AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation and community groups, including Earthjustice partners, filed lawsuits to block Trump-era deep-sea mining lease plans tied to American Samoa and the Marianas, arguing the federal review wrongly downplays harm to humpback whales, manta rays, sea turtles, and ocean habitat. Territorial Revenue Push: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced PACMESA to require a 50% cut of bonuses, rentals, and royalties for Pacific territories near seabed mining, plus stronger bonding and mitigation. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Faipule Fagaima Larry Sanitoa asked Gov. Pulaali’i N. Pula to reallocate ARPA funds to finish the Tafuna High School gym enclosure and access/drainage upgrades after flooding made the gym unsafe. Culture & Education: ASVB launched “Our Paogo,” a children’s book to teach the Paogo’s cultural uses and conservation, with hands-on activities for ages 7+. Community Safety: Police charged a woman in a Tafuna-area domestic dispute case after alleged threats escalated into assault allegations. Sports & Community Life: ASDOE kicked off the 2026 academic sports year, while the week’s Sports Leigh-Out highlighted CNMI Labor Day softball and golf wins by teams and players from the region. Citizenship Legal Challenge: An Alaska prosecution involving American Samoans faces new scrutiny after filings argued the state failed to address the Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship ruling. Commemoration: American Samoa marked the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 with flags lowered and a governor’s remembrance message.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups and Earthjustice filed new lawsuits targeting the Trump administration’s push to advance deep-sea mining leases in the Marianas and American Samoa, arguing regulators wrongly concluded endangered species impacts are unlikely—while CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds presses for a 50% revenue cut for territories and stronger local protections through her PACMESA bill. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Faipule Fagaima Larry Sanitoa asked Gov. Pulaali’i N. Pula to reallocate ARPA funds to finish the Tafuna High School gym enclosure, supervised weight room, and key access/drainage upgrades after flooding made the gym unsafe and unavailable for graduation. Culture & Learning: The American Samoa Visitors Bureau launched “Our Paogo,” a children’s book meant to teach the territorial flower’s cultural uses and how to grow it, pairing storytelling with hands-on conservation activities. Community & Safety: Police reports detail alleged domestic threats escalating into violence in Tafuna, plus a separate case involving an alleged assault at a Puapua LDS chapel. Civic Participation: Local absentee voting for the Nov. 3 election began on Labor Day, with off-island ballot options for eligible voters. Sports: ASDOE kicked off the 2026 academic sports year, while off-island, CNMI Labor Day softball champions were crowned in Portland.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups and Earthjustice filed a lawsuit to block Trump-era plans for deep-sea mining leases in the Marianas and American Samoa, challenging the claim that the sales won’t harm endangered species and critical habitat. Territorial Benefits Push: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced PACMESA to require a 50% revenue share for Pacific territories, plus stronger bonding and local consultation. Local Governance & Infrastructure: A Tualauta faipule asked the governor to reallocate ARPA funds to enclose the Tafuna High School gym and finish access, parking, and drainage upgrades after flooding made the facility unsafe. Education & Culture: ASVB launched “Our Paogo,” a children’s book to teach the Paogo’s cultural uses and conservation through hands-on activities. Community Safety: Police reports detailed alleged assaults at a Puapua LDS chapel and a Tafuna domestic dispute, with suspects charged and held without bail. Citizenship & Justice: A new filing in Alaska challenges prosecutions of American Samoans tied to birthright citizenship rulings. Travel Update: Hawaiian/Alaska Air cut service to two flights weekly (Mon/Thu) between Honolulu and Pago Pago. Sports & Pride: The week’s Sports Leigh-Out highlighted CNMI Labor Day softball and golf wins, while Rainbow Games 2026 named ambassadors including American Samoa’s own Jaiyah Saelua. Remembering 9/11: American Samoa flags were lowered for Patriot Day’s 25th anniversary.

