AGP Executive Report

Youth Tech Accountability: American Samoa is named in a landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta over Instagram and Facebook youth-safety claims. Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde says Meta must pay and roll out sweeping protections, including a combined two-hour daily limit for kids, “productive pauses,” nighttime access blocks, and stronger age checks and parental controls; American Samoa’s share is $1.1 million. Deep-Sea Minerals Watch: NOAA is sending the Okeanos Explorer to map and survey American Samoa’s seafloor for critical minerals, with live-streamed ROV dives and public data releases planned for Aug–Oct 2026. Pacific Policy & Security: Pacific leaders meet in Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum, with debates over ocean resources, deep-sea mining, and security partnerships as major powers compete for influence. Fishing Rules Update: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council will discuss possible changes to American Samoa’s Rose Atoll commercial fishing prohibitions at its Sept. 15–17 meeting. Trade & Logistics: A CNMI delegate urges USPS to pause new duty-collection procedures affecting mail from U.S. territories, including American Samoa, citing legal and administrative concerns.

Deep-Sea Minerals & Pacific Security: Pacific leaders meeting in Palau are pushing for more control over security and ocean resources as China and the U.S. compete for influence, with ocean minerals and defense partnerships high on the agenda. NOAA Seafloor Mapping for American Samoa: NOAA will run two deep-sea expeditions around American Samoa aboard the Okeanos Explorer to map and survey seafloor habitats tied to critical mineral evaluation, with live-streamed ROV dives and public release of datasets. Meta Child-Safety Settlement (U.S. + Territories incl. American Samoa): Meta agreed to pay up to $18B and impose major safeguards for teens on Facebook and Instagram, including default daily time limits, nighttime blocks, reduced school-hour notifications, stronger age assurance, and tighter controls on harmful content; the deal covers 47 states plus D.C., Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Local Fisheries Governance: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council will meet Sept. 15–17 to consider changes to American Samoa’s large vessel prohibited area around Rose Atoll, following recent federal action affecting commercial fishing rules. Broadcasting Deadlines (FCC): September brings key FCC broadcaster dates, including regulatory fee timing and the Auction 114 short-form application window for new FM station construction permits.

Deep-Sea Minerals: NOAA says it will run new deep-seafloor mapping and survey expeditions around American Samoa using the Okeanos Explorer, with live-streamed ROV dives and public data releases aimed at supporting future marine policy and commerce. Pacific Governance: Pacific Islands Forum leaders meet in Palau (Aug. 30–Sept. 4) to push “Building Economies” while weighing rising pressure from major powers over security, ocean minerals, and defense partnerships. Meta Child-Safety Settlement: A multistate deal with Meta includes American Samoa among the jurisdictions, requiring major changes to Instagram and Facebook for users under 18—daily time limits, nighttime blocks, reduced school-hour notifications, stronger age checks, and safer content controls—along with large state payments. US Seabed Leasing Critique: A new analysis argues the U.S. is moving ahead with seabed lease auctions off American Samoa under domestic law, without UNCLOS/ISA sponsorship, raising concerns for Pacific capitals. Broadcast Deadlines: The FCC posted key September regulatory dates for broadcasters, including fee timing and an Auction 114 short-form filing window for new FM station construction permits.

Deep-Sea Data for American Samoa: NOAA says it will run two deep-seafloor mapping expeditions around American Samoa aboard the Okeanos Explorer, using high-resolution mapping and a remotely operated vehicle, with live-streamed dives and public release of geophysical and biological datasets to support future marine policy and commerce. Youth-Safety Settlement Reaches American Samoa: A sweeping multistate deal with Meta over Instagram and Facebook youth addiction claims includes American Samoa among the jurisdictions, with Meta required to impose default daily time limits, nighttime blocks, reduced school-hour notifications, stronger age checks, and safer content controls for minors. Pacific Security and Resources on the Agenda: Pacific leaders head to the Palau summit for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, aiming to keep a common voice as major powers compete for influence and access to ocean resources, while pushing for climate, infrastructure, and economic opportunities. Territory Shipping Rules Under Review: CNMI delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds urged USPS to pause new duty-collection procedures for mail from U.S. territories, arguing the system must match each territory’s legal protections. Local Jobs and Trade Logistics: Guam’s Cost.U.Less highlighted how its Oakland distribution center and port coordination help it move freight—including perishable goods—across the South Pacific, including American Samoa, despite long lead times and limited routes.

