AGP Executive Report

America 250 Launch: American Samoa will cap its Independence Day America 250 week in Tafuna with what’s billed as the territory’s biggest drone-and-pyrotechnics show—300 drones, including pyro-drones, choreographed with fireworks at Lions Park on July 4. Regional Governance & Health: Gov. Josh Green is set to host Western Governors’ Association meetings in Hawaii in December, with a year-long “Health Beyond Health Care” focus and participation from U.S. territories including American Samoa. Local Courts & Benefits Access: Two separate ASNAP-related public peace disturbance cases are before the District Court, including one where an individual allegedly became upset after being told he lacked required ID to receive food stamp benefits. Food Security Support: The American Samoa Community Food Bank thanked the M/V Ocean Guardian and Stabbert Marine for a donation of unopened frozen food, including emergency distributions after recent fires. Tuna & Agriculture Policy: American Samoa participated in U.S.-Pacific tuna treaty consultations in Wellington, stressing the link between the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and the territory’s cannery, port, jobs, and local businesses; Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata also met USDA on Farm Bill and food security priorities. Aviation & Connectivity: Pacific Air Charters says it expects to start American Samoa commuter routes later in 2026, pending FAA approvals and timing around Samoa Airways’ cabotage waiver. Fuel Costs & Living Expenses: A local political dispute highlights rising fuel prices and calls for relief measures like fuel tax changes, transport subsidies, renewable energy investment, and more pricing transparency. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Community groups asked Gov. Pula’alii Nikolao Pula for a comprehensive territorial review of deep-sea mining, including science, environmental and economic impacts, and a legal options assessment. Infrastructure for Schools: McConnell Dowell carried out no-cost temporary road repairs to Tafuna High School access roads while permanent funding is pending. Workforce Development: ASG’s Summer Youth Employment Program has started, placing 500 youth (ages 16–24) into 41 worksites for paid on-the-job training through July 31.

Tuna & Trade Talks: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific Island Parties Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that a healthy U.S.-flag purse seine fleet directly supports the territory’s cannery, port services, workforce, and local businesses. Agriculture & Food Security: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata met USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins on Farm Bill priorities, highlighting American Samoa’s role in producing 25% of U.S. canned tuna and the value of USDA grants for local fruit and crop production. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Local groups and individuals asked Gov. Pula’alii for a comprehensive territorial review of deep-sea mining, including science, environmental and economic impacts, EEZ governance, and legal options. Aviation & Connectivity: Pacific Air Charters says it plans to start American Samoa commuter routes later in 2026, pending FAA approvals and timing around Samoa Airways’ cabotage waiver. Local Public Services: ASNAP benefits dispute led to a public peace disturbance charge after police were called to the Utulei office. Tourism Snapshot: Hawaii’s May 2026 visitor spending rose to $1.77B, but average length of stay fell to 7.60 days. Youth Employment: Summer Youth Employment Program opened with 500 participants placed across ASG and private worksites through July 31. Maritime Leadership: Coast Guard Oceania District held a change of command in Honolulu, covering American Samoa and the wider Pacific.

Visitor Economy: Hawaii’s DBEDT says May 2026 visitor spending rose to $1.77B (+5.3%), with 800,554 visitors (+3.8%) but a shorter average stay (7.60 days, -10.3%), a mix that matters for tourism-linked demand. Social Services & Compliance: In Pago Pago, an ASNAP client was arrested after allegedly being told to return with required ID before receiving food stamp benefits, leading to a public peace disturbance charge. Agriculture & Food Security: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata met USDA Sec. Brooke Rollins to discuss Farm Bill priorities, highlighting American Samoa’s role in U.S. canned tuna production and how USDA grants can support local crops and nutrition programs. Tuna Policy Talks: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that a healthy U.S.-flag purse seine fleet directly supports the territory’s cannery, port services, jobs, and local businesses. Aviation & Connectivity: Pacific Air Charters says it expects to start American Samoa commuter routes later in 2026, pending FAA approvals and timing around Samoa Airways’ cabotage waiver. Energy Costs: ODAPM reportedly pushed back on AS Democratic Party claims about rising fuel and cost-of-living pressures, as local leaders continue pressing for relief and more transparency. Maritime Leadership: The U.S. Coast Guard changed command in Honolulu, with a new Oceania District commander overseeing operations across the region including American Samoa. Sports Development: ASNFF launched a Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp (June 24–25) to identify future national team players and grow the sport locally. Fishing & Ocean Governance: Multiple stories this week flag shifting U.S. Pacific fishing rules and ongoing deep-sea mining debate, with local voices urging careful review of environmental and economic risks.

