AGP Executive Report

America 250 Spotlight: American Samoa’s Independence Day finale is set for July 4 in Tafuna, with a massive drone-and-pyrotechnic show featuring 300 drones and choreographed formations at Lions Park. Fautasi & Village Pride: The July 4th Fautasi Regatta is moving through heats and qualifiers—after weather delays, Heat 1 and Heat 2 results set the six crews advancing to the final, with the race starting from Amu‘ula. Community Sports: Pickleball is in full swing—PAAS wrapped its 2026 Summer Tournament with off-island clubs joining, plus gold-medal winners across 10 categories. Culture Through Food: Samoan chef Henry Onesemo was celebrated after a historic first for Samoan cuisine, with major recognition for Tala restaurant’s contemporary Samoan food. Arts & Youth: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata welcomed Malofie Congressional Art Competition winner Eve Filomena Snow to the U.S. Capitol, where her work is on display for a year. Health & Fitness: SPW Fitness reported success for its 3rd Annual American Samoa Marathon & Half Marathon under the MASHA campaign. Local Life: The American Samoa Community Food Bank thanked the M/V Ocean Guardian and Stabbert Marine for a generous frozen-food donation that reached vulnerable families.

Samoan Cuisine Wins Global Spotlight: American Samoa-born chef Henry Onesemo was celebrated after Tala restaurant received a Michelin star for contemporary Samoan food, with community members praising him for representing culture on the world stage. America 250 Finale in Tafuna: American Samoa will host the final official America 250 drone-and-fireworks show on July 4 at Lions Park, featuring a fleet of 300 drones and choreographed pyrotechnics. July 4 Fautasi Regatta Update: After weather forced postponements, the regatta’s heats and qualifying spots are set for the final, with ASTCA reminding spectators the race starts from Amu‘ula at 8:00 a.m. Sports & Community Pride: The Pickleball Association—American Samoa wrapped its 2026 Summer Tournament with off-island clubs joining local players, while SPW Fitness reported a successful 3rd Annual American Samoa Marathon & Half Marathon in Utulei. Arts in Washington: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata welcomed Malofie Art Competition winner Eve Filomena Snow to the U.S. Capitol, where her painting will be displayed for a year. Food Security Help: The American Samoa Community Food Bank thanked M/V Ocean Guardian and Stabbert Marine for a generous frozen-food donation that reached vulnerable families, including those displaced by recent fires. Local Court News: A disturbance case in Utulei led to arrests and charges including public peace disturbance and interfering with arrest. Ocean Stewardship Pushback: Local groups asked Governor Pula’alii Nikolao Pula for a comprehensive territorial review of deep-sea mining, urging clear science, risks, and governance answers before major decisions.

Fautasi & America250: The 2026 July 4th Fautasi Regatta is set to kick off American Samoa’s America250 celebrations, but yesterday’s heats were postponed/called off due to windy, swells, and drizzle; officials say the race will shift course options based on sea conditions, with the next push aiming for a Monday launch and a grand final the following day. Sports & Health: SPW Fitness wrapped up its 3rd Annual American Samoa Marathon & Half Marathon in Utulei, tying the event to the MASHA campaign and drawing local and overseas runners. Community & Culture: The Pacific Islands Foundation Cultural Dance Challenge named winners in the Taualuga Manaia category, while a separate ocean forum, “Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i: Stand with the Moana,” brought residents together to ask questions on deep-sea mining, fisheries, and ocean conservation. Local Governance & Safety: Pacific Air Charters says it expects to begin commuter operations later this year, but timing depends on approvals and the current Samoa Airways cabotage waiver. Regional Economy & Policy: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific tuna treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and the territory’s tuna industry are tightly linked. U.S. Citizenship Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order, a decision that also raised concerns about what comes next. America250 in the U.S.: Times Square’s America’s 250th birthday ball drop will happen eight times across time zones, with the final drop scheduled for 7 a.m. July 4 in American Samoa.

