AGP Executive Report

Birthright citizenship fight: President Trump signed two new executive orders aimed at narrowing birthright citizenship, including rules targeting children born in U.S. territories “where citizenship is not conferred by Federal statute” — a direct spotlight on American Samoa under current law. Deep-sea mining backlash: Pacific leaders say the U.S. auction plan for nearby ocean mining was announced with “no consultations,” with officials warning about impacts to food security and livelihoods; documents suggest an area near American Samoa could be auctioned as soon as November. Marine protection rollbacks: Trump moved to allow commercial fishing inside major Pacific marine national monuments, including the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument in American Samoa, drawing condemnation from conservation groups and Indigenous communities. Local governance & labor: The Senate Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee heard that 3,489 foreign workers are employed in American Samoa under the “special provision,” raising questions about a loophole with no cap on business-sponsored workers. Food costs: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index rose 0.8% in July 2026, driven by higher turkey tails and other staples. Sports (regional): Guam’s men and women advanced in the Oceania Volleyball Championships, setting up semifinal matchups that include American Samoa for the women.

Birthright Citizenship Fight: President Trump signed two new executive orders aimed at narrowing birthright citizenship after the Supreme Court struck down his earlier bid—one targets children born in U.S. territories “where citizenship is not conferred by Federal statute” (American Samoa included), and another targets “birth tourism,” drawing fresh alarm from territorial advocates. Deep-Sea Mining Push: Pacific leaders say the U.S. moved without “no consultations” before proposing to auction large seabed areas near American Samoa, Guam, and the CNMI for mineral exploration, with concerns about food security and environmental harm. Oceania Volleyball (Guam vs Palau): Guam’s men and women both beat Palau in straight sets to advance in the 2026 Oceania Volleyball Championships—setting up medal-round semifinals that also connect to American Samoa’s seeding. Local Governance & Labor: The Senate Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee heard details on a proposed 12-month moratorium on the “special provision” clause, including the current foreign-worker counts and how the loophole has expanded hiring. Cost of Living: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index rose 0.8% in July 2026, driven by higher turkey tails and other staples.

