AGP Executive Report

Ocean Justice & Territorial Voice: More than 400 ocean policy and environmental justice advocates met in Washington, D.C. for Upwell 2026, with leaders from Guam, CNMI, American Samoa and Puerto Rico pushing for conservation decisions that include Indigenous and local input. Congressional Democracy Debate: A bipartisan briefing at the U.S. Senate focused on what “consent of the governed” means for 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories who lack full voting rights. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa continues to weigh in on seabed mining—letters and local reactions question whether regulatory steps equal safety, while Guam’s ban and related port-control provisions highlight the fight ahead. Port & Island Infrastructure: Plans for Aunu’u Wharf move forward with an Environmental Assessment under NEPA; the $3.7 million project targets safer inter-island passenger and cargo operations. Local Governance & Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata’s bills advanced in House Appropriations, including boosts to American Samoa’s OIA operations fund and support for ASCC, plus a federally funded report on Pago Pago Port improvements. Public Services: DHSS launched the ASNAP EBT system to modernize food assistance delivery. Sports & Youth: Cairah Curran was named to the American Samoa National Women’s Softball Team as the territory pursues Olympic qualification; ASNFF held a dinner to grow international flag football. Safety & Courts: Police reported domestic violence arrests and a school cafeteria burglary case, with suspects held without bail.

Homelessness Update (Anchorage): Anchorage says a federally mandated count found a 28% drop in people living outside, citing more year-round shelter beds and fewer street deaths—but some residents remain skeptical about whether the change is real. Territorial Democracy: A bipartisan congressional briefing highlighted that 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories still lack full voting power, tying the issue to the Insular Cases and the meaning of “consent of the governed.” Local Funding & Ports: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata’s bills advanced in the House Appropriations process, including boosts for American Samoa’s OIA operations fund, support for ASCC, and a federally funded report on Pago Pago Port improvements. Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction: Port officials say the Aunu’u Wharf project will replace the existing wharf and ramp, with an Environmental Assessment underway and construction targeted for late 2027 into 2029. Public Assistance Modernization: DHSS launched the ASNAP EBT system, moving the nutrition assistance program toward a more modern, card-based delivery. Elections & Campaigns: The Election Office urged new 18-year-old graduates to register, while Sandra King-Young officially registered her Delegate campaign committee with the FEC. Sports & Youth: American Samoa’s national women’s softball program named Cairah Curran to the Olympic-aiming squad, and the territory was awarded the WBSC Oceania 15U Women’s World Cup Qualifier in July. Community Safety: Police reports this week included domestic violence arrests and a burglary case tied to the Faasao Marist High School cafeteria.

Territorial Democracy: A bipartisan congressional briefing in Washington pushed the question of whether “consent of the governed” applies to the 3.6 million Americans living in U.S. territories, highlighting how the Insular Cases still limit full democratic rights. Congressional Funding: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata’s bills advanced in the House Appropriations process, including a $1 million boost for American Samoa’s OIA operations fund, $3 million for ASCC, and a federally funded report on Pago Pago Port improvements planning. Maritime Infrastructure: Work continues on the Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project, with an Environmental Assessment underway and plans to support both Alia passenger service and cargo landing craft operations. Public Assistance Modernization: DHSS launched the ASNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system, marking a major step toward modernizing food assistance delivery. Elections & Campaigns: The Election Office urged new 18-year-old graduates to register to vote, while Sandra King-Young officially registered her campaign committee with the FEC for Delegate. Sports & Youth: American Samoa’s national women’s softball team added Cairah Curran to its Olympic-qualification push, and the territory was named host for the WBSC Oceania 15U Women’s World Cup Qualifier in July. Local Crime Updates: Police reported multiple domestic violence and assault cases, plus a burglary arrest tied to the Faasao Marist High School cafeteria.

