Wharf & safety planning: The Port Administration of American Samoa met with the Aunu’u Community on Sept. 7 to gather input for the Aunu’u wharf expansion and boat ramp repair. The project is in permitting and moving into the 65% design phase, with geotechnical work ahead and a construction bid expected in Oct. 2027. Residents flagged safety problems tied to the June 2026 extreme tidal event, including waves overtopping the breakwater, and urged repairs to the eastern wave absorber to prevent further harbor erosion. Deep-sea mining fight: Conservation and community groups filed lawsuits challenging the Trump administration’s push for deep-sea mining leases in the Marianas and American Samoa, arguing the National Marine Fisheries Service improperly concluded the lease sales won’t harm endangered species. Local revenue & protections push: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced PACMESA, calling for a 50% revenue share for Pacific territories plus stronger bonding and environmental mitigation tied to seabed mining. New ocean mapping finds: NOAA’s 2026 expedition around American Samoa reported polymetallic nodule fields, including nodules up to 15 cm, alongside deep-sea marine life. Public health enforcement: American Samoa’s Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building for sanitation and health regulation violations. Anti-scam telecom push: Multiple U.S. attorneys general urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Culture & learning: The American Samoa Visitors Bureau launched “Our Paogo,” an educational book for kids focused on the territory flower and hands-on conservation activities.