Fautasi Regatta: The American Samoa Fautasi Regatta is down to six crews after two heats set the field for Thursday’s final, with MT 3 (Nuuuli), Alao and Lupelele (Iliili) advancing from Heat 1, and Fuao (Vatia), Fealofani Samoa 3 (Fagasa) and Aeto (Pago Pago) from Heat 2; ASTCA says the final starts from Amu‘ula at 8:00 a.m. America250 Sports & Fitness: SPW Fitness marked the MASHA campaign with a successful 3rd Annual American Samoa Marathon & Half Marathon in Utulei, drawing local and overseas runners for a coastal course. Health & Youth Leadership: Winner High School HOSA students attended the International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, competing among thousands of future health professionals. Moana on Screen, Family Off Screen: Live-action Moana star Catherine Laga’aia and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson spoke about ancestry, family, and “seeing my grandfather” as part of the film’s cultural pull. Citizenship Court Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order, while legal battles continue. Ocean Stewardship: Finafinau’s Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i forum brought community members together to discuss deep-sea mining, fisheries sustainability, port plans, and ocean conservation. Local Connections: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata joined Samoan Flag Day celebrations in Adelanto, California, highlighting island culture and heritage. Tuna & Policy: American Samoa participated in the U.S.-Pacific Island Parties Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and American Samoa’s tuna industry depend on each other.

America250 & Community Culture: American Samoa kicks off its America250 celebrations with the 2026 July 4th Fautasi Regatta, launching today with two heats and a grand final tomorrow, featuring 13 crews and a $180,000 prize pool, plus a July 4 concert at Samoa Motors Lot and a drone light show and fireworks. Local Ocean Stewardship: Finafinau’s Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i: Stand with the Moana ocean forum brought residents together to learn about deep-sea mining, proposed port developments, fisheries sustainability, and ocean conservation, with space for questions and dialogue. Tuna & Regional Fisheries: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific Island Parties Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and the territory’s tuna industry depend on each other for ports, cannery work, and local business. Health & Youth Programs: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted two HHS grants for LBJ Tropical Medical Center (HIV services) and for the Emergency Medical Services for Children program, while the Summer Youth Employment Program begins with paid on-the-job training for 16–24-year-olds. Immigration Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked a Trump executive order targeting birthright citizenship, ruling it violates the 14th Amendment.

America250 Fautasi Regatta: American Samoa’s July 4 commemoration kicks off with the Fautasi Regatta, with 13 crews set for two heats Monday (June 29) and a grand final Tuesday (June 30), weather permitting. America250 Concert & Fireworks: The celebration continues Saturday, July 4 at Samoa Motors Lot (gates 3pm, music 5pm) with Stan Walker, Kennyon Brown, DJ Noiz and NATO Brothers, followed by a drone light show and fireworks. Local Governance & Culture: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata marked Flag Day in Adelanto, CA, highlighting Samoan heritage through ava, siva, music, food, and community turnout. Ocean Stewardship: Finafinau’s “Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i: Stand with the Moana” ocean forum brought residents together to ask questions on deep-sea mining, port plans, fisheries sustainability, and conservation. Sports & Youth: ASNFF’s Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp runs June 24–25 at Veterans Memorial Stadium, led by the Women’s National Flag Football Team, aiming to develop future national players. Community Spotlight: Miss I‘oimata o Aiga Tilomai Tauiliili was crowned Miss American Samoa, with the pageant featuring sarongs and puletasi and a revived puletasi category. Health Funding: Amata announced HHS grants for LBJ Tropical Medical Center (HIV services) and American Samoa Medical Center Authority (EMSC). Regional Fisheries Talks: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific tuna treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that a healthy U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and the territory’s tuna industry depend on each other.

Ocean Stewardship & Community Dialogue: American Samoa hosted Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i: Stand with the Moana, a free ocean forum bringing together students, families, fishermen, and village leaders to learn about deep-sea mining, proposed port plans, fisheries sustainability, and ocean conservation. Regional Fisheries Policy: American Samoa also took part in the U.S.-Pacific Island Parties Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and American Samoa’s tuna industry are tightly linked for jobs, cannery support, and port services. America 250 Culture & Sports: Fautasi races for America’s 250th anniversary are set for Monday, with heats and a championship plus major cash prizes and a “Most Spirited Team” award, followed by a July 4 concert and drone light show. Local Governance & Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced two HHS grants for LBJ Tropical Medical Center—HIV services support and Emergency Medical Services for Children funding. Culture & Language: Samoa’s language commissioner called for public support to preserve and revitalize Samoan, warning of declining use among youth. Community Spotlight: Miss American Samoa Tilomai Tauiliili was crowned, and the territory’s youth flag football Talent ID Combine and camp invited aspiring athletes to train with national team players.

