AGP Executive Report

FEMA Funding Boost: FEMA approved more than $1.3 million in post-disaster help for American Samoa (plus Hawaii, the Havasupai Tribe, and the Northern Mariana Islands), including Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation projects to repair critical infrastructure and reimburse disaster-related public health and safety costs. Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. deep-sea mining rush is accelerating, with regulators fast-tracking permits and multiple companies in talks—raising fresh concerns about uncertain business plans and what happens to minerals once they’re brought up. Intel Shake-Up: Tulsi Gabbard resigned as U.S. Director of National Intelligence, saying she’s stepping away to support her husband after a rare bone cancer diagnosis; Trump named Aaron Lukas as acting director. Local Safety & Community: ASCC/PCHS marked progress in emergency management training, while Memorial Day closures are set for Monday across American Samoa and federal offices.

Intelligence Shake-Up: Tulsi Gabbard resigned as the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, effective June 30, citing her husband’s rare bone cancer; Trump praised her work and named principal deputy Aaron Lukas as acting DNI. Disaster Dollars: FEMA approved $1.3 million in post-disaster support for American Samoa and other Pacific areas, including Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation projects. Port Upgrade: PAAS finished installing five high-mast floodlight poles at the Pago Pago container yard, with panel housing work set for June to support safer, longer nighttime operations. Local Education & Leadership: The Board of Higher Education outlined a transition after not renewing ASCC president Dr. Rosevonne Makaiwi-Pato’s contract, with a handoff timeline aimed to wrap by June 30. Public Safety & Community: PCHS celebrated the first inclusive-Emergency Management graduating cohort, while police reports this week highlighted arrests tied to alleged domestic disturbances and assaults. Memorial Day: American Samoa will observe Memorial Day Monday with government closures and community grave-decoration traditions.

Safe Boating Week: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula proclaimed May 16–22, 2026, spotlighting the Department of Search and Rescue Marine Patrol Division’s ongoing work to keep people safe on the water. Local Courts: A man identified as Tevita Finau was arrested after an alleged intoxicated disturbance at a home in Pavaia’i, charged with property damage and public peace disturbance. Another case: Junior Maluia was arrested after an alleged burglary at W & K Store in Nu’uuli, with charges including burglary and attempted stealing. Public Safety: Police also arrested Henry Satila after a rock-throwing incident at Fagaima Mart, where he allegedly threatened an employee; video footage was reportedly recovered. Health & Money: DHSS launched the ASNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer system, replacing paper food stamps with EBT cards for low-income elderly, blind, and disabled recipients. Clean Water Funding: EPA announced $9.457 million for PFAS and emerging contaminants in American Samoa, targeting testing and drinking-water infrastructure. Governance: The Governor signed an executive order reshaping the Shipyard Services Authority board from 9 to 7 members. Sports & Future: Naia Tanuvasa was named to the American Samoa national women’s basketball athlete pool aiming for the 2028 Olympics.

UN Decolonization Watch: The UN’s Special Committee on Decolonization is set to hold its Caribbean Regional Seminar in Managua May 25–27, with American Samoa listed among the 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories under C-24. Public Safety: Police say a man allegedly caused a violent disturbance while intoxicated, and another burglary suspect was arrested after surveillance reportedly spotted him before he could get away. Health & Training: LBJ Tropical Medical Center’s Heart Saver CPR push taught 8th graders life-saving skills, while a new maternal-fetal care effort at LBJ is supported by a federal grant. Local Governance: Gov. Pulaalii reshuffled the American Samoa Shipyard Services Authority board, cutting it to 7 members and naming new directors. Water Protection: EPA announced $9.457 million for PFAS cleanup work in American Samoa drinking water systems and private wells. Cost of Living: The American Samoa Democratic Party is pointing to sharp fuel-price jumps and their ripple effects on families and businesses.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: A year after Trump’s executive order, the U.S. is moving fast toward commercial deep-sea mining—AP reports at least nine companies are in talks, with seabed areas from American Samoa to Alaska potentially up for auction this summer and fall, even as critics point to shaky business histories and unanswered questions about how minerals would be processed. PFAS Funding for American Samoa: EPA announced $9.457 million in new grant money to help small and disadvantaged communities in American Samoa tackle PFAS and other emerging contaminants in drinking water. Disaster Readiness Grants: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata welcomed FEMA BRIC funding of $220,542 for FY2022 preparedness management costs, plus a separate $324,917 COVID-response reimbursement notice. Local Safety & Infrastructure: ASPA reported a major east-side power outage caused by a feeder fault, and PAAS says the Pago Pago airport terminal parking expansion is progressing (155 days into a 600-day contract). Crime & Courts: Police reported multiple arrests tied to alleged machete threats, rock-throwing at a convenience store, and assaults in Aasu and domestic cases.

