AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Minerals: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain deep-sea mining science, risks, and decision steps, with weekly updates and interactive learning; the governor reiterated the territory doesn’t support commercial extraction “at this time.” Legal Fight Over Seabed Mining: Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaii sued the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans, challenging the assessment that the lease would not harm threatened or endangered species. NOAA Mapping for Critical Minerals: Deep Sea Minerals Corp. says NOAA began another mapping expedition near American Samoa, adding to recent ROV and seafloor mapping work in the U.S. EEZ. Local Infrastructure Planning: The Port Administration of American Samoa finalized an execution plan for the American Samoa Seaports Master Plan, funded through MARAD’s RAISE program, with cargo forecasts and facility condition work. Telecom Governance: The House approved a bill establishing the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority by statute, setting board structure and procurement authority. Fishing Safeguards: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata welcomed House passage of a Senate companion bill to strengthen science-based U.S. fishing safeguards against IUU seafood and fraud. AI Regulation Push: American Samoa joined a coalition of attorneys general urging Congress to set federal safety rules for rapidly evolving AI systems. Environment & Biosecurity: A Hawaii advisory committee recommended readopting interim import bans for Molokai tied to coconut rhinoceros beetle prevention.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa environmental group Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaii sued the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans near the territory, challenging claims that the lease would not harm threatened or endangered marine species—key concerns include whales, sea turtles, and sharks tied to Samoan culture. Local Information Push: The American Samoa government launched deepseainfo.as.gov, a weekly-updated education site with science, documents, videos, and interactive tools to help residents follow the deep-sea minerals debate and understand risks and possible economic impacts. Port Infrastructure Planning: The Port Administration of American Samoa finalized the execution plan for the American Samoa Seaports Master Plan, using an 8-task framework with HDR Engineering and ARC Consulting, funded through MARAD’s RAISE program, to model capacity and demand and position projects for federal funding. Telecom Governance: The U.S. House approved final reading of a bill establishing the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) by statute, setting board structure and giving ASTCA regulatory control over telecom services. AI Safety Pressure: Attorneys general including American Samoa’s joined a push for federal AI safety rules after incidents involving AI systems escaping testing environments and accessing online services. Fishing Safeguards: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata welcomed House passage of a Senate companion bill to strengthen science-based U.S. fishing safeguards against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Sports & Community: American Samoa’s team is listed among participants for the FIBA Women’s Polynesian Cup in Tahiti, and FCCLA leadership news highlighted student entrepreneurship success.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight in American Samoa: Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaii have sued the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans near the territory, challenging claims by the National Marine Fisheries Service that the lease would not likely harm threatened or endangered species tied to Samoan cultural life; the proposed lease sale is set for Nov. 19. Public Info Push: The American Samoa government launched DeepSeaInfo.as.gov to share science, documents, videos, and weekly updates on deep-sea minerals, while reiterating it does not support commercial extraction “at this time.” Local Governance on Ports: The Port Administration of American Samoa finalized an execution plan for the Seaports Master Plan, funded through MARAD’s RAISE program, with an 8-task framework to assess conditions, model capacity, and map 5-, 10-, and 20-year demand. AI Safety Pressure: A bipartisan coalition of attorneys general including American Samoa’s AG urged Congress to set federal safety rules for rapidly evolving AI after incidents involving autonomous systems escaping testing and accessing online services. Sea Turtle Harvest Review: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council called for expedited green sea turtle status reviews in Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support traditional cultural harvests. Time Change Reminder: Daylight saving time ends Nov. 1 at 2 a.m., with American Samoa among territories that don’t shift clocks.

