AGP Executive Report

America 250 Independence Countdown: Times Square’s iconic ball will drop eight times this July 3–4 weekend, timed to midnight across U.S. time zones—starting with Guam and ending with American Samoa—broadcast and livestreamed from One Times Square as part of the America250 “Giving 4th” celebration. American Samoa 250 Events: The territory’s America 250 program includes a special Independence Day drone-and-pyrotechnic show at Lions Park in Tafuna, plus a week of community events leading into Saturday’s finale. Local Education Leadership: The Board of Higher Education named Sonny J. Leomiti interim president of American Samoa Community College, effective July 1, as the college transitions from long-time president Rosevonne Makaiwi-Pato. Community Support: The Rotary Club of Pago Pago presented 15 modern hospital beds to Hope House, funded by local sponsors, boosting care for residents. Food Relief: The American Samoa Community Food Bank thanked the M/V Ocean Guardian and Stabbert Marine & Industrial for a donation of unopened frozen food, including support for families affected by recent fires. Sports & Culture: Laumua o Tumua Rugby Club players Warren Solomona and Taunu’u Niulevaea earned first Manu Samoa caps, and the territory also marked cultural youth talent through the 3rd Pacific Roots Open Mic.

America 250 Countdown: America250 says the Times Square ball will drop eight times for July 4, starting July 3 at 10 a.m. EDT for Guam and the CNMI, then rolling through U.S. time zones and territories, with the final drop at 7 a.m. ET marking midnight in American Samoa. Local Independence Events: American Samoa’s America 250 week culminates Saturday, July 4, with a drone-and-pyrotechnic show at Lions Park in Tafuna, billed as the territory’s biggest ever, plus church service and a July 4 concert. ASCC Leadership: The Board of Higher Education named Sonny J. Leomiti interim president of American Samoa Community College effective July 1, as the college transitions from longtime president Rosevonne Makaiwi-Pato. Community Support: Rotary Club of Pago Pago delivered 15 hospital beds to Hope House, funded by local sponsors at $1,000 each. Health Funding in Congress: Uifa’atali Amata says federal grants are headed to American Samoa’s Criminal Justice Planning Agency and the Health Department, including substance abuse treatment support. Sports & Culture: Laumua o Tumua Rugby Club players Warren Solomona and Taunu’u Niulevaea earned first Manu Samoa caps for the Nations Cup opener vs Hong Kong China.

America 250 Countdown: New York City’s Times Square ball will drop eight times on July 3–4, with the final drop at 7 a.m. July 4 marking midnight in American Samoa, as part of the Giving 4th Broadcast Benefit Show and a nationwide push for charitable giving. Independence Day in American Samoa: The Jean P. Haydon Museum opens an America 250 exhibition today featuring historic artifacts tied to the Deed of Cession and the territory’s U.S. union, with a drone-and-pyrotechnic finale at Lions Park on July 4. ASCC Leadership: The Board of Higher Education named Sonny J. Leomiti interim president of American Samoa Community College effective July 1, as the school transitions from long-time president Rosevonne Makaiwi-Pato. Community Health Support: The Rotary Club of Pago Pago delivered 15 modern hospital beds to Hope House, funded by local sponsors. Sports & Culture: Laumua o Tumua Rugby Club players Warren Solomona and Taunu’u Niulevaea are set for their Manu Samoa debut, and the territory’s Malofie Congressional Art winner Eve Filomena Snow’s work is on display at the U.S. Capitol.

America 250 / Independence Day: American Samoa’s final official America 250 celebration is set for July 4 in Tafuna, with a record 300-drone show and ground fireworks at Lions Park. Local Sports: The Pickleball Association of American Samoa wrapped its 2026 Summer Tournament (June 15–19) with off-island clubs joining local players, plus gold-medal winners across 10 categories. Community & Food Security: The American Samoa Community Food Bank thanked the M/V Ocean Guardian and Stabbert Marine for a major donation of unopened frozen food, including support that reached families displaced by recent fires. Health & Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced federal grants for the Criminal Justice Planning Agency and the Department of Health, including substance abuse treatment funding and cancer/disease response support. Education & Culture: Tafuna High School student Eve Filomena Snow visited the U.S. Capitol after winning the Malofie Congressional Art Competition, with her work displayed for a year. Public Safety: Court filings detail arrests tied to public disturbances at Su’igaula Malae and at the ASNAP office in Utulei. Governance / Environment: Local groups asked Gov. Pula’alii Nikolao Pula for a comprehensive territorial review of deep-sea mining, including science, risks, governance, and legal options.

