AGP Executive Report

ARPA Oversight: The House is pressing for a full accounting of about $10 million in interest from federal ARPA funds invested by ASG, after Senate testimony said the money was moved to a Kansas firm and produced no return as of Aug. 31. Immigration & Labor Supply: A new Senate bill would create a one-time Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program, giving out-of-status foreign nationals 90 days to apply for permits to work for StarKist Samoa and other “critical” employers, while a separate proposal would pause a controversial immigration-law provision for 12 months. Youth Safety & Payments: American Samoa is set to receive $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate settlement, with Meta required to add limits and safety features for Instagram and Facebook. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa continues pushing back against deep-sea mining, as federal regulators move toward a first commercial lease auction in waters near the territory on Nov. 19, 2026. Regional Security at PIF: American Samoa’s delegation at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau is seeking full membership and discussing federal support for territorial infrastructure and maritime security, including action against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Local Governance: Gov. Pula’alii Nikolau Pula dissolved the ASTCA board, setting up further scrutiny of agency spending and oversight. Education Leadership: Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale was named the next president of American Samoa Community College, taking office Sept. 8.

Deep-Sea Mining Push Blocked: A House Rules Committee move killed Guam Delegate James Moylan’s amendment that would have barred seabed mining from the FAST-41 fast-track, even as the broader bill passed—raising fresh concerns for American Samoa’s ocean economy and oversight. Local Governance & Accountability: In American Samoa, lawmakers pressed for a full accounting of about $10 million in ARPA interest allegedly invested without clear Fono approval; Acting Treasurer Carri-Lee Magalei-Tulafono told a Senate hearing the funds were sent to a Kansas firm, but reported no return as of Aug. 31. Youth Safety & Big Tech Money: American Samoa is set to receive $1.1 million from a landmark $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement tied to Instagram/Facebook youth harm claims, with required limits and safety features. Immigration Labor Pathways: A new Senate bill proposes a one-time 90-day Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program for foreign nationals out of status, aimed at filling labor needs for employers like StarKist Samoa while a separate bill would pause a controversial immigration-law provision for 12 months. Regional Diplomacy: American Samoa’s delegation at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau is pushing for full membership and coordinating with U.S. officials on infrastructure, maritime security, and regional economic development. Business & Education Leadership: ASCC named Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale as its next president, effective Sept. 8, after a board-led search.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: The House Rules Committee blocked Del. James Moylan’s amendment to bar seabed mining from using FAST-41 expedited review, even as H.R. 1501 passed the House—raising fresh concerns about rushed oversight for Guam/Northern Marianas and nearby waters. Meta Youth Safety Settlement: AG Edward Manibusan announced a landmark $17.1B multistate Meta deal over Instagram/Facebook harms to children; American Samoa is listed among settling jurisdictions, with required limits like daily time caps, nighttime blocks, and stronger age-assurance. ARPA Interest Under Scrutiny: Lawmakers pressed for details on about $10M in ARPA interest allegedly invested without clear Fono approval; Senate testimony says the funds were moved to a Kansas firm, but no return had been reported as of Aug. 31. Guest Worker Amnesty Proposal: A new Senate bill would create a one-time 90-day amnesty for out-of-status foreign residents to apply for a Critical Guest Worker permit tied to StarKist Samoa and other designated employers. Local Business & Services: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula dissolved the ASTCA board, while Acting Gov. Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr declared Labor Day (Sept. 7) a closure day for ASG offices. Education Leadership: ASCC named former vice president Dr. Mikaele Etuale as its next president, starting Sept. 8.

Seabed Mining Push Blocked in House: Rep. James Moylan’s bid to keep Guam and Northern Marianas seabed mining out of FAST-41 expedited permitting failed after the House Rules Committee rejected his amendment to H.R. 1501, despite Moylan warning it could weaken oversight and harm local waters. Meta Youth Safety Settlement: American Samoa is among states in a landmark $17.1B multistate Meta settlement over Instagram/Facebook youth harms; the territory is set to receive $1.1M as Meta must add limits like daily time caps and nighttime blocks plus stronger age-assurance and parental controls. ARPA Interest Under Fire: House lawmakers pressed for a full accounting of about $10M in ARPA interest allegedly invested without clear Fono approval; Senate testimony says the funds were moved to a Kansas firm, but as of Aug. 31 there was no return reported. Immigration Labor Bills: A Senate proposal would create a one-time 90-day Critical Guest Worker amnesty for out-of-status residents to work for StarKist Samoa and other “critical” employers, while a separate effort would pause a special immigration provision for 12 months. ASTCA Board Reconstituted: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula dissolved the ASTCA board effective immediately, setting up new governance questions as lawmakers also seek details on ASTCA spending. Deep-Sea Mining Alarm: Community leaders and activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer over plans tied to future deep-sea mineral mapping and leasing. Local Business/Jobs: American Samoa Community College named former vice president Dr. Mikaele Etuale as its new president, starting Sept. 8. Regional Security & Trade: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, American Samoa officials pushed for full membership and discussed aligning federal Pacific engagement with territorial economic development and maritime security.

