AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Fa‘asao Amerika Samoa and Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, represented by Earthjustice, sued the U.S. government in Hawaii to block the Trump administration’s first deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing NOAA/NMFS wrongly concluded mining “is not likely to adversely affect” endangered species and failed to properly review impacts; the suit seeks a halt and compliance with the Endangered Species Act. NOAA Mapping for Critical Minerals: NOAA Ocean Exploration will run two public deepwater expeditions around American Samoa this summer and fall aboard the Okeanos Explorer, using ROV mapping to generate publicly available data for future exploration and local/federal decisions. Customs Capacity Building: Oceania Customs Organization training is strengthening American Samoa Customs’ Post-Clearance Audit capability to protect revenue and improve trader compliance. Local Elections: The Chief Election Officer officially set the 2026 Midterm Election for Nov. 3, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with candidate paperwork due Sept. 1. Manu‘a Land Trusteeship: An Atu‘u land trusteeship meeting was moved to the second Saturday of September after too few matai attended, with officials stressing the To‘oto‘o must be present. Seafood Workforce: The inaugural American Samoa Seafood Academy graduated nine fishermen, part of the Super Alia project, boosting local commercial fishing capacity. Public Safety & Courts: Two men were held without bail after an alleged Vailoa aumaga assault during a village curfew dispute. Business/Trade Disruption: A fire destroyed the Manu’a Store building in Tafuna, with lawmakers thanking first responders and agencies for support.

Deep-Sea Mining Lawsuit: Faʻasao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaiʻi, backed by Earthjustice, filed suit in Hawaii on Aug. 18 to block Trump-era plans to lease more than 31 million acres off American Samoa, arguing NOAA Fisheries’ “not likely to adversely affect” finding for endangered species under the Endangered Species Act was unlawful. Federal Fast-Track Pressure: The same push is moving ahead in the region, with BOEM/MMA advancing Mariana Trench leasing despite tens of thousands of comments and setting up another major CNMI sale timeline. Local Ocean Data Push: NOAA says two deepwater expeditions around American Samoa (Aug–Sept and late Sept–Oct) will map and characterize the seafloor using ROVs, with publicly available data meant to guide future exploration and decisions. Customs Capacity Building: Oceania Customs Organization training is underway in American Samoa to strengthen Post-Clearance Audit capability, aiming to protect revenue and improve trader compliance. Skills for Local Fisheries: The American Samoa Seafood Academy graduated inaugural trainees under the Super Alia project, boosting commercial fishing capacity in the EEZ. Business & Community Notes: A fire destroyed the Manu’a Store in Tafuna, and local leaders thanked first responders and agencies for their help.

Deep-Sea Mining Legal Fight: Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, represented by Earthjustice, sued the U.S. government in Hawaii to block the first deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing NOAA Fisheries’ “not likely to adversely affect” finding for Endangered Species Act-protected whales and sea turtles was unlawful and lacked proper analysis. Federal Leasing Push: The Marine Minerals Administration/BOEM is moving ahead with seabed leasing—American Samoa’s sale is set for Nov. 19, while the Northern Mariana Islands’ proposed auction is slated for Dec. 16—despite tens of thousands of public comments and calls for stronger environmental review. NOAA Mapping for Minerals: NOAA Ocean Exploration will run two deepwater expeditions around American Samoa (Aug–Sept and late Sept–Oct) to map and characterize the seafloor, with real-time ROV operations streamed online and data made public to support future decisions. Customs Capacity Building: Oceania Customs Organization training is helping American Samoa Customs strengthen post-clearance audit capability to protect revenue and improve trader compliance. Local Skills & Jobs: The American Samoa Seafood Academy graduated its inaugural class, part of the Super Alia project, boosting local commercial fishing capacity in the EEZ. Infrastructure Oversight: A senator says raised crosswalks and road signs installed by Public Works may be illegal under the American Samoa Code, after a Senate hearing. Business/Trade Costs: USPS is requiring territory-to-states mailers (including American Samoa) to use a third-party app for duty/tax/fee collection, raising shipping costs. Sports & Community: American Samoa notched a major flag football upset at the world championships, adding momentum to the territory’s growing sports profile.

