AGP Executive Report

Civic Spotlight: An American Samoa student is among 52 finalists competing in the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C., Wednesday. C-SPAN will televise the championship, where the winner receives a $100,000 education savings plan. Cybersecurity: American Samoa’s .as domain registry was among three country-code registries reportedly hijacked in an attack that produced unauthorized HTTPS certificates, including for Google domains. Water Safety: AS-EPA’s Water Laboratory earned U.S. EPA certification to test drinking water for microbiological contamination, valid through 2029. Ocean Monitoring: NOAA funding includes more than $4 million for Pacific Islands ocean-observation systems in fiscal 2027, supporting coastal data and storm readiness in American Samoa and the wider region. Mail Service: USPS now estimates that some packages traveling to or from American Samoa may take 10 days or more, under service changes effective Oct. 1.

Mail Service: USPS now estimates that some Priority Mail and Ground Advantage shipments to and from American Samoa may take 10 days or more, with the change effective Oct. 1. Public Funds: The House backed Senate resolutions seeking an independent investigation into the administration’s use of $15.6 million, including ARPA interest funds and opioid settlement money. Cybersecurity: American Samoa’s .as domain registry was among three targeted in hijacks that let attackers obtain unauthorized security certificates for Google and other organizations’ domains. Water Safety: AS-EPA’s Water Laboratory received U.S. EPA certification to test drinking water, with approval running through 2029. Energy: Pago Pago International Airport is advancing a proposed solar and battery project capable of generating up to 25 megawatts, with operations expected by the end of 2027. Community: White Sunday brought families and churches together for the island’s children, while the National Weather Service warned of gusty winds and heightened cyclone risks in a strong El Niño year.

Civics: An American Samoa student will join 51 other finalists in the National Civics Bee championship on Oct. 14, competing for a $100,000 education prize. The event airs on C-SPAN. Cybersecurity: Attackers hijacked the .as domain registry, along with Ghana’s and Sierra Leone’s, and obtained unauthorized certificates for Google and other organizations. Google blocked its affected certificates. Mail: USPS now estimates some packages to and from American Samoa may take 10 days or more; the new timeline took effect Oct. 1. Public Funds: The House endorsed Senate resolutions seeking an independent investigation and possible court review of the administration’s use of $15.6 million. Water Safety: AS-EPA’s water lab earned U.S. EPA certification to test drinking water, valid through 2029. Pacific Sports: American Samoa players are among the teams competing in Pacific Oceania’s under-12 tennis event in Kazakhstan and the Oceania beach volleyball championships in the Cook Islands.

Civics: American Samoa is among 52 finalists in the National Civics Bee, airing live on C-SPAN Oct. 14, with a $100,000 education prize at stake. Pacific Sports: American Samoa athletes are part of the Pacific Oceania tennis and beach volleyball teams competing internationally this week. Mail Service: USPS now estimates some packages to and from American Samoa may take 10 days or more; the revised timeline took effect Oct. 1. Public Funds: The House backed Senate measures seeking an independent prosecutor and court review of the administration’s handling of $15.6 million in public funds. Cybersecurity: Attackers hijacked the .as domain registry alongside Ghana’s and Sierra Leone’s, obtaining unauthorized certificates for Google and other sites; Google blocked its affected certificates. Airport Energy: Pago Pago Airport is advancing a proposed 25-megawatt solar farm with battery storage, targeted to operate by the end of 2027.

Mail Service: USPS now estimates that some Priority Mail and Ground Advantage shipments to and from American Samoa may take 10 days or more, with the new timelines in effect since Oct. 1. Cybersecurity: Google says attackers hijacked the .as domain registry, along with Ghana’s and Sierra Leone’s, to obtain unauthorized security certificates; Google blocked the certificates and worked to have them revoked. Public Health: American Samoa’s EPA water lab earned full U.S. EPA certification to test drinking water, valid through December 2029. Public Funds: The House joined the Senate in approving resolutions seeking an independent investigation and court review of the administration’s use of about $15.6 million, including ARPA interest funds. Weather: Forecasters warned of gusty winds over White Sunday weekend and elevated cyclone and heavy-rain risks during a strong El Niño. Energy: Port Administration is advancing a proposed 25-megawatt solar farm and battery system at Pago Pago Airport, targeted to be operating by the end of 2027. EU Listing: American Samoa remains on the EU’s list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions after Panama and Vietnam were removed.

Local Sports: American Samoa-born linebacker Noah Sewell has been activated by the Chicago Bears ahead of Sunday’s game. American Samoa teams are also among those competing in the Oceania Beach Volleyball Championship, starting Tuesday in the Cook Islands. Cybersecurity: Google says attackers hijacked the .as domain registry, along with Ghana’s and Sierra Leone’s, to obtain unauthorized certificates for Google and other organizations. Google blocked its affected certificates; domain owners are urged to check for exposure. Public Funds: The House has backed Senate resolutions seeking an independent prosecutor and possible court review over $15.6 million in territorial spending, including ARPA interest funds and opioid settlement money. Water Safety: The AS-EPA Water Laboratory earned full U.S. EPA certification for drinking-water testing through 2029. Energy: Port Administration is advancing a proposed 25-megawatt solar farm and battery system at Pago Pago International Airport, targeted to operate by the end of 2027. Tax Status: American Samoa remains on the EU’s list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions after Panama and Vietnam were removed and placed under monitoring. Weather: Forecasters warn of gusty winds for White Sunday weekend and say a strong El Niño could raise the risk of cyclones and heavy rain.

