AGP Executive Report

Education & Youth: The Christopher James Foeoletini Ledoux Foundation wrapped its inaugural Pacific Innovation Technology Academy Junior (PITA Jr.) STEAM Bootcamp for ages 10–12, aiming to steer village students toward drones, robotics, and tech as a prevention tool. Local Leadership: American Samoa Community College’s Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC President, effective Sept. 8, replacing interim leadership. Immigration & Work Permits: A new Senate bill would create a one-time Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program (90 days to apply) for people out of status to get a permit tied to critical employers like StarKist Samoa, while another proposal seeks a 12-month moratorium on a controversial immigration law provision. Culture & Community: The territory mourns Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, LBJ Tropical Medical Center’s longest-serving doctor, remembered for decades of care. Environment & Activism: Community leaders and Greenpeace activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor, protesting deep-sea mining plans moving forward despite local opposition. Digital Safety: American Samoa is included in a landmark $17.1B Meta settlement requiring new youth protections on Instagram and Facebook, with the territory set to receive $1.1M.

Deep-Sea Mining Protest: American Samoan community leaders and Greenpeace USA activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor, warning that mapping deep-sea minerals could advance a federal deep-sea mining agenda despite the territory’s moratorium and leaders’ opposition. Youth Online Safety: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from a landmark $17.1 billion Meta settlement, with new limits on teen screen time and nighttime access for Instagram and Facebook. Local Education Leadership: The Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC president, effective Sept. 8, succeeding interim president Sonny J. Leomiti. STEAM for Kids: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped its inaugural Pacific Innovation Technology Academy Junior (PITA Jr.) Summer Bootcamp, bringing three weeks of STEAM and robotics exposure to village students. Immigration Policy Push: A new Senate bill proposes a one-time Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program for foreign nationals out of status, while another effort would pause a controversial immigration-law provision for 12 months. Community & Culture: The territory is also mourning Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, LBJ Tropical Medical Center’s longest-serving doctor, and a separate report highlights concerns about a proposed closure of the San Francisco National Archives office that holds key records on the two Samoas.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: A House Rules Committee blocked Guam Delegate James Moylan’s bid to keep seabed mining off Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands from getting fast-track federal review, even as the House passed a bill that permanently adds mining to the FAST-41 expedited track. Moana Protest: In Pago Pago, Greenpeace USA and local leaders confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer with “Don’t Mine the Moana” banners, warning that mapping deep-sea minerals could feed a federal push for a Nov. 19 lease sale near American Samoa. Youth Online Safety: AG Edward Manibusan announced American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate settlement, with new limits on teen screen time and nighttime access for Instagram and Facebook. Local Education & Culture: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped its PITA Jr. STEAM Bootcamp for ages 10–12, and the Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC president effective Sept. 8. Immigration Policy: A Senate bill proposes a one-time Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program for out-of-status residents to work for StarKist Samoa and other “critical” employers. Community Notes: American Samoa is seeking full membership in the Pacific Islands Forum, and the territory is mourning Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, LBJ Tropical Medical Center’s longest-serving doctor.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: The House Rules Committee blocked Del. James Moylan’s bid to keep seabed mining off Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands from using FAST-41 expedited reviews, while American Samoa’s Rep. Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen backed the amendment. Local Activism & Culture: Community leaders and Greenpeace USA protesters confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor with “Don’t Mine the Moana,” warning federal mapping could feed a deep-sea mining push despite the territory’s moratorium. Youth, Tech & Prevention: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped up its three-week PITA Jr. Summer STEAM Bootcamp for ages 10–12, using robotics and emerging tech as a prevention strategy alongside the Department of Health. Social Media Safety: AG Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from a $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement, with new limits and safety features for Instagram and Facebook aimed at protecting children. Immigration & Work Permits: A Senate bill proposes a one-time Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program (90-day window) for out-of-status residents to apply for permits tied to critical employers like StarKist Samoa. Education Leadership: The Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC president, effective Sept. 8. Public Safety: Police charged a suspect in Leone after an alleged disturbance involving missing money and an assault, and separate reports detail other alleged assaults and burglaries.