Seabed Mining Pushback: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced PACMESA, calling for stronger environmental safeguards and a 50% revenue share for Pacific territories if seabed mining proceeds, while lawsuits and lawmakers elsewhere press the federal government to slow or stop lease sales tied to deep-sea mining. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Faipule Fagaima Larry Sanitoa asked the Governor to reallocate ARPA funds to finish the Tafuna High School gym enclosure and access/drainage upgrades after flooding made the facility unsafe and unusable. Culture & Education: ASVB launched “Our Paogo,” a children’s book to teach the Paogo’s cultural uses and growing care, with hands-on activities to build stewardship. Citizenship & Justice: A new Alaska court filing in a case involving American Samoans argues the state ignored the Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship ruling in Trump v. Barbara. Community Safety: Police charged a suspect in an alleged assault at a Puapua LDS chapel. Travel & Daily Life: Hawaiian Airlines/Alaska Air cut service to two weekly flights (Mondays and Thursdays) between Honolulu and Pago Pago. Youth & Sports: ASDOE kicked off the 2026 academic sports year, spotlighting community support for student athletes. Human Trafficking Case: Criminal allegations were filed in an alleged Vietnamese labor exploitation scheme, with a preliminary examination scheduled. Digital Safety: A major Meta settlement includes American Samoa and the CNMI, requiring new protections and usage limits for children on Instagram and Facebook. Regional Diplomacy: American Samoa’s delegation joined PIF-related roundtables on infrastructure, regional security, and federal support needs. Health & Awareness: Community and environmental groups protested NOAA’s mapping mission in Pago Pago Harbor, warning it could feed deep-sea mining plans.

Cultural Preservation: The American Samoa Visitors Bureau launched “Our Paogo,” a new children’s book (ages 7+) that teaches the meaning of the paogo as a territorial flower, with growing tips, traditional uses, and hands-on activities to build environmental stewardship and cultural pride. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups and community partners sued to stop the Trump administration’s deep-sea mining lease push near the Marianas and Guam, challenging claims that impacts to endangered species are unlikely; meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers including American Samoa’s delegate are pushing for more public input and stronger local revenue and protections. Citizenship & Justice: A new court filing in Alaska targets the prosecution of American Samoans, arguing prosecutors ignored the Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship ruling in Trump v. Barbara. Local Education & Youth: Faipule Fagaima Larry Sanitoa asked the governor to reallocate ARPA funds to finish the Tafuna High School gym enclosure, weight room, and access/drainage upgrades after flooding made the gym unsafe and unavailable for graduation. Community Safety: Police charged an alleged assault suspect tied to a Puapua LDS chapel incident, with the case moving through court. Sports & School Life: ASDOE kicked off the 2026 academic sports year, with leaders urging athletes to balance competition and academics. Human Trafficking Case: DHS-linked allegations led to criminal charges against a Vietnamese couple in American Samoa, with a preliminary examination scheduled. Voting Access: Local absentee voting for the Nov. 3 election began on Labor Day, with deadlines and ID/ticket requirements outlined by the Election Office.

