AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups and community partners filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s push to start deep-sea mining, including a case aimed at American Samoa; the filings argue the plan could harm protected species and target a planned lease sale. Local Infrastructure: The Port Administration met with the Aunu’u Community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, with residents pushing for safety fixes after the June 2026 tidal surge and urging repairs to the eastern wave absorber. Elections & Citizenship: Alaska prosecutors dropped voter misconduct felony cases against American Samoan residents after an appeals court said the state couldn’t prove the required intent behind an “honest mistake” on voter forms. Territorial Governance: The Governor dissolved the ASTCA board and later appointed a new one, explaining the move was to prevent board members from testifying without the CEO present. Regional Diplomacy: CNMI leaders say they want to keep observer status in the Pacific Islands Forum and could seek associate membership as power competition grows. Public Safety/Community: A domestic dispute in Tafuna led to arrests and misdemeanor charges after alleged threats inside a home. Weather Watch: El Niño conditions are forecast to be possibly severe for American Samoa, with drought impacts already showing record-breaking signs.

Pacific Islands Forum: CNMI is pushing to keep its observer role in the Pacific Islands Forum and may seek associate membership to boost its voice as big-power competition grows across the region. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude-4.0 quake hit 2 miles south of Pāhala on Hawaiʻi Island; officials say no impact to Maunaloa or Kīlauea, though aftershocks are possible. Elections & Courts: Alaska dropped felony voter-misconduct cases against American Samoan residents after an appeals court said prosecutors couldn’t prove the required intent behind an “honest mistake” on voter forms. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups filed a lawsuit challenging deep-sea mining plans tied to American Samoa and the Marianas, arguing endangered species could be harmed; CNMI’s delegate also calls for a 50% revenue cut for territories. Local Infrastructure: PAAS met with the Aunu’u community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, focusing on safety after June 2026 tidal surges and the need to repair the eastern wave absorber. Governance & Telecom: The governor dissolved and reappointed the ASTCA board, explaining it was to prevent board members from testifying without the CEO. Public Safety: Attorneys general, including from the region, urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Culture & Learning: ASVB launched “Our Paogo,” a children’s book to teach the Paogo’s cultural and environmental importance.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation and community groups, including Earthjustice, filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s push to start deep-sea mining near American Samoa and the Marianas, arguing the government is underestimating harm to protected species like humpback whales, manta rays, and sea turtles; Local Infrastructure: The Port Administration met with the Aunu’u Community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, with residents pressing for safety fixes after the June 2026 tidal surge and urging repairs to the eastern wave absorber; Government & Oversight: Senators learned that interest earnings from the American Samoa ARPA Fund are being invested in the UAE, as lawmakers questioned how ARPA funds were handled; Telecom Governance: The Governor appointed a new American Samoa Telecommunications Authority board after dissolving the prior board, and explained the move was tied to testimony plans; Public Safety: Police reported a domestic dispute case in Tafuna where a woman was arrested after alleged threats to harm her household; Education & Culture: The American Samoa Visitors Bureau launched “Our Paogo,” a children’s book meant to teach kids about the territory flower through culture, conservation, and hands-on activities.

Voter Rights in Focus: Alaska dropped felony voter misconduct cases against American Samoan residents after an appeals court said prosecutors must prove “consciousness of wrongdoing,” not just an honest box-check mistake on voter forms. Local Justice: The decision followed challenges to questioning and grand jury handling in the case of Tupe Smith and others, with acting AG Cori Mills saying the state couldn’t meet the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard. Harbor Updates: Port officials met with the Aunu’u Community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, with residents pushing for safety fixes after June 2026 tidal surges and urging repair of the eastern wave absorber. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Environmental groups filed a lawsuit targeting the Trump administration’s deep-sea mining push, including a separate challenge tied to American Samoa lease plans and concerns for protected species. Education & Community: ASVB launched “Our Paogo,” a children’s book to teach the territory flower’s cultural and conservation value, with hands-on growing activities. Public Safety: Police reports detailed alleged domestic threats and a separate bus-driver altercation leading to misdemeanor charges.

