AGP Executive Report

Robocall Crackdown: A bipartisan push led by multiple U.S. attorneys general is urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules, aiming to stop illegal robocalls before they reach consumers by requiring tougher vetting, monitoring, and enforcement on phone networks. Local Governance & Oversight: In American Samoa, the Senate Government Operations Committee has scheduled hearings tied to ARPA interest investments and the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority, spotlighting questions about funding sources and whether Fono authority was followed. Travel Costs for Territories: DOD has raised Guam per diem rates for civilian travel—meals to $111 and incidentals to $27 (total $317)—and the update also applies to American Samoa, affecting local hospitality demand. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Environmental and community groups have filed lawsuits challenging deep-sea mining lease decisions near the Marianas and Guam, while territorial leaders and lawmakers continue pressing for stronger protections, more consultation, and limits on fast-track permitting. Regional Business & Security: The American Samoa delegation attended PIF-related discussions with U.S. officials on aligning federal Pacific engagement with territorial economic development, infrastructure needs, and maritime security. Public Health Enforcement: Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government hangar facility in American Samoa for sanitation and health regulation violations. Labor & Immigration Policy: A new Senate bill proposes a one-time critical guest worker amnesty for foreign nationals without valid status, while a separate proposal would pause a controversial immigration provision for 12 months. Media & Local Talent: South Seas Broadcasting’s John Raynar is featured as a narrator in a Pro Football Hall of Fame TV commercial, highlighting off-island business reach. Meta Settlement: American Samoa is included in a multistate Meta settlement requiring new child-safety limits and age verification upgrades for Instagram and Facebook.

Robocall Crackdown: American Samoa and other U.S. states are backing a push for stronger FCC “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules, aiming to stop illegal robocalls and the scams tied to them. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Marianas and territorial leaders urged Gov. David Apatang to oppose the federal deep-seabed mining lease sale, while lawmakers also pressed for more public comment and warned against fast-track permitting. Public Health Enforcement: American Samoa’s Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building for sanitation and health violations, including the Port Administration airport hangar facility and FM Mart’s meat/ice operations. Immigration & Labor Case: DHS arrested and charged a Vietnamese couple in American Samoa over alleged human trafficking and labor exploitation, with a preliminary examination scheduled. ARPA Funds Scrutiny: The Fono is demanding a full accounting of how about $10 million in interest from federal ARPA funds was invested, with draft agreement details raising questions. Tourism/Travel Costs: Guam’s federal per diem rates rose by $14 effective Sept. 1, a change hotel and restaurant operators say matters for government travel. Youth Safety & Social Media: A major multistate Meta settlement requires new protections for children on Instagram and Facebook, including usage limits and nighttime blocks. Local Business & Jobs: A Senate bill proposes a one-time critical guest worker amnesty to help fill labor needs for employers like StarKist Samoa, while ASCC named a new president.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation and community groups sued the U.S. government to stop a Trump plan to move ahead with deep-sea mining lease sales off the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam, arguing regulators rubberstamped impacts on threatened species and critical habitat. Local Health Enforcement: American Samoa’s Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building after inspections found serious sanitation and public health violations. Human Trafficking Case: DHS arrested and charged a Vietnamese couple in American Samoa over alleged trafficking and labor exploitation, with a preliminary examination scheduled in District Court. ASG ARPA Interest Scrutiny: Senators pressed for details on a reported $10 million investment of ARPA interest funds, with testimony that the transfer went to a Kansas firm but no return had been seen as of late August. Territorial Immigration Policy: A new Senate bill proposes a one-time Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program for foreign nationals out of status, aimed at keeping workers available for StarKist Samoa and other “critical” employers. Youth Safety & Social Media: American Samoa is included in a multistate Meta settlement totaling up to $17.1 billion, requiring new limits and safeguards for children and teens on Instagram and Facebook. Education Leadership: American Samoa Community College named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as its next president, effective Sept. 8. Business & Trade Spotlight: A study on mobile broadband costs ranked the UK 46th by average price per 1GB, underscoring how telecom pricing varies widely across markets.

