AGP Executive Report

Mortgage & Credit: The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines says it will now accept VantageScore 4.0 as mortgage collateral, letting member banks use the score to reach about 4 million more consumers—an industry move that could affect local home-lending conditions. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: American Samoa’s Delegate Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a moratorium, arguing the federal environmental review must be thorough and science-based, with unresolved risks like sediment “plumes” to fish stocks; meanwhile, Guam’s new seabed mining ban highlights how territorial actions may clash with upcoming federal lease sales. NOAA Budget Pressure: A proposed 2027 NOAA budget would cut more than $1 billion and eliminate or reduce programs tied to Pacific weather forecasting, fisheries, and coral/coastal resilience—raising concerns for island communities. Local Politics & Representation: Sandra King Young officially registered her campaign committee with the FEC to run for Delegate to Congress, formally launching her fundraising and compliance process. Education & Workforce: A local student, Jhen Allison Paguiligan Seguiwan, was selected as a 2026 Seafloor Mapping & Hydrography intern and will sail aboard E/V Nautilus for seafloor mapping between Hawaiʻi and Guam. Food Assistance: DHSS announced Summer-EBT (SUN Bucks) for public school students, increasing benefits to $180 per student for June–August, with paper coupons for the final time. Community & Events: ASTCA and partners unveiled major July 4th Independence Day events, including women’s cricket, fautasi, international 7s rugby, and a Stan Walker concert plus fireworks and a drone show. Fisheries Management: The Western Pacific Council’s science panel will review American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment updates and other fisheries research affecting Hawai‘i, American Samoa, Guam, and CNMI. Health & Climate Outlook: NOAA forecasts an 82% chance El Niño develops by May–July, with impacts that could shape rainfall and cyclone risk across the Pacific.

NOAA Budget Shock for Pacific Islands: The Trump administration’s proposed 2027 NOAA budget would cut more than $1 billion and end or reduce programs tied to weather forecasting, fisheries management, coral protection, and coastal resilience—raising alarms for Guam and CNMI, and by extension the wider Pacific that depends on NOAA data. Deep-Sea Mining Policy Pushback: A U.S. bill would limit presidents’ ability to ban commercial fishing in marine national monuments, while American Samoa’s Delegate Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a deep-seabed mining moratorium, citing unresolved science and risks like sediment “plumes” that could harm fish stocks and food security. Local Politics & Civic Life: Sandra King Young officially registered her campaign committee with the FEC to run for Delegate to Congress, formally launching her bid. Food Support Update: DHSS says Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) starts this week for public school students, with benefits raised to $180 per student for June–August. Education & STEM at Sea: A local student was selected as a 2026 seafloor mapping intern aboard E/V Nautilus, joining a mission to map new seafloor between Hawaiʻi and Guam. Weather Watch: NOAA forecasts an 82% chance El Niño develops May–July, with impacts that could include drier conditions and higher cyclone risk for the region. Community & Business Notes: ASTCA and partners announced major July 4 events, while local courts reported criminal charges in separate assault cases and a tender-offer results update appeared in financial coverage.

Territorial Representation Debate: A new report highlights how U.S. territories—including American Samoa—have a voice in Congress but no vote, tying the issue to the Insular Cases and the limits on full democratic participation. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Delegate Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a moratorium near American Samoa, warning federal reviews must follow the law, avoid shortcuts, and fully assess unknown impacts like sediment “plumes” on fish stocks and food security. Local Governance: Governor Pulaali’i appointed Deputy Commissioner Falana’ipupu Taase Sagapolutele as Acting Public Safety Commissioner after Taaga Saite Moliga’s resignation. Food Support Update: DHSS announced Summer-EBT (SUN Bucks) starting June 3 for public school students, with benefits rising to $180 per student for June–August. Invasive Species Watch: Little Fire Ants continue spreading across Tutuila, with at least 26 detected sites and concerns about impacts on agriculture and daily life. Business & Community Events: ASTCA and partners are gearing up for July 4 “one for the books” celebrations, including women’s cricket, the Fautasi race, international 7s rugby, and a Stan Walker concert plus fireworks and drones. Regional Fisheries Planning: WestPac’s June meeting in American Samoa will review fisheries science, including an American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment update. Weather & Risk: NOAA and the National Weather Service warn El Niño is likely to develop, with typical effects for American Samoa including drier conditions, higher temperatures, and increased cyclone risk.

Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa’s Delegate Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining near the territory, citing unresolved science, sediment “plumes,” and risks to fish stocks and food security as federal agencies weigh an environmental review. Regional Fisheries Oversight: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will meet June 9–11 in Fagatogo, with agenda items including a 2026 American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment update and a review of science affecting management across Hawai‘i, American Samoa, Guam and CNMI. Independence Day Business & Community: ASTCA and major partners including Reid Group are backing a big July 4 lineup—women’s cricket, Fautasi, international 7s rugby, and a Stan Walker concert—plus fireworks and a drone show, with prize money and village team participation highlighted. Local Invasive Species Watch: Little fire ants continue spreading across Tutuila, with at least 26 detected sites and concerns about impacts on agriculture and daily life. Weather & Planning: NOAA forecasts an El Niño pattern with high odds of developing and persisting, and the National Weather Service warns American Samoa could see drier conditions and higher cyclone risk. Banking & Cash Flow: TBAS says direct-deposit encouragement for tax refunds boosted account verification requests, while it maintains that ATM cash handling is monitored for security. Public Safety Leadership: Governor Pulaali’i appointed Deputy Commissioner Falana’ipupu Taase Sagapolutele as Acting Commissioner after Taaga Saite Moliga’s resignation.

Deep Seabed Mining Pushback: Delegate Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining near American Samoa, saying federal reviews must be science-based and not rushed, with unresolved risks like sediment “plumes” threatening fish stocks that support the local economy and food security. Federal Lease Sales: The U.S. is preparing to auction seabed blocks in federal waters, with a first sale slated for American Samoa in August 2026—an early step toward commercial-scale mining that opponents say is too fast. Fisheries & Science: The Western Pacific Fishery Council’s June meetings in Honolulu will review American Samoa bottomfish stock science and other fisheries items, while also taking up a deep-sea mining update. Banking & Cash Flow: Territorial Bank of American Samoa reports tax-refund direct-deposit push led to more account verification requests, with customers seeing faster access to funds. Weather Watch: NOAA’s El Niño Watch points to an 82% chance of El Niño developing May–July and persisting into early 2027, with likely impacts for rainfall, heat, cyclones, and coastal conditions. Public Safety Leadership: Governor Pulaali’i appointed Falana’ipupu Taase Sagapolutele as Acting Public Safety Commissioner after Taaga Saite Moliga’s resignation. Community & Business Events: ASTCA and partners are lining up major 250th Independence Day events, including cricket, rugby sevens, the Fautasi race, and a Stan Walker concert.

Medical Evacuation: Optimum Air says it can coordinate 24/7 air ambulance transport from Las Vegas with a Honolulu “satellite base,” using specialized aircraft loading systems to move patients quickly and safely. Public Safety Leadership: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula appointed Deputy Commissioner Falana’ipupu Taase Sagapolutele as Acting DPS Commissioner after Taaga Saite Moliga’s resignation. Independence Day Business & Community: ASTCA and partners including Reid Group are lining up major July 4 events—women’s cricket, fautasi, international 7s rugby, a Stan Walker concert, plus fireworks and a drone show. Fisheries & Food Security: The Western Pacific Fishery Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee will review American Samoa bottomfish stock status and research needs at its June 2–4 Honolulu meeting. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a moratorium, arguing federal reviews are too rushed and that unknown impacts like sediment “plumes” could harm fish stocks and the territory’s economy. Banking & Cash Flow: TBAS reports direct-deposit push for tax refunds boosted account verification requests, while lines were present but smaller than past years. Workforce Training: American Samoa Community College’s Trades & Technology Division awarded Residential House Wiring II certificates to nine graduates. Weather Watch: The National Weather Service flagged El Niño risks for American Samoa, including drier conditions, higher temperatures, and increased cyclone activity.

Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining near American Samoa, arguing the federal review must be science-based and warning about unknown impacts like sediment “plumes” that could harm fish stocks and food security. Fisheries & Science: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee will meet June 2–4 in Honolulu, including a review of the 2026 American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment, while the full Council meets June 9–11 in Pago Pago with offshore fisheries and a deep-sea mining update on the agenda. Climate Watch: The National Weather Service in Pago Pago issued an El Niño Watch (82% chance May–July), flagging likely shifts such as drier conditions, higher temperatures, and increased tropical cyclone risk. Banking & Cash Flow: Territorial Bank of American Samoa reported direct-deposit tax refund enrollment support is driving more account verification requests, with tax refunds released alphabetically and customers seeing shorter lines than past years. Power Utility Leadership: ASPA appointed Ryan K. Tuato’o as Chief Operations Officer, bringing long experience in customer operations and renewable energy permitting support. Port Planning: The Port Administration selected HDR to lead a 20-year seaports master plan for Pago Pago Harbor, funded by a $3 million FY2024 RAISE grant. Community & Skills: American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 drew families and students, and American Samoa Community College’s Trades & Technology Division awarded Residential House Wiring II certificates to nine graduates.

Medical Evacuation Options: A local-focused report highlights how Optimum Air runs 24/7 coordination from Las Vegas and a Honolulu base, using specialized aircraft and patient-loading systems to move seriously ill family members fast. Community & Youth Skills: American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 (“Igniting Hope Through STEAM!”) drew students, businesses, and agencies with hands-on science and career booths, plus a Solar Car Challenge. Public Safety at Work: Police say a co-worker reported an alleged assault tied to a domestic-violence case, with the suspect held without bail. Local Business & Services: TBAS says tax-refund direct-deposit push didn’t trigger big new account growth, but it did increase requests for verification and enrollment help; meanwhile, tax refunds began releasing alphabetically. Energy & Infrastructure Leadership: ASPA appointed Ryan K. Tuato’o as Chief Operations Officer, and the Port Administration selected HDR for a 20-year seaports master plan funded by a $3M RAISE grant. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure Builds: The Western Pacific Fishery Council will hold June meetings in American Samoa with deep-sea mining on the agenda, while local students and residents continue raising concerns as the U.S. prepares seabed lease auctions. Climate Watch for Planning: The Climate Prediction Center issued an El Niño Watch for May–July, with high odds of impacts on rainfall and storm risk.