Deep-Sea Exploration: NOAA announced two deep-sea mapping expeditions around American Samoa aboard the Okeanos Explorer, aimed at evaluating offshore critical minerals and releasing live-streamed ROV dives plus public datasets to support future marine policy. Pacific Security & Resources: Pacific Islands Forum leaders will meet in Palau to push for more control over security and ocean resources as China, the U.S., and partners compete for influence, with American Samoa and Guam participating as associate members. Meta Child-Safety Settlement: A sweeping multistate deal with Meta requires new safeguards for Instagram and Facebook for users under 18, including default daily time limits, nighttime blocks, reduced school-hour notifications, stronger age checks, and limits on certain harmful features; American Samoa is listed among the jurisdictions receiving protections under the $17.1B framework. Local Economy & Logistics: Cost.U.Less in Guam highlighted its supply-chain model for the South Pacific, including shipments and freight coordination reaching American Samoa and other islands. Fishing Rules Update: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will consider options to amend American Samoa large-vessel fishing prohibitions near Rose Atoll, as federal implementation details continue to evolve. Unemployment Snapshot: Hawai‘i reported July unemployment at 2.7% with small job changes, including declines in construction and manufacturing.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to about $18B and overhaul Facebook/Instagram for teens, including a combined two-hour daily limit, “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks (midnight–6 a.m.), reduced school-hour notifications, stronger age checks, and tighter controls on harmful content; the deal covers 47 states plus D.C., Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and is headed for court approval. NOAA Deep-Sea Mapping: NOAA announced deep exploration expeditions around American Samoa aboard the Okeanos Explorer, using high-resolution mapping and ROV dives, with live-streamed footage and public release of datasets to support future marine policy and offshore mineral evaluation. Territory Trade/USPS: CNMI delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds urged USPS to pause new duty-collection procedures for mail from U.S. territories, citing legal and administrative concerns tied to de minimis treatment and covenant-based treatment for CNMI imports. Pacific Fisheries Policy: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council will meet Sept. 15–17 to consider changes to the American Samoa large vessel prohibited area near Rose Atoll, with commercial fishing rules potentially shifting under federal implementation steps.

NOAA Ocean Exploration: NOAA announced two deep-sea expeditions to map and survey American Samoa’s seafloor aboard the Okeanos Explorer, with a first phase running Aug–Sep 2026 and a follow-up in late Sep–Oct 2026; the agency says it will use high-resolution mapping and ROV benthic surveys, live-stream dives, and release datasets to public repositories to support both science and future marine policy. Big Tech & Youth Safety: Meta reached a landmark multistate settlement over alleged child social media harms, with terms that would limit Instagram and Facebook for teens (including a combined two-hour daily cap, nighttime blocks, school-hour notification limits, and stronger age checks), while payments total up to about $17.1B nationwide plus additional amounts depending on other platforms’ actions; American Samoa is listed among the jurisdictions in the coalition. Regional Fisheries Policy: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council will meet Sept 15–17, 2026, to consider options that could affect commercial fishing rules around American Samoa, including the large vessel prohibited area near Rose Atoll. Territorial Mail Costs: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds urged USPS to pause new duty-collection procedures for mail from U.S. territories, citing covenant and legal concerns tied to how imports are treated.

Meta Youth-Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to a landmark multistate deal worth up to about $17.1B (and as high as ~$18B in some reports), with 47 states plus D.C., Puerto Rico, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands—ending a federal trial and forcing new limits on Instagram and Facebook for minors, including default daily time caps, “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, reduced school-hour notifications, stronger age checks, safer content controls, and tighter parental tools. Territory Impact: American Samoa is named among the jurisdictions in the settlement, alongside major payouts announced for other states (e.g., Pennsylvania $516M; Virginia at least $353M; Nebraska up to $201M; Michigan at least $171M; Tennessee net $751.9M+; Hawaii up to $76M; Missouri $100M–$150M). Local Trade & Logistics: Cost.U.Less expanded with a new flagship store in Guam, highlighting its supply-chain model that ships globally via its Oakland distribution center and coordinates with local ports—serving South Pacific markets including American Samoa, with air freight for perishable items. Regional Fisheries Governance: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council will meet Sept. 15–17 to consider options affecting commercial fishing prohibitions near Rose Atoll and American Samoa’s large vessel prohibited area.

