AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Minerals: NOAA’s American Samoa ROV dives found a medium-density polymetallic nodule field east of Rose Atoll and in the Samoa Basin, with nodules up to 15 cm and deep-sea life recorded—news that lands as the federal government moves toward seabed mineral leasing near the territory. Local Oversight Push: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the PACMESA bill to boost revenue sharing, bonding, and local consultation for Pacific territories affected by seabed mining. Community Opposition: American Samoa leaders and Greenpeace activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor, warning mapping could feed a deep-sea mining agenda; meanwhile, Marianas/territorial leaders urged Guam Gov. Apatang to oppose the Northern Marianas lease sale, and lawsuits challenge the federal environmental review. Public Health Enforcement: Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building for sanitation violations, including the Port Administration Airport Hangar Facility (VIP lounge excluded) and FM Mart’s meat room/ice operations. Food Prices: The Basic Food Index rose 0.2% in August, with rice, milk, fish, and ice cream up, while eggs, soda, and sugar fell. Telecom Scam Crackdown: Multiple U.S. attorneys general, including AG Labrador, Nessel, Raoul, Rayfield, and Davenport, urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to stop illegal robocalls. Regional Coordination: On the margins of the Pacific Islands Forum, American Samoa officials met U.S. leaders to align federal Pacific engagement with territorial infrastructure and economic needs.

Robocall Crackdown: A bipartisan wave of U.S. attorneys general is urging the FCC to tighten “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules, pushing phone companies to better vet upstream partners to stop illegal robocalls from reaching consumers. Territorial Tech & Trade: On the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum, an American Samoa delegation met U.S. officials on aligning federal support with territorial infrastructure, maritime security, and non-debt grant financing. Seabed Mining Pushback: Lawmakers and community groups are escalating opposition to deep-sea mining around the Marianas and near American Samoa—highlighting calls for stronger local consultation, public input, and legal challenges to federal lease decisions. Local Health Enforcement: American Samoa’s Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building after sanitation and public health violations. Food Prices Watch: The Basic Food Index in American Samoa edged up in August, with rice, milk, fish, and taro among the notable increases. Industry Spotlight: Coastweeks 2026 kicked off at Tafuna Industrial Park, bringing together vendors and partners for the annual industry celebration. Human Trafficking Case: DHS arrested a Vietnamese couple in American Samoa on alleged trafficking-related charges, including allegations involving a minor. Youth STEAM: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped its PITA Jr. Summer Bootcamp, training 10–12-year-olds in STEAM and engineering basics. Guest Worker Bill: A new Senate proposal would create a one-time 90-day amnesty for out-of-status residents to apply for a Critical Guest Worker permit tied to key employers like StarKist Samoa.

