AGP Executive Report

Samoa Politics: Samoa’s prime minister apologized after a 2007 video surfaced showing him leading a “Heil Hitler” salute at a family reunion, calling the words and gesture inappropriate. Local Elections: The American Samoa Election Office says Monday, Oct. 5 is the last day to register for the Nov. 3 midterm election, with registration closing at 4:00 pm and requiring a birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, and photo ID. Budget Watch: Gov. Pulaali’i signed the FY2027 budget bill but used line-item vetoes, cutting several appropriations including Legal Affairs, Manu’a shoreline/disaster access road, Swains transportation, emergency road repairs, and about $11.9 million in CIP projects. Healthcare Funding: A push is growing to protect Medicaid funding and the local match, warning that reduced support could limit access to personal care and home health services. Community & Education: Territorial Bank of American Samoa announced the Lolo Matalasi Moliga Scholarship—20 awards of $5,000 for ASCC students—and the Senate observed a moment of silence for Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga. Environment/Seabed Mining: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata reiterated opposition to deep-sea mining during an IGIA meeting with federal agencies.

Daylight Saving Time: The push to make daylight saving permanent is stuck in the Senate, so American Samoa residents should still expect the usual “fall back” this year, with clocks set back one hour at 2 a.m. on Nov. 1, 2026. Local Government: Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula signed the FY2027 budget bill but used line-item vetoes to remove several appropriations, including cuts affecting Legal Affairs, Manu’a shoreline/disaster access road work, Swains transportation, emergency road repairs, and major CIP projects. Health & Medicaid: A major concern is growing over Medicaid local match and a House-approved reduction to the Medicaid subsidy, with advocates warning it could limit enrollment of personal-care and home-health providers and reduce access for vulnerable residents. Public Safety & Justice: U.S. Attorney General Jeff Jackson is leading a bipartisan push urging Congress to fully fund U.S. Supreme Court security after a sharp rise in threats. Environment & Energy: A new NOAA mapping expedition is underway near American Samoa to fill gaps in deep-sea seafloor mapping, while Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata renewed opposition to seabed mining in Samoan waters. Community & Education: TBAS marked its 10th anniversary by announcing the Lolo Matalasi Moliga Scholarship for ASCC students, and the Election Office reminded voters that Oct. 5 is the deadline to register for the Nov. 3 midterm election.

World Teachers’ Day: Bahá’ís of Samoa and American Samoa will hold a devotional gathering at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Tiapapata on Sunday, Oct. 4, ahead of World Teachers’ Day on Oct. 5, highlighting the theme “Standing with teachers” and the role of education in shaping futures. Elections Reminder: The Election Office says Monday, Oct. 5 is the last day to register for the Nov. 3 midterm election, with registration closing at 4:00 p.m. Budget Update: Gov. Pulaali’i signed the FY2027 budget bill but used line-item vetoes, removing funding for several items including Manu’a shoreline/disaster access road, Swains transportation, emergency road repairs, and about $11.9 million in CIP projects. Medicaid Pressure: Advocates and an EPIC letter warn that Medicaid local-match limits are blocking enrollment of additional personal-care and home-health providers, leaving approved benefits “on paper.” Domestic Violence Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted $343,065 in DOJ funds for the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Seabed Mining Pushback: Amata also reiterated opposition to deep-sea mining at an IGIA meeting with federal agencies, citing risks to American Samoa’s ocean and concerns about autonomous “AI drones.” Local Business Concern: The Chamber of Commerce raised questions about environmental and aviation reviews for a solar project at Pago Pago International Airport. Education Spotlight: TBAS marks its 10th anniversary with the Lolo Matalasi Moliga Scholarship—20 awards of $5,000 for ASCC students. Civic Achievement: South Pacific Academy student Shalidiloya Faavaoga will represent American Samoa at the 2026 National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C.

Daylight Saving Time: Clocks “fall back” at 2 a.m. on Nov. 1, 2026, turning back one hour and bringing earlier sunsets; many devices switch automatically, but some car and analog clocks may need manual changes. Local Elections: The Election Office reminds voters that Oct. 5 is the deadline to register for the Nov. 3, 2026 midterm election; registration closes at 4 p.m. and requires a birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, and photo ID. Budget Watch: Gov. Pulaali’i signed the FY2027 budget bill but used line-item vetoes, cutting several appropriations including Legal Affairs, Manu’a shoreline/disaster road, Swains transportation, emergency road repairs, and about $11.9 million in CIP projects. Health Funding: A renewed push is underway to protect American Samoa’s Medicaid local match, warning that funding gaps are limiting enrollment of personal-care and home-health providers. Public Safety & Courts: Attorney General Jeff Jackson is leading a bipartisan call for Congress to fully fund U.S. Supreme Court security after a sharp rise in threats. Environment & Energy: The Chamber of Commerce raised questions about environmental and aviation reviews tied to a solar project at Pago Pago International Airport. Community Support: DOJ announced $343,065 for the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual Violence for the coming fiscal year. Education: TBAS marked its 10th anniversary with the Lolo Matalasi Moliga Scholarship for ASCC students.