Tuna & Trade Policy: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific Island Parties Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that keeping the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet viable is directly tied to the territory’s cannery, port services, jobs, and local businesses. Aviation & Connectivity: Pacific Air Charters says it expects to start American Samoa commuter routes later in 2026, pending FAA approvals and timing around Samoa Airways’ cabotage waiver. Local Cost-of-Living & Energy: ODAPM reportedly pushed back on the American Samoa Democratic Party’s April warnings about fuel price spikes, while the party urged options like temporary fuel tax relief and more renewable energy investment. Maritime Security Leadership: The U.S. Coast Guard held a change of command for the Oceania District, covering American Samoa and the wider Pacific. Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Community groups submitted a request for a territorial review of deep-sea mining, calling for clear assessment of risks and benefits before major decisions. Customs & Imports: CBP updated rules for low-value shipments, indefinitely suspending duty-free de minimis treatment for imports valued at $800 or less, with tighter information requirements. Workforce Development: The Summer Youth Employment Program kicked off with 500 youth placed across 41 worksites, including private and nonprofit partners, running through July 31. Sports & Community Fundraising: MBOPA Samoa and American Samoa affiliates begin a three-day St Joseph’s College Centennial Hall fundraising push, starting with a July 2 golf tournament.

Maritime Security & Regional Trade: A change of command at Coast Guard Base Honolulu installed Rear Adm. Wayne Arguin as new commander of the Coast Guard Oceania District, covering Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, CNMI and regional operations supporting safety and economic prosperity. Climate & Cost Pressures: SPREP says El Niño can bring both risks and opportunities for parts of the western Pacific, including American Samoa, as climate teams outline what communities may expect. Aviation & Local Connectivity: Pacific Air Charters says it plans to start American Samoa commuter routes later in 2026, tied to regulatory approvals and the timing of Samoa Airways’ cabotage waiver. Tuna Economy & Policy Talks: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific tuna treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that a healthy U.S.-flag purse seine fleet is directly linked to the territory’s cannery, port services, jobs and local businesses. Fuel Crisis Fallout: ODAPM pushed back on ASDP criticism of rising living costs, pointing to fuel price jumps and urging “common-sense” relief ideas like tax relief and renewable energy investment. Community Fundraising: MBOPA fundraising kicks off with a July 2 golf tournament, July 3 corporate table/entertainment, and July 4 raffle to support St Joseph’s College Centennial Hall renovations. Deep-Sea Mining Governance: A community coalition renewed calls for a territorial review of deep-sea mining impacts and decision-making authority, as federal interest in offshore mineral leasing continues to move forward. Youth & Workforce: American Samoa’s Summer Youth Employment Program began with paid placements across government, nonprofits and businesses, aiming to build skills and readiness for future work.

Tuna Treaty Talks: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific Island Parties Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington on June 22, stressing that the health of the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet is tightly linked to the territory’s cannery, port services, workforce, and local businesses. Fuel Cost Pressure: A new ODAPM memo criticized the American Samoa Democratic Party’s April warnings about a sharp fuel price jump, as leaders again point to gas and diesel costs feeding into food, electricity, and shipping. Telecom Money: The FCC wrapped its AWS-3 spectrum auction (Auction 113) at about $3.57B, with proceeds tied to the “rip and replace” effort—new spectrum pricing even showed American Samoa among the lowest per-unit results. Disaster & Recovery: Congress expanded disaster recovery funding via HUD, aiming to steer more aid toward lower-income areas. Local Care Access: Gov. Pulaali’i launched an HCBS website to help residents find home- and community-based services and track the commission’s progress. Energy & Infrastructure: Eastern Power Solutions and the Commonwealth Ports Authority in Saipan signed an MOU to develop a solar farm on CPA property, including airport-area land. Language Preservation: Samoa’s language commissioner urged public support to keep Samoan language use strong as youth and children show declining use.