Ocean Stewardship & Policy: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific Islands Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and the territory’s tuna industry must stay viable together. Regional Fisheries Governance: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council opened in American Samoa with an ‘ava ceremony, grounding talks in Samoan values as leaders flagged a critical moment for local fisheries. Community Ocean Forum: Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i: Stand with the Moana brought residents together to learn about deep-sea mining, port plans, fisheries sustainability, and ocean conservation through panels and Q&A. America 250 Culture & Sports: Fautasi races for America’s 250th anniversary kick off next Monday (June 29), with heats and a championship plus a $180,000 prize pool and a “Most Spirited Team” award. Health Grants: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced HHS funding for HIV services at LBJ Tropical Medical Center and Emergency Medical Services for Children support at American Samoa Medical Center Authority. Care at Home: Governor Pulaali’i launched an HCBS website to help elders, people with disabilities, families, and providers find community-based care options. Language Preservation: Samoan Language Commissioner Elisapeta Alaimaleata urged public support to keep the language strong for children and future generations. Local Spotlight: Miss Tilomai Tauiliili won Miss American Samoa, and the territory also continues youth development through sports camps and summer employment.

Museum & Identity: The University of Oregon’s exhibit “America at 250—Before, Between, Beyond” uses rarely seen Indigenous and immigrant artifacts (from bark-cloth masks to Chinese restaurant dishes) and even includes wall text in Chinuk Wawa, pushing visitors to rethink what “America” means beyond the usual founding story. America 250 in Samoa: Fautasi races for the America 250 commemoration kick off next Monday, June 29, with all 13 teams from the Flag Day regatta, plus a major July 4 concert and drone light show. Congresswoman in California: Uifa’atali Amata joined Samoan Flag Day celebrations in Adelanto, praising the community’s cultural pride and traditions carried across the islands. Ocean Stewardship: Finafinau’s Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i ocean forum brought residents together to learn about deep-sea mining, port plans, fisheries sustainability, and conservation through talks and Q&A. Health & Services: Amata highlighted two HHS grants for LBJ—HIV services support and an Emergency Medical Services for Children program. Culture & Youth: Miss American Samoa Tilomai Tauiliili was crowned, and ASNFF launched a Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp to grow the next generation of national players. Community Safety: Police reported arrests in domestic and school-related disturbance cases, including threats and alleged assaults.

Sports & Film Buzz: “Next Goal Wins” is sparking big debate—critics called it unfunny, but public audiences reportedly roared. America 250 Fautasi: American Samoa’s America 250 commemoration kicks into gear with fautasi races Monday (June 29) and a championship Tuesday (June 30), with $180,000 in prizes and a Most Spirited Team award, plus a July 4 concert and fireworks. Congress & Culture in California: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata spoke at Flag Day in Adelanto, highlighting Samoan heritage, ava ceremony, siva, music, and community pride. Ocean Stewardship Forum: “Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i: Stand with the Moana” brought residents together to learn about deep-sea mining, port plans, fisheries sustainability, and ocean conservation. Tuna Treaty Talks: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific tuna treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing the link between the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and the territory’s cannery, port, and workforce. Health Grants: Amata announced two HHS grants for LBJ Tropical Medical Center—HIV services and an EMS for Children program. Youth Sports Camp: ASNFF’s Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp runs June 24–25 at Veterans Memorial Stadium, led by the women’s national team. Language Preservation: Samoa’s language commissioner calls for public support to keep Samoan language strong for youth and future generations. Community Safety: Police reports include domestic violence charges and a separate case involving a parent allegedly threatening a school principal. Disaster Relief: A Fagaima fire left 17 people homeless as village leaders coordinate temporary support. HCBS Website: Governor Pulaali’i launched an HCBS website to help families find home-and-community care options. Justice & Access: A court and police update covers arrests tied to alleged threats and assaults, alongside ongoing investigation barriers abroad.

