AGP Executive Report

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Meta has agreed to pay up to $18 billion and overhaul Instagram and Facebook for teens, including a default two-hour daily limit, overnight blocks (midnight to 6 a.m.), fewer notifications during school hours, “productive pause” prompts, tighter age checks, and hiding like counts—under a multistate deal that also includes American Samoa and other territories; Local Government Travel Freeze: The American Samoa Department of Treasury suspended all government-funded local travel for the rest of Fiscal Year 2026, with limited exemptions and a push toward virtual meetings; Territorial Mail Costs: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds urged the USPS to pause new duty-collection rules for mail from U.S. territories, arguing legal and administrative issues still need addressing; Youth Sports Push: Oceania Athletics Association officials are in American Samoa promoting Kids’ Athletics, bringing track-and-field fundamentals to children through team-based games.

Youth Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1 billion to 47 states plus D.C., Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and to overhaul Facebook and Instagram defaults for teens—capping daily use at two hours, adding “productive pauses,” blocking overnight access, limiting school-time notifications, tightening age checks, and reducing harmful features like visible like counts and certain filters. Local Impact for American Samoa: The settlement includes American Samoa in the coalition, meaning the territory is part of the nationwide youth-safety reforms and is listed among the jurisdictions receiving guaranteed payments. How It Works: The deal is subject to court approval and includes payments over about a decade, with additional money tied to whether other major platforms (like TikTok and YouTube) adopt similar protections. NFL Update: The NFL ended the Pro Bowl as an AFC vs. NFC game, replacing it with an all-star recognition format featuring 88 players starting in 2026.

Education & Health Readiness: American Samoa’s Dept. of Education and Dept. of Health finished the Tautua Wellness Initiative, inspecting and preparing schools with cleaning, repairs, and classroom support ahead of the new year. Student Jobs: ASCC’s Financial Aid Office is recruiting local businesses and worksites for Federal Work-Study placements tied to students’ studies. Sports & Community: The Floating Coconuts Outrigger Canoe Club is competing at the International Va’a Federation World Sprint Championships in Singapore, with multiple crews and solo paddlers already racing. School Athletics Funding: After concerns about the DOE FY2027 budget, the Department of Education says school sports programs will continue as scheduled with necessary funding. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer began a 29-day deep-water mapping mission near American Samoa, as a federal lease auction is set for Nov. 19—while local leaders and groups continue pushing for stronger environmental review. Infrastructure Grant: DPW won an $800,000 EPA grant to launch the STREAM stormwater program, including a territory-wide asset inventory and GIS mapping. LDS Temple Dates: The Pago Pago American Samoa Temple will be dedicated Dec. 13, with public open house dates set for Nov. 4–21.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer has begun deep-sea dives off American Samoa, but the data won’t reach the public until after a November 19 lease auction—while U.S. Rep. Uifa’atali Amata is urging an environmental impact study before any at-scale extraction. Local Governance & Policy: Amata also renewed concerns about whether benefits outweigh risks, arguing Samoans are stewards of the ocean. Community & Faith: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced milestone dates for the Pago Pago American Samoa Temple—dedication set for Dec. 13, with a public open house running Nov. 4 to Nov. 21 (excluding Sundays). Public Safety: Police reported an alleged sexual assault of two girls (ages 10 and 12) with the suspect held without bail, and a separate case involving an alleged assault of a pregnant wife tied to a burglary. Education & Opportunity: The American Samoa Bar Association opened applications for its 2026-2027 Legal Education Scholarship (deadline Sept. 25).