Tuna Treaty Talks: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific Island Parties Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and the territory’s tuna industry are tightly linked—supporting the cannery, port services, workforce, and local businesses. Fuel-Cost Politics: ODAPM reportedly pushed back on American Samoa Democratic Party claims about rising cost of living, after fuel’s Monthly Average Price jumped from $4.1857 (March) to $5.5370 (April), with the party arguing the spike hits families, food, electricity, and shipping. Wireless Money & Local Impact: The FCC wrapped AWS-3 (Auction 113) at $3.57B, with analysts noting pricing ranged from very low levels for American Samoa to much higher rates in places like Honolulu—while up to $3.3B is set aside for “rip and replace” reimbursements. Regional Fishing Pressure: CNMI urged WCPFC delegates to adopt a management procedure for South Pacific albacore, echoing American Samoa’s call to keep small island states central in tuna decisions. Energy & Jobs: ASNFF launched a Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp in Tafuna to develop future national players, while the territory also opened the Summer Youth Employment Program with 500 youth placed across 41 worksites. Care Access Online: Gov. Pulaali’i launched an HCBS website to connect residents and providers to home-and-community care options, with a hotline planned next.

U.S.-Pacific Fisheries: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific Island Parties Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and the territory’s tuna industry are tightly linked—supporting the cannery, port services, jobs, and local businesses. Fuel Cost Pressure: ODAPM reportedly pushed back on AS Democratic Party criticism of rising living costs, after fuel’s Monthly Average Price jumped from $4.1857 (March) to $5.5370 (April), driving higher prices for gas, food, electricity, and shipping. Healthcare Access: Gov. Pulaali’i launched an HCBS website (hcbs.as.gov) to help residents find home-and-community care options, with a hotline planned and public updates for accountability. Wireless Economy: The FCC’s AWS-3 spectrum auction (Auction 113) wrapped after 72 rounds, raising $3.57B; analyst pricing ranged down to $0.15/MHz-POP for American Samoa. Workforce Development: ASNFF’s Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp runs June 24–25 at Veterans Memorial Stadium, aiming to develop future national players. Energy & Trade Policy: CBP updated rules for low-value shipment processing, indefinitely suspending duty-free de minimis treatment for $800-or-less imports. Sports & Culture: Samoa’s Pacific Strongest 2026 kicks off in Apia this weekend, blending athletics with Pacific culture and community.

Wireless & Telecom: The FCC wrapped its AWS-3 (Auction 113) spectrum sale after 72 rounds, bringing in $3.57B; per-unit prices varied widely, with American Samoa among the lowest at about $0.15/MHz-POP, while up to $3.3B is earmarked for “rip and replace” reimbursements tied to removing Huawei/ZTE gear. Tuna & Trade: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and the territory’s tuna industry are tightly linked through ports, processing, jobs, and the regional supply chain. Cost of Living & Fuel: ODAPM reportedly pushed back on ASDP criticism of rising fuel prices, after the party cited a sharp jump in the Monthly Average Price from March to April and warned higher fuel costs ripple into food, electricity, and shipping. Local Health Services: Governor Pulaali’i launched a new HCBS website (hcbs.as.gov) to connect residents and providers to home- and community-based care options, with a hotline planned. Youth Employment: The Summer Youth Employment Program began with 500 participants placed across 41 worksites, including businesses and nonprofits, offering paid training through July 31. Pacific Policy: The U.S. is stepping up Pacific engagement to counter China, with American Samoa’s Congresswoman Aumua Amata raising concerns about infrastructure influence and rising debt.

Offshore Minerals: The Trump administration is moving toward what could be the first federal lease for seabed mineral mining off Virginia, seeking industry input on a 2,700-square-mile area near Eastern Shore—while environmental groups warn the risks to marine life and coastal communities are still largely unknown. Fuel & Cost Pressures: A new look at the Pacific fuel crisis shows governments raising diesel price ceilings sharply from February to June, with leaders also pushing renewable energy to reduce future shocks. Tuna Treaty Talks: American Samoa joined the U.S. delegation to the U.S.-Pacific Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that keeping the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet viable is directly tied to the territory’s cannery, port services, jobs, and local businesses. Trade & Border Rules: U.S. Customs and Border Protection updated low-value shipment processing, indefinitely suspending duty-free de minimis treatment for imports up to $800 and tightening information requirements. Telecom Dollars: The FCC’s AWS-3 spectrum auction wrapped with $3.57B in gross proceeds, with up to $3.3B earmarked to reimburse carriers under “rip and replace,” and analysts noting pricing varied widely by market. Local Living Costs Politics: ODAPM reportedly criticized American Samoa Democratic Party statements as “divisive” after the fuel Monthly Average Price jumped 32.3% in April, feeding broader concerns for families and small businesses. Care Access Online: Governor Pulaali’i launched an HCBS website to help residents find home-based care options, with a hotline planned and updates meant to keep the commission accountable. Samoan Language Support: The Samoan Language Commissioner urged public backing to preserve the language, citing underfunding and declining use among youth and adults. Sports & Youth: ASNFF kicked off a Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp in Tafuna to develop future national players, while ASG’s Summer Youth Employment Program placed hundreds of youth into paid work training sites across the territory.