Youth Online Safety & Law Enforcement: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate settlement, with Meta required to add major child-safety rules on Instagram and Facebook, including combined two-hour daily time limits with “Productive Pauses,” nighttime blocks, and stronger age-assurance and parental controls. Education & Community Leadership: The American Samoa Community College Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next president, effective Sept. 8, replacing interim president Sonny J. Leomiti. Culture & Public Service: The territory’s delegation, led by ASTCA CEO Folasaaitu Sorepa Fata-Thomas, formally requested full membership in the Pacific Islands Forum during the meeting in Palau. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: American Samoa youth environmental group Finafinau and activists raised concerns with NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer over plans to map and quantify deep-sea minerals tied to a proposed lease sale off the territory. Local Justice: Police charged a man in Leone after an alleged disturbance and assault involving missing money, and separate cases reported assaults and burglary allegations in Fagatogo and Fagatogo-area homes. Remembering a Doctor: American Samoa mourns Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, LBJ Tropical Medical Center’s longtime physician, who died in Honolulu at 80.

Youth Online Safety: American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from Meta’s landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement, with required changes to Instagram and Facebook aimed at reducing teen harm—daily time limits, “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, stronger age-assurance, and tighter controls on bullying and self-harm content. Deep-Sea Mining Push: Local environmental groups and Greenpeace activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor, warning that mapping offshore minerals could feed the first commercial deep-sea mining in U.S. domestic waters. Local Leadership: The American Samoa Community College Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC president, effective Sept. 8, replacing interim leadership. Culture & Community: The territory is mourning Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, LBJ Tropical Medical Center’s longest-serving doctor, remembered for decades of care. Governance & Regional Voice: American Samoa’s delegation at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau formally requested full membership, arguing the territory has waited long enough as an observer and associate member. Public Safety: Police charged suspects in separate incidents involving assault during disturbances and multiple alleged home burglaries.

Education & Leadership: American Samoa Community College’s Board of Higher Education has named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC President, effective Sept. 8, replacing interim President Sonny J. Leomiti. Community Loss: The territory mourns Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, LBJ Tropical Medical Center’s longest-serving doctor, who died in Honolulu at 80 after decades of service. Youth Online Safety: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate settlement, with new limits and safety features for children on Instagram and Facebook. Culture & Environment: American Samoa activists and Greenpeace confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer over concerns about deep-sea mining plans off the territory. Governance & Regional Voice: American Samoa’s delegation at the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum in Palau formally requested full membership. Public Safety: Police reports include an assault tied to a disturbance over alleged missing money and another case charging a man for assaulting his wife. Sports & Pride: Floating Coconuts Outrigger Canoe Club wrapped up its campaign at the IVF Va’a World Sprint Championships in Singapore. Arts: Ancestral Tongue musician Roqué Marcelo is highlighted for using music as storytelling.

Citizenship in Court: A federal judge in Maryland blocked Trump’s latest birthright citizenship executive order, calling it “almost certainly unconstitutional” in light of the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling—an issue that also touches American Samoa because Congress has not passed a citizenship law for the territory. Youth Online Safety: American Samoa is set to receive $1.1 million from Meta’s landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement over Instagram and Facebook harms to teens, with new limits like daily time caps and “productive pauses,” plus stronger age-assurance and parental controls. Local Leadership: Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale was named the next President of the American Samoa Community College, taking over Sept. 8. Community Loss: The territory mourns Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, LBJ Tropical Medical Center’s longest-serving doctor, who died in Honolulu at 80. Culture & Sports: Ancestral Tongue musician Roqué Marcelo is featured for storytelling through music, while American Samoa’s Floating Coconuts wrapped up the IVF Va’a World Sprint Championships in Singapore. Governance & Rights: The Election Office certified candidates for the Nov. 3 elections, and American Samoa’s delegation urged full membership in the Pacific Islands Forum. Heritage Records: About 170 scholars oppose a proposed closure of the San Francisco National Archives office that holds key records on the two Samoas. Security & Crime: Police charged two men after alleged repeat burglaries at a home while the owner slept. Tech Scams: Cybersecurity experts warn Pasifika communities about surging AI-driven online scams. Deep-Sea Debate: NOAA mapping and a proposed seabed mineral lease sale near American Samoa keep the deep-sea mining conversation in the spotlight.