Big Tech Accountability: Meta agreed to pay up to about $17.1–$18 billion in a multistate settlement over claims it used addictive design on Instagram and Facebook and misled families about risks to children, with the deal ending a major federal trial and requiring sweeping youth-safety changes. Youth Safety Rules: The terms include a default two-hour daily limit for under-18 users across the two apps, “productive pauses” during continuous use, nighttime blocks (midnight to 6 a.m.), reduced school-hour push notifications, stronger age verification, tighter content controls, and limits on features like public like counts and certain cosmetic filters. Territory in the Mix: The settlement covers claims brought by 47 states plus D.C., Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, meaning American Samoa is part of the group pushing for the new safeguards. Local Payouts Elsewhere: Reported state shares include Tennessee (~$752M net), Michigan (at least ~$171M), Missouri ($100M–$150M), Hawaii (up to ~$76M), Wyoming (~$13.3M), and South Dakota (minimum ~$52.6M).

Youth-Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to about $18B over 10 years and overhaul default settings for teens on Facebook and Instagram after a federal trial over claims the platforms were designed to be addictive and harmful. Teen Usage Rules: The deal sets a default two-hour daily cap (combined across both apps), nighttime blocks from midnight to 6 a.m. without parental consent, and reduced push notifications during school hours plus “productive pauses” during scrolling. Parental Controls & Content Limits: Meta must strengthen age-assurance, improve parental tools, and tighten safeguards like hiding like counts and restricting certain harmful filters/content for minors. Money for U.S. Territories Including American Samoa: Payments are set to flow to 47 states plus D.C., Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, with part of the total conditional on TikTok and YouTube adopting comparable protections.

Big Tech Accountability: Meta reached a landmark multistate settlement over alleged teen social media addiction harms, with the company agreeing to pay up to about $17.1B (and in some reports up to $18B) and roll out sweeping child-safety changes for Instagram and Facebook. Local Impacts for U.S. Territories: The deal includes American Samoa among the participating territories, alongside Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands, as states and territories seek court approval and new safeguards. What’s Changing for Teens: Reported requirements include daily time limits, mandatory pauses, overnight access blocks, reduced school-hour notifications, stronger age verification/parental controls, and limits on certain features tied to harm. Money Details by State: Coverage highlights large payouts such as Washington (at least $237M, up to nearly $339M), Wisconsin (up to $313M), South Carolina (about $247M), Maine (at least $56M), and Nevada (up to $150M). American Samoa Industry Watch: Separate reporting says conservation groups are challenging a proposed deep-sea mining rights sale off American Samoa, alleging federal wildlife review gaps for endangered species.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer just ran the first-ever ROV dive in American Samoa waters, but a key lease auction is set for Nov. 19—before the public gets the full scientific data, while Earthjustice and local groups like Fa’asao Amerika Samoa push back in court over Endangered Species Act review gaps. Congressional Pressure: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata urged the Interior Department to commission an environmental impact study for “at scale” extraction near American Samoa’s continental shelf, saying communities remain unconvinced benefits outweigh risks. Local Voices: The American Samoa Democratic Party and faith leaders (Catholic Diocese of Samoa-Pago Pago and CEPAC) renewed calls for caution and ocean protection, echoing broader regional opposition. Energy Costs: American Samoa Power Authority warned electricity rates are expected to rise again in September as oil prices climb and school demand increases, even as solar projects like Pavaiai aim to cut fuel dependence. Community Skills: Fagalii Tinifu completed a 12-session ASCC-ACNR sewing program, producing puletasi and other household items to support self-sufficiency.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Earthjustice and local group Fa’asao Amerika Samoa joined Conservation Council for Hawai‘i to sue the federal government to block the first commercial deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing NOAA/NMFS wrongly found the project “not likely to adversely affect” endangered species and that the review was too thin for a process that could lead to irreversible harm. Congressional & Local Pressure: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata urged the Interior Department to order an environmental impact study for “at scale” extraction near the American Samoa continental shelf, saying residents remain unconvinced benefits outweigh risks to ocean ecosystems. Governance & Timing Concerns: Coverage also flags a fast-tracked U.S. push in the Pacific, with critics saying public participation and protections are lagging behind leasing steps. Energy Costs: American Samoa Power Authority warned electricity rates are expected to rise again in September as oil prices climb, urging conservation as schools reopen. Community Skills: Fagalii Tinifu completed a 12-session ASCC-ACNR Basic Sewing Program, producing puletasi and other household items. Local Milestone: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints set dates for the Pago Pago American Samoa Temple—dedication Dec. 13 after a Nov. 4–21 open house.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Environmental law group Earthjustice, backed by Fa‘asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, sued the U.S. government to stop the first-ever commercial seabed mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing NOAA Fisheries wrongly concluded mining “is not likely to adversely affect” endangered species and that required protections under the Endangered Species Act weren’t properly considered. Local Energy Costs: American Samoa Power Authority warned electricity rates are expected to rise again in September as oil prices climb back to about $90 a barrel, urging residents and schools to conserve while ASPA pushes renewables like the Pavaiai solar farm. Congressional Push for Studies: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata urged the Interior Department to conduct an environmental impact study on how large-scale deep-sea mineral extraction could affect the ocean ecosystem around American Samoa. Faith and Community Response: The American Samoa Democratic Party praised Catholic and Episcopal leaders for urging caution on deep-sea mining, while local sewing and youth programs kept moving—Fagalii Tinifu completed a 12-session ASCC-ACNR Basic Sewing Program, and Rotary Club of Upcountry Maui recognized August Students of the Month. Temple Milestones: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced key dates for the Pago Pago American Samoa Temple—dedication set for Dec. 13, with an open house running Nov. 4–21 (excluding Sundays).

