AGP Executive Report

Robocall Crackdown: A bipartisan group of U.S. attorneys general is urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to stop scam calls from slipping through phone networks. Local Education & Sports: The American Samoa Department of Education officially opened the 2026 academic sports year, with Acting Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. backing athletics and students encouraged to excel in and out of the classroom. Government Oversight: The Senate Government Operations Committee scheduled hearings tied to alleged use of funds without Fono input, including an ARPA interest investment issue involving ASG’s $10 million plan and questions around America 250 celebration funding. Travel Costs: DOD raised Guam per diem rates effective Sept. 1, and the update also applies to travel to American Samoa—meals and incidentals increased, affecting hospitality tied to government visitors. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Leaders and community groups renewed pressure on territorial and federal officials over proposed seabed mining near the Marianas, including calls for Governor Apatang to oppose the lease sale and for more public comment. Public Health: Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building after health inspections found sanitation and compliance failures. Justice Update: Criminal allegations in a human trafficking and labor exploitation case involving Vietnamese nationals are set for a District Court preliminary examination.

Robocall Crackdown: A bipartisan push led by multiple U.S. attorneys general is urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to stop illegal robocalls from reaching consumers, citing massive scam-call volumes and billions in losses. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and other territorial leaders are pressing Gov. David Apatang to oppose a Northern Mariana Islands deep-seabed mining lease sale, while separate lawmakers are asking for a 90-day public comment period on proposed lease sales. Local Voting Update: Local absentee voting for the Nov. 3 general election began on Labor Day at the Election Office, with seven voters already casting ballots; local absentee runs until Nov. 2 at 4:30 p.m. Public Health Actions: Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building for health and sanitation violations, including the Port Administration Airport Hangar Facility (VIP lounge excluded) and FM Mart’s meat room/ice operations. Health Funding: Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed a CDC preventive health grant of $87,718 for ASDOH. Community Support: ASG is reviving workplace giving for the American Red Cross via voluntary payroll deductions. Sports Spotlight: Olympian Filomenaleonisa Maratita Iakopo is back training toward the 2027 Pacific Games and a possible 2028 Olympics return. Human Trafficking Case: DHS arrested a Vietnamese couple in American Samoa; criminal allegations are set for a preliminary examination hearing.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation and community groups sued the U.S. government to stop a planned deep-sea mining lease sale off the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam, arguing the federal review rubberstamped impacts on threatened species and critical habitat; Local Enforcement: American Samoa’s Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building over sanitation and public health violations, including the Port Administration’s Airport Hangar Facility (excluding the VIP Lounge) and FM Mart’s meat room/ice operations; Public Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata welcomed an $87,718 CDC preventive health grant for the American Samoa Department of Health; Immigration Case: DHS arrested a Vietnamese couple in American Samoa and filed criminal allegations tied to alleged human trafficking and labor exploitation, with a preliminary examination scheduled; Elections & Citizenship: Alaska’s Court of Appeals tossed a felony voter misconduct indictment against an American Samoan woman, saying prosecutors used the wrong standard and misled a grand jury; Youth & Tech: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped its PITA Jr. Summer STEAM Bootcamp, aiming to steer 10–12-year-olds toward robotics and emerging tech; Sports & Culture: Rainbow Games 2026 named ambassadors including American Samoa’s own Jaiyah Saelua, highlighting LGBTQI+ representation through sport.

Human Trafficking Case: DHS arrested a Vietnamese couple in American Samoa, charging them with human trafficking and related conspiracy counts, including trafficking of a minor; a preliminary examination is set in District Court. Deep-Sea Mining Push: U.S. lawmakers including American Samoa’s Delegate Aumua Amata asked for a 90-day public comment period on proposed deep-sea mining lease sales around the Northern Marianas and American Samoa, while local leaders and community groups continue to oppose the federal direction. Citizenship & Voting Fallout: Alaska’s Court of Appeals tossed a felony voter misconduct indictment against Whittier resident Tupe Smith, an American Samoan U.S. national, raising fresh questions about how election laws are applied. Youth Social Media Safety: A landmark $17.1 billion Meta settlement includes American Samoa, requiring new safeguards for children and teens on Instagram and Facebook. Public Health Watch: Dengue virus was detected in wastewater in Hawaii, with officials stressing it’s an early warning signal and noting no active cases currently tracked in Hawaii County. Local Governance: The Election Office says it has certified eligible candidates for the Nov. 3, 2026 midterm election. Community & Skills: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped its inaugural PITA Jr. STEAM bootcamp for ages 10–12, focused on tech and engineering as prevention.

