AGP Executive Report

Aviation Safety Update: Samoa Airways Flight 990, a Twin Otter that had just returned to service after a roughly $12 million refurbishment, veered off Runway 12 at Fitiuta Airport on 29 July; one staff member suffered a leg injury and authorities say the cause is still under investigation. Local Governance: The Fono is set to review American Samoa’s proposed FY2027 budget (about $789.3 million), with lawmakers now wrestling over how local revenue figures should be treated versus debt service and other pledged obligations. Judicial Confirmation: Roy J.D. Hall Jr. was unanimously confirmed as American Samoa’s Administrative Law Judge, taking on administrative hearings and due-process oversight. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: The Trump administration is moving toward opening American Samoa’s surrounding waters to deep-sea mining, with a proposed lease sale drawing sharp criticism over potential harm to the marine environment and local communities. Public Safety & Fraud: A bipartisan group of U.S. attorneys general is urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Education & Community: American Samoa’s NOAA Hollings and EPP/MSI scholars presented research in Washington, D.C., with one student earning an outstanding oral presentation award. Travel Advisory: DOH issued guidance limiting travelers’ imported food units from Samoa to personal use only (max 10 units) and requiring labeled medication declarations. Sports: Oceania Volleyball is set to come to Guam next week, with American Samoa among the participating teams. Arts & Culture: The CFDA’s “United Flags of Fashion” project includes American Samoa’s flag among redesigns displayed through 4 September. Radio Recognition: Joey Cummings of South Seas Broadcasting Inc. (Pago Pago) is a finalist for a 2026 NAB Marconi Radio Award.

Aviation Incident in Manu’a: Samoa Airways Flight 990 (Twin Otter) veered off the center of Runway 12 at Fitiuta Airport shortly after landing around 10:37 a.m., leaving one person injured; the aircraft had just returned to service after a roughly $12 million refurbishment, and officials say the cause is still under investigation. Deep-Sea Mining Push: The Trump administration is moving toward opening American Samoa’s waters to deep-sea mining, with a proposed lease sale in federal waters off the territory drawing criticism from environmental advocates and scientists. Robocall Crackdown: American Samoa’s Attorney General Rayfield joined a broad coalition urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to stop illegal robocalls by tightening how originating providers verify customers. Local Governance & Courts: Roy J.D. Hall Jr. was unanimously confirmed as American Samoa’s Administrative Law Judge, a key role for administrative hearings and due-process disputes. Public Health Advisory: DOH issued guidance limiting travelers’ imported food to 10 units total and requiring medications to be labeled and declared. Education Milestone: Vivian Ho Ching became the first American Samoa resident to complete an online Master of Social Work program while living in the territory. Infrastructure & Safety: DPW received $19.3 million in BUILD grant funding to rebuild and modernize Route 001 between Leone and Nu’uuli. Community Support: Two American Samoa nonprofits won $900,000 in federal grants to expand services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Sports & Culture: Joey Cummings of South Seas Broadcasting Inc. in Pago Pago was named a finalist for NAB Marconi Radio Awards.

