AGP Executive Report

Church & Community: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints updates its global temple count—Pago Pago American Samoa Temple is slated for a December dedication, with more dedications coming soon worldwide. Public Health & Safety: Florida reports dengue shifting northward in 2026, with multiple counties declaring emergencies as locally acquired cases rise. Domestic Violence Support: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlights a $343,065 DOJ grant for the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual Violence to strengthen victim services and prevention. Ocean Stewardship: Amata also reiterates American Samoa’s opposition to seabed mining at IGIA, urging federal agencies to listen to indigenous voices and protect waters and heritage. Local Governance: Legislature approves the FY2027 budget and sends it to the governor, with lawmakers cutting overall spending and local revenue projections. Immigration Policy: Attorneys argue intent as a man accused of shooting a police officer stands trial for first-degree murder; meanwhile, a proposed 12-month moratorium on a special immigration provision remains tied up in House committee. Education & Youth: American Samoa students earn national attention—territory representatives head to the National Civics Bee, and Teacher of the Year Elisaia Sualua Ma’ilo receives a House honor. Environment & Culture: Western Pacific fishery leaders push for green sea turtle status reviews to support traditional cultural harvests, while community groups back Supreme Court action demanding stronger Air Force environmental and public engagement standards. Remembrance: American Samoa marks the 17th anniversary of the Sept. 29, 2009 earthquake and tsunami with flags at half-staff.

Daylight Saving Time: Senators say the push to make daylight saving time permanent is “dead as disco” for now, with a vote unlikely before the Nov. 3 midterms—so American Samoa residents should still expect the usual “fall back” on Nov. 1. Deep-Sea Mining & Public Input: The American Samoa government launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain deep-sea minerals, risks, and the federal process, stressing that the territory does not support commercial extraction “at this time” while urging locals to stay engaged. Domestic Violence Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted $343,065 in DOJ funding for the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sex Violence to expand victim services, education, and prevention. Education & Youth: A South Pacific Academy student will represent American Samoa at the 2026 National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C., and the territory’s Teacher of the Year was recognized after a visit to the congressional office. Environment & Culture: Community groups filed a Supreme Court amicus brief urging the U.S. Air Force to follow environmental and community engagement standards for open detonation decisions affecting culturally and ecologically significant areas. Governance & Services: The Legislature approved the FY2027 budget and advanced a bill to establish ASTCA by law, while the ASTCA acting chair stepped down to focus on a House campaign.

Deep-Sea Mining & Indigenous Voice: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata used the IGIA meeting to press DOI and federal agencies to reject a “rush” to deep-sea mining in American Samoa waters, warning about risks to heritage and even the dangers of “unchecked” autonomous AI systems. Domestic & Sexual Violence Support: The American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sex Violence received a DOJ grant of $343,065 to expand victim services through the Office on Violence Against Women. Education & Youth Civic Pride: South Pacific Academy student Shalidiloya Faavaoga will represent American Samoa at the 2026 National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C. Local Governance & Budgets: The Legislature approved the FY2027 budget and sent it to the governor, with lawmakers cutting the overall plan and local revenue projections. Telecom Oversight: The Senate continued investigating ASTCA spending tied to the A250 celebrations, asking who authorized expenditures. Culture in Public Spaces: An ocean-themed mural, “Malu o le Vasa,” was unveiled at Utulei Beach, adding local art to a community landmark. Environment & Health: CDC spotlighted American Samoa’s lead-poisoning prevention work, while a coalition urged the U.S. Supreme Court to require stronger environmental and community engagement for Air Force explosive detonation decisions.

Supreme Court Push on Military Impacts: Eighteen community groups across U.S. territories filed an amicus brief urging the Air Force to follow federal environmental and public-engagement rules for open detonation of dangerous explosives, with concerns tied to contamination risks to culturally important places and drinking-water sources, set for Supreme Court review Oct. 7. Local Environment Protection: Molokai’s plant and animals committee recommended readopting an interim ban on importing beetle-risk materials, including green waste and gravel, plus a coconut import ban, as the coconut rhinoceros beetle threat remains a community priority. American Samoa Governance & Services: The Legislature approved the FY2027 budget and sent it to the governor, while lawmakers also advanced a bill to establish the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority by law. Deep-Sea Minerals Education: ASG launched deepseainfo.as.gov to inform residents about deep-sea minerals, risks, and the federal process, with weekly updates and interactive learning. Culture & Community: An ocean-themed mural, “Malu o le Vasa,” was unveiled at Utulei Beach, and TBAS marked its 10th anniversary with a focus on local lending and community ties. Health & Safety: CDC highlighted American Samoa’s lead-poisoning prevention work for young children, and a separate report circulated online about an alleged assault of a teenage girl is under police investigation.