Pacific Sports & Culture: NFL star Puka Nacua says the league’s first regular-season game in Australia can help spark the next generation of Pacific football talent, pointing to his Samoan ties and the shared values he sees between gridiron and Polynesian culture. Public Health Watch: Florida health officials are stepping up mosquito surveillance and spraying as dengue fever cases rise, with dozens already reported locally; meanwhile Hawaiʻi DOH says dengue virus was detected in Hilo wastewater, though no active cases are currently tracked. Social Media Safety: A multistate settlement with Meta requires new child-safety limits on Instagram and Facebook, including daily usage caps, nighttime blocks, and stronger age verification—an agreement that includes American Samoa. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa leaders and activists are pushing back against federal seabed mining plans tied to NOAA mapping efforts, warning the moana matters more than minerals. Local Governance & Services: ASG offices are closed for Labor Day (Sept. 7), and the Election Office lists candidates eligible for the Nov. 3 midterm election. Education: The American Samoa Community College has named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as its new president effective Sept. 8.

Public Health: Hawaiʻi DOH says a wastewater sample from Hilo tested positive for dengue virus, with follow-up results pending and no active cases currently tracked; officials stress dengue is usually travel-linked and urge mosquito-bite prevention. Social Media Safety: A multistate settlement with Meta requires new child-safety rules for Instagram and Facebook, including daily usage limits and nighttime blocks; American Samoa is listed among the participating jurisdictions. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa leaders and Greenpeace activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor over concerns that mapping and radon testing could feed into federal deep-sea mining leasing; the territory maintains its own moratorium. Local Governance & Economy: The House Retirement Committee heard concerns that ASG debt to the Employees’ Retirement Fund is still growing, with lawmakers demanding a clearer plan to pay down unpaid contributions. Immigration Policy: A new Senate bill proposes a one-time Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program for foreign nationals in American Samoa without valid status, while another bill would pause a controversial immigration-law provision for 12 months. Elections & Education: The Election Office named candidates eligible for the Nov. 3 midterm election, and the Board of Higher Education selected Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC president effective Sept. 8.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa leaders and Greenpeace activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor, warning that mapping and testing for seabed minerals could advance a federal deep-sea mining agenda despite the territory’s moratorium. Congressional Pushback: Guam Delegate James Moylan says a House Rules Committee blocked his amendment to keep seabed mining off FAST-41 expedited review, even as the House moved the Protecting Domestic Mining Act forward. Pacific Security: Pacific Islands Forum leaders urged China to give advance notice for ICBM tests after a July launch reportedly passed over islands without adequate warning. Courtroom Update: Alaska’s appeals court tossed a felony voter misconduct indictment against Whittier resident Tupe Smith, an American Samoan, saying prosecutors used the wrong legal standard and misled grand jurors—potentially affecting similar cases. Local Health Funding: Congresswoman Aumua Amata announced the Department of Health received a CDC preventive health grant of $87,718. Youth & STEAM: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped its PITA Jr. Summer STEAM Bootcamp, pairing tech learning with substance-abuse prevention for ages 10–12. Public Health Alert: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases tracked there and all known cases travel-related. Government & Economy: The House is pressing for a full accounting of ARPA interest earnings (about $10 million) and lawmakers also raised concerns about ASG’s growing debt to the Retirement Fund.