Deep-Sea Mining Legal Fight: Conservation groups and Earthjustice filed a new lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s push to start deep-sea mining near the Marianas and Guam, while a separate case targets American Samoa; the suits argue the government wrongly says protected species like humpback whales, manta rays, and sea turtles won’t be harmed, as lease sales are planned for American Samoa in November and the Marianas on Dec. 16. NOAA Seabed Findings: NOAA’s 2026 exploration around American Samoa reported polymetallic nodule fields, including nodules up to 15 cm, plus deep-sea life seen during dives near Rose Atoll and in the Samoa Basin. Local Infrastructure: PAAS met with the Aunu’u Community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, focusing on safety after June 2026 tidal surges and the need to repair the eastern wave absorber; permitting is underway with construction bidding expected in Oct. 2027. Government Watch: The Senate Government Operations Committee heard testimony on the ASG’s $10 million ARPA interest earnings now invested in the UAE, as lawmakers question how the funds were handled. Robocall Crackdown: Multiple U.S. attorneys general, including Iowa AG Brenna Bird and Virginia AG Jay Jones, urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to stop illegal robocalls. Public Safety & Courts: A domestic dispute in Tafuna led to charges against Violet Kipling, including assault and private peace disturbance, after alleged threats to harm her family. Education & Community: ASVB launched “Our Paogo,” a children’s book aimed at teaching culture and conservation around American Samoa’s territorial flower.

Local Governance & Infrastructure: The Port Administration of American Samoa met with the Aunu’u Community to gather input on the wharf expansion and boat ramp repair project, now in permitting and moving toward 65% design, with construction bidding expected in October 2027; residents flagged safety concerns tied to the June 2026 tidal surge and urged repairs to the eastern wave absorber. Public Safety: A Tafuna-area domestic dispute led to the arrest of Violet Kipling after alleged threats to harm her sister and others inside the home; she was charged with private peace disturbance and assault in the third degree and held without bail. Territorial Politics & Oversight: The Governor appointed a new American Samoa Telecommunications Authority board after dissolving the prior board, saying the change was needed so the ASTCA CEO could testify at a Senate hearing; the new board takes effect Sept. 10. Budget & Accountability: Senators questioned ASG handling of $10 million in ARPA interest earnings, including testimony that the interest is invested in a UAE pension fund, as joint Fono budget hearings continued. Elections: Local absentee voting opened Sept. 7 for eligible voters, with the Election Office open Saturdays and absentee voting continuing until Nov. 2. Federal Policy Watch: A bipartisan push urges the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls and scams. Travel: Hawaiian Airlines/Alaska Air cut service to two weekly flights (Mondays and Thursdays) starting this week.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: NOAA’s ROV dives around American Samoa found a medium-density polymetallic nodule field near Rose Atoll and large nodules up to 15 cm in the Samoa Basin, as the U.S. moves toward potential seabed leasing. Legal Pressure on Mining: Environmental groups and community partners filed lawsuits challenging deep-sea mining lease plans affecting American Samoa and the Marianas, while CNMI leaders and outside groups urge opposition to a Dec. 16 lease sale. Local Governance & Spending Oversight: Joint Fono budget hearings began, with Senate Government Operations also probing ASG’s $10 million ARPA interest investment and whether it bypassed Fono oversight. ARPA for Schools: A Tafuna faipule asked the governor to reallocate ARPA funds to finish the Tafuna High School gym and access/drainage improvements. Elections: Absentee voting opened for eligible voters, with office hours and documentation requirements set through Nov. 2. Community & Culture: ASVB launched “Our Paogo,” a children’s book to teach and preserve American Samoa’s territorial flower. Public Safety: Police charged a man after an alleged bus-driver altercation in Fagatogo. Health Policy: A bipartisan push urges the FCC to strengthen rules against illegal robocalls, while separate coverage highlights efforts to expand Alzheimer’s screening access via Medicare.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation and community groups filed a lawsuit to block the Trump administration’s plan to kick-start deep-sea mining off the Marianas and Guam, challenging the federal finding that the lease sale won’t harm endangered species and critical habitat; the case follows an earlier suit tied to American Samoa, as NOAA exploration reports polymetallic nodules near Rose Atoll and in the Samoa Basin. Local Politics (CNMI): CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds defended her record while challenger Galvin Sablan Deleon Guerrero pushed for a “political reset” in a Saipan forum debate. Robocall Crackdown: Multiple U.S. attorneys general, including Idaho’s Raúl Labrador and others, are urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to stop illegal robocalls before they reach consumers. Alaska Citizenship Case: An American Samoan defendant in Alaska says prosecutors ignored a Supreme Court birthright citizenship ruling, calling out the state’s failure to address the decision. ASG Oversight & Funding: The Senate Government Operations Committee scheduled hearings on ASG’s $10 million ARPA interest investment and other Fono-oversight questions, with testimony expected from the finance advisor. Travel Costs: DOD raised Guam per diem rates effective Sept. 1, and the update also applies to the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa. Community & Sports: The Department of Education officially opened the 2026 academic sports year, and local absentee voting for the Nov. 3 election began on Labor Day.