Deep-Sea Mining Push Meets Pacific Pushback: A Lowy Institute report warns Pacific nations are getting squeezed between rising demand for battery and defense minerals and fears over ocean damage, as the U.S. moves to open more seabed for exploration. Local Politics, Local Stakes: U.S. territories including Guam and the Northern Marianas are urging “rigorous” baseline studies and protections, while American Samoa lawmakers are calling for an environmental impact study before any at-scale extraction. American Samoa Temple Milestone: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints set key dates for the Pago Pago American Samoa Temple—dedication Sunday, Dec. 13, with a public open house running Nov. 4–21 (excluding Sundays). Cost of Living Hits the Fuel Line: Samoa’s latest inflation figures show transport costs driving prices up, with diesel jumping 51.6% and petrol up 37% over the year. Community & Safety Updates: The American Samoa Bar Association opened applications for its 2026–27 Legal Education Scholarship (deadline Sept. 25), and local police reports detail multiple domestic and assault cases.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata urged the Interior Department to order an environmental impact study before any “at scale” deep-sea mineral extraction near American Samoa, saying residents remain unconvinced benefits outweigh risks to ocean ecosystems. U.S. Territories Pushback: The Trump administration’s plan to auction seabed leases near the Mariana Trench drew opposition from Pacific territories, with leaders calling for rigorous baseline studies, transparency, and protections. Cost of Living—Fuel Hits Hard: Samoa’s latest inflation figures show transport costs driving prices up 3.1% year over year, with diesel up 51.6% and petrol up 37%, plus higher kerosene and liquid gas costs. Legal Aid for Students: The American Samoa Bar Association announced its 2026-27 Legal Education Scholarship, with applications due Sept. 25 at 4 p.m. Public Safety—Alleged Assaults: Tafuna Police reported multiple domestic and sexual assault cases, including a father alleging sexual assault of two daughters (ages 10 and 12) and another case involving alleged assault of a pregnant wife; suspects were held without bail. Community & Education: ASCC mourns longtime staff member Cherylmoanamarie “Cherie” Ripley; Fagalii Tinifu completed a 12-session sewing program, and the Seafood Academy recognized its first graduates.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Environmental groups and Fa‘asao Amerika Samoa have sued the U.S. to stop a proposed deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing regulators wrongly concluded the activity won’t harm endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. Pacific Policy Pressure: U.S. territories are pushing back on a Trump plan to move ahead with seabed mining in the Pacific, with Guam and CNMI officials warning Washington is moving too fast and limiting local input. Local Courts—Domestic Violence: In Pago Pago, police charged a man after an alleged domestic dispute where he threatened and assaulted his wife; he was held without bail. Local Courts—Threats In Aua: Another case in Aua involved a 14-year-old calling 911 after his mother’s boyfriend allegedly threatened and assaulted her; the suspect was held without bail. Wildfire Support: A nine-member wild-land fire crew from the National Park of American Samoa deployed to the U.S. mainland for a monthlong wildfire response assignment. Community Skills: Fagalii Tinifu completed a 12-session sewing program through ASCC-ACNR, with participants making puletasi and other household items. Sports Funding Idea: Acting Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. proposed a $2 monthly paycheck deduction for government employees to fund DOE sports programs. Elections: The Chief Election Officer officially set American Samoa’s 2026 midterm election for Nov. 3, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Environmental groups Fa‘asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, via Earthjustice, sued the U.S. over American Samoa deep-sea mining plans, challenging a finding that mining won’t harm endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. Local Public Safety: Pago Pago police charged a man after an alleged domestic dispute where a husband threatened and assaulted his wife; he was held without bail. Youth & Community Skills: Fagalii Tinifu women finished a 12-session Basic Sewing Program through ASCC-ACNR, sewing puletasi and other household items after weekly workshops. Health & Services: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata met CMS officials to discuss Medicaid services and priorities for American Samoa, citing major federal funding increases but warning local access still needs strengthening. Education & Sports Funding: Acting Gov. Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. proposed a plan to raise money for DOE sports programs by deducting $2 from government employees’ monthly paychecks. Wildfire Readiness: A nine-member National Park of American Samoa wild-land fire crew left for a monthlong mainland assignment supporting wildfire response. Elections: The Chief Election Officer officially set American Samoa’s 2026 midterm election for Nov. 3, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with candidate paperwork due Sept. 1.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Environmental groups, including Fa‘asao Amerika Samoa, Conservation Council for Hawai‘i and Earthjustice, have sued to stop the Trump administration’s rushed deep-sea mining plans off American Samoa, challenging federal findings that mining won’t harm endangered species; the proposed sale is set for November. Local Public Safety: Tafuna Police charged a man after an alleged domestic dispute turned violent, holding him without bail on private peace disturbance and third-degree assault counts. Local Public Safety: Police also responded to a 911 call from a 14-year-old in Aua after a mother’s boyfriend allegedly threatened and behaved aggressively; he was charged and held without bail. Wildfire Readiness: A nine-member National Park of American Samoa wild-land fire crew has deployed to the U.S. mainland for a monthlong assignment supporting wildfire response. Community Skills: Fagalii Tinifu members completed a 12-session ASCC-ACNR sewing program, producing puletasi and other household items for graduation. Health Watch: Samoa’s oxygen shortage that led to surgery cancellations was resolved after oxygen supplies arrived from American Samoa. Sports & Culture: Acting Gov. Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. proposed a $2 monthly paycheck deduction for government employees to fund DOE sports programs.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Environmental groups and Fa‘asao Amerika Samoa are suing the U.S. to stop the first deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing NOAA/National Marine Fisheries Service didn’t properly assess harm to endangered species and that the process is too rushed for a technology still unproven. Local Impact & Politics: The dispute lands as the Trump administration pushes ahead with seabed leasing in the Pacific, while American Samoa leaders and supporters call for stronger review and a moratorium. NOAA Mission to AS: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer has sailed from the Cook Islands to American Samoa after a 26-day deep-sea mission, leaving biological and geological finds for display at a local museum. Public Safety—Domestic Cases: Tafuna police reported multiple domestic-related incidents this week, including threats and assaults, with suspects held without bail. Wildfire Support: A nine-member National Park of American Samoa wild-land fire crew has deployed to the U.S. mainland for a monthlong wildfire response assignment. Community Programs: Fagalii Tinifu completed an ASCC sewing program, and the Seafood Academy American Samoa held recognition for its inaugural graduates. Elections: The Chief Election Officer officially set Nov. 3, 2026 for American Samoa’s midterm election.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Environmental groups and Fa‘asao Amerika Samoa sued the U.S. to stop the first deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing regulators wrongly said mining wouldn’t harm endangered species and that the process is too rushed for the risks to whales, sea turtles, and deep-ocean life. Regional Politics: Guam’s delegate and governor criticized a federal seabed mining push that lets only CNMI officials formally comment, calling it a “race to the bottom” and urging Washington to slow down and consult Pacific residents. Local Safety & Courts: Tafuna and Aua police charged multiple people after alleged domestic and family disturbances, including threats and assaults; several suspects were held without bail. Health & Supplies: Samoa’s Moto’otua Hospital oxygen shortage that reportedly delayed surgeries was resolved after supplies arrived from American Samoa. Community & Skills: Fagalii Tinifu completed an ASCC sewing program, and the Seafood Academy American Samoa held graduation remarks focused on passing ocean knowledge forward. Wildfire Response: A nine-member National Park of American Samoa wild-land crew deployed to the U.S. mainland for a monthlong wildfire assignment. Elections: The Chief Election Officer proclaimed Nov. 3, 2026 as the Midterm Election Day.