Meta Settlement for Youth Safety: Attorney Edward Manibusan announced a landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta, with American Samoa included, requiring major Instagram/Facebook changes like a combined two-hour daily time limit for children, “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, and stronger age-assurance and parental controls. Local Governance & Public Finance: At a Senate Government Operations Committee hearing, Acting Treasurer Carri-Lee Magalei-Tulafono testified that $10 million from ASG’s ARPA interest account was invested in Kansas’ McKinley Beech Tree in March, but as of Aug. 31 there was no return reported. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa rejected a deep sea mining push, while NOAA mapping off Pago Pago continues as the U.S. prepares a potential Nov. 19 auction of seabed-mining leases near the territory. Regional Diplomacy: American Samoa’s delegation at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau formally requested full membership, arguing political status shouldn’t limit its voice. Education Leadership: Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale was named the new President of American Samoa Community College, taking office Sept. 8. Business & Security: Cybersecurity experts warned Pasifika about surging online scams as AI makes fraud harder to spot.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: American Samoa leaders and Greenpeace activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago, warning that a planned federal lease sale could pave the way for the first commercial deep-sea mining in U.S. domestic waters. Regional Voice: American Samoa formally requested full membership in the Pacific Islands Forum while Guam urged the same, arguing political status shouldn’t limit participation in regional decisions. Meta Settlement, Local Impact: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced a $17.1B multistate Meta youth-safety settlement; American Samoa is set to receive $1.1M, with new limits and safety features for Instagram and Facebook. Public Money Questions: A Senate hearing spotlighted an alleged $10M ARPA-interest investment tied to a Kansas firm, with testimony saying there has been no return as of Aug. 31, while lawmakers press for specifics. Immigration & Labor: A Senate bill would create a one-time 90-day amnesty window leading to a Critical Industry Guest Worker Permit for work at StarKist Samoa or other designated employers. Business & Security: Cybersecurity experts warned Pasifika about surging AI-fueled online scams as a new “Fearless Planet Index” tracks digital threats. Education Leadership: Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale was named the new ASCC president, taking office Sept. 8.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: American Samoa community leaders, with Greenpeace USA, confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor, welcoming science but warning against mapping and quantifying deep-sea minerals as a proposed federal lease sale nears (Nov. 19, 2026). Meta Settlement: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate settlement over Instagram/Facebook youth harms, with required safety features like daily time limits and nighttime blocks. Local Governance & Accountability: The Senate Government Operations Committee pressed Acting Treasurer Carri-Lee Magalei-Tulafono on a claimed $10 million ARPA interest investment at Zions Bank to a Kansas firm, with no return reported as of Aug. 31, while House members also sought details via subpoenas and hearings. Education Leadership: The Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the new American Samoa Community College president, effective Sept. 8, 2026. Regional Forum Moves: American Samoa’s delegation at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau formally requested full membership, arguing political status shouldn’t limit its voice on regional security and ocean-related priorities. Public Safety: Search & Rescue urged residents and businesses to step up fire prevention after recent residential and commercial blazes in Nuʻuuli. ASTCA Shake-Up: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolau Pula dissolved the ASTCA board, setting up a Senate hearing on related spending questions.

Youth & Consumer Protection: 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-assurance and parental controls. Local Governance & Public Finance: The Senate Government Operations Committee pressed for details on an alleged $10 million ARPA interest investment tied to Zions Bank and a Kansas firm; Acting Treasurer Carri-Lee Magalei-Tulafono testified that as of Aug. 31 there was no return, raising questions about who initiated the deal and whether legal advice was sought. Telecom Oversight: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolau Pula dissolved the ASTCA board effective immediately, citing “new challenges” without specifics, ahead of a Senate hearing on ASTCA spending. Regional Diplomacy: American Samoa’s delegation is in Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum, where the territory formally requested full membership. Security & Risk: Search & Rescue urged residents and businesses to take fire-prevention steps after a spate of fires in Nuʻuuli. Energy & Environment: The U.S. is moving toward a first commercial seabed-mining lease auction in federal waters near American Samoa, with mapping underway and major regulatory steps in motion. Business & Safety Online: Pacific communities were warned about surging AI-driven online scams as experts cite sharp increases in e-shop fraud. Education Leadership: Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale was named American Samoa Community College president, taking office Sept. 8.