Public Funds: The House has joined the Senate in seeking an independent prosecutor and judicial review of how the administration used $15.6 million, including ARPA interest funds and opioid settlement money. Cybersecurity: Attackers hijacked American Samoa’s .as domain registry alongside Ghana’s and Sierra Leone’s, altering DNS records to obtain unauthorized certificates for Google and other sites; Google says it blocked the certificates. Tax Status: The EU removed Panama and Vietnam from its tax blacklist, but American Samoa remains among the eight jurisdictions still listed. Water Safety: AS-EPA’s Water Laboratory earned full EPA certification to test drinking water through 2029. Energy: Pago Pago airport is advancing a proposed 25-megawatt solar farm and battery system, targeted to operate by the end of 2027. Community: White Sunday brings families together this weekend; forecasters warn of gusty winds. The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center says the recent Panama earthquake poses no tsunami threat to American Samoa.

White Sunday: American Samoa celebrates children at the center of the three-day holiday weekend, with church and family gatherings. Weather: Forecasters warn of gusty winds and say a strong El Niño raises the risk of cyclones and heavy rain. Water Quality: AS-EPA’s water lab earned U.S. EPA certification to test drinking water through 2029. Public Funds: The Fono approved resolutions seeking an independent prosecutor and court review over the administration’s handling of $15.6 million. Renewable Energy: A proposed solar farm and battery system at Pago Pago airport could deliver 25 megawatts of power and store 80 megawatt-hours, with operations targeted for 2027. Cybersecurity: Google says attackers hijacked the .as registry along with two others to obtain unauthorized certificates for major websites; Google blocked its affected certificates, and says its own systems were not breached. Tax Listing: American Samoa remains among eight jurisdictions on the EU’s tax blacklist. Tsunami Update: A major Panama earthquake prompted concern across the Pacific, but officials confirmed no tsunami threat to American Samoa.

Tsunami Update: A powerful earthquake in Panama prompted Pacific tsunami concerns, but the U.S. Tsunami Warning Center says there is no threat to American Samoa. Cybersecurity: Hackers hijacked the .as domain registry along with Ghana’s and Sierra Leone’s, obtaining unauthorized HTTPS certificates for Google and other organizations. Google blocked its affected certificates and worked to have them revoked. Public Funds: The Senate approved resolutions seeking an independent prosecutor and judicial review over roughly $15.6 million in government spending. Testimony from insurance representatives also raised questions about claims that ASG’s $10.1 million investment was insured. Seabed Mining: A federal court ruling on American Samoa’s planned seabed-mining lease sale could shape a similar case in the Marianas. Health: Hawaii reported its eighth travel-related dengue case of 2026; health officials list American Samoa among places where dengue is a year-round risk. Tax Status: American Samoa remains on the EU’s tax blacklist, alongside Guam and Palau, as Panama and Vietnam are removed.

Tax Status: The EU removed Panama from its tax-haven blacklist, but American Samoa remains on the list alongside seven other jurisdictions. Public Funds: The Senate approved resolutions seeking an independent prosecutor’s investigation and court review of the administration’s handling of about $15.6 million. Testimony from insurance representatives also challenged claims that ASG’s $10.1 million investment was insured. Cybersecurity: Attackers hijacked American Samoa’s .as domain registry, along with Ghana’s and Sierra Leone’s, to obtain unauthorized certificates for Google and other organizations. Google said its systems were not breached; the certificates were blocked or revoked. Children’s Accounts: Congresswoman Amata says eligible American Samoa children who are U.S. nationals or citizens and have Social Security numbers may open Trump Accounts; other residents are not eligible. HIV Guidance: The Health Department says testing recommendations do not signal a local outbreak and reiterates that HIV is not spread through travel or ordinary contact.

Cybersecurity: Attackers altered DNS records in the .gh, .sl and .as domains to obtain unauthorized but valid security certificates for Google and other major services. Google says its systems were not breached; Chrome blocked the certificates and they were revoked. ASG Oversight: Senators approved a request for the Attorney General to seek an independent prosecutor to examine spending tied to $10.1 million in ARPA interest, payroll and opioid funds. Separately, company representatives told lawmakers they had not insured the controversial investment, contradicting earlier claims. Public Health: The Health Department says HIV testing advice is not a response to a known local outbreak; there is no evidence of one, and HIV does not spread through travel or ordinary social contact. Manuʻa Preparedness: USGS scientists serviced volcano-monitoring stations installed after 2022’s seismic unrest and joined local agencies for school safety outreach. Travel and Infrastructure: Hawaiian Airlines moved check-in for Pago Pago flights at Honolulu airport to Terminal 2, Lobby 4. The Port Administration is also planning a 25-megawatt solar farm at Pago Pago Airport.