Air Travel Update: Hawaiian and Alaska flights are tightening checked-bag timing—tag and drop bags 50 minutes before departure starting Saturday, not 30, to match TSA processing. Church of Jesus Christ: A new worldwide map roundup highlights the faith’s 385 temples, including a December dedication of the Pago Pago American Samoa Temple. Local Health & Budget: Governor Pulaali’i signed the FY2027 budget but used line-item vetoes, including cuts to several road and CIP projects, while restoring a Legal Affairs salary reduction. Medicaid Pressure: Advocates and an op-ed warn that reduced Medicaid local match and provider enrollment limits could shrink access to personal care and home health for vulnerable residents. Supreme Court Security: AG Jeff Jackson leads a bipartisan push urging Congress to fully fund U.S. Supreme Court security after a sharp rise in threats. Domestic Violence Funding: Congresswoman Amata announced $343,065 in DOJ funds for the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Seabed Mining Opposition: Amata again urged federal agencies to reject deep-sea mining in Samoan waters, citing environmental and governance concerns. Environment & Science: USGS reports new hydrothermal manganese mineralization findings near American Samoa, while NOAA mapping efforts continue in the region. Community & Education: Senate observed a moment of silence for Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga; and the Chamber of Commerce named Shalidiloya Faavaoga to represent American Samoa at the 2026 National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C.

Remembering Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga: A new tribute highlights the life of “everybody’s doctor,” a proud son of Ofu whose decades of medical service made him a trusted caregiver across American Samoa. Daylight Saving Time: Clocks “fall back” at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, returning to standard time—while the Sunshine Protection Act to make it permanent is still stalled in the Senate. Supreme Court security push: Attorney General Jeff Jackson is leading a bipartisan push urging Congress to fully fund the U.S. Supreme Court’s FY2027 security request as threats against justices rise. Medicaid local match pressure: Community advocates and EPIC are warning that Medicaid local-match funding cuts are limiting provider enrollment for personal care and home health, threatening access for vulnerable residents. Deep-sea mining fight: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata renewed opposition to seabed mining, and an American Samoa environmental group is suing the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans near the territory. Local governance updates: The Governor signed the FY2027 budget bill but used line-item vetoes, while the Senate postponed action on bills tied to ASG debt to ASGERF and temporarily set aside legislation to codify ASTCA. Civics spotlight: Shalidiloya Faavaoga will represent American Samoa at the 2026 National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C.

Medicaid & Health Access: A push is growing to protect American Samoa’s Medicaid local match after budget changes cut the Medicaid subsidy, raising fears that elderly, disabled, and medically fragile residents won’t be able to enroll needed personal-care and home-health providers. Supreme Court Security: Attorneys general including American Samoa’s AG are urging Congress to fully fund the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2027 security request as threats against justices and their families rise. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata renewed opposition to seabed mining in American Samoa waters, while an environmental group filed suit challenging the federal government’s assessment ahead of a Nov. 19 lease sale. Local Governance & Budgets: Governor Pulaali’i signed the FY2027 budget bill but used line-item vetoes, while the Legislature approved the final budget after major reductions tied to revenue and ARPA-related interest. Telecom Authority & Debt: The Senate postponed action on a bill to convert ASG’s $30M+ retirement fund debt into a loan, and also set aside a House measure to codify ASTCA. Community & Youth: The Chamber of Commerce named Shalidiloya Faavaoga to represent American Samoa at the 2026 National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C. Sports: Lupe o le Soaga is set to return to the OFC Champions League.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: An American Samoa environmental group, Fa’asao Amerika Samoa, and the Conservation Council for Hawaii sued the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans near the territory, arguing the assessment didn’t adequately weigh risks to endangered marine species and sacred wildlife. Territorial Governance: The Legislature approved the FY2027 budget and sent it to the governor, cutting the spending plan and trimming revenue projections, including removing interest earnings tied to an ARPA-linked UAE pension arrangement. Public Safety & Accountability: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde told lawmakers she advised stopping a controversial $10.1 million investment until independent verification, citing concerns about promised returns and the promoters’ lack of transparency. Local Institutions: The Acting Chairman of ASTCA’s board, Saena Omar Shalhout, stepped down to focus on a House campaign, while the House also approved a bill to establish ASTCA by law. Environment & Conservation: NOAA mapping efforts continue near American Samoa as part of U.S. work to map offshore critical minerals, and scientists say a leopard shark filmed off Samoa is the first verifiable record for the country. Community & Health: CDC spotlighted American Samoa’s lead-poisoning prevention work, including building a program from scratch and testing more than 500 young children. Sports: American Samoa is set to participate in the FIBA Women’s Polynesian Cup in Tahiti.