America 250 Fautasi Races: The American Samoa Telecommunications Authority and Reid Family Group set the America 250 commemoration fautasi races for next Monday, June 29, with 13 teams competing; two heats are planned Monday and the championship Tuesday, with weather backups to July 1–2, and a total $180,000 in prizes plus a $2,000 “Most Spirited Team” award. America 250 Concert: The July 4 concert at Samoa Motors Lot (across from Lions Park Tennis Court) features Stan Walker, Kennyon Brown, DJ Noiz and NATO Brothers, followed by a drone light show and fireworks. Congresswoman Amata in California: Uifa’atali Amata attended Flag Day celebrations in Adelanto, CA, highlighting Samoan heritage through ava, siva, music, food and community speeches. Ocean Forum on Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i: A community ocean forum at the Multipurpose Center (June 19) brought residents together to learn about deep-sea mining, port plans, fisheries sustainability and ocean conservation, with experts and decision-makers answering questions. Tuna Treaty Consultation: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific Island Parties Tuna Treaty Consultation in Wellington, stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and the territory’s tuna industry depend on each other for jobs, cannery support and port services. Health Grants for LBJ: Amata announced two HHS grants—$33,200 for HIV services at LBJ Tropical Medical Center and $86,554 for Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) at LBJ. Youth Employment Program: The 2026 Summer Youth Employment Program opened with 500 young people (16–24) placed in 41 worksites across ASG, nonprofits and private businesses, with training and paid work through July 31. Samoan Language Preservation: The Samoan Language Commissioner urged public support to reverse declining use among children and youth, calling for faith groups, schools and stakeholders to help keep the language alive. HCBS Website Launch: Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao launched www.hcbs.as.gov to help families and providers find home- and community-based care resources, with a hotline planned next. Miss American Samoa Crown: Tilomai Tauiliili was crowned Miss American Samoa at the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium, following a three-day pageant that revived the puletasi category. Regional Fisheries Meeting: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council opened its June 9–11 meeting in American Samoa with a culturally hosted ava ceremony at Su’iga’ula o le Atuvasa Fale Samoa.

America 250 Fautasi Races: The American Samoa Telecommunications Authority and Reid Family Group set the next Monday, June 29, fautasi schedule for the America 250 commemoration, with all 13 Flag Day regatta teams racing in two heats before a championship race on Tuesday, June 30 (weather may push races to July 1–2). Culture & Community Events: A concert for July 4 follows the races, featuring Stan Walker, Kennyon Brown, DJ Noiz and NATO Brothers at Samoa Motors Lot (gates 3pm, show 5pm), then a drone light show and fireworks. Congresswoman’s Stateside Cultural Spotlight: Uifa’atali Amata attended Flag Day celebrations in Adelanto, CA, praising Samoan heritage and community spirit, including an ava ceremony, siva, music, food, and speeches. Ocean Forum on Local Decisions: “Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i: Stand with the Moana” brought residents together to learn about deep-sea mining, port plans, fisheries sustainability, and ocean conservation, with free talks, panels, and expert Q&A. Tuna Treaty Talks: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific Island Parties Tuna Treaty Consultation in Wellington, stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and American Samoa’s tuna industry depend on each other for jobs, cannery support, and port services. Health Grants: Amata highlighted two HHS grants for LBJ Tropical Medical Center—$33,200 for HIV services and $86,554 for EMS for Children. Youth Work Program: The 2026 Summer Youth Employment Program opened this week, placing 500 youth (ages 16–24) into 41 worksites for paid training through July 31. Sports Development: ASNFF’s Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp runs June 24–25 at Veterans Memorial Stadium, led by the Women’s National Flag Football Team. Language Preservation Call: Samoan Language Commissioner Elisapeta Alaimaleata urged public support to reverse declining use of Samoan among youth and adults. HCBS Website Launch: Governor Pulaali’i launched www.hcbs.as.gov to help families and caregivers find home- and community-based care options, with a hotline planned next. Domestic Violence Court Updates: Police reported arrests tied to alleged domestic violence incidents, including threats and assaults, with suspects held without bail. Regional Fisheries Leadership: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council opened its June 9–11 meeting in American Samoa with a culturally hosted ‘ava ceremony, grounding discussions in Samoan values.

Flag Day & Diaspora Culture: U.S. Rep. Uifa’atali Amata joined Samoan Flag Day celebrations in Adelanto, California, praising the community’s turnout and sharing updates on American Samoa. Ocean Forum & Stewardship: Finafinau hosted “Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i: Stand with the Moana,” a free ocean forum at the Multipurpose Center on June 19 to answer community questions on deep-sea mining, port plans, fisheries sustainability, and conservation. Health Grants: Amata announced two HHS awards for American Samoa—$33,200 for HIV services at LBJ Tropical Medical Center and $86,554 for the Emergency Medical Services for Children program at American Samoa Medical Center Authority. Youth & Sports: The 2026 Summer Youth Employment Program began with 500 young people placed in 41 worksites, while ASNFF launched a Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp for aspiring national team players at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Community Care Access: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao launched an HCBS website (hcbs.as.gov) to help elders, people with disabilities, families, and providers find home-based services. Language Preservation: Samoan Language Commissioner Elisapeta Alaimaleata called for public support to keep the Samoan language strong as use declines among youth and adults. Regional Fisheries Meeting: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council opened in American Samoa with an ‘ava ceremony, underscoring culturally grounded stewardship of Pacific fisheries. Domestic & School Safety: Police reported arrests tied to alleged domestic threats and a separate school disturbance involving threats and assault charges.