Sports & Youth: The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 qualifying tournament kicks off in Rarotonga with the Cook Islands hosting and Papua New Guinea joining, with top finishers earning spots in the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Local Sports Development: The American Samoa National Football Federation held a dinner to promote flag football and map a path toward Olympic qualification, with business and community partners invited to sponsor the program. Maritime Infrastructure: With rough seas limiting boat travel to Aunu’u, Port Administration updated the Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project—replacing the wharf and ramp, supporting both Alia passenger service and cargo landing craft, with construction targeted to start late 2027. Federal Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata says the House Appropriations Committee advanced bills adding $1 million to American Samoa’s OIA operations fund, plus $3 million for ASCC and a federally funded report on Pago Pago Port improvements. Public Assistance Modernization: DHSS launched the ASNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system, moving food assistance into a more modern, convenient format for eligible recipients. Crime & Courts: Police arrested suspects in separate cases—one tied to a burglary of Faasao Marist High School’s cafeteria and others tied to domestic violence and assault allegations. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Amata renewed her call for a moratorium near American Samoa, urging a full environmental review under federal law and warning against shortcuts. Community & Culture: America’s 250th July 4 celebration is set for “one for the books,” featuring cricket, rugby, a Stan Walker concert, and a fireworks and drone show.

Seabed Mining Push vs. Local Opposition: American Samoa’s Delegate Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a deep-sea mining moratorium near the territory, urging a full, science-based environmental review and warning against shortcuts and unknown impacts on fish stocks and sediment. Regional Policy Pressure: Guam’s governor signed a seabed mining ban into law, while NOAA advanced deep-sea minerals work and the Trump administration’s proposed NOAA budget cuts could hit Pacific weather, fisheries, and coral programs. Congressional Fishing Fight: A U.S. bill would limit presidents from banning commercial fishing in marine national monuments, shifting management back under the Magnuson-Stevens Act—an issue tied to Amata’s own monument fishing bill hearing. Food Assistance Modernization: DHSS launched the American Samoa Nutrition Assistance Program (ASNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), and Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) is set to roll out for school children, with benefits increased to $180 per student for June–August. Public Safety: Police reported multiple domestic and assault cases, including arrests tied to alleged abuse in Tafuna and Fagatogo. Community & Youth: ASNAP EBT launch drew officials and recipients; JPSAS awarded $20,600 in scholarships to 17 seniors; and American Samoa was named host for the WBSC Oceania 15U Women’s World Cup Qualifier July 21–24. Health & Education: A new maternal-fetal care effort aims to strengthen high-risk pregnancy support at LBJ Tropical Medical Center, and a $96,750 HRSA grant backs better coordination for children with special health needs. Power Project Update: ASPA says the Pava’ia’i solar farm is mostly installed and moving into grid integration and battery testing.

NOAA Budget Cuts: The Trump administration’s proposed 2027 NOAA budget would slash more than $1 billion and end or reduce dozens of programs tied to Pacific weather forecasting, fisheries work, coral protection, and coastal resilience. Marine Policy: A U.S. bill would block presidents from banning commercial fishing in marine national monuments, aiming to keep rules tied to the Magnuson-Stevens Act instead of shifting Antiquities Act decisions. Public Assistance Modernization: DHSS officially launched the ASNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system, moving the territory’s food support into a more modern, card-based setup. Politics: Sandra King Young registered her campaign committee with the Federal Election Commission, formally kicking off her bid for Delegate to Congress. Education & Science: A local student was selected for a Seafloor Mapping & Hydrography internship aboard E/V Nautilus for a June expedition between Hawaiʻi and Guam. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a deep seabed mining moratorium near American Samoa, warning against shortcuts and unanswered science. Safety & Courts: Multiple domestic-violence and public-order arrests were reported, including cases involving alleged assaults in Tafuna and Fagatogo. Health Funding: A federal HRSA grant of $96,750 was announced for the American Samoa Department of Health to strengthen care coordination for children and youth with special health needs. Summer Food Benefits: Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) begins issuing for eligible students, with the benefit set at $180 per student for June–August. Infrastructure Update: ASPA reported progress on the Pava’ia’i solar project, now in grid integration with battery testing underway. Community Calendar: Organizers outlined major July 4th events, including cricket, rugby, the Fautasi race, a Stan Walker concert, and a fireworks and drone show.

Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining near American Samoa, saying federal reviews must follow the law, avoid shortcuts, and rely on a full science-based environmental impact statement—especially over unknown sediment “plumes” and potential harm to fish stocks. Maternal Health Upgrade: JABSOM researcher Claire Kendal-Wright is partnering with LBJ Tropical Medical Center to strengthen high-risk maternal-fetal care in American Samoa through sonography training, telehealth, and better access to specialists, backed by a U.S. Department of the Interior grant. Senior Support & Community Events: Congresswoman Amata joined the Territorial Administration on Aging for Senior Citizens Day, while ASTCA and partners announced July 4 festivities—women’s cricket, the Fautasi race, international 7s rugby, a Stan Walker concert, and a fireworks-and-drone show. Public Safety Updates: Police reported arrests tied to domestic violence and public roadway disturbances, with charges including assault and peace disturbance. Food Assistance: DHSS says Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) starts this week for eligible public school students, increasing to $180 per student for June–August. Invasive Species Watch: Little Fire Ants continue spreading, with at least 26 sites detected on Tutuila.

Deep Seabed Mining: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a moratorium near American Samoa, saying federal officials must follow the law, complete a science-based environmental review, and address unknown risks like sediment “plumes” that could harm fish stocks and food security. Public Safety Leadership: Governor Pulaali’i appointed Deputy Commissioner Falana’ipupu Taase Sagapolutele as Acting Commissioner immediately after Taaga Saite Moliga’s resignation effective June 5. Senior Citizens & Community: Amata and the Territorial Administration on Aging marked Senior Citizens Day, honoring elders and urging continued support for dependable services. Food Support: DHSS announced Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) starting Wednesday, June 3, with benefits increased to $180 per student for June–August. Health Funding: Amata highlighted a $96,750 HHS/HRSA grant to strengthen care coordination for children and youth with special health care needs. Invasive Species: Little Fire Ants continue spreading, with at least 26 sites detected on Tutuila and warnings that infested plants and materials can move colonies. Independence Day Plans: ASTCA and partners unveiled July 4 events—women’s cricket, the Fautasi race, international 7s rugby, and a Stan Walker concert plus fireworks and drone show. Crime & Courts: Police reported domestic and public roadway disturbance arrests, while separate court cases include serious alleged sexual assaults and felony charges.

Deep Seabed Mining: Delegate Uifa’atali Amata renewed her push for a moratorium near American Samoa, saying federal reviews must be science-based, not rushed, and that unknown impacts like sediment “plumes” could harm fish stocks and food security. Public Safety Leadership: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula named Deputy Commissioner Falana’ipupu Taase Sagapolutele as Acting Police Commissioner after Taaga Saite Moliga’s resignation. Health Funding: Congresswoman Amata highlighted a $96,750 HHS/HRSA grant to the American Samoa Department of Health to strengthen care coordination for children and youth with special health care needs. Fisheries & Research: The Western Pacific Fishery Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee will review the 2026 American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment in Honolulu, alongside other Pacific fishing science. Crime & Courts: Multiple cases moved through District Court this week, including alleged sexual abuse/assault involving minors and a separate domestic-violence-related workplace assault report. Community & Culture: ASTCA announced major events for America’s 250th Independence Day, including women’s cricket, futasi racing, rugby sevens, and a Stan Walker concert. Weather Watch: NOAA forecasts an El Niño pattern developing and persisting into early 2027, with potential impacts for rainfall and cyclone risk.

Memorial Day & community events: A flag-raising ceremony at Oscoda Veterans Memorial Park included flags for U.S. territories, including American Samoa, as volunteers honored those who served. Local leadership & public safety: Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula appointed Deputy Commissioner Falana’ipupu Taase Sagapolutele as Acting Police Commissioner after Taaga Saite Moliga’s resignation, as DPS leadership shifts. Crime & court cases: A 60-year-old man faces felony charges tied to allegations of rape, assault, incest, and related offenses, while another case involves an alleged domestic-violence-related assault reported by a co-worker and charged with multiple misdemeanors. Regional security concerns: Acting Commissioner Falana’ipupu raised alarms after arrests in Samoa tied to a murder case in Vietnam, with bank accounts reportedly frozen as authorities investigate possible links. Seabed mining debate: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a deep seabed mining moratorium, citing unresolved science and potential harm to fish stocks and food security. Fisheries & science: WestPac’s June meeting in Honolulu will review American Samoa bottomfish science and Johnston Atoll fishing impacts. Health & preparedness: The American Samoa Department of Health received a $3.25M federal grant for health center services, and FEMA’s emergency management basic academy ran in the territory to boost disaster readiness. Independence & culture: Samoa’s 64th Independence celebrations featured ta’alolo gift presentations involving American Samoa, plus fautasi races and major community festivities. Sports & youth: ASTCA and partners announced Independence Day events, including women’s cricket, fautasi, rugby sevens, and a Stan Walker concert; STEAM Fest 2026 also drew families for hands-on learning. Weather outlook: El Niño watch continues, with warnings that impacts for American Samoa can include drier conditions and higher cyclone risk.