Human Trafficking Case: DHS arrested a Vietnamese couple, Thi My Linh My Le and Lanh Huu Dang (Michael Inc), charging them with trafficking and conspiracy after alleged false promises of travel and green cards for three victims, including a 17-year-old; a preliminary examination is set in District Court. Deep-Sea Mining Push: CNMI and U.S. lawmakers, including American Samoa’s Delegate Aumua Amata, are asking for a 90-day public comment period on proposed deep-sea mining lease sales around the Northern Marianas and American Samoa, warning the first-of-its-kind leases could set a precedent. Local Governance & Accountability: House lawmakers pressed for details on how ASG invested about $10 million in ARPA interest at Zions Bank—testimony says the funds were moved to a Kansas firm, but as of Aug. 31 there was no return. Youth Safety & Social Media Costs: A landmark $17.1 billion Meta settlement (including American Samoa) requires new limits and safeguards for children on Instagram and Facebook. Pacific Trade & Security: The State Department announced a Pacific IUU fishing project to counter illegal fishing, with funding aimed at enforcement support and training. Labor Day: ASG offices closed Monday, Sept. 7 for the federal holiday.

Meta Settlement: American Samoa is among 47 states (plus D.C., Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands) in a $17.1 billion multistate Meta deal over alleged Instagram/Facebook harms to children, with required youth safety steps like daily usage limits, “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, and stronger age verification. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: The U.S. House Rules Committee rejected Guam Delegate James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining from the FAST-41 expedited permitting track, while American Samoa leaders continue pushing back against federal plans to auction seabed mining leases in waters offshore the territory. ARPA Interest Under Scrutiny: Lawmakers pressed for details on about $10 million in ARPA interest invested through Zions Bank into a Kansas firm, saying there’s been no return as of late August and demanding full accounting and oversight. Immigration & Labor: A Senate bill would create a one-time Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program for foreign nationals out of status, aiming to keep workers available for StarKist Samoa and other “critical” employers. Local Governance/Services: Acting Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr declared Monday, Sept. 7 Labor Day with ASG offices closed, and federal offices also closed. Education Leadership: American Samoa Community College named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as its next president, effective Sept. 8. Cyber Scams Alert: Pacific leaders are being urged to protect against surging online scams as AI makes fake shopping sites and phishing messages more convincing.

Meta Settlement: American Samoa is included in a sweeping $17.1 billion multistate deal with Meta over Instagram and Facebook youth-safety claims, with the territory set to receive about $1.1 million and Meta required to add teen protections like daily usage limits, nighttime blocks, and stronger age verification. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: U.S. House Rules Committee rejected a bid to block seabed mining from using FAST-41 expedited permitting, while American Samoa leaders continue pushing back against offshore mining plans tied to federal lease auctions and NOAA mapping activity. ARPA Interest Scrutiny: Lawmakers pressed for details on how roughly $10 million in ARPA interest was invested after testimony said the first returns have not yet materialized, raising questions about approvals and reporting to the Fono. Immigration & Labor: A new Senate bill would create a one-time Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program for out-of-status foreign nationals to work for StarKist Samoa and other designated “critical” employers. Local Economy & Services: Acting Governor and Lt. Governor declared Monday, Sept. 7 as Labor Day with ASG offices closed, and American Samoa Community College named Dr. Mikaele Etuale as its next president. Regional Security & Fisheries: The U.S. announced a Pacific IUU fishing project aimed at illegal fishing in the region, with American Samoa officials urging stronger enforcement in the territory’s EEZ.