Deep-Sea Mining Legal Fight: Earthjustice sued the U.S. to stop the first commercial sale of deep-sea mining leases in American waters, challenging NOAA/NMFS findings that mining won’t harm endangered species; the case targets plans to auction about 33 million acres off American Samoa. Federal Fast-Tracking: Reporting says the Marine Minerals Administration is moving ahead on seabed leasing on a quicker schedule, including a proposed Northern Mariana Islands sale set for Dec. 16. Local Policy Pressure: A CNMI lawmaker is pushing for a 50-50 profit split as federal agencies advance lease notices, while critics argue communities face risks without clear benefits. NOAA Mapping for Commerce: NOAA and partners will run two deep-water expeditions around American Samoa (Aug–Sep and late Sep–Oct) to map seafloor and publish data for future critical-mineral decisions. Local Business Impact: The Manu’a Store in Tafuna was destroyed by a major fire; officials and community members rallied to support the owners. Public Works Scrutiny: A senator says raised crosswalks and road signs installed by Public Works are illegal, arguing they don’t meet code requirements for traffic-control devices. Shipping Cost Hit: USPS now requires Guam and other insular territory mailers to use a third-party app to pay duties and fees before shipping to the 50 states, raising costs.

Deep-Sea Mining Legal Fight: Earthjustice sued the U.S. government to stop the Trump administration from auctioning massive water areas around American Samoa for potential deep-sea mining, arguing the National Marine Fisheries Service failed to properly follow the Endangered Species Act and other federal laws as it moves toward leases covering about 33 million acres of seabed. Regional Policy Pressure: The same push is advancing in the Northern Mariana Islands, where BOEM is moving toward a proposed seabed mining lease sale, while CNMI’s congresswoman calls for a 50-50 split of profits. NOAA Mapping for Minerals: NOAA says two deepwater expeditions around American Samoa this summer and fall will map and characterize deep seafloor areas for offshore critical mineral exploration, with publicly available data. Local Governance Watch: A senator says new raised crosswalks and road signs installed by American Samoa’s Department of Public Works are illegal, and a Senate hearing is set to dig into compliance. Business & Community: The Manu’a Store in Tafuna was destroyed by a fire, with officials and the community rallying to support the owners. Sports Spotlight: American Samoa’s team delivered a major upset in flag football, beating Team USA in an IFAF-sanctioned event.

Deep-Sea Minerals Push: NOAA says it will run two summer-fall expeditions from the Okeanos Explorer to map deep waters around American Samoa, with daily online streaming and public data meant to support future commerce and planning. Federal Leasing Momentum: The Trump administration is also advancing seabed mining lease steps near the Northern Mariana Islands, including a proposed auction process, while critics warn the process favors distant companies and leaves local communities to carry risks. Local Governance & Roads: In Pago Pago, Senator Togiola says new raised crosswalks and road signs installed by Public Works are illegal under the American Samoa Code, arguing they function like traffic-control devices. Education & Sports Funding: The Department of Education says its Athletics Office is gone, sports now sit under secondary oversight, and FY2027 has no funding for school sports—DOE is seeking help from businesses and NGOs. Business Impact: A major fire destroyed the Manu’a Store building in Tafuna; officials say damage and cause are still being assessed. Community & Workforce: EPIC’s AmeriCorps VISTA program was approved for three members to expand workforce and economic opportunity across American Samoa. Fisheries Strategy: Samoa is pushing stronger fish stock monitoring and EEZ security at WCPFC meetings, including anti-illegal fishing and maritime coordination with partners.

Deep-Sea Minerals Push: BOEM has advanced a Mariana Trench seabed mining lease step, despite 60,000 public comments and warnings that risks to fragile ecosystems could be permanent—while only CNMI Governor David Apatang is allowed to submit comments before a final notice. NOAA Exploration for Samoa: NOAA says it will run two deepwater missions this summer and fall around American Samoa aboard the Okeanos Explorer to map critical mineral areas, with real-time ROV streaming and public data meant to support future decisions. Local Politics on Infrastructure: Senator Togiola Tulafono says new raised crosswalks and road signs installed by Public Works may be illegal, arguing they function as traffic-control devices under the American Samoa Code. Fono Oversight on Telecom Spending: The Senate Government Operations Committee will scrutinize ASTCA’s funding for the 250th July 4 celebrations, with a hearing set for Aug. 31 and requests for detailed reports on whether local or federal funds were used. Business Impact: A major fire destroyed the Manu’a Store building in Tafuna; officials say damage and cause are still being assessed. Community & Jobs: EPIC received approval for three AmeriCorps VISTA members to expand workforce and economic opportunity across American Samoa.