Arts & Culture Funding: US Regional Arts Organizations announced “Walking Together: Investing in Folklife in Communities of Color,” awarding $3.34 million to 96 recipients; Delaware’s grants include Lenape beadwork and Cuban social dance, highlighting how folklife support can strengthen community teaching and preservation. Local Health Grants: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata says HHS awarded American Samoa $33,200 for HIV services at LBJ Tropical Medical Center and $86,554 for the Emergency Medical Services for Children program at LBJ. Youth & Sports: The American Samoa National Football Federation launches a two-day Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp (June 24–25) at Veterans Memorial Stadium, led by the Women’s National Flag Football Team. Community Care Online: Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula launched the HCBS website (hcbs.as.gov) to help elders, people with disabilities, families, and providers find home-and-community care options. Samoan Language Call: The Samoan Language Commissioner urged public support to reverse declining use among children and youth, stressing it takes the whole community to keep the language alive. Culture Event: The Customs House Museum invites the public to a free “Celebrating Samoa” cultural experience on June 27 in the museum lobby and courtyard. Regional Fisheries & Tradition: The Westpac Council meeting opened in American Samoa with an ‘ava ceremony, tying regional fishery decisions to Samoan values and stewardship. Domestic Violence Court News: Two separate cases reported at Fagatogo Police Station include alleged threats and assaults tied to family conflict, with suspects arrested and charged. Education Spotlight: Manhattan Day School students earned top national honors at National History Day, with an American Samoa affiliate among international competitors. Miss American Samoa: Tilomai Tauiliili won the Miss American Samoa Crown at the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium.

Local Health Funding: Uifa’atali Amata says American Samoa will receive two HHS grants for LBJ Tropical Medical Center—$33,200 for HIV services and $86,554 for the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program. Youth & Work: The 2026 Summer Youth Employment Program has opened, placing 500 youth ages 16–24 into 41 worksites across ASG, nonprofits, and private businesses, with a focus on Experience, Achievement and Readiness Now. Sports & Community: The American Samoa National Football Federation launches a two-day Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Tafuna, led by the Women’s National Flag Football Team. Cultural Spotlight: Miss I‘oimata o Aiga, Tilomai Tauiliili, was crowned Miss American Samoa at the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium. Language & Identity: The Samoan Language Commissioner calls for public support to preserve the Samoan language as use declines among children, youth, and adults. Regional Fisheries & Culture: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting in American Samoa opened with a culturally significant ‘ava ceremony, tying regional decisions to Samoan values. Disaster Response: A Fagaima fire left 17 people homeless, with families staying with relatives while officials coordinate temporary housing support.

Local Health Funding: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata says American Samoa will receive two new HHS grants for LBJ Tropical Medical Center—$33,200 for HIV services and $86,554 for the Emergency Medical Services for Children program. Youth & Work: The 2026 Summer Youth Employment Program has opened, placing 500 youth ages 16–24 into 41 worksites across government, nonprofits, and private businesses, with training and paid minimum-wage work through July 31. Sports & Talent: The American Samoa National Football Federation launches a two-day Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp today at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Tafuna, led by the Women’s National Flag Football Team. Culture & Recognition: Miss I‘oimata o Aiga, Tilomai Tauiliili, was crowned Miss American Samoa, with the pageant highlighting sarongs and puletasi and a revived puletasi category. Community Care: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula launched an HCBS website (hcbs.as.gov) to help residents find home-and-community care services, updates, and a future hotline. Language Preservation: The Samoan Language Commissioner calls for public support to keep the Samoan language strong as use declines among children and adults. Regional Fisheries: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council met in American Samoa with an opening ‘ava ceremony, underscoring culturally grounded stewardship of Pacific fisheries. Public Safety: Police reported domestic violence charges after a woman sought help at Fagatogo Police Station, and a separate school incident led to arrests over alleged threats and assault. Disaster Response: A Fagaima fire left 17 people homeless, with DSAR and village leaders coordinating temporary housing options.