Deep-Sea Mining Push Meets Pushback: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata urged the Interior Department to order an environmental impact study with NOAA and/or EPA before any at-scale deep-sea mineral extraction near American Samoa’s continental shelf, saying residents aren’t convinced benefits outweigh ecosystem risks. Legal Challenge: Earthjustice filed suit to stop the first-ever U.S. commercial deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, arguing NOAA Fisheries’ “not likely to adversely affect” finding for endangered species was unlawful under the Endangered Species Act. Local Industry & Skills: Fagalii Tinifu participants finished a 12-session ASCC-ACNR Family and Consumer Sciences Basic Sewing Program, producing puletasi and other household items to build practical self-sufficiency skills. NOAA Mapping for Minerals: NOAA Ocean Exploration announced two deepwater expeditions around American Samoa (Aug–Sept and late Sept–Oct 2026) to map and characterize the seafloor, generating public data to guide future exploration and decisions. Regional Politics: US territories including Guam and the Northern Marianas criticized fast-tracked federal seabed leasing moves, with Guam officials saying they’re shut out of formal comment while regulators proceed.

Deep-Sea Mining Push (American Samoa): Environmental groups and community advocates, led by Earthjustice, filed suit to stop the first-ever commercial deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, challenging NOAA Fisheries’ decision that mining wouldn’t harm endangered species and asking a court to halt the process. Federal Fast-Track (Pacific): The Trump administration also advanced a separate deep-sea leasing proposal off the Northern Mariana Islands, with Guam and CNMI leaders warning regulators are moving faster than science and local input allow. Local Industry & Skills: Fagalii Tinifu members completed a 12-session Basic Sewing Program through ASCC-ACNR’s Family and Consumer Sciences, producing puletasi and other household items as practical self-sufficiency training. STEM & Education: NOAA will run two deepwater mapping expeditions around American Samoa this summer and fall to generate public data for future offshore critical-mineral decisions. Community Spotlight: Rotary Club of Upcountry Maui named August Students of the Month, including Brayden Kitagawa (King Kekaulike High School) and Kaui Joaquin (Kamehameha Schools Maui).