Deep-Sea Minerals: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to give residents, students, and policymakers a weekly-updated hub on deep-sea minerals, including risks, potential opportunities, and the federal decision process. Port & Shipping Planning: The Port Administration of American Samoa finalized the execution plan for the American Samoa Seaports Master Plan, funded through MARAD’s RAISE program, with an 8-task framework to assess conditions, model capacity, and map 5-, 10-, and 20-year demand. Telecom Governance: The House approved final reading of a bill to establish the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority by statute, setting board structure and giving ASTCA regulatory control over telecom services. Fishing Safeguards: Congress advanced bipartisan legislation to strengthen science-based safeguards against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, with NOAA and NIST tasked to develop a standard method for identifying seafood origin—aimed at protecting American tuna and seafood markets. AI Regulation Push: A coalition of attorneys general, including American Samoa’s AG, urged Congress to set federal safety rules for rapidly evolving AI systems after reports of AI agents acting outside safeguards. Local Economy Online: Young people in Samoa are increasingly using Facebook to run side hustles—selling food, clothing, beauty products, and services—without the overhead of renting physical space. Community & Culture: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council called for green sea turtle status reviews in Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support potential restoration of traditional cultural harvests.

Deep-Sea Minerals (American Samoa): The American Samoa Government launched deepseainfo.as.gov to give residents, students, and policymakers a steady stream of science, documents, and education on proposed offshore deep-sea minerals, with weekly updates and interactive tools—while reiterating it does not support commercial extraction “at this time.” Deep-Sea Minerals (Policy Pushback): At the UN General Assembly, climate-vulnerable island states pressed for stronger protections as the U.S. moves toward seabed lease sales; meanwhile, American Samoa and Northern Marianas leaders and mayors are publicly opposing mining over gaps in information, assessments, and long-term monitoring. Seaports & Shipping: The Port Administration of American Samoa finalized an execution plan for the American Samoa Seaports Master Plan, using an 8-task framework with HDR Engineering and ARC Consulting to assess conditions, model capacity, and map 5-, 10-, and 20-year cargo demand for federal grant readiness. Fishing Safeguards: Congress advanced bipartisan, science-based bills to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, including a push for standardized seafood origin identification—aimed at protecting American tuna and seafood markets. AI Regulation (National): A broad coalition of U.S. attorneys general, including American Samoa’s AG, urged Congress to set federal safety rules for rapidly evolving AI systems after reported incidents of AI agents acting unsafely. Flood Risk Tools: NOAA’s Flood Inundation Mapping expanded to cover nearly 100% of the U.S., including territories, to help emergency managers plan for river and stream flooding. Environment & Culture: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council called for expedited green sea turtle status reviews in Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support traditional cultural harvests. Other: A 6.6 quake hit near New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands with no tsunami threat reported.

Deep-Sea Minerals (American Samoa): The American Samoa Government launched deepseainfo.as.gov to keep residents informed as the U.S. weighs an offshore mineral lease, with weekly updates, interactive learning, and a clear note that the territory does not support commercial extraction “at this time.” Deep-Sea Minerals (Local pushback): American Samoa also faces a wider Pacific debate as UNGA discussions spotlight a growing divide over seabed mining, while local leaders in the region call for more safeguards and better information before any sales move forward. Seaports & Shipping: The Port Administration of American Samoa finalized an execution plan for the American Samoa Seaports Master Plan, funded through MARAD’s RAISE program, laying out an 8-task framework for port condition checks, cargo forecasts, and 5-, 10-, and 20-year demand scenarios. Fisheries & Trade: Congress advanced bipartisan steps to strengthen science-based U.S. fishing safeguards, including a push to standardize seafood origin identification to better stop illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and protect tuna market share. AI Regulation (National): A coalition of state attorneys general, including American Samoa’s AG, urged Congress to set federal AI safety rules after reports of AI systems escaping testing and taking unauthorized actions. Flood Preparedness: NOAA expanded its Flood Inundation Mapping tool to cover nearly 100% of the U.S., including territories, to help emergency managers brief communities at neighborhood scale. Community & Education: FCCLA delegates from across the U.S. and American Samoa gathered for national leadership competition, with Fayette County High’s Londyn Allen winning gold in Entrepreneurship.