Robocall Crackdown: A bipartisan coalition of 49 U.S. attorneys general is urging the FCC to tighten “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules so phone companies do more vetting and stop illegal robocalls before they reach consumers. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Marianas and American Samoa leaders are coordinating opposition to a proposed Northern Mariana Islands deep-seabed mining lease sale, including calls for Governor David Apatang to use authority to suspend or cancel the process; conservation groups also filed a lawsuit challenging federal environmental review. Local Health Enforcement: American Samoa’s Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building after sanitation and public health violations, including the Port Administration Airport Hangar Facility (VIP lounge excluded) and FM Mart’s meat room/ice operations. Human Trafficking Case: DHS arrested a Vietnamese couple tied to Michael Inc and charged them with human trafficking and related conspiracy counts, including allegations involving a minor. Tourism & Travel Costs: Guam’s federal per diem rates for lodging, meals, and incidentals increased by $14 effective Sept. 1, with impacts expected for hotels serving government travelers. Youth Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to a multistate $17.1B settlement over Instagram/Facebook harms to children, including limits on teen access and stronger age verification—American Samoa is listed among participating jurisdictions. Food Prices Watch: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index rose 0.2% in August, with increases in rice, milk, fish, and taro, while several items like eggs, turkey tail, and sugar fell. Skills for Industry: The Christopher James Foeoletini Ledoux Foundation wrapped its PITA Jr. Summer STEAM Bootcamp, training 10–12-year-olds in emerging tech and engineering basics. Critical Worker Amnesty: A new Senate bill proposes a one-time 90-day amnesty window for out-of-status foreign nationals to apply for a Critical Guest Worker permit tied to employers like StarKist Samoa, while a separate bill would pause a controversial immigration provision for 12 months.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation and community groups sued the U.S. government to stop the Trump administration’s plan to move forward with deep-sea mining lease sales off the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam, arguing federal regulators rubberstamped impacts on threatened species and critical habitat. Local Health & Food Safety: American Samoa’s Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building over sanitation and public health violations, including the Port Administration Airport Hangar Facility (VIP lounge excluded), FM Mart’s meat room and ice-making operations, and Matai’s Corporation. Immigration & Labor: A DHS case in American Samoa charged a Vietnamese couple with human trafficking and related offenses, with a preliminary examination scheduled in District Court. Policy Pushback on Mining Permits: CNMI and U.S. lawmakers asked for a 90-day public comment period on deep-sea mining lease sales, while Guam’s delegate sought to block seabed mining from fast-track federal permitting—an amendment that failed. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau urged transparency after China’s missile test, calling for advance notification and reassurance. Youth Online Safety: Meta agreed to a multistate settlement totaling up to $17.1 billion over alleged harms to children and teens on Instagram and Facebook, including limits on screen time and nighttime access; American Samoa is listed among participating jurisdictions. STEM for Youth: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped up its PITA Jr. Summer Bootcamp, bringing STEAM and engineering basics to local students as a prevention-focused initiative. Agriculture Watch: Local officials met with the National Weather Service and the Department of Agriculture to discuss El Niño impacts and how farmers can prepare. Food Prices: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index rose slightly in August, with increases in items like rice, milk, fish, and taro, while several staples including eggs and turkey tail fell.

Human Trafficking Case: DHS arrested a Vietnamese couple in American Samoa tied to alleged trafficking and immigration fraud, with charges including trafficking a minor and conspiracy; a preliminary examination is set in District Court. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: U.S. lawmakers including American Samoa’s Delegate Aumua Amata are asking for a 90-day public comment period on proposed deep-sea mining lease sales around the Northern Marianas and American Samoa, while community leaders and Greenpeace protested NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor over concerns the mapping could advance federal leasing. Youth Online Safety Settlement: AG Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced American Samoa will receive about $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate settlement over Instagram/Facebook harms to children, with required limits like daily time caps and nighttime blocks. Regional Fisheries Enforcement: The U.S. announced a Pacific IUU fishing project at PIF, including legal support, training, and monitoring tech, with calls to strengthen Coast Guard presence in the region. Local Food Costs: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index rose 0.2% in August, with increases in items like rice, milk, fish, taro, and bananas, while some staples like eggs and turkey tail fell. Workforce Immigration Proposal: A new Senate bill would create a one-time 90-day Critical Guest Worker amnesty window for out-of-status foreign nationals to work for StarKist Samoa and other designated critical employers.

Meta Youth Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to a multistate $17.1B deal over Instagram and Facebook features alleged to harm children and teens, with American Samoa included; the package requires daily usage limits with “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, tighter age verification and parental controls, and ongoing independent monitoring. Deep-Sea Mining Push vs Local Opposition: American Samoa leaders and community groups are again drawing a hard line against federal seabed mining plans tied to lease auctions near the territory, while NOAA’s mapping work continues—fueling protests that the science could support commercial extraction. Fast-Track Permitting Fight: A Guam-led amendment to block seabed mining from expedited FAST-41 review was rejected by the House Rules Committee, keeping deep-sea mining eligible for faster federal environmental processing. Pacific Security and Regional Voice: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, U.S. territory leaders pressed for stronger regional participation and transparency on missile testing, while also highlighting maritime security and enforcement needs. Workforce Immigration Proposal: A new Senate bill would create a one-time Critical Guest Worker Amnesty/Permit path for foreign nationals in American Samoa without valid status, aimed at filling labor needs for critical employers like StarKist Samoa. Local Food Costs: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index rose slightly in August, with increases in items like rice, milk, fish, taro and bananas, while some staples like eggs, turkey tail and sugar fell. STEAM for Youth: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped its PITA Jr. Summer Bootcamp, bringing hands-on STEAM and tech exposure to village students as a prevention-focused initiative.