Citizenship Fight: President Trump signed two new executive orders aimed at narrowing birthright citizenship after the Supreme Court struck down his earlier broad attempt—one targets children tied to “alien enemy,” foreign government work, or alleged “commercial” citizenship-seeking, and another targets “birth tourism,” with American Samoa again singled out because current federal law does not grant automatic citizenship there. Deep-Sea Mining Push: Pacific leaders are alarmed as the U.S. moves toward leasing seabed areas near American Samoa and other territories for mineral exploration, raising fears about food security, culture, and environmental harm. Environmental Review in Guam: A coalition including the Refaluwasch Journal of Knowledge and Culture filed a Supreme Court brief urging the Air Force to follow strong environmental review and public participation rules before open burning and detonation of hazardous waste on Guam. Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced DOJ/OVW grants totaling $746,687 to expand services for victims of violence in American Samoa. Cost of Living: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index rose 0.8% in July, driven by higher turkey tails prices. Manu‘a Trust Land: Manu‘a residents met to discuss how Atu‘u trust land lease payments should be overseen under the 1911 indenture. Airport Recovery: Samoa Airways’ Fitiuta runway incident recovery is expected to take months, with a structural assessment and recovery plan required.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: Pacific island leaders are alarmed after the U.S. moved ahead with plans to auction nearby ocean for deep-sea mining exploration, with leaders saying there were “no consultations” and warning it could disrupt food security and island identity—American Samoa is being treated as a key test case, and Guam and the Northern Marianas may face similar next steps. Ocean Protections Rolled Back: Trump also signed a move to allow commercial fishing inside three Bush-era Pacific marine national monuments, including the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument in American Samoa, drawing sharp condemnation from conservationists and Indigenous communities. Citizenship Fight: Trump signed new executive orders aimed at narrowing birthright citizenship after a Supreme Court loss, with the orders targeting additional categories of children born in the U.S. Local Updates (American Samoa): Samoa Airways’ Fitiuta runway incident recovery is expected to take months; a supplemental maternal and child health grant of $130,884 was announced for ASDOH; Manu‘a residents met to discuss transparency over Atu‘u trust land lease payments; and the Basic Food Index rose 0.8% in July, driven by higher turkey tails prices.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa is being named as the “test case” as the U.S. moves toward leasing millions of acres of seabed for mineral exploration, with Pacific leaders and communities warning of food-security and environmental risks. Local Courts & Public Input: A coalition of territory groups urged the U.S. Supreme Court to require the Air Force to follow federal environmental and community participation rules for dangerous explosives detonation decisions. Federal Funding for Safety: DOJ announced two grants totaling $746,687 for American Samoa’s Criminal Justice Planning Agency to strengthen services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Air Travel Update: Port officials and Samoa Airways are responding after a runway deviation incident at Fitiuta Airport; no major injuries were reported and the NTSB has been notified. Community & Agriculture: The American Samoa Soil & Water Conservation District and USDA NRCS invite the public to an Aug. 18 Local Working Group meeting at Pago Plaza to shape conservation priorities. Education & Security: The Department of Education warned staff about rising phishing scams targeting ASDOE accounts.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa is pushing back against U.S. plans to lease seabed areas for mineral exploration, with leaders warning of identity, food security, and major environmental uncertainty as the debate spreads across the Pacific. Local Governance & Public Safety: The American Samoa Senate is weighing a 12-month moratorium on the Special Provision clause that lets employers bring in foreign workers beyond immigration limits, after concerns about overcrowding, wages, and strain on services. Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata says the American Samoa Criminal Justice Planning Agency won DOJ grants totaling $746,687 to strengthen services for victims of violence. Community & Environment: A Local Working Group meeting is set for Aug. 18 to shape conservation priorities with NRCS. Air Travel Update: Port officials report a runway deviation incident at Fitiuta Airport had no major injuries and is under investigation. Public Notices: DOE warns staff about phishing emails targeting ASDOE accounts. Sports (Guam): Guam’s men and women both fell in Oceania Volleyball Championships matches, setting up key games ahead.