Robocall Crackdown: American Samoa’s Attorney General Dan Rayfield joined a bipartisan push urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to stop illegal robocalls by tightening how phone providers verify and manage customers. Local Recognition: Joey Cummings of South Seas Broadcasting in Pago Pago was named a finalist for “Legendary Radio Manager of the Year” in the 2026 NAB Marconi Radio Awards, with winners set for Oct. 20. Science & Education: American Samoa NOAA Hollings and EPP/MSI scholars traveled to Washington, D.C., presenting research on ciguatera and coral reef monitoring with ROVs/photogrammetry. Travel Health Advisory: DOH issued guidance limiting travelers bringing food from Samoa to 10 total food units and requiring medications to be labeled and declared. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: A new push from the Trump administration would open federal waters off American Samoa for deep-sea mining, with a proposed lease sale in November 2026 drawing strong environmental criticism. Territory Governance: Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula’s FY2027 budget proposal totals about $789.3 million, and the Fono’s review is already raising questions about how local revenue figures relate to debt service. Judicial Appointment: Roy J.D. Hall Jr. was unanimously confirmed as American Samoa’s Administrative Law Judge.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The Trump administration is moving toward the first-ever deep-sea mining lease sale in the world, with a proposed auction for federal waters off American Samoa (20-year rights across 31+ million acres) tentatively set for Nov. 19, 2026—sparking sharp criticism from scientists and Pacific advocates who warn even exploration could cause lasting damage to the ocean and island livelihoods. Local Protest & Community Voice: In Utulei, “Stand with the Moana” brought youth, elders, educators, fishermen, and government employees together for a peaceful shoreline demonstration against the proposed leases. Food Safety & Enforcement: Public debate continues after Jade Restaurant reopened following Environmental Health Services action over unacceptable warehouse conditions, with residents questioning how repeat violators are allowed back and calling for tougher permit consequences. Roads Funding: DPW secured a $19.3 million FY2026 BUILD grant to rebuild and modernize Route 001 between Leone and Nu’uuli, including drainage and traffic-safety upgrades. Domestic Violence Grants: DOJ’s OVW awarded $900,000 to two American Samoa nonprofits to support survivors, starting Aug. 1, 2026. Earthquake Watch (Regional): A 7.1 quake struck southern Japan; tsunami alerts were lifted and there’s no threat to Hawaii or American Samoa.

Food Safety & Accountability: Public debate is growing after Jade Restaurant re-opened following a DOH Environmental Health Services closure tied to unacceptable warehouse conditions, with residents questioning how repeat violators get back permits and calling for stricter enforcement. Roads & Federal Funding: The Department of Public Works secured a $19.3 million FY2026 BUILD grant to rebuild and modernize Route 001 between Leone and Nu’uuli, including drainage, traffic-safety, and roadway upgrades. Domestic Violence Grants: DOJ’s Office on Violence Against Women awarded $900,000 total to two American Samoa nonprofits for survivor services, starting Aug. 1, 2026. Public Safety & Fire Response: The Fagatogo Fire Station reopened after DOH found unsanitary conditions; officials say it will cover the east side while Tafuna handles the west, amid ongoing staffing shortages. Local Government Budget: The FY2027 proposed budget was submitted to the Fono, totaling $789.3 million, with hearings set to begin July 27. Deep-Sea Mining Opposition: A “Stand with the Moana” shoreline demonstration drew community members to urge the federal government to stop proposed deep-sea mining leases off American Samoa. Judicial Appointment: Roy J. D. Hall Jr.’s Administrative Law Judge nomination was sent to the Senate for confirmation.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: A youth-led “Stand with the Moana” demonstration in Utulei urged the U.S. to stop proposed deep-sea mining leases off American Samoa, warning of irreversible harm to the ocean and island livelihoods. Budget Watch: The American Samoa government submitted its FY 2027 budget to the Fono, proposing $789.3 million in spending and setting hearings to begin July 27. Road Funding: DPW secured a $19.3 million BUILD grant to rebuild the Route 001 Leone to Nu’uuli road, targeting safety and drainage upgrades. Local Services: The Fagatogo Fire Station reopened after health hazards were addressed, with DSAR also meeting ASPA to improve fire response and hydrant management. Citizenship Debate: U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith’s bill to end birthright citizenship in some U.S. territories drew pushback from Guam and CNMI leaders, who warn it could create statelessness and violates territorial agreements. Community & Culture: American Samoa will welcome the “Chasing Yesterday” endurance team for a two-marathon challenge raising awareness for children of alcoholics, and Saina Willis was selected for the American Samoa National Team at the International Cup in Oklahoma City.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa residents held a “Stand with the Moana” shoreline demonstration against proposed federal deep-sea mining leases, with youth, elders, educators, fishermen, and conservation advocates calling the plan reckless and warning of irreversible harm. Local Budget Watch: The American Samoa Government submitted its FY2027 proposed budget to the Fono, totaling $789.3 million (about 2% less than FY2026), with hearings set to begin July 27. Infrastructure Boost: DPW secured a $19.3 million BUILD grant to rebuild the Route 001 Leone to Nu’uuli road, targeting roadway, drainage, and traffic safety upgrades. Public Safety Update: The Fagatogo Fire Station has reopened after a DOH closure earlier this year, and officials say they’re working on an MOU with ASPA to improve fire response, including hydrant management. Citizenship Politics: U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith’s bill to end birthright citizenship in some territories drew pushback from Guam and CNMI leaders, who argue it could create statelessness and violates territorial agreements. Sports & Community: Saina Willis was selected for the American Samoa National Team for the International Cup in Oklahoma City, and the “Chasing Yesterday” endurance team is set to arrive for a two-marathon world-first challenge supporting children affected by alcohol addiction.