PFAS Water Funding: The EPA announced $9.457 million for American Samoa to tackle PFAS and other emerging contaminants in drinking water, including testing, planning, and infrastructure support for communities and private well owners. Disaster Readiness Grants: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata welcomed a FEMA BRIC notice for $220,542 to support preparedness planning and management work. Public Safety—Arrests: A man was arrested after allegedly threatening his uncle with a machete during a family dispute, and another suspect was taken into custody after a large rock was allegedly thrown into a convenience store with threats to an employee; both cases were filed in court and held without bail. Energy Watch: ASPA is dealing with rising costs and recent system strain, while residents on the east side reported a weather-caused power outage that lasted hours. Telecom Operations: ASTCA is training for safer tower work and is set to take over the 911 call system from DPS. Sports & Community: UVU added Andrew May to its coaching staff, and local athletes continue to build momentum, including Naia Tanuvasa named to the national women’s basketball athlete pool.

Stealth Taxes on retirees: A new explainer warns Congress’s “stealth taxes” keep targeting people near retirement, using MAGI (modified adjusted gross income) to quietly phase out benefits—like a senior tax deduction that starts shrinking when MAGI tops $150,000 and other perks that fade at higher MAGI levels. Public safety: A Utah crossing guard is being hailed after she used her stop sign to fend off a pit bull and save an 11-year-old girl from a bite. American Samoa crime cases: Police charged a man in Vaitogi after an alleged hammer assault, and another case in Aasu involves an alleged volleyball-area attack with multiple suspects facing misdemeanor and assault charges. Local updates: PAAS says the Pago Pago airport terminal parking expansion is past the halfway mark of its 600-day contract, with more than 50% added capacity expected. Sports & community: Naia Tanuvasa was named to the American Samoa women’s basketball athlete pool aiming for the 2028 Olympics, and Leone High won the ASDOE boys varsity basketball title.

Overtime Rule Reversed Again: The U.S. Department of Labor has formally rescinded the Biden-era overtime salary threshold after courts vacated it—bringing back the older 2019 overtime exemption levels, a move that could quickly change how employers classify salaried workers. Local Public Safety: ASTCA is preparing to take over the 911 call center from DPS, with operators headed for specialized training to improve emergency call handling and dispatch. Power & Utilities: Severe weather knocked out power on the east side Saturday, with ASPA restoring service after crews battled heavy rain; Fagamalo’s water is back too, but a boil notice remains until testing clears. Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata says FEMA approved $1.29M to reimburse American Samoa’s COVID-19 response costs. Community & Culture: ASCC celebrated its 84th commencement with 75 graduates, and Bluesky is the new title sponsor for the 2026 Miss American Samoa pageant.

Power Restored After Storm Fault: Severe weather triggered an underground fault on Feeder 1, knocking out electricity for many eastern-side customers from Leloaloa to Onenoa; ASPA restored power around 12:30 p.m. after crews battled heavy rain, and a public apology went out as residents waited. ASTCA Training Push: 24 trainees completed ASTCA’s Tower Climber/Rescuer and Rigging training (May 12–15), aiming to strengthen safe telecom work at height. Overtime Rules Shift (US): The U.S. Department of Labor moved to rescind the Biden-era overtime threshold after courts vacated the 2024 rule, returning employers to the earlier 2019 salary level. Public Safety & Courts: Police charged a man after an alleged rape involving a 16-year-old; separate cases also include domestic assault allegations and other arrests tied to alleged assaults and disturbances. Community Milestones: ASCC held its 84th commencement, with Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata congratulating 75 graduates.

Overtime Rules Reversed: The U.S. Department of Labor issued a technical amendment restoring the pre-2024 overtime exemption rules after courts vacated the Biden-era salary-threshold changes—meaning the operative overtime threshold is back to the older framework for exempt classifications. Public Safety—Courts Move Fast: A man was charged after an alleged assault on his wife and stepson following a vehicle incident, and another case heads to court over rape allegations involving an underage girl who reportedly became pregnant. Training & Telecom Readiness: ASTCA ran a Tower Climber/Rescuer and Rigging training week for 24 trainees, and is also preparing to take over the 911 call center from DPS, with operators sent for specialized training. Power & Water Disruptions: Severe weather knocked out power on the east side, and Fagamalo’s water is back on but a boil notice remains until testing clears. Community & Culture: ASCC held its 84th commencement for 75 graduates, and Bluesky is the new title sponsor of the 2026 Miss American Samoa Pageant.

Guinness Moment Aboard Disney Cruise: Idaho man David Rush says he snapped 84 toothpicks in one minute to break a world record—he’s still waiting on Guinness confirmation. USPS Pressure Point: A new report highlights how USPS is struggling financially, even as it tries to keep mail moving to remote places. FEMA Money Still Moving: Guam’s power utility GPA says it’s still awaiting about $34.5M in FEMA Mawar-related claims, while FEMA also approved nearly $307M in disaster/COVID recovery funding across the region, including support for American Samoa. Local Public Safety Upgrade: ASTCA says it’s preparing to take over the 911 call center from DPS, with operators headed overseas for training. Water Update: Fagamalo’s water is back on, but a boil-water notice remains until ASEPA clears it. Electricity Costs: ASPA announced a fuel surcharge jump that will raise residential rates from 38 to 46 cents per kWh in May. Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata says FEMA approved $1.29M to reimburse ASDOH COVID-19 response work.