ASG Budget Oversight: During a Senate Government Operations Committee hearing, lawmakers pressed for specifics on alleged ASG investments of $10 million-plus, with Acting Treasurer Carri-Lee Magalei-Tulafono testifying and senators questioning whether federal funds like Medicaid were reprogrammed without proper approval. ARPA Funds Accountability: House members also demanded details on how ARPA interest—reported at up to $10 million—was invested and how earnings were used, with subpoenas and committee testimony on the table. Big Tech Money for Youth Safety: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate settlement, alongside required Instagram/Facebook child-safety changes like daily time limits and nighttime blocks. Telecom Governance Shakeup: Gov. Pula’alii Nikolao Pula dissolved the ASTCA board ahead of a Senate hearing, citing “best interests” but giving no clear reasons. Deep-Sea Economy Watch: NOAA mapping continues around American Samoa as Washington moves toward a future seabed minerals lease sale, raising both opportunity and environmental concerns. Online Scam Warning: Cybersecurity experts urged Pasifika residents to guard against rising AI-fueled e-shop scams, citing a sharp jump in fraud activity.

Meta Settlement for Youth Safety: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced a landmark $17.1 billion multistate deal with Meta, with American Samoa set to receive $1.1 million, while Meta must add new safeguards on Instagram and Facebook such as daily time limits, “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, stronger age verification, and tighter controls on harmful content. Local Governance & Oversight: Lawmakers are pressing for details on how ARPA interest earnings—reported at about $10 million—were invested and spent, with committee hearings underway and calls for formal reporting to the Fono. Public Safety: Search & Rescue and the Fire Department issued an urgent reminder after two major fires in Nuʻuuli, urging residents and businesses to prevent cooking accidents, watch for smoke, test alarms monthly, keep exits clear, and reduce electrical and brush hazards. Digital Scams: Cybersecurity experts are warning Pasifika communities about a surge in AI-driven e-commerce scams and phishing, urging people to slow down, verify offers, and protect accounts. Seabed Minerals Watch: NOAA mapping operations continue around American Samoa as Washington moves toward a future seabed minerals lease sale, raising fresh questions for the territory’s offshore economy and environmental risk. ASTCA Board Shake-Up: Gov. Pula’alii Nikolao Pula dissolved the ASTCA Board effective immediately, setting up further scrutiny as the Senate Government Operations Committee seeks information on related spending.

Seabed Minerals & Jobs: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is mapping American Samoa’s sanctuary waters as Washington moves toward a Nov. 19, 2026 auction of two seabed blocks off Tau—more than 31 million acres—setting up the next big offshore critical-mineral push. Youth Safety Settlement: American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from a landmark $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement, with Meta required to add major child-safety changes on Instagram and Facebook, including daily time limits and nighttime blocks. Local Telecom Governance: Gov. Pula’alii Nikolao Pula dissolved the ASTCA Board “effective immediately,” naming six members affected and citing “new challenges” without details, ahead of a Senate hearing. Regional Diplomacy: American Samoa is sending a delegation to the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum in Palau under the theme “Building Economies: Life. Action. Unity,” as leaders weigh security and climate priorities. Fire Safety Push: Search & Rescue urged residents and businesses to step up prevention after two major fires in Nuʻuuli, warning that more incidents are hitting both homes and commercial areas. Business & Finance: YD Bio reported unaudited results for the six months ended June 30, 2026, highlighting a shift toward profitability and revenue growth. Sports Pathways: A regional sports pipeline is building momentum, with Oceania events feeding into the 2027 Pacific Games and LA 2028 Olympic qualification.

Meta Settlement for American Samoa: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced a landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta Platforms, with American Samoa set to receive $1.1 million, alongside sweeping new child-safety rules for Instagram and Facebook. Local Governance & Telecom Oversight: Gov. Pula’alii Nikolao Pula dissolved the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) Board ahead of a Senate hearing, ordering members not to represent ASTCA while the board is reconstituted. Pacific Diplomacy & Business: American Samoa is sending a delegation to the 55th Pacific Islands Leaders Forum in Palau, focused on building economies, security, and climate cooperation. Deep-Sea Minerals Watch: A U.S. push toward seabed critical mineral development includes potential lease steps tied to waters near American Samoa, keeping the resource race and environmental debate front and center. Public Safety Reminder: Search and Rescue urged residents and businesses to take proactive fire-prevention steps after two major fires in Nuʻuuli, noting a worrying rise in fires affecting both homes and commercial areas. Policy & Citizenship Debate: U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith introduced a bill targeting birthright citizenship for territories, citing “birth tourism” concerns. ASTCA Board Shake-Up Details: Separate reporting says the governor “dismissed” six ASTCA board members effective immediately, with no specific reasons given.