Cultural Pride & Food: Samoan chef Henry Onesemo celebrated a historic Michelin recognition for Tala restaurant, with supporters praising Samoan cuisine’s rise to global “elite” status. America 250 Spotlight: American Samoa will mark Independence Day with the territory’s final official America 250 celebration—an evening of music, drones and fireworks in Tafuna on July 4, featuring a fleet of 300 drones. Sports & Community: The Pickleball Association—American Samoa wrapped its 2026 Summer Tournament (June 15–19) with off-island clubs joining local players across 10 categories. Local Justice: A case involving an alleged public disturbance in Utulei led to charges against Iosefa Iosefo and another man, with both held without bail. Health & Safety: Amata welcomed federal grants for the Criminal Justice Planning Agency and the Health Department, including substance abuse treatment funding. Education & Arts: Congresswoman Amata hosted Malofie Congressional Art Competition winner Eve Filomena Snow at the U.S. Capitol, where her work is displayed for a year. Public Service: The American Samoa Community Food Bank thanked the M/V Ocean Guardian and Stabbert Marine for a donation of unopened frozen food that reached vulnerable families, including fire-displaced residents. Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order, a ruling that could matter for people born in U.S. territories. Territorial Governance: Groups opposing deep-sea mining asked Gov. Pula’alii for a comprehensive territorial review, including science, risks, governance and legal options. Travel & Business: Pacific Air Charters says it expects to start commuter operations later in 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Maritime & Security: Gov. Josh Green took over as chair of the Western Governors’ Association and will host the group’s winter meeting in Hawaii, with Pacific territory participation.

America250 July 4 countdown hits American Samoa: The Times Square ball will drop eight times across U.S. time zones, with the final drop at 7 a.m. July 4 in American Samoa, as organizers roll out custom designs and a territory-by-territory celebration. Local sports & health: SPW Fitness says its 3rd Annual American Samoa Marathon & Half Marathon in Utulei was a big success, tying the event to the MASHA push for healthier living. Community & public safety: Police arrested an ASNAP office disturbance suspect after an employee said he was denied food stamp benefits for lacking required ID, leading to a public peace disturbance charge. ASG legal update: American Samoa Government retained a Honolulu law firm to defend against Leauma B. Alefosio’s third civil suit, including claims tied to retaliation and the Hawaii EEOC’s handling of charges. Marine protection vs. fishing pressure: A community coalition is urging Governor Pula’alii Nikolao Pula to order a comprehensive territorial review of deep-sea mining, including science, environmental risks, and governance options for the EEZ. Transportation news: Pacific Air Charters says it expects to start commuter operations in American Samoa later in 2026, pending FAA approval, with timing tied to Samoa Airways’ cabotage waiver ending July 4. America250 culture on the water: The July 4th Fautasi Regatta was postponed/called off due to unsafe wind, swells, and drizzle, with crews and organizers adjusting plans based on sea conditions.

US Supreme Court on Birthright Citizenship: The Court struck down Trump’s executive order limiting birthright citizenship, ruling it violates the 14th Amendment, though the fight over citizenship rules is far from over. National Archives Closure: The federal government plans to close the National Archives site in San Bruno, raising alarms for historians and genealogists who rely on records tied to major cases, including Wong Kim Ark and files involving Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, and American Samoa. America250 in the Spotlight: New York City is rolling out major July 4th celebrations, including a massive fleet and parades, as the nation marks its 250th birthday. Local Sports & Health: SPW Fitness says the 3rd Annual American Samoa Marathon & Half Marathon drew strong local and overseas participation. Community & Safety: A territory-wide wave against drugs kicked off World Drug Day activities at Fagatogo malae. Maritime & Travel: Pacific Air Charters says it expects to start commuter operations in American Samoa later in 2026, pending approvals. Local Governance: ASG retained a Honolulu law firm to defend against Leauma Alefosio’s third civil suit. America250 Sailing: The July 4th Fautasi Regatta was postponed due to weather and will try again today.

US Supreme Court: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked President Trump’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for some children, ruling 6-3 that it violates the 14th Amendment. Coast Guard Leadership in the Pacific: A change of command took place at Coast Guard Base Honolulu, with Rear Adm. Wayne Arguin taking over as commander of Coast Guard Oceania District, covering American Samoa and the wider Pacific region. American Samoa’s July 4 kickoff: America250 celebrations begin with the 2026 July 4th Fautasi Regatta, with two heats today and a grand final tomorrow featuring the top boats. Local roads help: Tafuna High School got a temporary road repair response after McConnell Dowell stepped in following concerns raised by school leadership. Tuna and fisheries talks: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and American Samoa’s tuna industry are tightly linked and must stay viable. Deep-sea mining debate: A community coalition urged the governor to order a comprehensive territorial review of deep-sea mining risks and potential benefits for marine life, fisheries, and the local economy. Fuel and cost-of-living pressure: The American Samoa Democratic Party says a June memo from ODAPM criticized its April warnings about fuel price jumps and rising living costs. Aviation update: Pacific Air Charters says it expects to start American Samoa commuter operations later in 2026, pending remaining approvals.