Deep-Sea Mining Lawsuits: Environmental groups, including Fa‘asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, have sued the U.S. to block deep-sea mining lease plans off American Samoa, arguing regulators failed to properly assess impacts on endangered species under the Endangered Species Act; the challenge targets the National Marine Fisheries Service’s “not likely to adversely affect” finding as the Marine Minerals Administration pushes ahead with a Nov. sale. Local Governance & Community: The Atu‘u land trusteeship meeting was postponed after only five matai showed up, with officials saying the To‘oto‘o and senior chiefs must be present for a meaningful decision; it’s now set for the second Saturday of September. Elections: The Chief Election Officer officially set American Samoa’s 2026 Midterm Election for Nov. 3, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with candidate paperwork due Sept. 1. Health Update: Samoa’s oxygen shortage that led to cancelled surgeries was resolved after oxygen supplies arrived from American Samoa. Public Safety: Police reported multiple disturbances this week, including a Vailoa curfew fight with two men held without bail and a Nu‘uuli machete threat case resulting in an arrest. Skills & Youth: Fagalii Tinifu completed a 12-session Basic Sewing Program, graduating with self-made puletasi and other garments.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Environmental groups and Earthjustice have sued the U.S. to stop the first deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing the government’s “not likely to adversely affect” finding for endangered species was unlawful and rushed, as the Marine Minerals Administration pushes ahead with lease plans for millions of acres. Local Pushback: The Governor’s office and Del. James Moylan are warning Washington not to move faster than science allows, saying national security can’t mean Pacific communities accept environmental risks before they’re fully understood. Faith Joins Opposition: The American Samoa Democratic Party praised Catholic and Episcopal leaders for their joint stance urging caution and protecting the ocean from industrial exploitation. Marianas Fast-Track: Separate reporting says the federal government also advanced a Northern Mariana Islands leasing notice earlier than expected, setting a Dec. 16 sale date. Public Safety—Oxygen Glitch: Samoa’s hospital oxygen shortage that led to canceled surgeries was resolved after supplies arrived from American Samoa. Elections: Chief Election Officer Dr. Lealofi Uiagalelei officially set American Samoa’s 2026 Midterm Election for Nov. 3, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Courts: Two men were held without bail after an alleged Vailoa aumaga assault during a curfew dispute; another woman was arrested after a Nu’uuli family disturbance involving alleged machete threats. Health Watch: Hawai‘i reported another travel-related dengue case on O‘ahu, with officials urging residents to eliminate standing water.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Fa‘asao Amerika Samoa and Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, represented by Earthjustice, sued the U.S. government in Hawaii federal court to stop Trump-era plans to auction seabed mining leases off American Samoa, challenging NOAA Fisheries’ finding that mining won’t harm endangered species and asking a judge to halt the process. Local Impact: The dispute comes as the Marine Minerals Administration sets a Nov. 19 lease sale for more than 31 million acres around American Samoa, with opponents saying the review process left the public out. Ocean Guardianship: Faith and community voices also renewed pressure, including a statement from Pacific Catholic bishops urging caution as the deep ocean remains poorly understood. Airport Update: Sāmoa Airways’ Fitiuta runway incident prompted an update that the runway reopened after coordination with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, while the aircraft remains secured pending investigation. Public Health Watch: Hawaii reported another travel-related dengue case on O‘ahu, urging residents to eliminate standing water to reduce mosquito breeding. Sports & Olympics Buzz: The NFL says 200+ players across 25+ countries have expressed interest in Olympic flag football in Los Angeles in 2028, pointing to recent world-championship competitiveness that included American Samoa’s historic win over the U.S. Education & Training: The American Samoa Seafood Academy graduated inaugural trainees, and the Department of Education kicked off the school year with a church service.