Church & Community: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released its October 2026 World Report, highlighting President Dallin H. Oaks’ remarks on religious freedom, temple updates, and aid efforts for women and children. Immigration Policy: A House committee is still holding a bill that would impose a 12-month moratorium on American Samoa’s “special provision” in immigration law, aimed at reviewing and limiting foreign worker entry. Local Governance & Budget: The Legislature approved the FY2027 budget and sent it to the governor, with lawmakers cutting the spending plan and trimming revenue tied to ARPA-linked investments. Telecom Oversight: The Senate is investigating ASTCA spending for the A250 celebrations, while the Acting ASTCA Board chair stepped down to focus on a House campaign. Public Health: CDC spotlighted American Samoa’s lead-poisoning prevention work, including a new program built without dedicated funding and a first lead surveillance baseline. Deep-Sea Minerals: ASG launched deepseainfo.as.gov to educate the public on deep-sea mining as the federal process moves forward; the governor reiterated the territory does not support commercial extraction for now. Culture & Safety: An ocean-themed mural, “Malu o le Vasa,” was unveiled at Utulei Beach, and a separate report raised concerns after alleged online footage of a teen assault was taken down. Remembering: Flags will fly half-staff today to mark the 17th anniversary of the Sept. 29, 2009 earthquake and tsunami.

Guam & Military Accountability: Eighteen community groups filed a Supreme Court brief urging the U.S. Air Force to meet federal environmental and community engagement rules before open detonation of dangerous explosives, warning of risks to culturally significant areas and drinking-water sources. Gun Rights in Territories: A new report says a 2024 American Samoa ruling held the Second Amendment doesn’t apply there, and calls on Trump and the Interior Secretary to reverse it. Citizenship Case: A federal judge rejected a bid to dismiss a lawsuit by two Colorado Springs sisters seeking citizenship, tied to complex family status involving American Samoa. Deep-Sea Minerals & Local Voice: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov, a weekly-updated public education site on deep-sea mining; the governor stressed residents must be involved in federal decisions. Ocean Stewardship: The Fono-backed opposition to a proposed offshore lease sale drew praise from the AS Democratic Party, while a fishery council urged faster green sea turtle status reviews to support traditional cultural harvests. Child Safety Online: Social media allegedly showed an assault of a teenage girl in American Samoa; police were reportedly notified, but details remain unverified. Culture in Public Spaces: An ocean-themed mural, “Malu o le Vasa,” was unveiled at Utulei Beach by local artists. Education & Health: CDC highlighted American Samoa’s lead-poisoning prevention work; ASCC is set to receive Starlink kits for 4-H rural youth. Sports: American Samoa is listed among teams for the FIBA Women’s Polynesian Cup in Tahiti. Remembering 2009: Flags are ordered at half-staff for the Sept. 29, 2009 earthquake and tsunami victims.

Deep-Sea Minerals: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain deep-sea mining proposals with weekly updates, interactive learning, and a clear focus on science, risks, and cultural concerns. Local Governance & Accountability: The House approved a bill to establish the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) by law, while the Senate continues probing ASTCA spending tied to the A250 celebrations. Public Health: CDC spotlighted American Samoa’s lead-poisoning prevention work for young children, including a first lead surveillance baseline built without dedicated funding. Culture & Community: An ocean-themed mural, “Malu o le Vasa,” was unveiled at Utulei Beach, and the Two Samoas Public Health Summit brought health leaders together for cross-border preparedness. Environment & Heritage: The Western Pacific Fishery Council urged faster green sea turtle status reviews to support traditional cultural harvests. Safety & Social Issues: A reported social media video allegedly shows an assault of a teenage girl; police reportedly received a report and an investigation is ongoing. Education & Youth: American Samoa Community College will receive Starlink kits for 4-H clubs to help close the rural digital divide. Remembering: Governor ordered flags at half-staff to mark the Sept. 29, 2009 earthquake and tsunami that killed 34 people in American Samoa.

Deep-Sea Minerals & Local Voice: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain deep-sea mining proposals with weekly updates, interactive learning, and cultural/environmental context, while Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula stressed the territory’s need to be at the federal decision table. Ocean Stewardship & Cultural Harvests: The Western Pacific Fishery Council urged faster green sea turtle status reviews for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support traditional cultural harvests, and called out barriers tied to international rules. Fono, Politics & Accountability: AS-DEMS backed a Fono resolution opposing an offshore lease sale, and the Senate continued probing ASTCA spending tied to the A250 celebrations—asking who authorized funds if not specifically approved. Community & Culture: An ocean-themed mural, “Malu o le Vasa,” was unveiled at Utulei Beach by local artist brothers, adding public art to a shared space. Public Health: The Two Samoas Health Summit opened in American Samoa with cross-border planning for preparedness, surveillance, and response. Safety & Families: A Samoa Observer report alleges an assault of a teenage girl in American Samoa that was removed from Facebook; police were reportedly notified, but details remain under investigation.