Deep-Sea Mining: An American Samoa environmental group, Fa’asao Amerika Samoa, and the Conservation Council for Hawaii filed suit against the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans near the territory, challenging the assessment of risks to threatened and sacred marine species as a lease sale is set for Nov. 19. Local Governance & Finance: The Legislature approved the FY2027 budget and sent it to the governor, cutting the overall plan and removing about $10 million tied to interest earnings from ARPA funds invested in a UAE pension arrangement. Retirement Fund Debt: Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean introduced legislation to turn ASG’s growing debt to the American Samoa Government Employees Retirement Fund (now over $30 million) into a formal loan, with ASTCA directed to help fund repayment. Immigration Law: A House bill proposing a 12-month moratorium on a “special provision” in immigration law is still stuck in House committee, as AG Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde argues the clause has led to too many foreign workers. Public Safety: A woman reported an alleged assault in Ottoville that left her with hot-oil burns and bruises; the suspect was charged and held without bail. Community & Health: The CDC highlighted American Samoa’s lead-poisoning prevention work, while the Medicaid Office is visiting villages and rolling out wellness podcasts focused on prevention. Sports: American Samoa is set to participate in the FIBA Women’s Polynesian Cup in Tahiti (Oct. 19–24).

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaii have sued the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans near American Samoa, challenging the claim that the lease would not likely harm threatened or endangered marine species—especially sacred animals like whales, sea turtles, and sharks. Territorial Gun Rights: A recent legal push is demanding President Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum reverse a 2024 High Court ruling that said the Second Amendment doesn’t apply in American Samoa, allowing a near-total gun ban. Local Governance Watch: The Senate Government Operations Committee continues probing American Samoa’s $10.1 million UAE investment, with Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde saying she advised stopping the deal without independent verification, and the Chief Procurement Officer saying he had no role in negotiating or approving it. Public Safety & Health: The CDC highlighted American Samoa’s lead-poisoning prevention work, while the Medicaid Office is visiting villages and rolling out wellness podcasts to push prevention. Community & Culture: Flags are at half-staff today to mark 17 years since the 2009 earthquake and tsunami that killed 34 people in American Samoa. Sports: American Samoa is set to compete in the FIBA Women’s Polynesian Cup in Tahiti (Oct. 19–24). Volcano Monitoring: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff recently serviced American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach with local emergency partners.

Remembrance: American Samoa marked the 17th anniversary of the Sept. 29, 2009 earthquake and tsunami, when 34 people—many elderly—were killed; Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula ordered flags lowered to half-staff today from sunrise to sunset. Local Governance & Accountability: The Senate Government Operations Committee continued probing the ASG’s $10.1 million ARPA interest investment tied to a UAE deal, with testimony raising questions about who reviewed what, whether required safeguards were followed, and when any promised returns might arrive. Public Health: The CDC spotlighted American Samoa’s lead-poisoning prevention work, noting a new program built without dedicated funding that tested more than 500 young children and established a lead surveillance baseline. Telecom Policy: The House approved a bill to establish the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority by statute, clarifying its regulatory role and board structure. Environment & Culture: The Western Pacific Fishery Council urged federal agencies to move forward with green sea turtle status reviews in Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support traditional cultural harvests. Deep-Sea Mining Info: ASG launched deepseainfo.as.gov to inform residents about proposed deep-sea minerals activity and the risks, opportunities, and decision process. Volcano Monitoring: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported maintenance and outreach during a recent visit to keep American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network running. Online Safety: A video circulating on social media alleges an assault of a teenage girl in American Samoa; police were reportedly notified, and identities and circumstances are still under investigation.

Supreme Court Security Push: American Samoa’s AG joined a bipartisan coalition urging Congress to fully fund the U.S. Supreme Court’s FY 2027 security request, citing rising threats against federal judges and their families; the request includes expanded personal protection, added courthouse security, and an off-site command post. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The ASG launched DeepSeaInfo.as.gov to explain deep-sea minerals proposals, risks, and the regulatory process, saying the site will be updated weekly and is meant to keep residents informed as federal decisions move forward. ARPA Investment Scrutiny: The Senate Government Operations Committee continued probing American Samoa’s $10.1 million ARPA interest investment tied to UAE-linked entities, with questions raised about whether required procurement and legal reviews were followed. AI Safety Call: American Samoa joined a multistate AG letter to Congress demanding federal AI safety rules and oversight, warning that unchecked AI could threaten critical systems and national security. Volcano Monitoring: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported recent maintenance and K-12 outreach in American Samoa, keeping the territory’s volcano monitoring network ready. Local Safety Concern: A video circulating online alleges an assault of a teenage girl in American Samoa; police say the matter was reported, while identities and details remain under investigation.