Deep-Sea Mining Showdown: American Samoa Gov. Nikolau Pula says the territory will resist seabed mining beyond territorial waters, but warns federal override could take over as the U.S. moves toward lease auctions tied to critical minerals. Congressional Pushback: Guam Delegate James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining from FAST-41 expedited review failed in the House Rules Committee, keeping deep-sea projects on the fast-track list. NOAA Mapping vs. Lease Plans: Community leaders and Greenpeace confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer near Pago Pago, raising concerns as federal agencies advance a proposed Nov. 19, 2026 lease sale in waters offshore American Samoa. ARPA Interest Under Fire: The Fono is demanding answers on where about $10 million in ARPA interest was invested; Senate testimony says the funds were moved to a Kansas firm, but no return has been reported as of Aug. 31. Labor Day Operations: Acting Gov. Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. declared Monday, Sept. 7 Labor Day with ASG offices closed. Immigration for Work: A new Senate bill would create a one-time Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program for out-of-status foreign nationals to work for StarKist Samoa and other designated critical employers. Meta Youth Safety Payout: American Samoa is set to receive $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate settlement, with new limits and safety features for Instagram and Facebook. Cyber Scams Warning: Experts urge Pasifika residents to protect themselves as AI-driven scams and e-commerce fraud surge. Education Leadership: Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale was named the next president of American Samoa Community College, starting Sept. 8.

ARPA Oversight: The House is pressing for a full accounting of about $10 million in interest from federal ARPA funds invested by ASG, after Senate testimony said the money was moved to a Kansas firm and produced no return as of Aug. 31. Immigration & Labor Supply: A new Senate bill would create a one-time Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program, giving out-of-status foreign nationals 90 days to apply for permits to work for StarKist Samoa and other “critical” employers, while a separate proposal would pause a controversial immigration-law provision for 12 months. Youth Safety & Payments: American Samoa is set to receive $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate settlement, with Meta required to add limits and safety features for Instagram and Facebook. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa continues pushing back against deep-sea mining, as federal regulators move toward a first commercial lease auction in waters near the territory on Nov. 19, 2026. Regional Security at PIF: American Samoa’s delegation at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau is seeking full membership and discussing federal support for territorial infrastructure and maritime security, including action against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Local Governance: Gov. Pula’alii Nikolau Pula dissolved the ASTCA board, setting up further scrutiny of agency spending and oversight. Education Leadership: Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale was named the next president of American Samoa Community College, taking office Sept. 8.

Deep-Sea Mining Push Blocked: A House Rules Committee move killed Guam Delegate James Moylan’s amendment that would have barred seabed mining from the FAST-41 fast-track, even as the broader bill passed—raising fresh concerns for American Samoa’s ocean economy and oversight. Local Governance & Accountability: In American Samoa, lawmakers pressed for a full accounting of about $10 million in ARPA interest allegedly invested without clear Fono approval; Acting Treasurer Carri-Lee Magalei-Tulafono told a Senate hearing the funds were sent to a Kansas firm, but reported no return as of Aug. 31. Youth Safety & Big Tech Money: American Samoa is set to receive $1.1 million from a landmark $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement tied to Instagram/Facebook youth harm claims, with required limits and safety features. Immigration Labor Pathways: A new Senate bill proposes a one-time 90-day Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program for foreign nationals out of status, aimed at filling labor needs for employers like StarKist Samoa while a separate bill would pause a controversial immigration-law provision for 12 months. Regional Diplomacy: American Samoa’s delegation at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau is pushing for full membership and coordinating with U.S. officials on infrastructure, maritime security, and regional economic development. Business & Education Leadership: ASCC named Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale as its next president, effective Sept. 8, after a board-led search.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: The House Rules Committee blocked Del. James Moylan’s amendment to bar seabed mining from using FAST-41 expedited review, even as H.R. 1501 passed the House—raising fresh concerns about rushed oversight for Guam/Northern Marianas and nearby waters. Meta Youth Safety Settlement: AG Edward Manibusan announced a landmark $17.1B multistate Meta deal over Instagram/Facebook harms to children; American Samoa is listed among settling jurisdictions, with required limits like daily time caps, nighttime blocks, and stronger age-assurance. ARPA Interest Under Scrutiny: Lawmakers pressed for details on about $10M in ARPA interest allegedly invested without clear Fono approval; Senate testimony says the funds were moved to a Kansas firm, but no return had been reported as of Aug. 31. Guest Worker Amnesty Proposal: A new Senate bill would create a one-time 90-day amnesty for out-of-status foreign residents to apply for a Critical Guest Worker permit tied to StarKist Samoa and other designated employers. Local Business & Services: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula dissolved the ASTCA board, while Acting Gov. Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr declared Labor Day (Sept. 7) a closure day for ASG offices. Education Leadership: ASCC named former vice president Dr. Mikaele Etuale as its next president, starting Sept. 8.