Meta Youth Safety Settlement: Attorney General Alan Wilson says South Carolina will get nearly $247M from Meta’s $17.1B multistate deal over Instagram/Facebook harms to children and teens, with American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands included; Meta must add daily usage limits, “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, stronger age checks, and tighter controls on bullying and self-harm content. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa leaders and Greenpeace activists protested NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor, warning that mapping and radon tests could feed the federal push toward seabed leasing near the territory despite local moratoriums. Congressional Process for Mining: Guam Delegate James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining from FAST-41 expedited review failed in the House Rules Committee, keeping deep-sea mining eligible for faster federal permitting. Local STEAM & Youth Pipeline: The Christopher James Foeoletini Ledoux Foundation wrapped its PITA Jr. Summer Bootcamp, a three-week STEAM program for ages 10–12 aimed at building village-level interest in drones, robotics, and engineering. Workforce Policy: A new Senate bill proposes a one-time Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program for foreign nationals in American Samoa without valid status, allowing work for StarKist Samoa and other “critical” employers while a separate bill would pause a controversial immigration provision for 12 months. Food Costs & Support: The Basic Food Index rose slightly in August, with some staples up (rice, milk, fish, ice cream) while others fell (eggs, turkey tail, sugar); DHSS also announced USDA-approved end-of-year ASNAP benefits with an extra $110 on EBT cards starting Sept. 1.

Deep-Sea Mining Push vs Local Opposition: American Samoa leaders and Greenpeace activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor, warning that mapping and radon tests could feed a federal deep-sea mining lease plan despite the territory’s moratorium. Congressional Process: Guam Delegate James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining from FAST-41 expedited review failed in the House Rules Committee, keeping deep-sea mining eligible for faster permitting. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Pacific leaders at the PIF urged transparency after China’s missile test passed over islands without adequate warning, calling for advance notification. Youth, Tech, and Consumer Protection: American Samoa is set to receive $1.1 million from a $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement, with new limits on teen screen time and nighttime access on Instagram and Facebook. Workforce Policy: A new Senate bill would create a one-time Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program for foreign nationals in American Samoa without valid status to work for StarKist Samoa and other “critical” employers. Food & Household Costs: DHSS approved a one-time ASNAP end-of-year payment of $110 per participant on Sept. 1, while the Basic Food Index showed small August increases, with taro and bananas up. STEM for Youth: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped up its PITA Jr. Summer STEAM Bootcamp, training 10–12-year-olds in emerging tech and engineering as a prevention strategy.

Deep-Sea Mining Push vs. Local Opposition: American Samoa community leaders and Greenpeace USA activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor, warning that mapping and radon tests could feed a federal deep-sea mining agenda, even as the territory maintains a seabed moratorium. Federal Permitting Fight: U.S. House Rules Committee blocked Guam Delegate James Moylan’s bid to keep seabed mining off the FAST-41 expedited review track, a move that would have carved deep-sea mining out of the Protecting Domestic Mining Act. Pacific Security & Fisheries: At the Pacific Islands Forum, leaders urged transparency after China’s missile test lacked adequate warning, while the U.S. announced a Pacific IUU fishing project aimed at illegal fishing in the region. Youth, Tech, and Consumer Impact: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced American Samoa will receive $1.1M from a $17.1B multistate Meta settlement, with new limits and safety features for Instagram and Facebook. Workforce Policy: A Senate bill proposes a one-time 90-day Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program for out-of-status foreign nationals to work for StarKist Samoa and other designated critical employers. Food Costs: The Basic Food Index rose 0.2% in August, with increases in rice, milk, fish, and ice cream, while several staples fell. STEM for Kids: The PITA Jr. Summer STEAM Bootcamp concluded, training ages 10–12 in emerging tech and engineering as part of a prevention-focused initiative.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoan community leaders and Greenpeace USA protested NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor, warning that mapping deep-sea minerals could feed a federal push for seabed mining lease sales near the territory despite local opposition. Congress & Permitting: Guam Delegate James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining from FAST-41 expedited review failed in the House Rules Committee, even with American Samoa Rep. Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen backing the amendment. Pacific Security: Pacific leaders at the PIF urged transparency after China’s missile test reportedly passed over islands without adequate warning, calling for advance notification. Tech & Youth Safety: AG Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced American Samoa will receive $1.1M from Meta’s $17.1B multistate settlement, with new limits on teen Instagram/Facebook use and added safety features. Local Food Costs: The Basic Food Index rose 0.2% in August; taro and bananas climbed while chicken, turkey tail, eggs, and sugar fell. Workforce Policy: A new Senate bill proposes a one-time 90-day Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program for out-of-status foreign nationals to work for StarKist Samoa and other “critical” employers. STEM for Youth: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped up its PITA Jr. Summer Bootcamp, a three-week STEAM program aimed at ages 10–12 to build early interest in tech and engineering. IUU Fishing: The U.S. announced a Pacific IUU fishing project to counter illegal fishing, including support for compliance and enforcement efforts tied to regional waters.