Sports Spotlight: Sean Manaea, whose father is from American Samoa, threw an Oakland Athletics no-hitter against the Boston Red Sox, part of a strong third season start with a 1.23 ERA. Public Safety & Justice: A 60-year-old man faces felony charges in District Court tied to allegations of rape, assault, incest and related offenses, while another case involves an alleged workplace assault reported by a co-worker and resulting in charges and detention without bail. Health Services: The American Samoa Department of Health received a $3.25 million federal grant to keep health center services running through June 2027. Environment & Policy: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a deep seabed mining moratorium near American Samoa, citing unresolved science and concerns about sediment “plumes” harming fish stocks. Community & Culture: Territorial Administration on Aging marked Senior Citizens Day with Governor Pulaali’i and Congresswoman Amata honoring elders; meanwhile, Governor Pulaali’i also announced leadership changes at the Department of Public Safety, naming Falanaʻipupu Taase Sagapolutele acting Police Commissioner. Weather Watch: El Niño conditions are expected to bring drier conditions and other regional impacts, with updates promised.

Medical Evacuation Options: A new report explains how Optimum Air runs 24/7 medical transport, including long-range flights from Las Vegas with a Honolulu base and specialized patient loading systems. Sports & Culture: Telefoni o le Vainu’u of Faleu Manono won the Independence fautasi race and its captain says he’ll use traditional wooden oars in the final; in Samoa, Pafalo from Toamua took the Savai’i International Kilikiti title. Public Safety & Courts: A 60-year-old man faces felony charges tied to allegations of rape, assault, incest and related offenses; separately, a co-worker reported an alleged assault involving a domestic-violence victim at a workplace, leading to arrests and charges. Community & Health: Territorial Administration on Aging marked Senior Citizens Day with Governor Pulaali’i and Congresswoman Amata; the U.S. HHS/HRSA awarded the American Samoa Department of Health a $3.25M grant for health center services. Governance & Security: Governor Pulaali’i named Falanaʻipupu Taase Sagapolutele Acting Police Commissioner, and he urged vigilance after concerns about a Samoa-linked murder case in Vietnam. Education & Youth: American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 drew families with hands-on science and career activities, while local students represented the territory at the Regeneron ISEF. Weather Watch: El Niño conditions are expected to bring lower rainfall and other regional impacts, with updates promised.