Seabed Mining Push Blocked in House: Rep. James Moylan’s bid to keep Guam and Northern Marianas seabed mining out of FAST-41 expedited permitting failed after the House Rules Committee rejected his amendment to H.R. 1501, despite Moylan warning it could weaken oversight and harm local waters. Meta Youth Safety Settlement: American Samoa is among states in a landmark $17.1B multistate Meta settlement over Instagram/Facebook youth harms; the territory is set to receive $1.1M as Meta must add limits like daily time caps and nighttime blocks plus stronger age-assurance and parental controls. ARPA Interest Under Fire: House lawmakers pressed for a full accounting of about $10M in ARPA interest allegedly invested without clear Fono approval; Senate testimony says the funds were moved to a Kansas firm, but as of Aug. 31 there was no return reported. Immigration Labor Bills: A Senate proposal would create a one-time 90-day Critical Guest Worker amnesty for out-of-status residents to work for StarKist Samoa and other “critical” employers, while a separate effort would pause a special immigration provision for 12 months. ASTCA Board Reconstituted: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula dissolved the ASTCA board effective immediately, setting up new governance questions as lawmakers also seek details on ASTCA spending. Deep-Sea Mining Alarm: Community leaders and activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer over plans tied to future deep-sea mineral mapping and leasing. Local Business/Jobs: American Samoa Community College named former vice president Dr. Mikaele Etuale as its new president, starting Sept. 8. Regional Security & Trade: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, American Samoa officials pushed for full membership and discussed aligning federal Pacific engagement with territorial economic development and maritime security.

Meta Settlement for Youth Safety: Attorney Edward Manibusan announced a landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta, with American Samoa included, requiring major Instagram/Facebook changes like a combined two-hour daily time limit for children, “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, and stronger age-assurance and parental controls. Local Governance & Public Finance: At a Senate Government Operations Committee hearing, Acting Treasurer Carri-Lee Magalei-Tulafono testified that $10 million from ASG’s ARPA interest account was invested in Kansas’ McKinley Beech Tree in March, but as of Aug. 31 there was no return reported. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa rejected a deep sea mining push, while NOAA mapping off Pago Pago continues as the U.S. prepares a potential Nov. 19 auction of seabed-mining leases near the territory. Regional Diplomacy: American Samoa’s delegation at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau formally requested full membership, arguing political status shouldn’t limit its voice. Education Leadership: Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale was named the new President of American Samoa Community College, taking office Sept. 8. Business & Security: Cybersecurity experts warned Pasifika about surging online scams as AI makes fraud harder to spot.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: American Samoa leaders and Greenpeace activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago, warning that a planned federal lease sale could pave the way for the first commercial deep-sea mining in U.S. domestic waters. Regional Voice: American Samoa formally requested full membership in the Pacific Islands Forum while Guam urged the same, arguing political status shouldn’t limit participation in regional decisions. Meta Settlement, Local Impact: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced a $17.1B multistate Meta youth-safety settlement; American Samoa is set to receive $1.1M, with new limits and safety features for Instagram and Facebook. Public Money Questions: A Senate hearing spotlighted an alleged $10M ARPA-interest investment tied to a Kansas firm, with testimony saying there has been no return as of Aug. 31, while lawmakers press for specifics. Immigration & Labor: A Senate bill would create a one-time 90-day amnesty window leading to a Critical Industry Guest Worker Permit for work at StarKist Samoa or other designated employers. Business & Security: Cybersecurity experts warned Pasifika about surging AI-fueled online scams as a new “Fearless Planet Index” tracks digital threats. Education Leadership: Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale was named the new ASCC president, taking office Sept. 8.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: American Samoa community leaders, with Greenpeace USA, confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor, welcoming science but warning against mapping and quantifying deep-sea minerals as a proposed federal lease sale nears (Nov. 19, 2026). Meta Settlement: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate settlement over Instagram/Facebook youth harms, with required safety features like daily time limits and nighttime blocks. Local Governance & Accountability: The Senate Government Operations Committee pressed Acting Treasurer Carri-Lee Magalei-Tulafono on a claimed $10 million ARPA interest investment at Zions Bank to a Kansas firm, with no return reported as of Aug. 31, while House members also sought details via subpoenas and hearings. Education Leadership: The Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the new American Samoa Community College president, effective Sept. 8, 2026. Regional Forum Moves: American Samoa’s delegation at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau formally requested full membership, arguing political status shouldn’t limit its voice on regional security and ocean-related priorities. Public Safety: Search & Rescue urged residents and businesses to step up fire prevention after recent residential and commercial blazes in Nuʻuuli. ASTCA Shake-Up: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolau Pula dissolved the ASTCA board, setting up a Senate hearing on related spending questions.