Deep-Sea Mining Debate: In the Marianas, a new federal law and “precision” mining tech are being pitched as a way to fund local needs, but critics say seabed mining could permanently damage habitats—fueling renewed calls for stronger safeguards. Congressional Pushback: Guam Delegate James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining from a fast-track permitting program failed when the House Rules Committee wouldn’t bring his amendment to a vote, even as the House advanced FAST-41 eligibility. NOAA Protest in Pago Pago: American Samoan community leaders and Greenpeace USA confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer, warning that mapping minerals could advance a federal lease sale near the territory despite local opposition. Regional Security: Pacific leaders urged China to give advance notice for ICBM tests after a July launch reportedly passed over islands without adequate warning. Local Health Funding: Congresswoman Aumua Amata announced a CDC preventive health grant for American Samoa. Youth Safety Settlement: AG Edward Manibusan said American Samoa is among jurisdictions in a landmark Meta settlement requiring new child-safety limits on Instagram and Facebook. Dengue Watch (Neighboring): Hawaiʻi reported dengue detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases currently tracked. Governance & Money: House lawmakers pressed for a full accounting of ARPA interest investments, while a separate hearing highlighted ASG’s growing debt to the Retirement Fund. Education Leadership: ASCC named Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next president effective Sept. 8. Midterm Election: The Election Office listed candidates eligible for the Nov. 3, 2026 midterm.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa activists and community leaders confronted NOAA’s research ship Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor, warning that seabed mapping and mineral testing could feed the federal deep-sea mining agenda despite the territory’s moratorium. Local Governance & Oversight: The House raised concerns about how ASG invested roughly $10 million in ARPA interest, with lawmakers pressing for a full accounting and possible subpoena. Elections & Citizenship: Alaska’s appeals court tossed a felony voter misconduct indictment against a Whittier woman born in American Samoa, saying prosecutors used the wrong legal standard and misled grand jurors—an outcome that could affect related cases. Public Health: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases tracked; dengue risk includes Pacific islands, including American Samoa. Education & Youth Programs: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped its PITA Jr. Summer STEAM Bootcamp, aiming to spark future robotics and tech talent. Workforce Policy: A new Senate bill would create a one-time Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program for out-of-status foreign nationals to work in critical industries like StarKist Samoa.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: A House Rules Committee move blocked Guam Delegate James Moylan’s bid to carve seabed mining out of a bill that would fast-track approvals under FAST-41, keeping pressure on the region’s waters and oversight. Pacific Security: Pacific Islands Forum leaders urged China to give advance notice of ICBM tests after a July launch passed over islands without adequate warning, with Nauru dissenting. American Samoa at PIF: American Samoa met U.S. leaders at PIF to push for non-debt grant support for infrastructure and maritime border security coordination. Youth Safety & Local Impact: AG Manibusan announced a landmark $17.1B Meta settlement over Instagram/Facebook youth harms, with American Samoa included among the states receiving funds and new child-safety requirements. Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases tracked there; dengue risk is noted across the Pacific, including American Samoa. Local Governance: The Election Office listed candidates eligible for the Nov. 3 midterm, and the Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC president effective Sept. 8. Immigration Policy: A Senate bill proposes a one-time Critical Guest Worker amnesty for out-of-status foreign nationals to work for StarKist Samoa and other designated critical employers. Fisheries Science: Western Pacific scientists will review Rose Atoll large-vessel rules and set bottomfish catch guidance for 2027–2030.

Deep-Sea Mining Push Meets Local Resistance: Community leaders and Greenpeace USA activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor, protesting mapping tied to a proposed federal deep-sea mining lease near American Samoa, even as the territory maintains a seabed mining moratorium. Local Governance & Oversight: The House is pressing for a full accounting of how ASG invested roughly $10 million in ARPA interest, with lawmakers warning the Fono lacks clear reporting and may need subpoenas. Public Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases tracked there; officials say it’s an early warning and dengue risk is present across the Pacific region, including American Samoa. Youth Safety Settlement: AG Edward Manibusan announced a landmark $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement, including required child-safety changes for Instagram and Facebook, with American Samoa listed among the settling jurisdictions. Education: The Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC president, effective Sept. 8. Elections: The Election Office listed candidates eligible for the Nov. 3, 2026 midterm, and noted several House seats running unopposed. Immigration Policy: A Senate bill proposes a one-time Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program for foreign nationals out of status, aimed at filling critical labor needs like StarKist Samoa. Regional Security: Pacific leaders at PIF urged transparency after China’s missile test, calling for advance notification to reassure island nations. Court Ruling With Local Echoes: Alaska’s appeals court tossed a felony voter misconduct indictment tied to an American Samoan resident, citing prosecutors using the wrong legal standard and misleading grand jurors.

Meta Settlement for Youth Safety: Attorney Edward Manibusan announced a landmark $17.1 billion multistate deal with Meta, including American Samoa, requiring major new protections for children on Instagram and Facebook, such as daily time limits, “productive pauses,” and nighttime blocks. Local Education Leadership: The Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC president, effective Sept. 8, replacing interim President Sonny J. Leomiti. Election Office Updates: The Election Office listed candidates eligible for the 2026 Midterm Election and also released the final candidate list for Nov. 3 races. Public Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases currently tracked; officials say it’s an early warning and urge mosquito-bite prevention. Deep-Sea Mining Push Faces Pushback: American Samoa leaders and activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer over concerns about mapping and quantifying deep-sea minerals tied to potential future mining leases. Regional Voice at PIF: American Samoa’s delegation presented its request for full membership in the Pacific Islands Forum during the Palau leaders’ meeting. Government Funds Scrutiny: A Senate hearing raised questions about an alleged $10 million ARPA interest investment, with testimony saying there has been no return as of Aug. 31. Territory Crime: Police charged a suspect in a Leone assault case after a disturbance allegedly tied to missing money, and separate burglary cases were also reported.