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: A Supreme Court filing by 18 territory-based environmental and cultural groups argues the U.S. Air Force must meet federal environmental and public-engagement rules for open detonation decisions, warning the same participation gaps could affect other extractive plans like deep-sea mining. Local Governance: The American Samoa Local Working Group meeting on conservation is set for Aug. 18 at Pago Plaza, inviting farmers and landowners to shape NRCS conservation priorities. Public Safety & Courts: DOJ announced $746,687 in grants for American Samoa’s Criminal Justice Planning Agency to strengthen services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Aviation Update: Port Administration and Samoa Airways continue recovery after a runway deviation at Fitiuta Airport; no major injuries were reported and the NTSB has cleared the aircraft for recovery. Immigration Policy: A Senate hearing is set on a 12-month moratorium proposal targeting the Special Provision clause that lets employers bring in foreign nationals beyond immigration limits. Community & Environment: LVPA community meetings were postponed, and new LVPA input sessions are scheduled Aug. 6 (Tutuila) and Aug. 7 (Manu’a). Health Services: A Senate hearing spotlighted concerns about dialysis reliability at LBJ Hemodialysis Clinic, including filtration breakdowns and understaffing.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. is moving toward deep-sea mining near American Samoa, with BOEM proposing lease areas totaling about 31.5 million acres and a tentative Nov. 19 auction—exploration first, but critics warn it still accelerates the path to extraction. Local Governance & Services: LVPA community meetings on Aug. 6–7 were postponed, and Manu‘a leaders complained about disruption after the MV Manu‘atele was grounded, leaving families scrambling for travel and supplies. Public Health Oversight: A Senate hearing focused on reliability of dialysis care at LBJ, with a dialysis patient-senator citing water filtration breakdowns, shortened sessions, understaffing, and basic access problems. Security & Safety: The Department of Education warned staff about phishing emails targeting ASDOE accounts, urging people not to click links or reply to suspicious messages. Sports (Regional): Guam beat American Samoa in men’s Oceania volleyball, while Guam’s women opened with a win over the Cook Islands.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. is moving from talk to action on seabed minerals, proposing a lease sale for about 31.5 million acres around American Samoa with an auction tentatively set for Nov. 19—while stressing leases wouldn’t automatically mean commercial mining. Local Governance & Services: Manu‘a faipule Fetu Fetui blasted disruption from the MV Manu‘atele’s prolonged grounding, even as the government chartered other vessels to keep cargo and travel moving. Public Safety Oversight: The Senate Public Safety Committee questioned the Fire Division after reports of slow responses during July fires and dry hydrants, with officials pointing to staffing limits and a policy shift on who can check hydrants. Immigration Policy: Gov. Pulaalii proposes a 1-year moratorium on a law section that lets companies recruit foreign labor for up to a year. Fisheries Input: The Western Pacific Fishery Council will hold LVPA community meetings in Tutuila (Aug. 6) and Manu‘a (Aug. 7) to hear fishermen before September rule discussions. Sports (Regional): Guam beat American Samoa in men’s Oceania volleyball, while Guam’s women opened with a four-set win over the Cook Islands.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. plans to auction up to 33 million acres of deep ocean around American Samoa for mineral exploration on Nov. 19, even as major environmental data gaps remain; the leases would allow preliminary exploration, not commercial mining. Local Governance: Manu‘a faipule Fetu Fetui blasted disruption from the MV Manu‘atele’s prolonged grounding, leaving families scrambling for travel and supplies ahead of major church and cultural events. Public Safety Oversight: The Senate Public Safety Committee questioned the Fire Division after reports of delayed responses during July fires, including claims that nearby hydrants had no water and that hydrant checks were restricted under an ASPA policy. Immigration Pressure: Governor Pulaalii proposes a 12-month moratorium on a law section that lets companies recruit foreign labor for up to one year, citing fears of job displacement. Community Input: The Western Pacific Fishery Council will hold LVPA public meetings Aug. 6 (Tutuila) and Aug. 7 (Manu‘a) to hear fishermen on rules banning large vessels from fishing around American Samoa. Sports (Guam vs AS): Guam’s men beat American Samoa in straight sets in Oceania volleyball, while Guam’s women opened with a four-set win over the Cook Islands. Tax Relief Update: American Samoa’s delayed tax refund checks are set for distribution today at the DWYA Disbursing Office in Pago Pago, with photo ID required.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. plans to auction about 33 million acres of deep ocean around American Samoa for mineral exploration, with a sale date set for Nov. 19, 2026—despite major environmental data gaps and only allowing preliminary exploration, not commercial mining. Local Politics & Corrections: American Samoa’s Senate approved a concurrent resolution saying the governor’s executive order moving the Department of Corrections under DPS is invalid, after security failures at Tafuna Correctional Facility. Retirement Fund Changes: The governor proposed lowering ASG’s Retirement Fund contribution rate to 8% for FY2026–2027, then 10% for FY2027–2028, citing the current 14% rate as unsustainable. Tax Refunds: Refund checks delayed by U.S. Treasury reimbursement delays are now scheduled for release at the DWYA Center in Pago Pago, with photo ID required. Sports (Oceania Volleyball): Guam beat American Samoa in straight sets in the Oceania Volleyball Championships opener. International Cup Softball: U.S. Elite continued play in Oklahoma City, including a bronze-medal matchup vs Canada at Devon Park. Community & Culture: The Polynesian Voyaging Society extended the Moananuiākea Voyage by a year due to elevated Western Pacific weather risks.