Fuel Crisis Ripple Effects: A new regional timeline shows Pacific governments scrambling for supply as diesel and electricity costs surged after the Strait of Hormuz disruptions, with Samoa lifting its diesel ceiling by more than two-thirds and renewed calls for solar and renewable energy to avoid future shocks. Tuna Treaty Talks: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that a healthy U.S.-flag purse seine fleet is tightly linked to the territory’s cannery, port services, workforce, and local businesses. Local Cost-of-Living Politics: ODAPM reportedly sent a memo to the American Samoa Democratic Party calling its April fuel-price warnings “divisive,” after MAP fuel jumped about 32% in one month—raising pressure on food, power, and shipping. Trade & Border Rules: U.S. Customs and Border Protection updated low-value shipment processing, indefinitely suspending duty-free de minimis treatment and tightening information requirements for international mail. Telecom Investment: The FCC’s AWS-3 spectrum auction wrapped at about $3.57B, with proceeds earmarked partly for “rip and replace” reimbursements—an indicator of continued wireless market investment. Workforce & Youth: American Samoa’s Summer Youth Employment Program is underway, placing 500 youth in paid training roles across government and private worksites. Health Services Access: Gov. Pulaali’i launched an HCBS website to help residents find home-based care options, with a hotline planned next. Sports Development: ASNFF opened a Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp to identify and train future national team players. Community Culture: Samoa’s language commissioner urged public support to preserve Samoan, warning of declining use among youth and even adults.

Pacific Security & Trade: The U.S. says it’s ramping up diplomatic, economic and security engagement across the Pacific to counter China, with American Samoa’s Congresswoman Aumua Amata pressing on debt and infrastructure dependence. Customs & Cost of Goods: U.S. Customs and Border Protection is modernizing low-value shipment processing and indefinitely suspending duty-free de minimis treatment for imports $800 or less, with tighter rules for international mail. Telecom & Local Pricing: The FCC’s AWS-3 spectrum auction ended at $3.57B; analysts note per-unit prices ranged down to American Samoa, while up to $3.3B is earmarked for “rip and replace” reimbursements. Local Workforce: American Samoa’s Summer Youth Employment Program starts with 500 youth placed across 41 worksites, including businesses and nonprofits, running through July 31. Healthcare Access: Gov. Pulaali’i launched an HCBS website to help residents find home-based care options, with a hotline planned. Sports Talent Pipeline: ASNFF invites youth to a Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp in Tafuna to build the next national team players. Governance & Services: A VA clinic lab expansion in American Samoa adds nearly $2M to speed testing and improve veterans’ access to care.

Trade & Customs: U.S. Customs and Border Protection rolled out new rules to modernize low-value shipment processing, indefinitely suspending duty-free “de minimis” treatment for imports worth $800 or less and tightening information requirements for international mail—an America First move aimed at closing a long-running loophole. Telecom & Spectrum: The FCC wrapped its AWS-3 spectrum auction (Auction 113) after 72 rounds, raising $3.57 billion from 200 licenses; up to $3.3 billion is set aside for “rip and replace” reimbursements tied to removing Huawei/ZTE equipment, with analysts noting American Samoa’s per-unit price was among the lowest. Local Youth & Sports: American Samoa’s National Football Federation launched a Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Tafuna (June 24–25), led by the women’s national flag team, to spot and develop future national players. Health & Care Access: Gov. Pula’ali’i launched an HCBS website (hcbs.as.gov) to connect older adults, people with disabilities, families, and providers to home-based care options and upcoming hotline support. Workforce Development: The Summer Youth Employment Program opened with 500 youth (16–24) placed across 41 worksites, including businesses and nonprofits, with paid on-the-job training running through July 31. Regional Fisheries Policy: Trump’s executive order reopening parts of protected Pacific waters for commercial fishing drew mixed reactions in U.S. Pacific jurisdictions, including concerns about impacts on marine resources and local consultation.