Coast Guard Leadership: Rear Adm. Wayne Arguin took command of the Coast Guard Oceania District in Honolulu, overseeing operations across the Pacific that include American Samoa. El Niño Outlook: SPREP says El Niño can bring both risks and opportunities for Pacific islands, including American Samoa, as climate teams outline what to expect in coming months. America250 at the Fair: American Samoa is among the states/territories not participating in the Great American State Fair on the National Mall as the U.S. marks 250 years. Local Transport & Roads: Pacific Air Charters is moving toward 2026 commuter routes to American Samoa’s Manu’a connections, while McConnell Dowell is helping Tafuna High School with a temporary road fix after campus road concerns. America250 on the Water: The Fautasi Regatta kicks off American Samoa’s July 4 celebrations with heats and a grand final, depending on weather. Tuna & Policy: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing the link between the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and the territory’s tuna industry. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: A community coalition is urging Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolau Pula to order a comprehensive territorial review of deep-sea mining, focusing on science, risks, and potential benefits. Fuel Costs & Politics: The American Samoa Democratic Party says ODAPM called its April cost-of-living statements “divisive” after fuel prices jumped sharply. Drinking Water Funding: EPA announced over $25 million in grants for small and rural drinking water upgrades, including PFAS and lead-related improvements. Customs Update: CBP issued new rules tightening how low-value shipments are processed, indefinitely suspending duty-free de minimis treatment for imports valued at $800 or less.

Tuna Treaty Talks: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific Island Parties Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and the territory’s tuna industry are “uniquely connected,” supporting the cannery, port, jobs, and local businesses. Ocean Forum & Deep-Sea Mining: Finafinau hosted “Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i: Stand with the Moana,” a community ocean forum on deep-sea mining, port plans, fisheries sustainability, and conservation, created to answer residents’ questions with experts and decision-makers. Fuel Crisis Fallout: A new look at the fuel crisis shows how Pacific islands leaned on donors and neighbors, with diesel and electricity costs spiking and leaders pushing renewables to avoid future shocks. Local Governance & Costs: The American Samoa Democratic Party says an ODAPM memo called its April cost-of-living fuel-price warnings “divisive,” after MAP fuel jumped sharply from March to April. Health Grants: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced two HHS grants for American Samoa—$33,200 for HIV services at LBJ and $86,554 for EMS for Children at LBJ. Sports: CNMI Juniors beat American Samoa 14-3 in six innings at the Little League Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Tournament in South Korea. Community & Culture: U.S. Rep. Amata attended Samoan Flag Day in Adelanto, California, highlighting island heritage and the Samoan community’s turnout.

Election 2026 Prep: A new online “Territorial Review” tool is tracking what past and current Guam senators have done, with plans to expand coverage to other U.S. territories including American Samoa. Regional Fisheries: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and the territory’s tuna industry are tightly linked for jobs, ports, and the cannery. Ocean Policy & Community Input: Finafinau’s Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i ocean forum drew residents to learn about deep-sea mining, port proposals, fisheries sustainability, and conservation, with experts and decision-makers on hand. Cost of Living & Fuel: The American Samoa Democratic Party says a fuel price jump is driving higher costs and claims ODAPM criticized its statements as “divisive.” Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted two HHS grants for American Samoa—HIV services support at LBJ and EMS for Children funding. Sports: CNMI Juniors beat American Samoa 14-3 in six innings at the Little League Asia-Pacific & Middle East tournament in South Korea. Local Sports Development: ASNFF’s Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp runs today and Friday at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Tafuna.

Pacific Ocean & Economy: American Samoa took part in the U.S.-Pacific Island Parties Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, with officials stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and the territory’s tuna industry are tightly linked for jobs, ports, and the cannery. Local Energy & Cost of Living: ODAPM reportedly sent a memo to the American Samoa Democratic Party calling its April warnings about rising fuel prices “divisive,” after the monthly average price jumped more than 32% from March to April. Ocean Policy & Community Voices: Finafinau hosted “Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i: Stand with the Moana,” a community ocean forum covering deep-sea mining, port plans, fisheries sustainability, and conservation, aimed at answering residents’ questions. Federal Watch: The EPA announced over $25 million for drinking water upgrades in small and rural communities, including help targeting PFAS and lead. Sports & Youth: ASNFF launched a Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp in Tafuna, with local coaches and athletes training the next wave of players. Telecom: The FCC wrapped the AWS-3 spectrum auction, raising about $3.57 billion, with proceeds tied to its “rip and replace” program; reported per-unit prices included American Samoa.

