Youth Safety & Money: Meta’s landmark child-safety settlement includes American Samoa, with new limits on Instagram/Facebook use for teens and major payments to states and territories. Health Funding: The CDC awarded American Samoa’s Department of Health a $295,000 grant to help prevent maternal mortality and strengthen maternal care. Education Support: Intersections, Inc. completed the first ACCESS program for special needs students, teaching consent and personal safety with local health and education partners. Public Safety: A house fire in Nu’uuli sent one person to the hospital; it was the fourth major fire in the territory this month. NOAA Exploration: NOAA announced deep-sea mapping expeditions around American Samoa, with live-streamed ROV dives and public data releases.

Local Elections: American Samoa’s Election Office set a Sept. 1, 4:30 p.m. deadline for House and U.S. Congress candidate nomination petitions, while voter registration remains open for eligible residents and U.S. citizens. Public Safety: A house fire in Nu’uuli sent one person to the hospital and marked the fourth major fire in American Samoa this month; officials say the cause hasn’t been reported. Health Education: Intersections, Inc. completed the first ACCESS program for special needs students, teaching consent, boundaries, safety, and decision-making with parents and caregivers involved. Deep-Sea Science: NOAA announced two deep-sea expeditions mapping and surveying American Samoa’s seafloor, with live-streamed ROV dives and public release of collected data. Youth Online Safety: Meta’s multistate settlement over Instagram/Facebook child-safety includes American Samoa, with new limits and safeguards aimed at reducing addictive features and harmful content. Citizenship Debate: A conservative think tank renewed calls for Congress to limit birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, including American Samoa, arguing for parent eligibility rules. Regional Security: Pacific leaders head to a summit in Palau to push for more control over security and ocean resources amid U.S.-China competition.