AGP Executive Report

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.

Meta Settlement for Youth Safety: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced a landmark $17.1 billion multistate deal with Meta, with American Samoa set to receive $1.1 million, while Meta must add new safeguards on Instagram and Facebook such as daily time limits, “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, stronger age verification, and tighter controls on harmful content. Local Governance & Oversight: Lawmakers are pressing for details on how ARPA interest earnings—reported at about $10 million—were invested and spent, with committee hearings underway and calls for formal reporting to the Fono. Public Safety: Search & Rescue and the Fire Department issued an urgent reminder after two major fires in Nuʻuuli, urging residents and businesses to prevent cooking accidents, watch for smoke, test alarms monthly, keep exits clear, and reduce electrical and brush hazards. Digital Scams: Cybersecurity experts are warning Pasifika communities about a surge in AI-driven e-commerce scams and phishing, urging people to slow down, verify offers, and protect accounts. Seabed Minerals Watch: NOAA mapping operations continue around American Samoa as Washington moves toward a future seabed minerals lease sale, raising fresh questions for the territory’s offshore economy and environmental risk. ASTCA Board Shake-Up: Gov. Pula’alii Nikolao Pula dissolved the ASTCA Board effective immediately, setting up further scrutiny as the Senate Government Operations Committee seeks information on related spending.

Seabed Minerals & Jobs: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is mapping American Samoa’s sanctuary waters as Washington moves toward a Nov. 19, 2026 auction of two seabed blocks off Tau—more than 31 million acres—setting up the next big offshore critical-mineral push. Youth Safety Settlement: American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from a landmark $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement, with Meta required to add major child-safety changes on Instagram and Facebook, including daily time limits and nighttime blocks. Local Telecom Governance: Gov. Pula’alii Nikolao Pula dissolved the ASTCA Board “effective immediately,” naming six members affected and citing “new challenges” without details, ahead of a Senate hearing. Regional Diplomacy: American Samoa is sending a delegation to the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum in Palau under the theme “Building Economies: Life. Action. Unity,” as leaders weigh security and climate priorities. Fire Safety Push: Search & Rescue urged residents and businesses to step up prevention after two major fires in Nuʻuuli, warning that more incidents are hitting both homes and commercial areas. Business & Finance: YD Bio reported unaudited results for the six months ended June 30, 2026, highlighting a shift toward profitability and revenue growth. Sports Pathways: A regional sports pipeline is building momentum, with Oceania events feeding into the 2027 Pacific Games and LA 2028 Olympic qualification.

Meta Settlement for American Samoa: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced a landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta Platforms, with American Samoa set to receive $1.1 million, alongside sweeping new child-safety rules for Instagram and Facebook. Local Governance & Telecom Oversight: Gov. Pula’alii Nikolao Pula dissolved the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) Board ahead of a Senate hearing, ordering members not to represent ASTCA while the board is reconstituted. Pacific Diplomacy & Business: American Samoa is sending a delegation to the 55th Pacific Islands Leaders Forum in Palau, focused on building economies, security, and climate cooperation. Deep-Sea Minerals Watch: A U.S. push toward seabed critical mineral development includes potential lease steps tied to waters near American Samoa, keeping the resource race and environmental debate front and center. Public Safety Reminder: Search and Rescue urged residents and businesses to take proactive fire-prevention steps after two major fires in Nuʻuuli, noting a worrying rise in fires affecting both homes and commercial areas. Policy & Citizenship Debate: U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith introduced a bill targeting birthright citizenship for territories, citing “birth tourism” concerns. ASTCA Board Shake-Up Details: Separate reporting says the governor “dismissed” six ASTCA board members effective immediately, with no specific reasons given.