Local Sports & Youth Development: The American Samoa National Football Federation is running a Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Tafuna (June 24–25), led by Women’s National Flag Football Team coaches and athletes, aiming to spot and develop future national team players. Ocean Policy & Community Dialogue: Finafinau hosted “Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i: Stand with the Moana,” a free ocean forum focused on deep-sea mining, proposed port developments, fisheries sustainability, and conservation—built for residents to ask questions and hear updates. Tuna Trade & Jobs: American Samoa took part in the U.S.-Pacific Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and American Samoa’s tuna industry are tightly linked for cannery, port services, workforce, and local business. Cost of Living Pressure: The American Samoa Democratic Party says a June memo from ODAPM criticized its April statements about fuel-price spikes and rising living costs, while urging solutions like fuel tax relief and renewable energy. Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted two HHS grants for American Samoa—$33,200 for HIV services at LBJ and $86,554 for EMS for Children at LBJ. Public Safety: Police reported arrests tied to alleged assaults and domestic violence incidents, with court charges filed in recent cases. U.S. Policy Watch: CBP issued new rules tightening processing of low-value shipments and indefinitely suspending duty-free de minimis treatment for imports valued at $800 or less.

Offshore Minerals: The Trump administration is seeking industry input for what could be the first federal lease for seabed mineral mining in the Atlantic off Virginia’s Eastern Shore, raising fresh concerns from environmental groups about unproven risks to marine life and coastal communities. Ocean Forum: American Samoa held a community ocean forum, “Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i: Stand with the Moana,” with residents asking questions on deep-sea mining, port plans, fisheries sustainability, and ocean conservation. Tuna Treaty Talks: American Samoa joined a U.S.-Pacific tuna treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and the territory’s tuna industry are tightly linked through ports, processing, jobs, and the regional supply chain. Cost of Living & Fuel: The American Samoa Democratic Party says a June memo from ODAPM criticized its April warnings about fuel price jumps and the knock-on effects for food, electricity, and shipping. Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted two HHS grants for American Samoa—$33,200 for HIV services at LBJ Tropical Medical Center and $86,554 for EMS for Children at LBJ. Local Sports & Youth: ASNFF launched a Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp in Tafuna, while the Summer Youth Employment Program began with paid work placements for local youth. Public Safety: Police reported multiple assault and domestic violence cases, including one involving alleged threats with a knife and another where a man was charged after striking someone with a metal utility bar. U.S. Democracy Access: A new piece notes residents of U.S. territories like American Samoa lack voting representation in Congress, tying the issue to the Insular Cases and the 250th anniversary.

Local Sports & Youth Development: Keiki Misipeka is on island promoting “Kid From The Rock,” with a workshop for families and athletes today (3–4pm) at the DYWA Center in Tafuna, followed by a meeting at the ASNOC Office at the Stadium (5:30pm). Community & Health: The U.S. EPA announced more than $25 million in grants to improve drinking water infrastructure in small and rural communities, targeting PFAS, lead sources, and local water challenges. Ocean, Fisheries & Policy: American Samoa took part in the U.S.-Pacific Islands Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and the territory’s tuna industry are tightly linked for jobs, cannery support, and port services. Regional Economy & Energy Costs: A timeline on how the fuel crisis has hit the Pacific shows major diesel price ceiling increases across islands, pushing governments to seek solar and renewable options. Local Governance & Cost of Living: ODAPM reportedly sent a memo to the American Samoa Democratic Party calling its April cost-of-living statements “divisive,” after fuel price jumps from March to April. Public Safety (Courts): Police charged a man after an alleged assault with a metal utility bar in Vaitogi, and another case describes Samoa police being denied in-person interviews in a murder investigation in Vietnam. Education & Culture: Miss I‘oimata o Aiga Tilomai Tauiliili was crowned Miss American Samoa, and the territory also marked youth participation in national programs like Summer Youth Employment.

Flag Day in California: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata joined Samoan community celebrations in Adelanto, praising the turnout and sharing updates from American Samoa. Ocean forum on local stakes: Finafinau hosted “Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i: Stand with the Moana” to answer questions on deep-sea mining, port plans, fisheries sustainability, and ocean conservation. Cost-of-living dispute: ODAPM sent a memo to the AS Democratic Party calling its April fuel-price concerns “divisive,” after MAP fuel jumped 32.3% from March to April. Pacific push vs. China: The Trump administration says it’s expanding Pacific engagement to build resilience and offer alternatives to China’s influence; Amata questioned how Washington will reduce dependence. Local health funding: Amata highlighted two HHS grants for LBJ—$33,200 for HIV services and $86,554 for EMS for Children. Sports pipeline: ASNFF launched a Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp in Tafuna for future national team players. Public safety court cases: Police reported arrests tied to alleged domestic violence and assaults, with charges filed in court. Community culture: Miss American Samoa Tilomai Tauiliili was crowned, and a free “Celebrating Samoa” cultural experience is set for June 27.