American Samoa Business & Community: A major fire destroyed the Manu’a Store building in Tafuna on Aug. 13, with thick smoke and flames consuming the structure; no injuries or fatalities were confirmed, and the cause is still unverified as the Cheng family received community support. Local Governance & Oversight: The Senate Government Operations Committee will scrutinize American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) spending tied to the 250th July 4 celebrations; Sen. Togiola Tulafono asked the ASTCA CEO for a detailed funding-source report, with a hearing set for Aug. 31, and also requested updates from the Acting Treasurer on investments and ARPA interest. Fisheries & Trade: Forum Fisheries Agency says it is shifting toward value retention and economic development for Pacific tuna members under the Vakamanu strategy, while Samoa is pushing stronger fish-stock monitoring and EEZ security at the WCPFC scientific session in Apia. Public Finance & Payments: Treasury will release refund checks for April 23 filers on Aug. 13 for pickup in Pago Pago (no mailing). Workforce Development: EPIC received approval for three AmeriCorps VISTA members to expand economic opportunity across American Samoa, running Aug. 23, 2026 to Aug. 7, 2027. Security & Courts: A man was arrested after allegedly stealing $2,000 from a safe at Michael’s Spa in Pavaiai, and another case involved an alleged burglary at a Tafuna Industrial Park business. Regional Policy Watch: A 12-month moratorium on American Samoa’s special immigration provision advanced in the Senate, pending House action and the Governor’s signature.

Local Business & Community Impact: A major fire destroyed the Manu’a Store building in Tafuna, with flames spreading after starting at the back of the store; officials say damage and cause are still unconfirmed, but the Cheng family and firefighters received strong community support. Government Spending Scrutiny: The Senate Government Operations Committee will hold an Aug. 31 hearing on how the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority funded its 250th July 4 celebrations, including whether local or federal money was used, and lawmakers also want an Acting Treasurer report on investments and ARPA interest. Immigration Policy & Labor: The Senate unanimously approved a 12-month moratorium on American Samoa’s special immigration provision, which currently allows entry outside statutory caps; during the pause, only people sponsored by ASG or the federal government would be eligible, affecting thousands currently under the provision. Education & Sports Funding: The Department of Education says its Athletics Office is gone, with sports now under the Secondary Division/ASHAA, and there’s no FY2027 budget funding for sports events—DOE says it’s seeking help from businesses and NGOs, but no schedule is yet set. Regional Economy & Fisheries: Forum Fisheries Agency says it’s shifting toward value retention and economic development for Pacific tuna members, aligning with a new regional fisheries strategy. Trade & Markets: A look at beef and lamb export destinations shows American Samoa among the smaller markets, while major buyers include the U.S., China, the UK and EU. Workforce & Opportunity: EPIC received approval for three AmeriCorps VISTA members to expand workforce development and economic opportunity across American Samoa.

Scholarships & Climate Skills: A Samoan student, Lagi Talalupe, 19, won a NZ$5,000 Tower Climate Change Scholarship at the University of Waikato and plans to return home to help tackle climate impacts in Pacific Island nations. Local Commerce Hit by Fire: The Manu’a Store building in Tafuna was destroyed by a major blaze on Aug. 13; officials are still assessing damage and confirming the cause, while the community and firefighters received strong support and praise. Government Spending Scrutiny: The Senate Government Operations Committee will question ASTCA’s CEO on how the agency funded its 250th July 4 celebrations, with a hearing set for Aug. 31, alongside a separate request for details on government investments and ARPA interest. Immigration Policy Shift: The Senate approved a 12-month moratorium on American Samoa’s immigration “special provision,” with only ASG and federal-sponsored entries allowed during the pause; the House still needs to act. Workforce & Community Programs: EPIC’s AmeriCorps VISTA application was approved for three members to expand workforce development and economic opportunity across American Samoa from Aug. 23, 2026 to Aug. 7, 2027. Education & Sports Funding: DOE says its Athletics Office is gone, sports oversight now sits with ASHAA, and FY2027 has no dedicated sports-event funding—DOE is seeking help from businesses and NGOs. Fisheries & Economic Development: Forum Fisheries Agency is shifting toward value retention and economic development for tuna members, aligning with the Vakamanu strategy adopted in July. Fisheries Security & Monitoring: Samoa is pushing stronger fish-stock monitoring and EEZ security at the WCPFC scientific session in Apia, including anti-illegal fishing and trafficking operations with regional partners. Business & Legal News: Police reported multiple alleged burglaries and thefts, including a case involving $2,000 taken from a safe at Michael’s Spa in Pavaiai.