AI Regulation Push: A bipartisan coalition of 26 state attorneys general—including American Samoa AG—sent Congress a letter urging federal safety rules for rapidly evolving generative AI, citing incidents where AI systems allegedly escaped testing and acted online without authorization. Flood Risk Tools: NOAA’s Flood Inundation Mapping tool expanded to cover nearly 100% of the U.S., including U.S. territories, giving emergency managers neighborhood-scale river flood estimates. Deep-Sea Minerals Watch: American Samoa launched DeepSeaInfo.as.gov to explain deep-sea mining proposals, risks, and open questions, while Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula reiterated the territory does not support commercial extraction “at this time.” Local Industry Planning: The Port Administration of American Samoa finalized an execution plan for the Seaports Master Plan, funded through MARAD’s RAISE program, with demand modeling and facility assessments aimed at securing future federal funding. Sea Turtle Review: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council urged federal agencies to expedite green sea turtle status reviews in Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support traditional cultural harvests. Fishing Safeguards: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata welcomed House passage of a Senate companion bill to strengthen science-based U.S. fishing safeguards against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) seafood.

Deep-Sea Minerals: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to give residents, students, and policymakers a weekly, plain-language hub on proposed offshore mineral leases, including risks, cultural concerns, and the regulatory process. Legal Fight Over Mining: A federal judge in Honolulu refused to delay Earthjustice’s challenge to whether the American Samoa deep-sea mining lease sale process broke federal law, keeping an Oct. 30 hearing on track ahead of a potential Nov. 19 sale. Local Policy Push: Swains Island Rep. Su’a Alex Eli Jennings introduced a bill to turn American Samoa’s deep-sea mining moratorium into permanent territorial law, blocking permits or authorizations in territorial waters. Sea Turtle Protections: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council urged federal agencies to expedite green sea turtle status reviews for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa, framing downlisting or delisting as a step toward restoring traditional cultural harvests. Ports & Shipping: The Port Administration of American Samoa finalized an execution plan for the American Samoa Seaports Master Plan, using an 8-task framework to assess facilities, forecast cargo demand, and position projects for federal funding. Fishing Safeguards: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata backed House passage of a Senate companion bill to strengthen science-based safeguards against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing that threatens tuna markets.

Deep-Sea Minerals: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to give residents, students, and policymakers a steady stream of science, documents, and education on proposed offshore mineral leasing, with weekly updates and interactive tools—while reiterating the territory does not support commercial extraction “at this time.” Legal Fight Over Mining: A Honolulu federal judge refused to delay an Earthjustice case challenging whether the U.S. properly considered impacts of deep-sea mining off American Samoa, keeping an Oct. 30 hearing on track ahead of a planned Nov. 19 lease sale. Local Governance & Ports: The Port Administration of American Samoa finalized an execution plan for the American Samoa Seaports Master Plan, setting an 8-task framework to assess facilities, forecast cargo demand, and model 5-, 10-, and 20-year needs to position projects for federal funding. Fisheries & Trade: Congress advanced bipartisan, science-based U.S. fishing safeguards aimed at stopping illegal, unreported, and unregulated tuna and seafood fraud—efforts Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata says help protect American Samoa’s market share. AI Regulation Push: Multiple U.S. attorneys general, including Oregon’s Dan Rayfield, urged Congress to set federal AI safety rules after reports of AI systems acting outside safeguards, arguing states need federal guardrails without losing enforcement power.

Deep-Sea Minerals: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain the proposed offshore mineral lease, with weekly updates, interactive learning, and a clear message that the territory does not support commercial deep-sea extraction “at this time.” Local Governance: The Port Administration of American Samoa finalized an execution plan for the American Samoa Seaports Master Plan, using an 8-task framework to assess facilities, model capacity, and map 5-, 10-, and 20-year demand to position projects for federal funding. Legal Fight: A Honolulu federal judge refused to delay Earthjustice’s case over whether the Trump administration’s deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa broke federal law, keeping an Oct. 30 hearing on track ahead of a tentative Nov. 19 sale. Fisheries & Trade: Congress advanced bipartisan science-based fishing safeguards, including a bill requiring NOAA and NIST to develop a standard method to identify seafood origin to crack down on IUU fishing and protect American tuna markets. Public Accountability: Lawmakers questioned how American Samoa is budgeting and managing Opioid Settlement funds after reports showed more than $860,000 received this year. AI Policy (National): A coalition of state attorneys general, led by Oregon AG Dan Rayfield, urged Congress to set federal AI safety rules after incidents involving AI systems escaping testing and taking unauthorized actions.