Climate & Voyaging: Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia are adjusting the Moananuiākea voyage as El Niño conditions and a potentially rougher hurricane season loom, with plans to depart Aotearoa in the third week of August and sail north to Tonga, American Samoa, Samoa and Fiji. Local Governance & Culture: Samoa’s Independence celebrations included big Apia waterfront festivities, while ta’alolo presentations marked the opening of new Parliament office spaces—featuring gifts from districts including a delegation from American Samoa. Territorial Democracy: A June 4 congressional briefing will examine what “consent of the governed” means for residents of U.S. territories, including American Samoa. Public Safety & Courts: Police charged eight suspects after a severe beating in Vaitogi, and separate cases include alleged assault in Afono and a driving-restriction violation leading to criminal contempt charges. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: The U.S. is preparing lease auctions for seabed mining blocks, while students in American Samoa are publicly arguing against deep-sea mining’s risks to ocean life and heritage. Sports Spotlight: Utah-based softball standout Huntyr Ava is set to represent American Samoa at the 2028 Olympics, and her story is highlighted during AAPI Heritage Month. Broadcast Industry: NAB announced 2026 radio and television board election results, with a seat tied to Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Samoa Independence & Parliament Office Taalolo: Districts and an American Samoa delegation presented ta’alolo gifts at Mulinu’u for the opening of Samoa’s new Legislative Assembly office complex, with envelopes of money, fine mats, and 200 cans of tuna; the event is tied to Samoa’s 64th Independence anniversary and the official opening set for Monday. Local Governance: Samoa’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Ale Vena Ale hit back at critics online, telling them to “shut up and support” ahead of the Parliament office dedication and ta’alolo ceremonies. Territory Climate Watch: The U.S. Climate Prediction Center issued an El Niño Watch for American Samoa, with an 82% chance developing May–July and a 96% probability of impacts during the hurricane season. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Two student letters and multiple poems urged leaders to stop deep-seabed mining, warning of permanent harm to ocean life and heritage; meanwhile, U.S. agencies are preparing lease auctions, including a first sale in federal waters of American Samoa in August 2026. Public Safety & Courts: Police arrested eight suspects after a man was found severely beaten in Vaitogi, with multiple assault and evidence-tampering charges filed. Health & Services: American Samoa’s new Home and Community-Based Services Commission held its inaugural meeting, focusing on healthcare support and funding options like the Money Follows the Person program. Sports Spotlight: Utah softball standout Huntyr Ava is preparing to represent American Samoa at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics while coaching at West High. Science Achievement: American Samoa’s Rachael Park placed 4th overall at the Regeneron ISEF in Phoenix, earning top recognition in Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design. Civics in Action: Idaho’s first regional National Civics Bee featured students from across the state, including a finalist from American Samoa.

Samoa Independence & Parliament Build-Up: At Mulinuu, Samoa’s districts and an American Samoa delegation presented ta’alolo gifts for the opening of new Legislative Assembly offices, with envelopes of money, fine mats, and 200 cans of tuna—while officials including the Head of State and Prime Minister attended. Local Governance & Culture: A senior orator at Tiafau lamented “loss of respect” in parliament language and standards, tying the ceremony to the grounds where Samoa’s independence was founded. Political Tension: Samoa’s Natural Resources and Environment Minister Ale Vena Ale told critics to “shut up and support,” targeting those questioning preparations for the Parliament office opening and Independence events. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa students and residents renewed concerns about deep seabed mining’s risks to ocean life and heritage as the U.S. prepares lease auctions for seabed blocks, including a first sale planned for federal waters off American Samoa in August 2026. Territorial Services: The new Home and Community-Based Services Commission held its first meeting, focusing on funding options like the federal Money Follows the Person program to support elderly residents. Sports Spotlight: Utah-based softball standout Huntyr Ava, preparing to represent American Samoa at the LA 2028 Olympics, is also back coaching at West High. Science Win: Manumalo Academy student Rachael Park placed 4th overall at the Regeneron ISEF in Phoenix for work on breadfruit-based renewable energy. Public Safety & Courts: Police charged multiple suspects after a severe assault in Vaitogi, and another case saw a man arrested for allegedly driving outside court-ordered restricted areas. Climate Watch: The National Weather Service in Pago Pago issued an El Niño Watch, with high chances of El Niño affecting Samoa’s rainy season and hurricane outlook.

Territorial Democracy & Governance: Right to Democracy is hosting a June 4 congressional briefing on what “consent of the governed” means for residents of Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, tying the discussion to the Declaration of Independence. Samoa Independence Taalolo (Regional Ties): American Samoa districts presented ta’alolo gifts for Samoa’s new Parliament offices and Independence Day events, with envelopes of money, fine mats, and tuna among the offerings. Local Politics: Samoa’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Ale Vena Ale publicly told critics to “shut up and support” ahead of the Parliament office opening and ta’alolo ceremonies. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Multiple student letters and poems argue deep-seabed mining could permanently harm American Samoa’s ocean and heritage, as the U.S. prepares lease auctions for seabed blocks in federal waters. Community & Services: American Samoa’s new Home and Community-Based Services Commission held its first meeting, focusing on healthcare support and federal Money Follows the Person funding. Public Safety: Police charged eight suspects after a man was found severely beaten in Vaitogi, with multiple assault and evidence-tampering counts filed. Sports Spotlight: Huntyr Ava, a Samoan softball standout, is preparing to represent American Samoa at the 2028 Olympics. Science Achievement: American Samoa students advanced at the Regeneron ISEF, with Rachael Park placing 4th overall.