Birthright Citizenship Push: Guam and CNMI leaders urged U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith to withdraw his bill targeting birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, warning it could create stateless children and arguing territories can’t be changed unilaterally. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Pacific voices and American Samoa groups renewed opposition to a proposed federal deep-sea mining lease sale off the territory, calling it dangerous and “reckless,” while local youth and elders held a peaceful “Stand with the Moana” shoreline demonstration. Territory Budget: The American Samoa Government submitted its FY 2027 budget to the Fono, proposing $789.3 million in spending and outlining revenue and branch-by-branch funding changes ahead of hearings starting July 27. Road Infrastructure: DPW secured a $19.3 million BUILD grant to rebuild the Route 001 Leone to Nu’uuli road, targeting safety and drainage improvements. Public Safety Update: The Fagatogo Fire Station reopened after a DOH inspection closure, and DSAR met with ASPA to improve fire response, including hydrant management. Sports & Community: Saina Willis was selected for the American Samoa National Team for the International Cup, and ASCC psychology students donated supplies to families affected by a recent Fagaima fire.

Birthright Citizenship Push: Guam and CNMI leaders urged Rep. Morgan Griffith to withdraw his bill targeting birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, warning it could create stateless children and arguing citizenship rights in CNMI are tied to the Covenant and can’t be changed unilaterally. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa residents held a peaceful “Stand with the Moana” shoreline demonstration against proposed federal deep-sea mining leases, with youth and community members honoring the ocean’s cultural and food role. Local Budget Watch: The American Samoa Government submitted its FY2027 proposed budget to the Fono, setting total spending at $789.3 million and outlining revenue and branch-by-branch funding changes ahead of hearings starting July 27. Road Upgrade: DPW secured a $19.3 million BUILD grant to rebuild the Route 001 Leone to Nu’uuli road, targeting safety, drainage, and reliability on a heavily used corridor. Fire Response Update: The Fagatogo Fire Station reopened after earlier closure over health and safety hazards, with DSAR saying it’s still short on personnel and working with ASPA on hydrant improvements. Sports & Community: Saina Willis was selected for the American Samoa National Team for the International Cup in Oklahoma City, and the “Chasing Yesterday” team is set to run a date-line marathon challenge in American Samoa to support children affected by alcohol addiction.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: Youth, elders, educators, fishermen and families held a peaceful “Stand with the Moana” shoreline demonstration in Utulei, urging the federal government to stop proposed deep-sea mining leases in American Samoa waters. Local Budget Watch: The American Samoa Government submitted its FY 2027 proposed budget to the Fono, totaling $789.3 million, with local revenues projected at $137.9 million and hearings set to begin July 27. Road Upgrade: DPW secured a $19.3 million BUILD grant to rebuild the Route 001 Leone to Nu’uuli road, targeting roadway, drainage and traffic-safety improvements. Fire & Response: The Fagatogo Fire Station has reopened after a DOH inspection closure earlier this year, and DSAR says it’s working with ASPA on better fire-hydrant locating and management. Citizenship Politics: A new U.S. bill would end birthright citizenship in some territories, sparking renewed debate across the Pacific. Community & Culture: Manu’atele marked the 122nd Anniversary of Manu’a Cession Day with church services, cultural events and official ceremonies. Sports & Health: Chasing Yesterday endurance runners are set to arrive for a Samoa-to-American-Samoa marathon challenge, while DOH reminded travelers about limits on importing food and medication for personal use.