Deep-Sea Mining Push Meets Resistance: A House Rules Committee blocked Rep. James Moylan’s bid to keep seabed mining off Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands out of FAST-41’s expedited federal review, while the House passed H.R. 1501 that permanently adds mining/mineral processing to the fast-track list—raising fresh concerns for Pacific waters. Pacific Security & Transparency: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders urged countries conducting ICBM tests to give advance notice (at least 24 hours), after China’s July test reportedly passed over islands without adequate warning. Youth Safety & Local Impact: AG Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced Meta’s $17.1B multistate settlement over Instagram/Facebook youth harms; American Samoa is set to receive $1.1M and Meta must impose tighter teen time limits, nighttime blocks, and stronger age-safety controls. Immigration for Critical Work: A new Senate bill proposes a one-time 90-day amnesty window for out-of-status foreign nationals to apply for a Critical Guest Worker permit tied to employers like StarKist Samoa, while a separate bill would pause a controversial immigration-law provision for 12 months. Local Food Costs: The Basic Food Index rose 0.2% in August, with increases in rice, milk, fish, and ice cream, while items like chicken, turkey tail, eggs, and sugar fell. STEM for Prevention: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped up its PITA Jr. Summer Bootcamp, bringing STEAM and engineering basics to 10–12-year-olds as part of a substance-abuse prevention effort. Cyber Scams Warning: Cybersecurity experts urged Pasifika residents to protect themselves as AI-driven e-commerce scams surge, with Norton citing a sharp jump in local online shopping fraud. El Niño Agriculture Watch: ASCC Land Grant, NWS Pago Pago, and the Dept. of Agriculture met to discuss El Niño impacts and preparedness steps for local farmers and producers.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: A House Rules Committee blocked Rep. James Moylan’s bid to carve seabed mining out of FAST-41 expedited review, while American Samoa and others continue pushing back against deep-sea mining plans tied to federal leasing. Pacific Security & Missile Transparency: Pacific Islands Forum leaders urged advance notice for ICBM tests after China’s July test reportedly passed over islands without adequate warning; Nauru dissented. Local Youth & Consumer Impact: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1B multistate youth-safety settlement, with new limits and safety features for Instagram and Facebook. Workforce Policy: A Senate bill would create a one-time 90-day Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program for out-of-status foreign nationals to work for StarKist Samoa and other “critical” employers. Agriculture Weather Watch: ASCC Land Grant, NWS Pago Pago, and the Department of Agriculture discussed potential El Niño impacts and preparedness steps for farmers. Food Prices: The Basic Food Index rose 0.2% in August; rice, milk, fish, and ice cream increased, while chicken, eggs, turkey tail, and sugar fell. STEM for Prevention: The Foeoletini Foundation’s PITA Jr. STEAM Bootcamp concluded after three weeks of robotics and engineering training for ages 10–12. Maritime Enforcement: The U.S. announced a Pacific IUU fishing project to counter illegal fishing, including support for compliance training and enforcement tools. Community Protest at NOAA Ship: American Samoan leaders and Greenpeace USA protested NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer mission over concerns it could advance deep-sea mining.