Citizenship & Justice: A new court filing in Alaska challenges the state’s prosecution of American Samoans, saying Alaska ignored the Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship ruling in Trump v. Barbara when arguing against defendants born in the territory. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa and regional leaders keep pressing Governor David M. Apatang to oppose the federal deep-seabed mining lease sale, while lawmakers also seek more public input and protections against fast-tracked reviews. Community Safety: Police charged a woman in an alleged assault at a Puapua LDS chapel, and another case in Leone led to charges after a reported disturbance and injuries. Education & Sports: The Department of Education officially opened the 2026 academic sports year, with leaders urging students to balance athletics and academics. Youth & Tech: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped up its PITA Jr. STEAM bootcamp, using drones and robotics to inspire 10–12-year-olds. Human Trafficking Case: DHS-linked allegations led to criminal charges against a Vietnamese couple in American Samoa, with a preliminary examination scheduled. Voting Access: Local absentee voting for the Nov. 3 election began on Labor Day, with rules for off-island and traveling voters. Culture & Lifestyle: A Samoan chef’s Michelin-star breakthrough in Auckland highlights how Pacific culture is being served globally.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: Environmental and community leaders from the Marianas, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands urged Gov. David M. Apatang to formally oppose the federal deep-seabed mining lease sale near the Northern Marianas, calling for a pause or cancellation and more public outreach before the Oct. 19 deadline. Local Protest at Sea: American Samoan community leaders and Greenpeace USA peacefully confronted NOAA’s research ship Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor, warning that mapping seabed minerals could feed the broader deep-sea mining agenda. Territorial Benefits Bill: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced H.R. 10318, the Pacific Minerals Economic Security Act, aiming to strengthen revenue sharing, environmental protections, and local consultation for U.S. Pacific territories near seabed mining. Education & Sports: The Department of Education kicked off the 2026 academic sports year, with Acting Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. urging student athletes to excel in both school and sport. Elections Update: Local absentee voting for the Nov. 3 general election began on Labor Day at the Election Office, with voting continuing through Nov. 2. Higher Education Leadership: The Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC president, effective Sept. 8. Youth STEAM Program: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped up its inaugural PITA Jr. Summer Bootcamp, bringing STEAM and robotics exposure to village students as a prevention strategy. Community Safety: Police charged a woman in an alleged assault at the Puapua LDS chapel, and another alleged assault in Leone led to charges including assault in the third degree. Youth Online Safety Settlement: A major multistate Meta settlement includes American Samoa, requiring new protections for children using Instagram and Facebook.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: American Samoa and other Pacific leaders urged Gov. David M. Apatang to formally oppose the federal deep-seabed mining lease sale near the Northern Mariana Islands, calling for the leasing process to be suspended or canceled and for more public outreach and time for community input. Legal Challenge: Conservation and community groups also filed suit to stop the Trump administration’s deep-sea mining plan, arguing federal agencies failed to properly assess impacts on threatened species and critical habitat. Local Protest at NOAA Ship: American Samoan community leaders and Greenpeace USA confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor, protesting mapping and testing that they fear could advance the territory’s looming federal mining agenda. Election Office Update: Local absentee voting for the Nov. 3 election began on Labor Day; eligible voters can cast ballots through Nov. 2 with required ID and travel documentation. Human Trafficking Case: A Vietnamese couple accused of deceiving victims with promises of travel and green cards faces criminal charges, with a preliminary examination scheduled in District Court. ASCC Leadership: The Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next American Samoa Community College president, effective Sept. 8. Community & Culture: The territory mourns Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, LBJ Tropical Medical Center’s longest-serving doctor, remembered for decades of care.

Michelin Milestone for Samoan Cuisine: In Auckland, Chef Henry Onesemo’s Tala became the world’s first Michelin-starred Samoan restaurant, with the story spotlighting how his food carries culture “in every sense,” and how bookings have surged since the Michelin awards. Deep-Sea Mining Push Faces Fresh Legal Pressure: Conservation and community groups sued the U.S. government to stop deep-sea mining lease sales off the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam, arguing regulators rubberstamped impacts on threatened species and critical habitat. American Samoa’s Anti-Mining Protest: In Pago Pago, local leaders and Greenpeace USA activists confronted NOAA’s research ship Okeanos Explorer with “Don’t Mine the Moana” banners, warning the mapping work could feed the federal mining agenda. Human Trafficking Case in American Samoa: DHS arrested a Vietnamese couple, Thi My Linh My Le and Lanh Huu Dang, charging them with trafficking and related offenses tied to alleged false promises of U.S. travel and green cards, with a preliminary examination scheduled in District Court. Youth Tech & STEAM Boost: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped its inaugural PITA Jr. Summer Bootcamp, a three-week STEAM program for ages 10–12 aimed at inspiring future innovators while supporting substance-abuse prevention. ASCC Leadership Change: The Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next American Samoa Community College president, effective Sept. 8. Rainbow Games 2026 Ambassadors: Rainbow Games announced its ambassador lineup, including American Samoa’s fa’afafine and non-binary/trans football trailblazer Jaiyah Saelua, highlighting visibility for LGBTQI+ athletes. Meta Settlement Reaches the Territories: A multistate Meta settlement over Instagram/Facebook youth safety includes American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands, requiring new limits and protections for children and teens.