Local Governance & Oversight: The Senate Government Operations Committee has scheduled hearings on the ASG’s $10 million ARPA interest investment, including whether the money was handled without Fono authority or oversight, with questions also tied to ASTCA’s America 250 spending. Public Safety: Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building after health regulation violations, including the Port Administration Airport Hangar Facility (excluding the VIP Lounge) and FM Mart’s meat room/ice operations. Criminal Justice: Police charged Imelda Aiono in an alleged assault at a Puapua LDS chapel; separately, criminal allegations in a Vietnamese human trafficking and labor exploitation case are set for a preliminary examination. Territorial Diplomacy: An American Samoa delegation met on the margins of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting to discuss post-PIF priorities, regional stability, and maritime border security. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Leaders and lawmakers continue pressing for stronger territorial protections and public input as deep-sea mining lease sales near the Marianas and American Samoa face lawsuits and calls to oppose or pause the process. Phone Scam Crackdown: Multiple U.S. attorneys general, including efforts echoed in the region, are urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to stop illegal robocalls.

Seabed Mining Fight: Mariana and territorial leaders, including American Samoa’s Governor Apatang, are being urged to formally oppose the federal deep-sea mining lease sale near the Northern Mariana Islands, with a deadline looming Oct. 19 and calls for more public input and outreach. Legal Pushback: Conservation and community groups have filed a lawsuit in the District of Hawai‘i challenging the federal government’s finding that the lease sale won’t harm threatened species or critical habitat. Local Accountability: In American Samoa, Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building for health and sanitation violations, including the Port Administration Airport Hangar Facility (with a VIP lounge exception) and FM Mart’s meat room operations. Human Trafficking Case: Criminal allegations have been filed in American Samoa tied to an alleged trafficking and labor exploitation scheme involving Vietnamese nationals, with a preliminary examination scheduled. Robocall Crackdown: Multiple U.S. attorneys general are pressing the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Community & Culture: Coastweeks 2026 kicked off at Tafuna Industrial Park, and local absentee voting for the Nov. 3 election began on Labor Day.

Human Trafficking Case: DHS arrested a Vietnamese couple in American Samoa and filed criminal charges tied to alleged deception of three nationals, including a minor, with a preliminary examination scheduled in District Court. Public Health Enforcement: Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building after inspections found sanitation and compliance failures, including the Port Administration Airport Hangar Facility (with a VIP lounge exception) and FM Mart’s meat room/ice operations. Federal Funding for Health: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata welcomed an $87,718 CDC preventive health infrastructure grant for ASDOH. Local Justice Watch: An Alaska appeals court tossed a felony voter misconduct indictment against an American Samoan woman from Whittier, ruling prosecutors used the wrong legal standard and misled a grand jury. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Pacific lawmakers and conservation groups continue challenging federal deep-sea mining plans in the Marianas and nearby waters, arguing for public comment and stronger environmental safeguards. Tourism/Travel Costs: DOD updated 2026 per diem rates effective Sept. 1, adding $14 total daily per diem for Guam lodging, meals and incidentals—rates that also affect travel planning for American Samoa and the CNMI.

Human Trafficking Case: DHS arrested a Vietnamese couple in American Samoa, charging them with human trafficking and conspiracy, including allegations involving a minor, with a preliminary examination scheduled in District Court. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: U.S. lawmakers including American Samoa’s Delegate Aumua Amata and CNMI’s Kimberlyn King-Hinds asked Interior for a 90-day public comment period on proposed deep-sea mining lease sales around the Northern Marianas and American Samoa. Local Justice Watch: Alaska’s Court of Appeals tossed a felony voter misconduct indictment against Whittier resident Tupe Smith, an American Samoan, ruling prosecutors used the wrong legal standard and misled a grand jury—raising questions for similar cases. Youth Safety Settlement: A landmark $17.1 billion Meta settlement includes American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands, requiring new limits and protections for children using Instagram and Facebook. Public Health: Dengue fever is spreading in the U.S. (with Florida reporting rising locally acquired cases), while the region continues to watch mosquito-borne risks. Community & Education: ASCC students were arrested after a campus fight; separately, ASG leaders marked Labor Day with office closures and messages to workers.