Cybersecurity: Attackers compromised domain systems serving American Samoa’s .as suffix, helping obtain unauthorized HTTPS certificates for Google and other organizations. A new review counted 32 certificates across .as, Ghana’s .gh and Sierra Leone’s .sl; Google says its own systems were not breached. ASG Investment: Testimony deepened questions over the government’s $10.1 million investment of ARPA interest funds: representatives of two companies told senators they had issued no policy guaranteeing the money, contradicting earlier administration claims. Education: Tafuna High School’s retired Major Si’imoa Malaefono Galoia was named American Samoa’s 2026–27 Territorial Teacher of the Year. Fono and Retirement Fund: Senators merged bills proposing a $31 million ASTCA loan to the Employees Retirement Fund and reduced ASG contributions, with rates set to rise gradually from 8% beginning Oct. 1. Ocean and Energy: A proposed federal lease sale could open more than 31 million acres off American Samoa to seabed-mining exploration; local groups are challenging the review process. At Pago Pago Airport, officials are advancing a 25-megawatt solar and battery project, targeted to operate by the end of 2027.

ASG Investment: Insurer representatives told senators they had not issued a policy covering the government’s $10.1 million investment, contradicting earlier administration testimony and deepening questions about the use of ARPA interest funds. Cybersecurity: Google says attackers hijacked the .as registry, along with Ghana’s and Sierra Leone’s, to obtain unauthorized certificates; Google’s systems were not breached, and Chrome blocked the certificates. Education: Tafuna High School’s Major Si’imoa Malaefono Galoia was named American Samoa’s 2026–27 Territorial Teacher of the Year. Energy: Port Administration is advancing a 25-megawatt airport solar project, targeted to begin operating by the end of 2027. Family Support: American Samoa will receive $1.6 million in federal funding to expand home visits for expectant parents and families with young children. Ocean Resources: Deep-sea mining remains in focus as researchers and explorers question whether the Pacific’s mineral rush is viable and what it could mean for the region.

Cybersecurity: Hackers hijacked the .as domain registry, putting domains ending in .as at risk and obtaining unauthorized certificates for Google and other companies. Google says its systems were not breached and Chrome users need no action. Tarague Beach Case: Ahead of the U.S. Supreme Court hearing, community groups including organizations from American Samoa filed briefs backing Guam’s challenge to Air Force explosives disposal. Retirement Fund: Senators approved a measure combining a proposed $31 million ASTCA loan to address ASG’s retirement debt with phased cuts to the government’s fund contributions. Ocean Protection: An environmental group is challenging federal plans to lease more than 31 million acres off American Samoa for seabed mining, alleging inadequate review of risks to protected species. Community: American Samoa received $1.6 million in federal funding to expand home visits for expectant parents and families with young children. The Moso’oi Festival also opened in Utulei with traditional dance and a new song.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: A new legal challenge targets U.S. plans to lease vast undersea areas off American Samoa for seabed mining, arguing regulators didn’t properly review impacts on protected species. Local Energy: The Port of Pago Pago is pushing a major airport solar-plus-battery project (about 25 MW solar with 20 MW/80 MWh storage), aiming for full operation by end of 2027. HIV Update: ASDOH says Fiji’s HIV crisis should not be taken as proof of spread through everyday contact or travel in American Samoa, urging prevention, testing, and treatment. Immigration Policy: A House bill to temporarily pause American Samoa’s “special provision” immigration clause is stalled until the Fono reconvenes in January. Budget Watch: Gov. Pulaali’i signed the FY2027 budget but used line-item vetoes, including cuts tied to roads and capital projects. Elections Reminder: The Election Office says Oct. 5 is the deadline to register for the Nov. 3 midterms. Time Change: Daylight saving time ends Nov. 1, 2026—American Samoa stays on standard time.

Daylight Saving Time: The push to make daylight saving permanent hit a Senate wall as the Sunshine Protection Act stalls, meaning American Samoa and other territories still follow the Nov. 1 “fall back” schedule. USPS & Territories: USPS lengthened delivery expectations for packages to and from American Samoa, effective Oct. 1, citing more realistic service timelines. Local Health: ASDOH says Fiji’s HIV crisis should not be taken as a sign of spread through everyday contact or travel in American Samoa, urging prevention, testing, and treatment. Energy at PPG: The Port is moving ahead with a major solar plus battery project at Pago Pago International Airport, targeting full operation by end of 2027. Local Governance: Governor Pulaali’i signed the FY2027 budget but used line-item vetoes, cutting several appropriations including parts of CIP projects. Samoa Media Freedom: Journalists in Samoa are demanding answers after a reporter’s photos were reportedly deleted during a police event involving the prime minister’s security. Environment & Fishing: NOAA and local partners completed a bottomfish survey, shifting toward managing key species individually. Immigration Law: A House bill to pause American Samoa’s “special provision” immigration clause remains stalled until the Fono reconvenes. Tribute: The Senate observed a moment of silence for Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga ahead of a tribute resolution.