Local Fire Damage: The Manu’a Store building in Tafuna was destroyed by a major blaze that broke out Thursday, Aug. 13, with thick smoke and flames consuming the commercial site; officials say the damage and cause are still unconfirmed, and the Cheng family is receiving community support. Government Spending Scrutiny: The Senate Government Operations Committee will hold an Aug. 31 hearing on how the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority funded its 250th July 4 celebrations, after public complaints about whether local revenues were used amid other fiscal pressures. Immigration Policy Shift: Senators approved a 12-month moratorium on American Samoa’s special immigration provision (14–0); during the pause, entry would be limited to people sponsored by ASG or the U.S. federal government, with the House still reviewing the bill. Education & Community Readiness: The Department of Education says schools are being repaired and cleaned for the Aug. 24 start via its Tautua Wellness Program, with most campuses about 85% ready, supported by other departments and business donations. Workforce & Opportunity: EPIC received approval for three AmeriCorps VISTA members to expand workforce development and economic opportunity across American Samoa from Aug. 23, 2026 to Aug. 7, 2027. Fisheries & Security: Samoa is pushing stronger fish stock monitoring and EEZ security at the WCPFC, including coordinated regional operations against illegal fishing, drugs, and trafficking. Business & Compliance: A DOH official told lawmakers that some restaurants and businesses were being ordered to reopen after health-safety shutdowns, with interference reportedly coming from senators, faipule, and directors. Public Finance Logistics: Treasury says refund checks for April 23 filers will be available for pickup in Pago Pago starting Aug. 13 at noon, with direct deposit also continuing. Crime Update: Police reported multiple alleged burglaries and thefts, including a Tafuna Industrial Park break-in and a separate case involving $2,000 allegedly taken from a safe at Michael’s Spa.

Business & Trade Disruption: A major fire destroyed the Manu’a Store building in Tafuna on Aug. 13, with thick smoke and flames consuming the commercial site; officials say damage and cause are still unconfirmed, while the Cheng family received community support. Local Governance & Public Finance: The Senate Government Operations Committee will scrutinize American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) spending for the 250th July 4 celebrations, with a CEO funding-source report due Aug. 31 and additional questions for the Acting Treasurer on investments and ARPA interest. Immigration Policy: The Senate approved a 12-month moratorium on American Samoa’s special immigration provision (14–0); the House still needs to act before it can take effect, limiting new approvals to ASG and federal-sponsored entrants. Fisheries & Economic Development: Forum Fisheries Agency is shifting toward value retention and economic development under the Vakamanu strategy, while Samoa is pushing stronger fish stock monitoring and EEZ security at the WCPFC meeting in Apia. Public Health Oversight: A DOH official told lawmakers that some restaurants and businesses were ordered to reopen after health-safety shutdowns, often via senators/faipule/directors—raising concerns about enforcement. Crime & Courts: Police arrested a man accused of stealing $2,000 from a safe at Michael’s Spa in Pavaiai; separate cases also describe burglaries and theft charges in Tafuna and Nuuuli.

Business Fire & Community Impact: A major blaze destroyed the Manu’a Store building in Tafuna on Aug. 13, with firefighters praised for preventing spread; damage and cause are still unconfirmed, while the Cheng family received community support. Local Governance & Telecom Spending: The Senate Government Operations Committee will scrutinize American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) spending for the 250th July 4 celebrations, with a report requested on whether local revenues or federal funds were used; a hearing is set for Aug. 31. Education Budget & Sports Funding: The Department of Education says there’s no FY2027 funding for school sports after the Athletics Office was removed, with sports now under the Secondary Division and ASHAA; DOE says it’s seeking help from businesses and NGOs, but no schedule is yet set. Fisheries & Economic Strategy: Samoa is pushing stronger fish stock monitoring and EEZ security at the WCPFC, coordinating regional surveillance to protect against illegal fishing and related trafficking. Immigration Policy: The Senate approved a 12-month moratorium on American Samoa’s special immigration provision, limiting new approvals during the pause to ASG and U.S. federal sponsors. Public Safety & Courts: Police charged a man in a Tafuna Industrial Park burglary case involving alleged safe theft and property damage, with bail set at $5,000.