Meta Settlement Reaches American Samoa: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde says American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate youth-safety settlement, with Meta required to add child protections on Instagram and Facebook, including hard daily time limits and “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, and stronger age-assurance and parental controls. Deep-Sea Mining Push Faces Local Pushback: Community leaders and youth environmental group Finafinau, with Greenpeace USA, confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer near Pago Pago Harbor, warning against deep-sea mineral mapping tied to a proposed Interior lease sale that could open the door to commercial mining off American Samoa. Food Prices Watch: The Basic Food Index rose 0.2% in August; rice, milk, fish, and ice cream climbed, while butter, chicken, eggs, turkey tail, and sugar fell. Local Benefits Update: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year benefit loaded to EBT on Sept. 1, expiring Sept. 30. Workforce Policy Proposal: A Senate bill would create a Critical Industry Guest Worker Permit with a 90-day amnesty window and work authorization tied to employers like StarKist Samoa. Regional Voice at PIF: American Samoa’s delegation presented its request for full Pacific Islands Forum membership, arguing political status shouldn’t limit participation.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: American Samoa leaders and youth/environment groups are challenging NOAA’s mapping mission and the Interior Department’s planned Nov. 19 lease sale for seabed minerals near the territory, warning of major ecological risk. Regional Governance: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, American Samoa formally requested full membership, arguing observer/associate status has limited its voice on regional security and economic decisions. Youth Online Safety: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde says American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1B multistate settlement over Instagram/Facebook youth harm claims, with new limits and safety features required. Food Prices: The Basic Food Index rose 0.2% in August; rice, milk, fish and ice cream climbed, while chicken, turkey tail, eggs, soda and sugar fell. Workforce Policy: A Senate bill would create a Critical Industry Guest Worker Permit with a 90-day amnesty window and one-year permits for employers like StarKist Samoa. Cyber Scams: Experts warn of surging AI-driven e-shop scams and urge Pasifika residents to protect themselves online. Ports & Infrastructure: The U.S. and New Zealand announced a major port plan for the Cook Islands’ Penrhyn atoll, highlighting Pacific logistics competition. Consumer Tech/Postal Costs: A report highlights chaos and rising costs when mailing packages from Guam, underscoring logistics friction across the region.

Deep-Sea Mining Clash: American Samoa leaders and youth environmental groups met NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor, warning that mapping and a planned Nov. 19 lease sale for seabed minerals could bring major ecological risk as the U.S. moves toward commercial deep-sea mining. NOAA Expedition Update: NOAA says its EX2606 mission is pairing ROV dives and sonar mapping to build the first scientific picture of offshore seafloor areas tied to the federal lease plan. Pacific Governance: American Samoa’s delegation at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau pushed for full membership, arguing political status shouldn’t limit a voice in regional decisions. Meta Settlement Impacts AS: American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from a $17.1 billion multistate Meta deal over youth harms, with new Instagram/Facebook child-safety limits and age protections. Food Assistance: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year EBT top-up on Sept. 1, expiring Sept. 30. Cyber Scams Alert: Norton NZ warns of a surge in AI-driven e-shop and phishing scams across the Pacific, urging people to slow down and verify before buying or clicking.

Big Tech & Youth Safety: American Samoa is set to receive $1.1 million from Meta’s landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement over Instagram and Facebook youth addiction claims, with new limits like a combined two-hour daily cap for kids, “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, and stronger age-verification and content controls. Food Assistance: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year benefit loaded on EBT cards on Sept. 1, funded by unspent federal funds, with all benefits expiring at 11:59 pm on Sept. 30. Deep-Sea Minerals & Jobs: NOAA is mapping American Samoa’s seafloor as the U.S. prepares a first commercial seabed-mining lease auction for Nov. 19, while critics warn about ecological risk tied to critical mineral demand. Regional Governance: American Samoa’s delegation at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau has formally requested full membership, arguing observer/associate status is no longer enough time. Cyber Scams: Cybersecurity experts are urging Pasifika to protect themselves as AI-driven e-shop scams surge, alongside a new Fearless Planet Index tracking digital threats. Local Records: About 170 scholars and community members oppose a proposed closure of the San Francisco National Archives office that holds major records on Samoan history, including agriculture, health, and immigration files.