Human Trafficking Case: DHS arrested a Vietnamese couple in American Samoa, charging them with human trafficking and conspiracy, including trafficking of a minor, after alleged false promises of travel and green cards. Deep-Sea Mining Push: U.S. lawmakers including Delegate Aumua Amata and others asked for a 90-day public comment period on proposed deep-sea mining lease sales around the Northern Marianas and American Samoa, while local voices and activists continue to protest federal plans. Youth Online Safety: A major multistate settlement with Meta requires new protections for children and teens on Instagram and Facebook, including daily usage limits and stronger age verification—American Samoa is listed among participating jurisdictions. Education & Community: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped up 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. Public Safety & Crime: Police charged suspects in a reported Leone assault and also pursued burglary cases involving alleged repeat break-ins. Culture & Lifestyle: A letter recalls earlier harbor upgrade talks in the Pacific, and a separate funeral livestreaming trend highlights how families across the region stay connected.

Sports & Pacific Pride: Rams star Puka Nacua says the NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia can “usher in the next generation of Pacific stars,” pointing to his Samoan ties and the shared values he sees between football and Polynesian culture. Deep-Sea Mining & Moana Protection: American Samoa leaders and Greenpeace USA activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor with “Don’t Mine the Moana” banners, warning that mapping seabed minerals could feed a federal deep-sea mining push despite the territory’s moratorium. Regional Politics: The House Rules Committee rejected Guam Delegate James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining from fast-tracked federal permitting, a move that would keep deep-sea projects eligible for expedited review. Youth, Tech & Safety: A multistate Meta settlement worth up to $17.1 billion includes American Samoa, with new limits on teen use of Instagram/Facebook and stronger age verification and parental controls. Education & STEAM: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped up its inaugural PITA Jr. Summer Bootcamp, using STEAM to inspire 10–12-year-olds and support substance-abuse prevention through positive pathways. Community & Leadership: The Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC president, effective Sept. 8, as the territory mourns Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, LBJ Tropical Medical Center’s longtime doctor.

Meta Youth Safety Settlement: A multistate deal worth up to $17.1 billion over Instagram and Facebook harms will bring American Samoa into new child-safety rules, including daily usage limits, nighttime blocks, and stronger age verification and parental controls. Deep-Sea Mining Push vs Local Culture: American Samoa leaders and community groups are clashing with federal plans as NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer maps offshore seafloor tied to a proposed Nov. 19 lease sale—protestors say the moana is more than a resource. Marianas Mining Debate: In Congress, Guam Delegate James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining from fast-track federal review failed, keeping deep-sea projects eligible for expedited permitting. Local Governance & Immigration Work: A new Senate bill would create a one-time Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program for foreign nationals in American Samoa without valid status, aimed at filling labor needs for employers like StarKist Samoa. Education & Youth STEAM: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped up its PITA Jr. Summer Bootcamp, bringing STEAM and robotics exposure to village students as part of a substance-abuse prevention effort. Leadership Update: The Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC President, effective Sept. 8.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa leaders and community groups are pushing back as NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer maps the seafloor near the territory while federal agencies move toward a massive seabed lease sale; Gov. Pula says the territory’s authority stops at 3 miles, but the fight is about what happens beyond that. Marianas Debate: A Marianas Agupa show discussion highlights the clash between promised funding and fears of permanent ocean damage, with calls for local seats in any decision-making. Youth Online Safety: AG Manibusan announced Meta’s landmark $17.1B multistate settlement; American Samoa is set to receive $1.1M, and Meta must add limits like daily time caps and nighttime blocks for kids on Instagram and Facebook. Local Education & STEAM: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped its PITA Jr. Summer Bootcamp, bringing STEAM and robotics exposure to ages 10–12. Immigration Policy: A new Senate bill proposes a one-time Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program for out-of-status foreign nationals to work for StarKist Samoa and other “critical” employers. Community & Culture: The territory’s National Park of American Samoa gets spotlighted during National Park Week, tying wildlife protection to ancient culture. Leadership Update: The Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC president.

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.