Youth Online Safety & Local Impact: American Samoa is set to receive $1.1 million from Meta’s landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement over Instagram and Facebook harms to children, with new limits like daily time caps and “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, and stronger age-assurance and parental controls. Regional Diplomacy: American Samoa’s delegation, led by ASTCA CEO Folasaaitu Sorepa Thomas, has formally requested full membership in the Pacific Islands Forum, arguing 15 years as an observer and associate member is “enough time” to match the territory’s standing. Digital Scams: Cybersecurity experts are urging Pasifika communities to protect themselves as online scams surge, with AI helping criminals create convincing fake shops, pop-ups, and phishing messages. Culture & Nature Spotlight: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week, pointing to its unique birds and multi-island wildlife protection. Sports & Community: Floating Coconuts Outrigger Canoe Club wrapped up its campaign at the IVF Va’a World Sprint Championships in Singapore, with multiple paddlers advancing in their divisions. Local Governance Clash: Senator Muagututi‘a Tauoa delivered a rare, sharp rebuke after Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula dissolved ASTCA’s board, accusing him of disrespecting the Fono and misusing funds.

Big Tech & Youth Safety: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1B in a multistate settlement over Instagram and Facebook addiction claims, with American Samoa set to receive $1.1M and new rules like daily time limits, late-night blocks, and stronger age-safety controls. Online Scams: Cybersecurity experts warn Pasifika communities about a surge in AI-powered e-shop scams, urging people to slow down, verify sellers, and protect families during the cost-of-living squeeze. Local Governance Clash: Senator Muagututi‘a Tauoa delivered a sharp rebuke to Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula after the ASTCA board was dissolved, accusing disrespect for the Fono and misuse of funds. Community & Culture: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week, spotlighting wildlife and the park’s role in protecting ancient culture. Sports & Youth: Floating Coconuts wrapped up its campaign at the IVF Va’a World Sprint Championships in Singapore, with multiple crews advancing through heats and repechage. Education & Inclusion: Intersections completed the first ACCESS program for special needs students, teaching consent, boundaries, and personal safety with parent participation.

Seabed & Resources: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is mapping American Samoa’s deep seafloor as the U.S. moves toward a major offshore critical-mineral lease sale, while a lawsuit challenges the plan. Youth Online Safety: American Samoa’s AG Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced a $17.1B multistate Meta settlement—American Samoa gets $1.1M—with new Instagram/Facebook limits like a combined two-hour daily cap, “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, and stronger protections for kids. Local Culture & Nature: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata highlighted the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week, spotlighting wildlife and the park’s role in protecting ancient culture and habitat. Regional Leadership: American Samoa is represented at the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum in Palau, with discussions expected to focus on security and climate. Sports & Community: Floating Coconuts Outrigger Canoe Club wrapped up the IVF Va’a World Sprint Championships in Singapore, with multiple paddlers advancing in their divisions. Remembering a Leader: Former Senator Fonoti Tafa’ifa Aufata of Tuala-uta passed away at 83, remembered as outspoken and dedicated to public service and teaching.

Big Tech & Youth Safety: American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from a landmark $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement, with sweeping new Instagram/Facebook safeguards for kids—daily time caps with “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, and tighter controls on harmful content. Culture & Nature: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata spotlights the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week, calling out its wildlife, migratory birds, and role in protecting ancient culture and habitat. Sports & Community Pride: Floating Coconuts Outrigger Canoe Club wraps up its campaign at the IVF Va’a World Sprint Championships in Singapore, with multiple crews advancing and standout solo results. Regional Leadership: American Samoa Telecommunications Authority CEO Folasaaitu Sorepa Fata-Thomas leads the territory’s delegation to the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum in Palau as leaders weigh security and climate priorities. Local Education & Safety: Intersections completes the first ACCESS program for special needs students, teaching consent, boundaries, and personal safety with parent involvement. Remembering a Leader: Former Senator Fonoti Tafa’ifa Aufata of Tuala-uta passes away at 83, remembered as a forceful teacher and outspoken critic.