Birthright Citizenship Fight: U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith’s new “End Birthright Citizenship for the Territories Act” is drawing pushback across U.S. territories, with critics warning it could create a “subclass” of people and undermine rights tied to the American flag. Local Governance: The American Samoa Government submitted its FY 2027 budget to the Fono, proposing $789.3 million in spending and setting up hearings starting July 27. Deep-Sea Mining Protest: About 80 community members held a peaceful “Stand with the Moana” shoreline demonstration in Utulei, calling on federal leaders to stop proposed deep-sea mining leases. Public Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced a CDC grant of $493,002 to strengthen ASDOH epidemiology, lab capacity, and infectious disease surveillance. Community & Culture: American Samoa welcomed the “Chasing Yesterday” endurance team with island hospitality, while Manu’atele marked the 122nd Anniversary of Manu’a Cession Day. Safety & Crime: Police reported arrests in two separate domestic disturbance cases, including one involving an alleged threat with a metal pipe and another involving alleged threats and property damage. Sports & Youth: The WBSC Oceania U15 Women’s Softball World Cup Qualifier 2026 got an official welcome dinner, and Boys & Girls Clubs wrapped up a DIY ukulele project through the “Save the Music” program.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: The Trump administration says it will evaluate offshore nuclear projects and push deeper into industrial use of federal waters, while American Samoa remains in the spotlight for deep-sea mining lease plans—drawing fresh opposition from local voices and groups warning of cultural and environmental harm. Territory Citizenship Debate: U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith introduced a bill aimed at ending birthright citizenship in some U.S. territories, but Guam and CNMI leaders are urging him to withdraw it, arguing it could undermine rights protected by existing agreements. Public Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced a $493,002 CDC grant to strengthen American Samoa’s epidemiology, lab capacity, and infectious disease surveillance. Local Governance & Safety: DOH says travelers from Samoa can bring only limited food and properly labeled medication for personal use, and it also explained why businesses closed for health violations can reopen after corrections and follow-up inspections. Community & Culture: Manu’atele marked the 122nd Anniversary of the Manu’a Cession Day; ASCC students donated goods to families displaced by a recent Fagaima fire; and Boys & Girls Clubs wrapped up a “Save the Music” DIY ukulele project. Sports: The WBSC Oceania U15 Women’s Softball World Cup qualifier gets a welcome dinner as teams arrive for competition. Aviation Update: Samoa Airways completed a second Twin Otter overhaul, with service routes including Pago Pago.