Hospital Funding Watch: Guam’s ARP hospital pot has been cut again, dropping from $103.543M in March to $83.543M in April, with only $555,555 spent so far and $82.988M tied up—while the governor and attorney general keep fighting in court over whether the money can be used. Pacific Games Logistics: Samoa shifted sailing and va’a venues to Mulifanua after wreckage was found in Vaiusu Bay, with officials saying the new site better fits key Olympic-qualifier races. FEMA Money Still Moving: FEMA says it’s approved about $307M for disaster and COVID recovery across the region, including American Samoa and Guam—while Guam’s power utility still says $34.484M from Typhoon Mawar claims is pending. Local Public Safety & Utilities: ASPA fuel surcharge is set to jump in May, ASTCA is preparing to take over the 911 call center, and Fagamalo’s water is back on but drinking remains off until the boil notice is lifted. Community & Culture: Bluesky is the title sponsor of the 2026 Miss American Samoa pageant, and AAPI Heritage Month is underway.

FEMA Money Still Stuck for Guam Power: Guam Power Authority says it’s still waiting on about $34.484 million in FEMA Mawar-related claims nearly three years after Typhoon Mawar, with FEMA reviewing costs and documentation. Local Health Funding: In American Samoa, Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata says FEMA approved $1.29 million to reimburse ASDOH for COVID-19 response work, including village outreach, testing, communications, and eligible overtime. Fuel Costs Jump: ASPA is set to raise the fuel surcharge—pushing residential electricity from 38¢/kWh in April to 46¢/kWh in May. Public Safety Upgrade: ASTCA is preparing to take over the 911 call center from DPS, sending operators for specialized training and expanding CCTV coverage plans. Courts & Crime: Police charged a man after an alleged rock-throwing incident at Nu’uuli, and another case involves an alleged nighttime home intrusion where a teenage girl was reportedly approached while sleeping.

FEMA Funding Boost: FEMA approved about $113 million for Arizona’s economic recovery, with $105 million to Dignity Community Care and $5.5 million for the Havasupai Tribe for flood-related repairs—part of a broader $307 million batch that also includes American Samoa. Local Health Reimbursement: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata says American Samoa’s Department of Health will receive $1.29 million from FEMA to reimburse COVID-19 response work, including village outreach, testing support, and vaccination operations. Public Safety Shift: ASTCA is preparing to take over the 911 call center from DPS, sending operators for specialized training to improve emergency call handling. Utilities Update: Fagamalo’s water supply is back, but a Boil Water Notice remains until ASEPA clears it. Community & Culture: MBOPA launched fundraising for Saint Joseph’s College hall renovations and plans major events in July, while Bluesky is the title sponsor of the 2026 Miss American Samoa Pageant. Crime & Courts: Police charged a suspect after an alleged rock-throwing traffic disruption, and another case involves an alleged nighttime entry toward a sleeping teenage girl.

Happiest Cities Watch: A new global ranking puts the world’s happiest cities in 2026 under the spotlight, with fresh data-driven comparisons drawing attention to what makes places feel livable. Opioid Settlement Spillover: Delaware says its $7.4B Purdue Pharma/Sackler settlement is now legally effective, with money headed to communities and victims and the Sacklers permanently barred from selling opioids in the U.S. Public Safety Upgrade: ASTCA is set to take over the 911 call center from DPS, sending operators for specialized training to improve how emergencies are triaged and routed. Cost of Living Pressure: ASPA announces a fuel surcharge hike that will raise residential electricity rates from 38¢/kWh to 46¢/kWh in May. Health Funding: Congresswoman Amata highlights a $1.29M FEMA reimbursement for ASDOH’s COVID-19 response work. Local Justice Cases: Police report arrests tied to alleged rock-throwing traffic disruption and an alleged home entry involving a teen.

Opioid Settlement: Delaware says its $7.4B Purdue Pharma/Sackler deal is now legally effective, with funds flowing to communities and victims and the Sacklers permanently barred from selling opioids in the U.S. Public Safety Upgrade: ASTCA says it’s moving to take over the 911 emergency call center from DPS, sending operators for specialized training and planning more CCTV coverage across government sites. Energy Costs: ASPA announces a fuel surcharge jump that will push residential power from 38¢/kWh to 46¢/kWh in May. Health & Water: FEMA is reimbursing ASDOH for COVID-19 response work with $1.29M, while Fagamalo’s water is back on—but a boil notice remains until ASEPA clears it. Justice & Crime: Police allege a man disrupted traffic by throwing rocks at vehicles, and another case involves a teen girl allegedly being covered while she slept. Community & Culture: AAPI Heritage Month is being marked, and Swains Island’s 101st Flag Day drew prayers and speeches focused on unity.