Youth Online Safety: American Samoa is named in a landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta over Instagram and Facebook addiction harms, with the territory set to receive about $1.1 million and Meta required to add major child-safety features like daily time limits and “productive pauses.” Local Education & Care: Intersections, Inc. completed the first round of ACCESS in American Samoa, a consent-and-safety program for special needs students, delivered with the Department of Health and Education and supported by parents and caregivers. Culture & Community Spotlight: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week, pointing to wildlife, viewpoints, and the park’s role in showcasing ancient culture. Sports & Identity: Stanford’s Samoan-American coach Tavita Pritchard opened his career with a win on Pacific Island Heritage Celebration night, with cultural helmet designs on display. STEM for Youth: American Samoa’s Department of Education technology integration program director says a drone competition is helping students imagine new possibilities beyond the island. Public Safety: Tafuna Police reported a disturbance case in Malaeimi that led to a misdemeanor charge for private peace disturbance.

Youth Safety & Digital Rights: Meta agreed to a landmark multistate settlement over Instagram and Facebook addiction claims, with new limits for teens (including a two-hour daily cap, nighttime blocks, and school-hour notification limits) and major safety changes—payments include a share for American Samoa as part of the deal. Local Education & Health: Intersections, Inc. completed the first ACCESS program in American Samoa, teaching special-needs students consent, boundaries, safety skills, and decision-making with parent participation and support from the Department of Health and Education. Culture & Community Spotlight: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week, tying the island’s protected wildlife and cultural heritage to the park’s mission. Sports & Identity: Stanford’s Samoan-American coach Tavita Pritchard opened his career with a win on Pacific Island Heritage Celebration night, with cultural designs on the field. Citizenship Legal Fight: A U.S. judge declined—for now—to block Trump’s latest birthright citizenship executive order, keeping the legal challenge moving forward. STEM for Youth: American Samoa students joined a drone competition through the Department of Education’s technology integration push, framing it as more than just STEM practice.

Youth Online Safety: Meta agreed to a landmark multistate settlement over Instagram and Facebook addiction claims, with sweeping child protections like a combined two-hour daily limit for teens, nighttime blocks, school-hour notification limits, tighter age checks, and limits on harmful features—American Samoa is included among the territories receiving funds and reforms. Local Education & Care: Intersections, Inc. completed the first ACCESS program in American Samoa, delivering tailored consent and safety education for special-needs students with parents and caregivers, in partnership with the Department of Health and Education. Culture & Community: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week, spotlighting the islands’ wildlife and cultural heritage. Sports & Youth: Stanford’s Samoan-American coach Tavita Pritchard won his debut on Pacific Islander night, while American Samoa’s Tafuna (in Nevada high school results) appeared in the week’s scoreboard. Citizenship Legal Fight: A U.S. judge declined, for now, to block Trump’s latest birthright citizenship executive order, keeping the legal battle moving.

Meta Youth-Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to about $18B and overhaul Facebook/Instagram for teens, including a combined two-hour daily limit, “productive pauses,” overnight blocks, school-hour notification limits, stronger age checks, and tighter controls on harmful content—while states including American Samoa are set to receive funds as part of the multistate deal. Local Education & Youth Support: Intersections, Inc. completed the first ACCESS program for special needs students in American Samoa, teaching consent, boundaries, safety, and decision-making with parents and caregivers alongside. Culture & Places: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week, spotlighting wildlife and island heritage. Citizenship Fight in the Courts: A U.S. judge declined for now to block Trump’s latest executive order restricting birthright citizenship, directing plaintiffs to address the new order in their ongoing case. Community & Sports: American Samoa Community College is seeking local businesses to host students in the Federal Work-Study Program, and a separate report notes a new regional Polynesian Cup logo tied to Polynesian tatau-style turtle art.