Birthright Citizenship Push: U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith introduced the “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act,” aiming to limit automatic citizenship for children born to non-U.S. parents in Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands—while American Samoa is described as excluded in the bill’s current framing. Deep-Sea Mining Backlash: Pacific voices and American Samoa leaders are condemning BOEM’s proposed steps toward offshore mineral leasing near the territory, warning it threatens the ocean, culture, and public health; Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata says her opposition to seabed mining remains unchanged. Public Safety & Courts: A man accused of altering payroll checks in Nu’uuli was charged with stealing and forgery; separate arrests followed alleged threats with a knife and a rake in Tafuna/Aasu. Health Funding: HHS/CDC awarded American Samoa DOH $493,002 to strengthen epidemiology, lab capacity, and infectious disease surveillance. Community & Services: ASCC psychology students donated household goods to families displaced by a Fagaima fire; Faipule Fagaima raised concerns to Port Administration over ramp use and immigration form distribution. Sports & Events: American Samoa welcomed teams for the WBSC Oceania U15 Women’s Softball World Cup qualifier; Swains Island faipule again requested FY2027 transportation funding. Local News: Another fire hit Pago Pago on July 22, with no official cause or displacement details released yet.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: American Samoa leaders and residents are renewing opposition as the U.S. moves ahead with a Proposed Leasing Notice for offshore mineral extraction near the territory, with critics warning of radioactive risks and long-term harm to ocean life and the tuna industry; Local Politics & Public Safety: Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula nominated Commander Lauti Tautalasoo Moliga to lead the Department of Public Safety, while Faipule Fagaima Larry Sanitoa raised concerns with Port Administration over ramp safety and immigration forms being handed out only after arrival; Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced a $493,002 CDC grant to strengthen American Samoa’s epidemiology, lab capacity, and infectious disease surveillance; Community & Education: ASCC psychology students donated household goods to families displaced by a Fagaima fire, and the college’s ACNR division opened a renovated Fale Samoa; Crime & Courts: A Nu’uuli storeowner reported a suspect allegedly altering payroll checks before cashing them, and police also arrested people in separate alleged threats involving a knife and a rake; Fuel Prices: OPM set a new Maximum Allowable Price effective July 15, citing continued downward market corrections for diesel and other fuel categories.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration has issued a Proposed Leasing Notice for a potential American Samoa Outer Continental Shelf mineral lease sale, with Governor Pulaali’i saying the ASG will review and comment during a 60-day period while warning of risks to the tuna canning industry and other sectors. Radioactivity Concerns: A new report from the Deep Sea Mining Campaign says radioactive materials tied to seabed mining have been largely overlooked, citing studies that found high radioactive elements on targeted nodules and warning about possible release during mining or processing. Local Opposition: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata reiterated her opposition to seabed mining, saying her stance hasn’t changed and that “no one else speaks for her,” while the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa urged a decisive stand and called for a moratorium. Birthright Citizenship Fight: Guam and CNMI leaders urged Rep. Morgan Griffith to withdraw a bill that would end birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, warning it could create statelessness and noting covenant protections. Public Safety & Courts: A man accused of threatening a woman with a knife outside a Tafuna business was arrested and charged with public and private peace disturbance. Transportation & Immigration: Faipule Fagaima Larry Sanitoa raised concerns to the Port Director over AviRamp non-use and immigration forms being handed out only after arrival. Budget Requests: Swains Island Representative Alexander Jennings again asked the Fono for FY2027 transportation funding, seeking predictable government-supported trips. Education Funding: American Samoa’s Head Start program received $5.5 million in federal support. Fuel Prices: OPM’s Maximum Allowable Price update shows continued downward movement in major fuel categories, including diesel. Community Updates: A family fire in Ottoville displaced 14 people, and ASCC’s ACNR Division opened its renovated Fale Samoa.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: The U.S. moved another step toward offshore mineral leasing near American Samoa, with BOEM issuing a Proposed Leasing Notice and critics warning it could release naturally occurring radioactive materials and harm marine life; Governor Pulaali’i says the ASG will review and comment during the 60-day window while urging transparency, and Pacific church leaders are calling for a moratorium. Local Governance & Public Safety: Governor Pulaali’i nominated Commander Lauti Tautalasoo Moliga to lead the Department of Public Safety, with Fono confirmation expected when the legislature reconvenes July 27. Swains Island Transportation: Swains Island faipule Alexander Jennings again asked the Fono to fund predictable transportation in FY2027, requesting $300,000 for quarterly trips and additional routes. Community & Education: American Samoa’s Head Start program received $5.5 million, and ASCC’s ACNR Division celebrated the renovated Fale Samoa opening. Public Services & Safety: OPM’s MAP update shows fuel prices easing again, while a fire in Ottoville displaced 14 people and a pair of Tafuna disturbance arrests followed alleged threats.