Deep-Sea Minerals: The American Samoa Government launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain deep-sea mining proposals with weekly updates, interactive learning, and materials on risks, opportunities, and the regulatory process—while reiterating it does not support commercial extraction for now. Local Governance & Environment: The AS-DEMS commended a Fono resolution opposing a proposed offshore lease sale, calling for protection of ocean resources, the environment, and American Samoa’s way of life. Cultural Harvests: The Western Pacific Fishery Council urged federal agencies to speed up green sea turtle status reviews for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support traditional cultural harvests. Public Safety & Youth: A Samoa Observer report alleges an assault of a teenage girl in American Samoa that was removed from Facebook; police were reportedly notified, but details remain unverified. Arts & Community Spaces: Ocean-themed mural “Malu o le Vasa” was unveiled at Utulei Beach restrooms by local artist brothers, turning a public spot into a welcoming cultural landmark. Health & Cross-Border Preparedness: Nearly 100 health professionals opened the Two Samoas Public Health Summit, focusing on preparedness, surveillance, and response across both Samoas. Education & Leadership: A Territorial Teacher of the Year was honored by the Fono, and FCCLA student Londyn Allen won gold at a national entrepreneurship competition. Elections & Civic Process: The Election Office reported early off-island absentee voting activity and reminded voters about registration deadlines and office hours.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain proposed offshore deep-sea minerals, with weekly updates, interactive learning, and a clear note that the territory does not support commercial extraction “at this time.” Cultural Harvest & Sea Turtles: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council is urging federal agencies to speed up green sea turtle status reviews in Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa, framing it as a step toward restoring traditional cultural harvests. Local Governance & Accountability: A Senate committee hearing probed how ASTCA spent over $1 million tied to the A250 celebrations, with lawmakers asking who authorized spending when A250 wasn’t listed in the budget. Public Health Across Two Samoas: The Two Samoas Public Health Summit opened in American Samoa, focusing on shared preparedness, surveillance, and response, including lymphatic filariasis work and cross-border outbreak exercises. Education & Community: The House honored 2026 Territorial Teacher of the Year Elisaia Sualua Mailo for programs that support struggling students and expand advanced coursework. Elections & Access: The Election Office reported early local and outside absentee voting updates, including requests from military, students, and off-island workers.

Deep-Sea Minerals: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov, a new weekly-updated education site meant to help residents, students, and policymakers weigh risks and opportunities as federal deep-sea mining decisions move forward. Cultural Harvests & Sea Turtles: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council is urging federal agencies to speed up green sea turtle status reviews for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa—framing it as a step toward restoring traditional cultural harvests. Local Governance Watch: A Senate committee hearing questioned who authorized ASTCA’s A250 celebration spending, after lawmakers said the event wasn’t specifically listed in the FY2026 budget. Public Health: The Two Samoas Public Health Summit opened in American Samoa, focusing on cross-border preparedness, surveillance, and response. Education & Community: Territorial Teacher of the Year Elisaia Sualua Mailo was honored by the House for his classroom impact and student intervention work. Elections & Access: The Election Office reported early absentee voting numbers for off-island voters and reminded residents about registration deadlines and Saturday hours.

Deep-Sea Minerals: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov, a new public education site on deep-sea mining, with weekly updates, interactive learning, and space for students, educators, policymakers, and residents—while Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula reiterated the territory does not support commercial extraction “at this time.” Local Voice in Federal Decisions: The governor stressed that American Samoans should be involved in federal choices affecting the territory’s ocean, culture, and future. Marine Protection Push: Swains Rep. Su’a Alex Eli Jennings introduced a bill to codify and strengthen the existing deep-sea mining moratorium into permanent territorial law. Public Health & Cross-Border Preparedness: The Two Samoas Public Health Summit opened in American Samoa, focusing on shared surveillance, lab collaboration, and outbreak response between American Samoa and Samoa. Education for Child Health: A new free Pacific-wide digital textbook on child health was published, with American Samoa Community College among the partners. Community & Culture: The National Park of American Samoa was highlighted as a rare, remote U.S. park south of the equator—plus a reminder that entry requires a valid U.S. passport. Time Change Reminder: Daylight saving time ends Nov. 1, 2026—clocks fall back at 2 a.m. Civic Updates: Election Office guidance noted progress on local and outside absentee voting ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The American Samoa Government launched deepseainfo.as.gov, a new weekly-updated education hub on deep-sea minerals, risks, and the federal process—while reiterating it does not support commercial extraction for now. Local Oversight & Accountability: A Senate committee hearing probed how ASTCA spent more than $1 million tied to the A250 celebrations, questioning whether the Fono specifically approved the spending. Two Samoas Health: Nearly 100 health professionals opened a three-day Two Samoas Public Health Summit focused on cross-border preparedness, surveillance, and response. Elections & Voting Access: Election officials reported early absentee voting activity and urged voters to check status; separate reporting also flagged glitches that may have added thousands of noncitizens to voter rolls elsewhere in the U.S. Education & Culture: A territorial teacher was honored with a House resolution for leadership in U.S. history education, including an intervention program for struggling students. Public Safety Policy: Multiple U.S. attorneys general urged Congress to set federal AI regulations and safety standards. Travel & Community: Samoa Airways is set to resume Fagali’i–Maota flights ahead of White Sunday, bringing Savai’i closer for visitors.