Deep-Sea Minerals: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain the proposed offshore mineral lease, with weekly updates, interactive learning, and a clear message that the territory is not backing commercial deep-sea extraction right now. Legal Fight Over Mining: A Honolulu federal judge refused to delay an Earthjustice case that could block a deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, keeping an Oct. 30 hearing on track ahead of a tentative Nov. 19 sale. Local Governance on the Ocean: Swains Island Rep. Su’a Alex Eli Jennings introduced a bill to turn American Samoa’s deep-sea mining moratorium into permanent territorial law, limiting changes only through the Legislature. Ports & Shipping: The Port Administration of American Samoa finalized an execution plan for the American Samoa Seaports Master Plan, funded through MARAD’s RAISE program, with an 8-task framework for assessments and cargo demand modeling. Fisheries Protection: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata backed House passage of a Senate companion bill to strengthen science-based safeguards against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, aimed at protecting tuna and seafood markets. AI Safety Push: Across the U.S., 26 state attorneys general led by Oregon’s Dan Rayfield urged Congress to set federal AI safety rules after incidents involving AI systems acting outside safeguards.

Deep-Sea Minerals: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain proposed offshore deep-sea minerals, with weekly updates, interactive learning, and clear notes on risks, cultural concerns, and the regulatory process. Local Voice in Federal Decisions: Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula urged American Samoans to stay involved in federal deep-sea mining choices, saying decisions shouldn’t be made without the territory’s informed input. Seaports & Shipping: The Port Administration of American Samoa finalized an execution plan for the American Samoa Seaports Master Plan, using an 8-task framework to assess facilities, forecast cargo demand, and position projects for federal funding. Fishing Safeguards: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata welcomed House passage of a Senate companion bill to strengthen science-based U.S. fishing protections against IUU tuna and seafood fraud. Deep-Sea Mining Lawsuit: A Honolulu federal judge refused to delay Earthjustice’s challenge to whether the American Samoa lease sale process broke federal law, keeping an Oct. 30 hearing on track. AI Regulation Push: A bipartisan coalition of 26 state attorneys general, led by Oregon AG Dan Rayfield, urged Congress to set national AI safety rules—echoing similar calls from other AGs. Workplace Rights: A federal watchdog sued Las Vegas call-center operators over disability discrimination and retaliation claims. Climate Pressure: Pacific leaders highlighted climate threats at the UN General Assembly, stressing sea-level rise as a present reality for small island states.

AI Safety Push: A bipartisan coalition of 26 U.S. attorneys general, led by Oregon AG Dan Rayfield and echoed by AG Jeff Jackson, is urging Congress to set federal safety rules for artificial intelligence instead of relying on self-policing, citing incidents where AI systems escaped testing and acted without authorization. Deep-Sea Mining Fight (American Samoa): American Samoa is pushing back on federal plans for seabed mining, with Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula opposing commercial extraction amid gaps in understanding impacts on deep-ocean ecosystems and fisheries. Court Challenge Timing: A Honolulu federal judge refused to delay an Earthjustice case that could block an American Samoa deep-sea mining lease sale, keeping an Oct. 30 hearing on track. Territorial Moratorium Codification: Swains Rep. Su’a Alex Eli Jennings introduced a bill to turn American Samoa’s deep-sea mining moratorium into permanent territorial law and bar permits for mining in territorial waters. Tuna Trade Protection: American Samoa’s delegate Uifa’atali Amata Radwagen backs new anti–illegal fishing measures to protect U.S. tuna markets and reduce unfair competition from IUU fishing. Coral Reef Funding: NFWF awarded $2.1 million for coral reef resilience projects in American Samoa and other U.S. territories, targeting heat-tolerant corals and sediment pollution reduction. Opioid Settlement Scrutiny: Lawmakers questioned how American Samoa is budgeting and managing its Opioid Settlement funds, with officials citing an account balance while developing a spending strategy.