Deep-Sea Minerals & U.S. Policy: Washington is moving toward a potential critical mineral lease sale in federal waters near American Samoa, with seabed surveys already finding polymetallic nodules—raising fresh questions for Pacific leaders about jobs, environmental risk, and who gets to profit from “common heritage” resources. Child-Safety Crackdown on Social Media: A sweeping multistate settlement has Meta agreeing to pay up to about $17.1–$18B and impose major limits on Instagram and Facebook for teens, including daily time caps, nighttime blocks, school-hour notification limits, stronger age checks, and tighter controls on harmful content—while American Samoa is listed among the jurisdictions joining the deal. Local Government Budget Move: American Samoa’s government has suspended all government-funded local travel for the rest of FY 2026, with limited exceptions for court-appointed travel, the Governor/Lieutenant Governor, and grant-funded trips. Workforce & Education Support: American Samoa Community College is seeking local businesses and worksites to host Federal Work-Study students, offering part-time roles aligned with students’ fields. Fishing Rules Update: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council will meet Sept. 15–17 to consider options for amending the Large Vessel Prohibited Area around American Samoa, including how commercial fishing prohibitions may be adjusted near Rose Atoll.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: A sweeping multistate deal has Meta agreeing to pay up to about $17.1B and overhaul Instagram and Facebook for teens, including a combined two-hour daily limit, “productive pauses,” overnight blocks, tighter age checks, reduced school-time notifications, and limits on harmful content and features; American Samoa is listed among the participating territories. Local Fiscal Move: The American Samoa Government has suspended all government-funded local travel for the rest of FY 2026, with limited exceptions for court-appointed travel, top leadership travel, and grant-funded trips. Workforce & Education: American Samoa Community College is asking local businesses and worksites to host Federal Work-Study students, with eligibility tied to FAFSA. Regional Fisheries Policy: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will meet Sept. 15–17 to consider options for amending the American Samoa large vessel prohibited area around Rose Atoll. Tourism Snapshot (Hawaii): July 2026 visitor spending in Hawaii rose to $1.99B (+1.7%) even as average length of stay fell to 7.59 days.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to about $17.1B in a multistate consumer protection deal and overhaul Instagram/Facebook for teens, including default daily time limits, “productive pauses,” overnight blocks, school-hour notification limits, stronger age checks, and tighter controls on harmful content; American Samoa is listed among participating territories. Local Government Finance: American Samoa suspended all government-funded local travel for the rest of FY 2026 (through Sept. 30), with limited exceptions for court-appointed travel, Governor/Lt. Governor travel, and grant-funded trips. Workforce & Education: American Samoa Community College is seeking local businesses and worksites to host Federal Work-Study students, with jobs tied to students’ fields and funded through federal resources. Regional Fisheries: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will meet Sept. 15–17 to consider options for amending American Samoa’s large vessel prohibited area around Rose Atoll. Tourism Update (Hawaii): July 2026 visitor spending rose to $1.99B (+1.7%) with 883,248 visitors (+1.1%), though average length of stay fell to 7.59 days (-14.1%). Pacific Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum leaders meet in Palau Aug. 30–Sept. 4, with leaders pushing for more control over security and ocean resources amid US-China competition.

Meta Youth-Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to about $17.1B (and as much as $18B in some reports) and overhaul Facebook/Instagram for teens, including a default two-hour daily limit, “productive pauses,” a midnight-to-6 a.m. curfew without parental consent, reduced school-hour notifications, tighter age checks, and limits on harmful content and teen-facing features like like counts. American Samoa in the Deal: American Samoa is listed among the jurisdictions joining the settlement, which also requires compliance monitoring and court approval. Local Budget Watch: American Samoa suspended all government-funded local travel for the rest of FY 2026, with limited exceptions for court-appointed travel, the Governor/Lieutenant Governor, and grant-funded trips. Workforce & Education: American Samoa Community College is asking local businesses and worksites to host Federal Work-Study students, with jobs tied to students’ fields and funded through federal resources. Fisheries Governance: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will meet Sept. 15–17 to consider options for amending the large vessel prohibited area around Rose Atoll, as implementation details for a proclamation lifting some commercial fishing prohibitions are still pending. Tourism Snapshot (Hawai‘i): July visitor spending in Hawai‘i rose to $1.99B (+1.7%) with 883,248 visitors (+1.1%), though average length of stay fell to 7.59 days (-14.1%).

Meta Settlement for Youth Safety: Meta agreed to pay up to about $17.1B (and as much as $18B in some reports) and overhaul Facebook/Instagram teen settings, including a default two-hour daily limit, midnight-to-6 a.m. access blocks without parental consent, “productive pauses,” reduced school-hour notifications, stronger age checks, and tighter controls on harmful content and certain beauty filters; American Samoa is listed among participating jurisdictions. Local Budget Watch: American Samoa suspended all government-funded local travel for the rest of FY2026 to manage rising expenses, with limited exceptions for court-appointed travel, top officials, and grant-funded trips. Tourism Numbers: Hawaii reported July 2026 visitor spending of $1.99B (+1.7%) with 883,248 visitors (+1.1%), but a shorter average stay (7.59 days). Regional Fisheries Policy: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council will meet Sept. 15–17 to consider options to amend American Samoa’s large vessel prohibited area around Rose Atoll. Work-Study Push: American Samoa Community College is seeking local businesses and worksites to host Federal Work-Study students. Pacific Islands Forum: Leaders will gather in Palau Aug. 30–Sept. 4 to discuss building economies amid major-power competition, with American Samoa and Guam as associate members.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to about $17.1B in a multistate deal and overhaul how Facebook and Instagram work for teens, including a default combined two-hour daily limit, midnight-to-6 a.m. access blocks without parental consent, fewer school-hour notifications, “productive pauses” after continuous use, stronger age checks, and tighter controls on harmful content. The settlement also includes American Samoa among the participating jurisdictions. Local Fiscal Moves: American Samoa suspended all government-funded local travel for the rest of FY 2026, with limited exceptions for court-appointed travel, top officials, and grant-funded trips. Workforce & Education: American Samoa Community College is asking local businesses and worksites to host Federal Work-Study students, with eligibility tied to FAFSA and jobs paid through federal funds. Regional Fisheries: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will meet Sept. 15–17 to consider options for amending the large vessel prohibited area affecting commercial fishing near Rose Atoll. Tourism Snapshot (Hawai‘i): July visitor spending rose to $1.99B (+1.7%) even as average length of stay fell, signaling higher per-day spend but shorter trips.