Dengue Alert: Hawaiʻi DOH says a wastewater sample from Hilo tested positive for dengue virus, with no active cases currently tracked; officials say it’s an early warning signal and note dengue risk across the Pacific, including American Samoa. Local Education 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 President Sonny J. Leomiti. Elections Office Updates: The Election Office listed candidates eligible for the Nov. 3, 2026 Midterm Election and also released the slate of House and congressional candidates, including several running unopposed. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa leaders and youth/environment groups urged against deep-sea mining plans offshore, while NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer drew peaceful engagement from activists. Government Funding Watch: Lawmakers pressed for details on ASG’s ARPA interest investment, after testimony said $10 million was moved to a Kansas firm with no return reported as of Aug. 31. Meta Youth Safety Settlement: A major multistate Meta settlement would require new teen safety limits on Instagram and Facebook, with American Samoa included among the jurisdictions seeking changes. Public Safety Court News: Police charged a suspect in a Leone assault tied to a disturbance over alleged missing money, and separate burglary cases allege repeated home entries while the owner slept.

Local Politics & Elections: The Election Office says these candidates are eligible for the Nov. 3, 2026 Midterm Election, listing delegate and House races across districts. Education Leadership: The Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC president, effective Sept. 8, replacing interim president Sonny J. Leomiti. Public Safety Incident: A disturbance in Leone allegedly turned violent after missing money claims, leading to an assault case and charges filed against the suspect, who was held without bail. Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases currently tracked; officials say it’s an early warning and urge mosquito-bite prevention. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa leaders and activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer over concerns about mapping tied to future deep-sea mineral leasing. Regional Voice: Guam’s governor backed full Pacific Islands Forum membership for associate territories, while American Samoa also formally requested full membership. Youth Online Safety: A multistate Meta settlement would require new teen protections; American Samoa is listed among the states receiving funds. Government Funding: Congress passed a short-term federal funding extension to prevent a shutdown, keeping American Samoa funded through Dec. 11. ARPA Investment Scrutiny: A Senate hearing raised questions about a reported $10 million ARPA interest investment, with claims of no return as of late August.

Regional Governance: Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero urged Pacific Islands Forum leaders to grant full membership to associate members like Guam, arguing political status shouldn’t silence voices, while American Samoa’s delegation also pushed for full Forum membership. Public Health: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in a wastewater sample from Hawaiʻi County (Hilo), with no active cases currently tracked; officials say dengue risk is travel-linked and urge mosquito-bite precautions. Local Politics & Oversight: The Senate Government Operations Committee pressed Acting Treasurer Carri-Lee Magalei-Tulafono on an alleged $10 million ARPA interest investment that, she testified, has produced no returns as of Aug. 31; lawmakers also questioned Governor Pulaali’i Pula’s dissolution of the ASTCA board and the legality of dismissing six members. Federal Funding: The U.S. House passed a bipartisan government funding extension through Dec. 11, with Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata saying it prevents an end-of-September shutdown and preserves American Samoa funding. Youth & Online Safety: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate settlement targeting Instagram/Facebook harms to children, alongside new teen safety requirements. Environment & Preparedness: The National Weather Service warned a strengthening El Niño could bring heat, water stress, higher cyclone risk, and coral bleaching, urging residents to prepare now.

ASG ARPA Investment Scrutiny: The Senate Government Operations Committee pressed Acting Treasurer Carri-Lee Magalei-Tulafono over a rumored $10 million ARPA interest investment, including claims it was moved to a Kansas firm in March and that no return has been seen as of Aug. 31. Local Governance Clash: Separate Senate questions continue over Governor Pulaali’i Nikolau Pula’s moves involving ASTCA, including the legality of dismissing six board members while he is overseas and concerns about ASTCA spending tied to the July 4 “America 250” celebration. Meta Settlement Reaches American Samoa: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate youth-safety settlement, with new limits and safety features for Instagram and Facebook. Regional Diplomacy: American Samoa’s delegation at the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum in Palau formally requested full membership, arguing observer and associate status has lasted long enough. Weather & Safety: The National Weather Service warns a strengthening El Niño could bring heat, water stress, and higher cyclone risk, urging residents to prepare now. Food Assistance Update: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year EBT benefit on Sept. 1, expiring Sept. 30. Deep-Sea Minerals Watch: NOAA’s American Samoa seafloor mapping continues as federal plans move toward a seabed lease sale off the territory.