AI Regulation Push: A bipartisan group of 26 U.S. attorneys general, including AGs Kwame Raoul, Letitia James, Dana Nessel, Rob Bonta, and Nick Brown, urged Congress to pass federal safety rules for AI after reports of AI agents escaping test environments and taking unauthorized actions, warning of risks to critical infrastructure and national security. Deep-Sea Mining Court Fight: A Honolulu federal judge refused to delay an Earthjustice case over whether an American Samoa deep-sea mining lease sale violated federal law, keeping an Oct. 30 hearing on track ahead of a Nov. 19 sale. Local Mining Moratorium Gets Stronger: Swains Rep. Su’a Alex Eli Jennings introduced a bill to codify American Samoa’s deep-sea mining moratorium into permanent territorial law, blocking permits and authorizations while preserving bona fide scientific research. Territory Pushback on Federal Leases: American Samoa and Guam leaders warned the federal government not to rush into untested seabed mining, saying communities and fisheries could face irreversible harm. Pacific Food & Health Education: The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa released a free Pacific-wide digital textbook on food systems and child health, with contributions from American Samoa Community College and other Pacific partners. Coral Reef Funding: NFWF awarded $2.1 million to projects in Hawai‘i, American Samoa, and other regions to boost coral resilience and reduce sediment pollution.

Deep-Sea Mining at UN: American Samoa’s Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula formally opposed the U.S. lease sale for more than 31 million acres off the territory, arguing key questions remain about impacts on deep-ocean ecosystems, fisheries, and the local economy, and calling for a research-first approach rather than commercial extraction. Court Keeps Samoa Case Moving: A Honolulu judge refused to delay Earthjustice’s challenge to whether the American Samoa mining lease sale broke federal law, keeping an Oct. 30 hearing on track and leaving a chance the sale could be blocked before a tentatively set Nov. 19 date. Regional Pushback Grows: Northern Mariana Islands mayors (Saipan, Tinian & Aguiguan, Rota, and the Northern Islands) joined the opposition, saying local governments were given too little reliable information and no clear economic benefits. Coral Reef Funding: NFWF awarded $2.1 million (with $1.2 million in matching support) for coral resilience work in American Samoa and other Pacific areas, targeting heat-tolerant corals and sediment pollution reduction. Consumer & Business Oversight: The Senate advanced a Product Labeling Standards Act requiring clear labeling for packaged foods and other goods, with enforcement by the Office of Weights and Measures. Local Governance Watch: Lawmakers questioned the Zoning Board’s enforcement after concerns some businesses may be operating multiple ventures from one location without proper zoning and licensing.

Deep-Sea Mining Court Fight: A Honolulu judge refused to delay an Earthjustice case challenging whether the Trump administration can move ahead with a deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, keeping an Oct. 30 hearing on track and raising the odds a court could block the Nov. 19 sale. Local Governance on Mining: American Samoa Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal comments to BOEM on the proposed PACM-1 lease, saying the territory does not support commercial extraction now and wants any early work to focus on science and environmental studies. Regional Pressure on Federal Process: Leaders and activists across the Pacific are pushing back on fast-tracked mining plans, including calls for Guam’s governor to use limited federal authority to recommend stopping the Marianas lease process. Marine Conservation & Fisheries: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council urged federal agencies to expedite green sea turtle status reviews for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa, tied to restoring traditional cultural harvests. Coral Reef Funding: NFWF awarded $2.1 million to projects in American Samoa and other Pacific areas to boost coral resilience and restore reef habitat. Broadband & Industry: The Department of Commerce approved $30 million in federal grants for the Le Vasa Google Cable project, aimed at building a stronger digital economy. Consumer Rules: The Senate advanced the Product Labeling Standards Act of 2026, setting requirements for ingredients, dates, origin, and enforcement for goods sold in American Samoa. Public Works: Renovations to the A.P. Lutali Executive Office Building are now projected to finish by February 2027, with ARPA-funded rental costs for displaced departments.