Big Tech Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to $18 billion and overhaul child-safety rules for Facebook and Instagram in a landmark multistate deal tied to claims of teen social media addiction and misleading parents. Youth Safety Rules: For ages 13–17, Meta must impose a combined 2-hour daily limit, add “productive pauses,” block access midnight–6 a.m. without parental consent, silence most school-hour notifications (8 a.m.–3 p.m.), strengthen age checks, hide like counts by default, and restrict harmful content and certain filters; an independent auditor will monitor compliance. American Samoa in the Mix: The settlement includes American Samoa among participating jurisdictions, meaning the territory is part of the broader youth-protection and funding framework. Local Fiscal Move: The American Samoa Government suspended all government-funded local travel for the rest of FY 2026, with limited exceptions for court-appointed travel, the Governor/Lieutenant Governor, and grant-funded travel. Workforce & Education: American Samoa Community College is seeking local businesses and worksites to host Federal Work-Study students, with eligibility tied to FAFSA. Tourism Update (Hawaii): July 2026 visitor spending in Hawaii rose to $1.99B (+1.7%) with 883,248 visitors (+1.1%), though average length of stay fell to 7.59 days (-14.1%). Pacific Policy: U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau reiterated U.S. commitment to the Pacific ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Summit, emphasizing security, investment, disaster resilience, and trade.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to a landmark multistate deal worth up to about $17.1B (as high as ~$18B reported) to settle claims that Instagram and Facebook were built to be addictive and harmed minors, with states including American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands as plaintiffs; the terms require default daily time limits (two hours across the two apps), “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, reduced school-hour notifications, stronger age checks, and tighter controls on harmful content and features. Territory Impact: American Samoa is explicitly named among the jurisdictions in the settlement, meaning the new youth-safety rules could affect how teens access and use Meta platforms locally. Local Fiscal Move: The American Samoa Government suspended all government-funded local travel for the rest of FY 2026, with limited exceptions for court-appointed travel, travel by the Governor/Lieutenant Governor, and grant-funded trips. Workforce & Education: American Samoa Community College is asking local businesses and worksites to host Federal Work-Study students, with positions tied to students’ fields and eligibility starting with FAFSA. Regional Economy: Hawaii reported July 2026 visitor spending of $1.99B (+1.7%) with 883,248 visitors (+1.1%), though average length of stay fell to 7.59 days (-14.1%). Fishing Policy Watch: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council will meet Sept. 15-17 to consider options to amend the large vessel prohibited area affecting commercial fishing around Rose Atoll.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Meta has agreed to pay up to about $18 billion over the next decade and overhaul how Instagram and Facebook work for minors, ending a major U.S. trial brought by states including American Samoa. The deal requires default daily time limits (a combined two hours across both apps), mandatory “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks (generally midnight to 6 a.m. unless a parent lifts limits), and school-hour notification silencing. It also calls for stronger age assurance, tighter age-appropriate content controls (including limits on certain harmful beauty filters), and expanded parental controls plus an independent auditor to track compliance. Territory Impact: The settlement’s inclusion of American Samoa means local families could see new platform restrictions and safety features as implementation rolls out over months, with payments distributed through the multistate framework. US Policy Watch: Separately, coverage notes Congress is juggling must-pass funding items that could affect ASG and territory priorities, including potential delays tied to federal spending timelines.

Big Tech & Youth Safety: Meta (Facebook/Instagram) agreed to pay up to about $17–$18 billion over 10 years and roll out sweeping teen protections after a landmark multistate case, including default two-hour daily limits, overnight blocks (midnight–6 a.m.), school-day push-notification limits, stronger age-assurance, tighter parent controls, and restrictions on harmful content and features like cosmetic filters and public like counts; the deal covers 47 states plus D.C., Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and could grow if other platforms (notably TikTok/YouTube/Snap) adopt similar terms. Local Governance & Funding: Congress is back to work on must-pass bills with government shutdown risk and ASG funding still in play, including a reported $1 million boost for ASG and $1 million for Pago Pago Port improvements tied to the House Interior package, while other negotiations (defense and farm bill items affecting ASNAP) remain politically tangled. Sports Business: The NFL ended the Pro Bowl game format, starting in 2026 with an 88-player roster focused on recognition rather than an AFC vs. NFC matchup, a shift that could affect how fans and sponsors engage with the league’s all-star brand. Pacific Economy & Environment: The U.S. deep-sea mining push is intensifying after an executive-order path for licenses in Pacific territories, with American Samoa mentioned in plans for a nearby auction, as island leaders and regional governments debate the economic upside versus environmental and governance risks.