Telecom & Spectrum: The FCC has wrapped its AWS-3 spectrum auction (Auction 113), raising about $3.57B from 200 mid-band licenses after 72 rounds, with up to $3.3B earmarked to help carriers “rip and replace” Huawei/ZTE gear—analysts note pricing varied widely, including a low per-unit figure for American Samoa. Local Youth Jobs: American Samoa’s Summer Youth Employment Program has started, placing 500 youth ages 16–24 into 41 worksites across government, private sector, and nonprofits, with participants working four hours daily and paid the $7.25 minimum wage through July 31. Healthcare Access: The Faleomavaega Eni Fa’aua’a Hunkin VA Clinic officially opened its newly expanded lab facility, a nearly $2M upgrade aimed at faster testing and better local care for veterans. Care at Home: Governor Pulaali’i launched an HCBS website (hcbs.as.gov) to connect residents and providers to home- and community-based services, with a hotline planned next. Sports Talent Pipeline: The ASNFF is running a Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Tafuna (June 24–25) to identify and develop future national team players. Language & Culture: The Samoan Language Commissioner is urging public support to preserve and revitalize Samoan, citing declining use among youth and even adults. Public Safety: Police reported arrests tied to alleged disturbances and burglary cases, including a suspect held without bail after a reported disturbance involving a recently released man.

Telecom & Spectrum: The FCC wrapped Auction 113 (AWS-3) after 72 rounds, raising $3.57B from 200 mid-band licenses; up to $3.3B is set to support the FCC’s “rip and replace” program to remove Huawei/ZTE gear—analysts note American Samoa’s per-unit price was among the lowest. Workforce & Youth: American Samoa’s 2026 Summer Youth Employment Program officially began, placing 500 youth (ages 16–24) into 41 worksites across government, private sector, and nonprofits, with a $7.25 minimum wage and training running through July 31. Healthcare Access: Gov. Pulaali’i launched a new HCBS website (hcbs.as.gov) to help older adults, people with disabilities, families, and providers find community-based care options, with a hotline planned. Veterans Services: The Faleomavaega Eni Fa’aua’a Hunkin VA Clinic opened and blessed a nearly $2M expanded lab facility to speed testing and improve local care for veterans. Local Economy & Land Use: A zoning board discussion in Atu‘u revived questions over who should receive lease payments tied to land used by foreign-owned businesses, with legal counsel pointing to new variance needs after demolition. Sports Development: ASNFF kicked off a Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp at Veterans Memorial Stadium to identify and train future national team players. Public Safety: Police arrested a man accused of burglary and stealing over $10,000 in cash in Nuuuli, facing multiple felony charges.

Disaster Recovery Funding: Congress approved a major disaster recovery package that could add billions for rebuilding after storms and wildfires, with HUD expected to steer more money toward lower-income areas and households. Pacific Fishing Policy: Trump’s executive order reopening protected Pacific waters is drawing mixed reactions, with Marianas leaders saying it could boost local fishing while others warn about ecosystem impacts. Telecom & Local Costs: The FCC’s AWS-3 spectrum auction wrapped above $3.5B; analysts noted per-unit prices varied widely, including low rates reported for American Samoa. Citizenship Fees & Travel: A Trump administration proposal would raise USCIS citizenship filing and appeal costs, potentially affecting people seeking U.S. passports. Local Health Access: American Samoa launched a new HCBS website (hcbs.as.gov) to connect residents and providers with home- and community-based care options, with a hotline planned. Veterans Lab Expansion: The Faleomavaega Eni Fa’aua’a Hunkin VA Clinic opened a nearly $2M expanded lab facility to speed testing and improve veteran care locally. Governance & Land Use: The Zoning Board revisited who should receive lease payments for Atu‘u land tied to foreign-owned businesses, renewing calls for clearer rules. Public Safety: Police arrested a man after an alleged disturbance following his release from prison, and another suspect faces charges after an alleged burglary involving over $10,000 in cash. Energy & Power (Regional): CPA and Eastern Power Solutions signed an MOU for a solar farm at Saipan airport property, aimed at financing and operating a new solar facility. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Op-eds and analysis continued on deep-sea mining’s risks, leadership, and what American Samoa should demand from federal decision-making.