Deep-Sea Mining Lawsuit: Faʻasao Amerika Samoa and Hawaii’s Conservation Council, backed by Earthjustice, sued the U.S. over the Trump administration’s plan to lease more than 31 million acres of seabed off American Samoa, arguing NOAA Fisheries’ “not likely to adversely affect” finding for endangered species was unlawful and lacked proper review. Local Impact on Ocean Policy: The case challenges the Nov. 19 lease sale and asks a federal judge in Hawaii to halt the process and require compliance with the Endangered Species Act. Faith Leaders Add Pressure: The American Samoa Democratic Party praised Catholic and Episcopal Pacific leaders for their joint stance urging caution and protection of the Pacific Ocean from industrial exploitation. Health Update (Regional): Hawaii reported a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, bringing the state total to seven in 2026, with officials urging residents to eliminate standing water—especially after Tropical Cyclone Lala flooding. Airport Operations: PAAS said Fitiuta’s runway reopened after an incident, while the aircraft remains secured pending a National Transportation Safety Board investigation.

Deep-Sea Mining Legal Fight: Environmental groups and Fa’asao Amerika Samoa sued the U.S. government to stop the first-ever commercial deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing NOAA Fisheries’ “not likely to adversely affect” finding for endangered species was unlawful and lacked proper review. Local Health Update: Samoa’s main hospital, Moto’otua (Tupua Tamasese Meaole), faced an oxygen shortage that reportedly delayed surgeries, but Samoa’s Health Ministry says supplies arrived from American Samoa and the issue is resolved. Airport Incident Follow-Up: Fitiuta Airport reopened after a Samoa Airways runway excursion; PAAS says the aircraft remains secured pending an NTSB investigation and a charter flight will bring airport leadership for an on-site assessment. Customs Capacity Building: American Samoa Customs is taking part in Oceania Customs Organization training to strengthen post-clearance audit capability, with a roadmap expected as a key outcome. Public Safety Leadership: The Senate declined to confirm the nominee for Commissioner of Public Safety after the vote fell one affirmative count short. NOAA Mapping Missions: NOAA Ocean Exploration will run two expeditions around American Samoa to map deep seafloor and generate public data for future critical-mineral decisions. Dengue Watch in the Region: Hawaii reported another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, bringing 2026 totals to seven, with officials urging residents to eliminate standing water.