Local Oversight: The Senate Government Operations Committee kept pressing American Samoa’s $10.1 million ARPA interest investment, with the Chief Procurement Officer saying he had no role in negotiating or approving the deal, while finance adviser Brett Butler detailed the UAE-linked structure and said the drawdown window is expected to open Monday or Tuesday. Political Response: The American Samoa Democratic Party praised a Fono resolution opposing a proposed offshore lease sale, saying it protects ocean resources, the environment, and local way of life. Public Safety & Community: A video circulating online alleges a teenage girl was assaulted in American Samoa; police reportedly received a report, but identities and circumstances were not independently verified. AI Policy: American Samoa joined a multistate push urging Congress to regulate rapidly evolving AI systems with federal safety rules. Weather & Preparedness: NOAA’s flood mapping tool expanded to cover nearly 100% of the U.S., including territories, to help forecast river flooding impacts. Environment & Culture: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council called for green sea turtle status reviews in Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support traditional cultural harvests. Volcano Monitoring: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported it serviced American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach with local emergency partners. Deep-Sea Mining Info: ASG launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain deep-sea minerals, risks, and the federal decision process, with weekly updates. Health Funding: CDC awarded American Samoa’s Department of Health $250,586 to strengthen epidemiology, lab, and infectious disease surveillance. Infrastructure Planning: Port Administration unveiled the execution plan for the Seaports Master Plan, funded through MARAD’s RAISE program.

AI Regulation Push: American Samoa’s Attorney General joined a multistate coalition urging Congress to set federal safety rules for rapidly evolving generative AI, warning unchecked systems could threaten national security and critical infrastructure. Flood Safety Update: NOAA’s Flood Inundation Mapping tool expanded to nearly 100% of the U.S. population, giving neighborhood-scale river flood estimates for territories and Hawaii. Sea Turtle Protections: The Western Pacific Fishery Council is calling for green sea turtle status reviews in Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support steps toward restoring traditional cultural harvests. Volcano Monitoring: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff recently serviced American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach with local emergency partners, including follow-up after Ta‘ū unrest in 2022. Deep-Sea Mining Info Portal: The American Samoa government launched deepseainfo.as.gov to provide weekly updates, education, and public discussion on deep-sea minerals as federal decisions move forward. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 6.6 quake near New Caledonia triggered no tsunami threat for Hawaii, Guam, CNMI, or American Samoa. Local Governance Oversight: A Senate committee continued investigating ASTCA spending tied to the A250 celebrations, questioning who authorized more than $1 million. Health Funding: ASDOH received a CDC grant of $250,586 to build epidemiology, lab, and surveillance capacity for infectious disease prevention and control.

Sea Turtle Policy: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is urging federal agencies to speed up green sea turtle status reviews for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa—aimed at easing a long-running barrier to restoring traditional cultural harvests. Volcano Monitoring: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff recently repaired and serviced American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach with local emergency partners, as the territory remains under ongoing watch. Deep-Sea Mining Information: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov, a new public education and discussion site on deep-sea minerals, saying it will be updated weekly and designed to help residents understand risks, opportunities, and the regulatory process. Local Governance & Spending Scrutiny: A Senate committee hearing continued its investigation into ASTCA spending tied to the A250 celebrations, focusing on who authorized more than $1 million. Public Safety/Justice: A video circulating on social media alleges an assault of a girl in American Samoa, prompting renewed attention to the case. Health Funding: The CDC awarded American Samoa $250,586 to strengthen epidemiology, lab, and infectious disease surveillance capacity. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia; no tsunami threat was reported for Hawaii, Guam, CNMI, or American Samoa.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov, a new public education and discussion site on deep-sea minerals, with weekly updates and interactive tools—while reiterating the territory does not support commercial extraction “at this time.” Local Governance & Accountability: The Senate Government Operations Committee kept pressing ASTCA spending questions tied to the A250 celebrations, asking who authorized more than $1 million when A250 wasn’t listed in the FY2026 budget. Volcano & Earthquake Updates: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported it serviced American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach; separately, a magnitude 6.6 quake hit near New Caledonia with no tsunami threat to Hawaii, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa. Health Funding: The CDC awarded American Samoa’s Department of Health $250,586 to strengthen epidemiology, lab, and infectious disease surveillance through 2029. AI Policy Push: Attorneys general including American Samoa’s signed a letter urging Congress to set federal AI safety rules and protocols. Time Change Reminder: Daylight saving time ends Nov. 1, 2026—clocks fall back at 2 a.m. Fishing Safeguards: Congress advanced the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act to help fight IUU fishing and seafood fraud, a key issue for American Samoa’s tuna trade.