Pacific Sports Spotlight: Rams star Puka Nacua says the NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia can help “chase new levels” for Pacific kids, with ties to Samoa through his grandmother. Public Health: Florida officials report rising locally acquired dengue fever cases, prompting stepped-up mosquito surveillance and spraying. Social Media Safety: A landmark $17.1 billion Meta settlement includes American Samoa, requiring new child-safety rules on Instagram and Facebook like daily time limits, nighttime blocks, and stronger age verification. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa leaders and protesters again push back on federal seabed mining plans, while U.S. House action blocks a Guam/Northern Marianas bid to prevent fast-track permitting. Courts & Citizenship: Alaska’s appeals court tossed a felony voter misconduct indictment of a Whittier woman born in American Samoa, raising questions about how prosecutors handled intent and grand jury guidance. Local Governance & Services: ASCC has named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as its next president, effective Sept. 8. Economy & Oversight: Lawmakers demand a full accounting of about $10 million in ARPA interest investments, after concerns the Fono hasn’t received reports.

Meta Youth Safety Settlement: U.S. Attorney General Alan Wilson announced a $17.1 billion multistate Meta deal over Instagram and Facebook child safety, with American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands included; Meta must add daily time limits and “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, stronger age checks and parental controls, and limits on certain social-comparison features. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa leaders and Greenpeace activists protested NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor as the federal government moves toward seabed lease sales near the territory; the dispute also continues in Congress, where a House Rules panel rejected a bid to block seabed mining from FAST-41 expedited review. Local Governance & Money: The House Retirement Committee heard concerns that ASG debt to the Employees’ Retirement Fund has not been prioritized, with unpaid contributions reported at about $28 million as of Aug. 1. Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in Hilo wastewater, noting no active cases tracked there—while dengue remains a year-round risk across parts of the Pacific, including American Samoa. Education & Community: ASCC named Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale as its new president effective Sept. 8, and ASCC reported arrests after a campus disturbance earlier this year.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa leaders and Greenpeace activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor, warning that mapping seabed minerals could feed a federal deep-sea mining push despite the territory’s moratorium. Marianas Debate: A Marianas Agupa show discussion weighed deep-sea mining’s promised funding and “safeguards” against fears of permanent habitat damage. US Congress Pushback: Guam Delegate James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining from the FAST-41 fast-permitting track failed in the House Rules Committee, keeping expedited review on the table. Local Governance & Courts: Alaska’s Court of Appeals tossed a felony voter misconduct indictment against Whittier resident Tupe Smith, an American Samoan, saying prosecutors used the wrong legal standard and misled grand jurors—potentially affecting similar cases. Youth Safety Settlement: AG Edward Manibusan announced a $17.1B multistate Meta settlement, with American Samoa included, requiring major Instagram/Facebook child-safety limits. Public Health: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases tracked; dengue is a known risk across the Pacific. Community & Economy: ASCC students were arrested after a campus fight; the Election Office named eligible candidates for the Nov. 3 midterm; and the Basic Food Index rose slightly in August as some staples climbed.

Seabed Mining Showdown: American Samoa Gov. Nikolau Pula says the territory will keep saying “no” to Trump’s critical-mineral seabed push, arguing governors control only territorial waters while the federal government could override in the EEZ; meanwhile, community leaders and Greenpeace activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor over fears mapping and radon tests could feed deep-sea mining plans. Congressional Roadblock: Guam Delegate James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining from FAST-41 expedited permitting failed in the House Rules Committee, even with support from Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen of American Samoa. Pacific Security: Pacific Islands Forum leaders urged China to give advance notice for ICBM tests after a July launch reportedly passed over islands without adequate warning. Courts & Voting Rights: Alaska’s appeals court tossed a felony voter-misconduct indictment against Whittier resident Tupe Smith, an American Samoan, saying prosecutors used the wrong legal standard and misled grand jurors—raising stakes for similar cases. Local Governance & Oversight: The House Retirement Committee grilled ASG over unpaid ARPA interest investments and the growing debt to the Retirement Fund, with lawmakers demanding full accounting. Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases tracked; dengue is a known risk across parts of the Pacific, including American Samoa. Community & Education: ASCC named Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale as its new president effective Sept. 8, and ASCC students were arrested after a campus fight.