El Niño Watch & Voyaging: The Polynesian Voyaging Society says Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia will adjust the Moananuiākea route as a developing El Niño pattern raises the odds of wetter conditions and more cyclones, with a revised departure planned for the third week of August 2026 and an arrival in Fiji around mid-October for Pre-COP. Banking & Tax Refunds: Territorial Bank of American Samoa reports no major jump in new accounts, but more customers are seeking help to verify and enroll for direct deposit ahead of tax refund payouts; meanwhile, Treasury is sorting refunds alphabetically to manage cash flow. Local Finance & Tourism Signals: A new Hawaii DBEDT update shows April visitor spending up year-over-year even as arrivals dipped slightly, a reminder that travel demand can still lift local revenue. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback & Planning: The U.S. is preparing lease auctions for deep-sea mining blocks in federal waters, while American Samoa’s fisheries and community stakeholders are gearing up for upcoming council discussions and public input as concerns grow over long-term ocean impacts. Energy & Port Development: ASPA appoints Ryan K. Tuato’o as COO, and Port Administration selects HDR for a 20-year seaport master plan funded by a $3M RAISE grant. Community & Skills: ASCC’s Trades & Technology division reports Residential House Wiring II completions, and Arbor Week adds an Indoor Greenhouse Gala highlighting local forestry funding.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. is preparing lease auctions for deep-sea mining blocks in federal waters, with the first sale planned for American Samoa in August 2026, while the Western Pacific Fishery Council holds June 9-11 meetings in Fagatogo that include a deep-sea mining update. Port & Power Upgrades: Port Administration selected HDR to lead a 20-year Pago Pago seaports master plan funded by a $3M RAISE grant, and ASPA appointed Ryan K. Tuato’o as Chief Operations Officer. Tax Refunds & Banking: Treasury will release tax refunds alphabetically, and TBAS says direct-deposit push boosted account verification requests; meanwhile, lines were smaller than past years. Local Skills & Jobs: ASCC’s Trades & Technology Division awarded certificates to 9 completing Residential House Wiring II. Community & Business Events: Arbor Week added a first-ever Indoor Greenhouse Gala, and Miss American Samoa Pageant announced a new format with six contestants. Health Snapshot: New data shows adult obesity in American Samoa at 68.5%, among the highest globally.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. is preparing lease auctions for deep-sea mining blocks in federal waters, with the first sale slated for American Samoa in August 2026, as regulators move toward commercial-scale activity despite strong local opposition. Local Fisheries & Mining Oversight: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will hold its 207th meeting in American Samoa June 9-11, with offshore fisheries and a deep-sea mining update on the agenda, plus hybrid public sessions in early June. Port Investment: The Port Administration selected HDR to lead a 20-year Pago Pago seaports master plan, funded by a $3 million FY2024 RAISE grant, targeting modernization, safety, and long-term economic and climate resilience. Utility Leadership: ASPA appointed Ryan K. Tuato’o as Chief Operations Officer, bringing 25+ years of operations and customer service leadership. Tax Refunds & Banking: Treasury will release tax refunds alphabetically, and TBAS says direct deposit demand is up, while it keeps ATM cash-handling details private for security. Community & Skills: ASCC’s Trades & Technology Division awarded Residential House Wiring II certificates to nine graduates, and Arbor Week added a first-ever Indoor Greenhouse Gala supported by USDA forestry funding. Public Safety: Police charged a suspect after an alleged assault on an employee at a Fagatogo business. Health Snapshot: New data shows American Samoa’s adult obesity rate at 68.5%, far above the U.S. at 43.0%.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. is preparing seabed lease auctions for deep-sea mining in federal waters, with the first sale slated for American Samoa in August 2026—an early step toward commercial-scale activity that opponents warn could cause irreversible marine damage. Local Governance & Industry Oversight: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will hold its 207th meeting in American Samoa June 9–11, with mineral mining on the agenda alongside fisheries management items like MHI Kona crab catch limits. Public Works & Infrastructure: Port Administration selected HDR to lead a 20-year seaport master planning project for Pago Pago Harbor, funded by a $3 million FY2024 RAISE grant. Utility Leadership: ASPA appointed Ryan K. Tuato’o as Chief Operations Officer, bringing long experience in customer operations and renewable energy permitting support. Banking & Households: TBAS reported only modest changes in new account openings after Treasury encouraged direct deposit for tax refunds, though verification requests rose. Tourism Economy: Hawaii’s April visitor spending rose 4.8% year-over-year despite slightly fewer arrivals, with higher average daily spend driving the increase. Climate Risk: The Climate Prediction Center issued an El Niño Watch for May–July with an 82% likelihood, warning of potential impacts on rainfall, heat, storms, and coastal conditions. Health Snapshot: New obesity-rate figures place American Samoa at 68.5%, among the highest globally.

Health & Living Standards: New international figures put American Samoa’s adult obesity rate at 68.5%, far above the U.S. (43%) and dwarfing countries like Japan (4.9%) and Vietnam (1.7%). Regional Diplomacy & Business Climate: Australia’s Governor-General and American Samoa Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula are set to attend Independence Day events, including a ceremonial handover of Australian-supported Samoa parliamentary buildings—an economic governance signal for the region. Banking & Household Cash Flow: Territorial Bank of American Samoa says tax-refund direct-deposit push hasn’t sparked a surge in new accounts, but it did boost requests for verification and enrollment help; meanwhile, Treasury is releasing refunds alphabetically and TBAS cash planning remains tightly managed for security. Ports & Investment Planning: Port Administration selected HDR to lead a 20-year Pago Pago seaports master plan, funded by a $3M RAISE grant, targeting upgrades, safety, and climate resilience. Energy & Jobs: ASPA appointed Ryan K. Tuato’o as Chief Operations Officer, bringing long customer-operations experience and renewable-energy permitting work. Fisheries & Marine Economy: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council will meet June 9-11 in American Samoa with deep-sea mining on the agenda, alongside tuna and Kona crab management. Climate Risk: The Climate Prediction Center issued an El Niño Watch (82% chance May–July) with potential impacts on rainfall, hurricane season, and coastal conditions. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Guam lawmakers voted to ban deep-sea mining in island waters, adding pressure as U.S. lease sales and permitting move forward. Public Safety & Compliance: A multistate coalition of attorneys general opposed the House Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act, arguing it could weaken state enforcement and platform accountability for harms to minors.