Deep-Sea Minerals & U.S. Policy: Washington is moving toward a potential critical mineral lease sale in federal waters near American Samoa, with seabed surveys already finding polymetallic nodules—raising fresh questions for Pacific leaders about jobs, environmental risk, and who gets to profit from “common heritage” resources. Child-Safety Crackdown on Social Media: A sweeping multistate settlement has Meta agreeing to pay up to about $17.1–$18B and impose major limits on Instagram and Facebook for teens, including daily time caps, nighttime blocks, school-hour notification limits, stronger age checks, and tighter controls on harmful content—while American Samoa is listed among the jurisdictions joining the deal. Local Government Budget Move: American Samoa’s government has suspended all government-funded local travel for the rest of FY 2026, with limited exceptions for court-appointed travel, the Governor/Lieutenant Governor, and grant-funded trips. Workforce & Education Support: American Samoa Community College is seeking local businesses and worksites to host Federal Work-Study students, offering part-time roles aligned with students’ fields. Fishing Rules Update: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council will meet Sept. 15–17 to consider options for amending the Large Vessel Prohibited Area around American Samoa, including how commercial fishing prohibitions may be adjusted near Rose Atoll.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: A sweeping multistate deal has Meta agreeing to pay up to about $17.1B and overhaul Instagram and Facebook for teens, including a combined two-hour daily limit, “productive pauses,” overnight blocks, tighter age checks, reduced school-time notifications, and limits on harmful content and features; American Samoa is listed among the participating territories. Local Fiscal Move: The American Samoa Government has suspended all government-funded local travel for the rest of FY 2026, with limited exceptions for court-appointed travel, top leadership travel, and grant-funded trips. Workforce & Education: American Samoa Community College is asking local businesses and worksites to host Federal Work-Study students, with eligibility tied to FAFSA. Regional Fisheries Policy: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will meet Sept. 15–17 to consider options for amending the American Samoa large vessel prohibited area around Rose Atoll. Tourism Snapshot (Hawaii): July 2026 visitor spending in Hawaii rose to $1.99B (+1.7%) even as average length of stay fell to 7.59 days.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to about $17.1B in a multistate consumer protection deal and overhaul Instagram/Facebook for teens, including default daily time limits, “productive pauses,” overnight blocks, school-hour notification limits, stronger age checks, and tighter controls on harmful content; American Samoa is listed among participating territories. Local Government Finance: American Samoa suspended all government-funded local travel for the rest of FY 2026 (through Sept. 30), with limited exceptions for court-appointed travel, Governor/Lt. Governor travel, and grant-funded trips. Workforce & Education: American Samoa Community College is seeking local businesses and worksites to host Federal Work-Study students, with jobs tied to students’ fields and funded through federal resources. Regional Fisheries: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will meet Sept. 15–17 to consider options for amending American Samoa’s large vessel prohibited area around Rose Atoll. Tourism Update (Hawaii): July 2026 visitor spending rose to $1.99B (+1.7%) with 883,248 visitors (+1.1%), though average length of stay fell to 7.59 days (-14.1%). Pacific Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum leaders meet in Palau Aug. 30–Sept. 4, with leaders pushing for more control over security and ocean resources amid US-China competition.

Meta Youth-Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to about $17.1B (and as much as $18B in some reports) and overhaul Facebook/Instagram for teens, including a default two-hour daily limit, “productive pauses,” a midnight-to-6 a.m. curfew without parental consent, reduced school-hour notifications, tighter age checks, and limits on harmful content and teen-facing features like like counts. American Samoa in the Deal: American Samoa is listed among the jurisdictions joining the settlement, which also requires compliance monitoring and court approval. Local Budget Watch: American Samoa suspended all government-funded local travel for the rest of FY 2026, with limited exceptions for court-appointed travel, the Governor/Lieutenant Governor, and grant-funded trips. Workforce & Education: American Samoa Community College is asking local businesses and worksites to host Federal Work-Study students, with jobs tied to students’ fields and funded through federal resources. Fisheries Governance: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will meet Sept. 15–17 to consider options for amending the large vessel prohibited area around Rose Atoll, as implementation details for a proclamation lifting some commercial fishing prohibitions are still pending. Tourism Snapshot (Hawai‘i): July visitor spending in Hawai‘i rose to $1.99B (+1.7%) with 883,248 visitors (+1.1%), though average length of stay fell to 7.59 days (-14.1%).