International Sports: Guam beat American Samoa in the Oceania men’s volleyball opener, 25-21, 25-19, 25-20, with John Muliaga leading AS with 15 kills but Guam’s Ethan Alvarez and others keeping control. Softball (International Cup): American Samoa fell to the U.S. Women’s Elite 10-3 in Oklahoma City, while the U.S. women beat Canada 10-7 in another International Cup matchup. Deep-sea Mining: The U.S. government is moving ahead with plans to lease deep-sea mining rights in waters around American Samoa, setting up a new lease-sale process that critics say could harm marine ecosystems. Public Safety / Corrections: The American Samoa Senate approved a concurrent resolution declaring the governor’s executive order shifting Corrections under DPS invalid. Local Governance / Retirement Fund: The governor proposed cutting ASG’s Retirement Fund contribution rate to 8% for FY2026-27, citing the current 14% rate as unsustainable. Community & Health: A Children’s Healthy Living Center of Excellence program marked 15 years of work improving keiki health across Hawai‘i and American Samoa. Tax Relief: Tax refund checks are being released in Pago Pago after delays tied to U.S. Treasury reimbursement funds.

International Softball Cup: The U.S. women’s national team took on the U.S. Elite at Devon Park in Oklahoma City, with the tournament schedule also featuring American Samoa’s games earlier in the week. Local Sports Spotlight: American Samoa’s team is led by MSU softball coach Samantha Ricketts, with several former Bulldogs joining the International Cup rosters. Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. government is moving ahead with plans to lease deep-sea mining rights in waters around American Samoa, setting up a major public fight over environmental impacts. Voyaging Update: The Moananuiākea Voyage has been extended by a year as weather risks rise across the Western North Pacific. Corrections Governance: American Samoa’s Senate approved a resolution declaring the governor’s executive order shifting Corrections under DPS invalid. Retirement Fund Proposal: The governor is proposing to lower ASG’s Retirement Fund contribution rate to 8% for FY2026–2027. Tax Refunds: A new batch of tax refund checks is set for pickup at the DWYA Center in Pago Pago, with photo ID required. Inflation Watch: American Samoa’s inflation rate rose to 2.3% for Q2 (April–June 2026), with transportation costs leading increases.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration says it plans a Nov. 19 lease sale tied to seabed mining around American Samoa, with 20-year leases potentially covering about 127,500 square kilometers and a minimum bid of $3 million—while opponents warn it’s a major step toward commercial deep-sea mining. Moananuiākea Voyage Update: The Polynesian Voyaging Society extended the Moananuiākea Voyage by a year, citing higher weather risks from El Niño and climate change, and outlined new stops that include planned visits to American Samoa and the wider Pacific. Corrections vs. DPS: American Samoa’s Senate approved a concurrent resolution declaring the governor’s executive order moving the Department of Corrections under DPS invalid, arguing the governor lacks authority to restructure departments by executive action. Retirement Fund Change Proposed: The governor is seeking to reduce ASG’s Retirement Fund contribution rate from 14% to 8% for FY2026–2027, then 10% afterward, calling the current rate “clearly unsustainable.” Tax Refunds: Refund checks for April 22 filers (and some April 20–21 cases needing corrections) are set for pickup at the DWYA Center in Pago Pago after federal reimbursement delays. International Cup Softball: At Oklahoma City’s Devon Park, the U.S. Elite beat American Samoa 10-3 in a run-rule win, while the U.S. women beat Canada 10-7 in another International Cup matchup.

International Softball Cup: American Samoa’s women faced the U.S. Elite in Oklahoma City, falling 10-3 after a run-rule finish, while the U.S. Women’s National Team beat Canada 10-7 in the same tournament at Devon Park. Moananuiākea Voyage Update: The Polynesian Voyaging Society extended the Moananuiākea Voyage by a year, citing higher weather risks across the Western North Pacific, with additional stops planned including American Samoa. Corrections Under DPS: American Samoa’s Senate approved a concurrent resolution declaring the governor’s executive order moving the Department of Corrections under DPS invalid. Tax Refunds: Treasury says the next batch of tax refund checks will be released today (July 31), with claim pickup at the DWYA Center in Pago Pago and photo ID required. Samoa-Visit Diplomacy: Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula arrived in Samoa and met with Prime Minister La‘aulialemalietoa Leuatea Fosi Schmidt, with details expected. Aviation Incident Follow-up: Port Administration says the NTSB has released the Samoa Airways runway excursion investigation, and recovery and onsite investigation continue at Fitiuta Airport.

International Cup Softball: The U.S. Women’s Elite beat American Samoa 10-3 in a run-rule finish at Devon Park in Oklahoma City, while the U.S. Women’s national team later topped Canada 10-7 as Rachel Garcia closed it out. Moananuiākea Voyage Update: The Polynesian Voyaging Society is extending the Moananuiākea Voyage by a year, citing higher El Niño-driven weather risks, with added stops that include American Samoa and more across the Pacific. Local Sports Spotlight: American Samoa’s Team American Samoa coach Samantha Ricketts brings MSU alumni to the USA Softball International Cup, including a matchup scheduled against the U.S. Elite. Corrections Governance: American Samoa’s Senate approved a concurrent resolution declaring the governor’s executive order moving the Department of Corrections under DPS invalid. Tax Refunds: Treasury says the next batch of tax refund checks is out today (July 31) at the DWYA Disbursing Office in Pago Pago, with photo ID required. Retirement Fund Proposal: The governor is proposing to cut ASG’s Retirement Fund contribution rate to 8% for FY2026-27, citing the current 14% as unsustainable. Samoa-Related Diplomacy: Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula arrived in Samoa for meetings with Prime Minister Schmidt, with details expected after talks.