Port & Infrastructure: Port Administration selected HDR to lead a 20-year seaports master planning project for Pago Pago Harbor, funded by a $3 million FY2024 RAISE grant, with work focused on modernization, safety, land/shoreline integration, and economic plus climate resilience. Utility Leadership: ASPA appointed Ryan K. Tuato’o as Chief Operations Officer, bringing 25+ years of management experience and a background in customer service, revenue collection, and renewable energy permitting support. Local Finance: Treasury will release tax refunds alphabetically this week after processing 5,095 returns since April 20; residents reported shorter lines than past years as TBAS limits payouts to match available cash. Fisheries & Ocean Policy: Western Pacific Fishery Management Council public discussions in American Samoa run in early June (hybrid), with deep-sea mining listed among agenda items; the council’s 207th meeting is set for June 9–11 at the Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center. Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. is preparing seabed lease auctions in federal waters, while multiple companies seek licenses and Guam has moved to ban deep-sea mining in its waters—raising pressure on how quickly rules and local concerns are handled. Community & Skills: ASCC Trades & Technology Division awarded Residential House Wiring II certificates to nine graduates, and EPIC received a $25,000 donation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for outreach programs. Weather & Risk: Climate Prediction Center issued an El Niño Watch for May–July with an 82% probability, warning of likely impacts on rainfall and hurricane-season conditions.

Local Utility Leadership: ASPA appoints Ryan K. Tuato’o as Chief Operations Officer, bringing 25+ years of operations and customer-service experience and a track record of revenue collection and renewable energy permitting support. Port & Infrastructure: Port Administration selects HDR to lead a 20-year seaports master planning project for Pago Pago Harbor, funded by a $3M FY2024 RAISE grant, with a focus on modernization, safety, land integration, and economic/climate resilience. Workforce Development: ASCC’s Trades & Technology Division awards Residential House Wiring II certificates to 9 graduates, strengthening local skills for home electrical work. Fisheries & Offshore Policy: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will hold its 207th meeting in American Samoa June 9-11 (hybrid), with agenda items including MHI Kona crab harvest limits and an update on mineral mining in the Western Pacific. Climate Outlook: The Climate Prediction Center issues an El Niño Watch, with an 82% chance of El Niño developing May-July and potential impacts on rainfall, hurricane season, and coastal conditions. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The U.S. prepares lease auctions for seabed mining blocks in federal waters, while local and regional discussions flag deep-sea mining as a major upcoming policy and business issue for the Pacific. Tax Relief Timing: Treasury says it will release the first batch of tax refunds this week, sorted alphabetically, after processing thousands of returns. Community Support: EPIC receives a $25,000 donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to support outreach programs across American Samoa.

ASPA Operations Leadership: American Samoa Power Authority appoints Ryan K. Tuato’o as Chief Operations Officer, bringing 25+ years of utility management and customer operations experience, including revenue collection and renewable energy permitting support. Port Infrastructure & Jobs: Port Administration selects HDR to lead a 20-year seaports master planning project for Pago Pago Harbor, funded by a $3M FY2024 RAISE grant, with a focus on modernization, safety, land integration, and economic/climate resilience. Port Upgrades: PAAS completes installation of five high-mast floodlight poles at the Port of Pago Pago Container Yard, moving into final electrical integration to improve 24-hour operations and security. Workforce Training: ASCC Trades & Technology Division awards Residential House Wiring II certificates to nine graduates, reinforcing local skills for safer home electrical work. Tax Relief Logistics: Treasury will release tax refunds alphabetically this week after processing 5,095 returns since April 20, with payouts managed alongside TBAS cash limits. Housing Support Payments: DOC says it’s finalizing payments under the American Samoa Homeowner Assistance Fund Program after applications closed April 24. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: U.S. lease sales for seabed mining are moving ahead, while local and regional opposition grows; Guam has already moved to ban deep-sea mining in its waters. Public Safety & Courts: A woman was charged after an alleged assault at a local business; police say the victim was punched near an ATM. Community & Environment: Arbor Week adds an Indoor Greenhouse Gala, highlighting new forestry funding and local nonprofit partnerships.