Deep-Sea Minerals: American Samoa launched DeepSeaInfo.as.gov to explain deep-sea mining proposals, risks, and potential opportunities, with weekly updates and interactive education tools as federal lease discussions move forward. Local Economy & Governance: The American Samoa Legislature approved the FY2027 budget and sent it to the governor, cutting the spending plan to about $780.4 million and trimming revenue projections, including removing interest earnings tied to an ARPA-linked UAE pension fund arrangement. Public Finance Watch: Senators continued probing ASG’s $10.1 million ARPA interest investment, with the Attorney General saying she urged independent verification before the deal and that she had concerns about promised returns; the committee also questioned whether procurement safeguards were followed. Telecom Oversight: The Acting Chair of the ASTCA board stepped down to focus on a House campaign, leaving leadership changes at the territory’s telecom regulator. Energy Planning: Hawaiʻi’s energy office opened applications for the DOE Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project, aiming to help Pacific island and remote communities plan for more reliable energy systems. Trade & Enforcement: The U.S. sent the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act to the president, pushing for field-test methods to verify seafood country-of-origin and crack down on illegal fishing. AI Policy: 23 states plus American Samoa urged Congress to set federal AI safety rules after incidents involving AI systems operating beyond safeguards. Tourism: Hawaiʻi reported August 2026 visitor spending fell to $1.59B and arrivals declined, a reminder of how quickly travel demand can shift. Port Infrastructure: PAAS finalized the execution plan for the American Samoa Seaports Master Plan, funded through MARAD’s RAISE program, to map capacity and prioritize 5-, 10-, and 20-year port needs.