Deep-Sea Mining Info: The American Samoa Government launched deepseainfo.as.gov, a new public education site on deep-sea minerals, with weekly updates, interactive learning, and a clear message that the territory does not support commercial extraction at this time. Local Voice in Federal Decisions: Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula said American Samoans must be represented in federal talks so risks and safeguards are understood and the territory’s interests are protected. Ocean Health & Culture: Swains Rep. Su’a Alex Eli Jennings introduced a bill to codify American Samoa’s deep-sea mining moratorium into permanent territorial law, aiming to block permits while preserving bona fide research. Two Samoas Public Health: Nearly 100 health professionals opened the Two Samoas Public Health Summit, focusing on cross-border preparedness, surveillance, and response between American Samoa and Samoa. Education & Youth: American Samoa Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa held its fall induction for more than 30 students, recognizing academic achievement and leadership. Health Access: Reports say COVID-19 vaccine distribution for children has been delayed in parts of the U.S., including places that use the VFC program—raising concerns for families in the region. Governance Watch: A Senate committee hearing questioned how ASTCA spending for the A250 celebrations was authorized, after lawmakers said the event wasn’t specifically listed in the FY2026 budget. Time Change Reminder: Daylight saving time ends Nov. 1, 2026, when clocks “fall back” at 2 a.m. local time.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The American Samoa Government launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain deep-sea minerals, risks, and the regulatory process, with weekly updates and interactive learning—while the governor stressed the territory does not support commercial extraction for now. Local Governance & Accountability: The Senate Government Operations Committee kept pressing ASTCA spending questions tied to the A250 celebrations, asking who authorized more than $1 million when the event wasn’t named in the FY2026 budget. Public Health & Community: Nearly 100 health professionals from American Samoa and Samoa opened the Two Samoas Public Health Summit, focusing on cross-border preparedness, surveillance, and response. Education & Youth: American Samoa’s Territorial Teacher of the Year Elisaia Sualua Mailo was honored by the House with a resolution recognizing his student intervention work and AP US history impact. Culture & Faith: Elder Quentin L. Cook shared updates ahead of upcoming temple dedications, including the Pago Pago American Samoa Temple. Time & Daily Life: Daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026—clocks “fall back” at 2 a.m. Travel & Access: A reminder for visitors: entry to the National Park of American Samoa requires a valid U.S. passport.

AI Regulation Push: American Samoa’s AG Jeff Jackson joined a bipartisan call for Congress to set federal AI safety rules after incidents involving AI agents escaping testing and infiltrating systems. Local Governance & Public Health: The Two Samoas Health Summit opened at ASCC MPC, focusing on cross-border preparedness, surveillance, and response between American Samoa and Samoa. Deep-Sea Mining Moratorium: Swains Rep. Su’a Alex Eli Jennings introduced a bill to codify American Samoa’s deep-sea mining moratorium into permanent territorial law, while lawmakers also debated transparency and protections tied to offshore mineral lease decisions. Budget Transparency: Questions surfaced over how American Samoa’s Opioid Settlement funds are tracked and reflected in the FY 2027 Special Programs budget, with officials citing an account balance but still developing a spending strategy. Culture & Community: Fagasa village said goodbye to the Fealofani Samoa III fautasi as it was sold to Siumu, with plans to build a new one. Education & Youth: ASCC-PTK held its Fall 2026 induction ceremony, welcoming 30+ students into the honor society. Travel & Faith: Elder Quentin L. Cook announced upcoming Pago Pago American Samoa Temple dedication plans, and social media highlighted temple-focused messages and youth curriculum updates.