Youth & Consumer Protection: American Samoa is set to receive $1.1 million from Meta’s landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement over Instagram and Facebook youth addiction claims, with new limits like a combined two-hour daily cap for kids, “Productive Pauses,” nighttime blocks, and stronger age-assurance and parental controls. Local Governance & Public Finance: The Senate Government Operations Committee pressed for details on an alleged $10 million ARPA interest investment tied to Zions Bank and a Kansas firm; Acting Treasurer Carri-Lee Magalei-Tulafono testified that as of Aug. 31 there was no return, raising questions about who initiated the deal and whether legal advice was sought. Telecom Oversight: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolau Pula dissolved the ASTCA board effective immediately, citing “new challenges” without specifics, ahead of a Senate hearing on ASTCA spending. Regional Diplomacy: American Samoa’s delegation is in Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum, where the territory formally requested full membership. Security & Risk: Search & Rescue urged residents and businesses to take fire-prevention steps after a spate of fires in Nuʻuuli. Energy & Environment: The U.S. is moving toward a first commercial seabed-mining lease auction in federal waters near American Samoa, with mapping underway and major regulatory steps in motion. Business & Safety Online: Pacific communities were warned about surging AI-driven online scams as experts cite sharp increases in e-shop fraud. Education Leadership: Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale was named American Samoa Community College president, taking office Sept. 8.

ASG Budget Oversight: During a Senate Government Operations Committee hearing, lawmakers pressed for specifics on alleged ASG investments of $10 million-plus, with Acting Treasurer Carri-Lee Magalei-Tulafono testifying and senators questioning whether federal funds like Medicaid were reprogrammed without proper approval. ARPA Funds Accountability: House members also demanded details on how ARPA interest—reported at up to $10 million—was invested and how earnings were used, with subpoenas and committee testimony on the table. Big Tech Money for Youth Safety: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate settlement, alongside required Instagram/Facebook child-safety changes like daily time limits and nighttime blocks. Telecom Governance Shakeup: Gov. Pula’alii Nikolao Pula dissolved the ASTCA board ahead of a Senate hearing, citing “best interests” but giving no clear reasons. Deep-Sea Economy Watch: NOAA mapping continues around American Samoa as Washington moves toward a future seabed minerals lease sale, raising both opportunity and environmental concerns. Online Scam Warning: Cybersecurity experts urged Pasifika residents to guard against rising AI-fueled e-shop scams, citing a sharp jump in fraud activity.