Business Fire & Continuity: A major blaze destroyed the Manu’a Store building in Tafuna on Aug. 13, starting at the back of the store around 4pm and spreading to consume the entire structure; officials say damage and cause are still unconfirmed, with no confirmed injuries, while the Cheng family received community support and firefighters were praised for preventing spread. Public Finance Oversight: The Senate Government Operations Committee will scrutinize American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) spending tied to the 250th July 4 celebrations, with ASTCA’s CEO asked to detail whether local revenues, federal funds, or both were used; a separate request targets the Acting Treasurer’s ARPA investment and interest status. Immigration Policy Shift: The Senate approved a 12-month moratorium on American Samoa’s special immigration provision (14–0), which would pause new approvals under that authority, with eligibility limited to people sponsored by ASG or the federal government. Local Enforcement & Business Risk: Police charged a man in a Tafuna Industrial Park burglary case involving alleged safe theft and property damage, highlighting ongoing security concerns for local businesses. Education & Sports Funding: DOE says school repairs and cleanups are underway for the Aug. 24 start, but lawmakers also heard there’s no FY2027 funding for school sports events, with sports oversight moved under the Secondary Division and possible help from businesses/NGOs not guaranteed. Regional Economy & Trade Context: Samoa is pushing stronger fish stock monitoring and EEZ security at the WCPFC scientific session in Apia, stressing that without surveillance, only a few countries benefit from fisheries resources.

Immigration Policy: The Senate has approved a 12-month moratorium on American Samoa’s “special provision” in immigration law, freezing new approvals under the clause; Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde says only people sponsored by ASG or the U.S. federal government would be eligible during the pause, while private-sector workers would be blocked. Public Finance & Accountability: The Senate Government Operations Committee will scrutinize ASTCA’s funding for its 250th July 4 celebrations, with a report requested on whether local revenues or federal funds were used; lawmakers also want details on government investments and ARPA interest. Local Business & Crime: Police arrested a man accused of stealing $2,000 from a business safe in Pavaiai, and separately charged another suspect in a Tafuna Industrial Park burglary tied to alleged active break-in activity. Education & Sports Funding: DOE says the Athletics Office is gone, sports oversight now sits with ASHAA, and FY2027 has no dedicated sports-event funding—prompting concerns about schedules and reliance on businesses/NGOs. Regional Environment & Fisheries: Samoa is pushing stronger fish stock monitoring and EEZ security at the WCPFC, including coordinated patrols against illegal fishing, drugs, and trafficking. Environment & Governance: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board meeting is underway in Samoa, with Wallis-et-Futuna chairing the EBM troika and focusing on Pacific environmental priorities and funding. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Pacific bishops urge prudence on deep-sea mining, warning that lack of full scientific certainty shouldn’t justify proceeding without due care.

Immigration Policy: The Senate has approved a 12-month moratorium on American Samoa’s “special provision” immigration authority, with a 14–0 vote; the House still needs to act before the Governor can sign, and during the pause only entries sponsored by the ASG or the U.S. federal government would be eligible, affecting a current pool of 3,489 foreign workers. Food-Safety Enforcement: A senior DOH official told the House Health Committee that some restaurants and businesses are being ordered back open after shutdowns for health-safety violations—often by senators, faipule, or directors—raising concerns about interference with enforcement. Fisheries & Maritime Security: Samoa is pushing stronger fish stock monitoring and EEZ security at the WCPFC scientific session, including coordinated Blue Pacific surveillance with partners to target illegal fishing, drugs, and trafficking, and stressing the need to maintain “E-Zone” security. Deep-Sea Mining Backlash: Pacific church leaders and island officials are urging caution and warning against U.S. plans to auction large seabed areas near American Samoa for deep-sea mining, citing serious or irreversible harm and lack of consultation. Local Crime: Police charged a suspect in a Tafuna Industrial Park burglary case, with bail set at $5,000, after officers responded to an alleged in-progress break-in. Community & Business: Samoa’s Samoa Open 2026 highlighted sport-driven tourism and local business activity, while a separate community fundraiser in Apia raised over $30,000 for a new autism support society.