AGP Executive Report

America250 Countdown: Times Square’s iconic ball will drop eight times to mark midnight across U.S. time zones, with the final drop at 7 a.m. for American Samoa—part of the “Giving 4th Broadcast Benefit Show” running July 3-4. Local Independence Events: American Samoa’s America 250 week continues with a special Jean P. Haydon Museum exhibition opening today (10 a.m.-3 p.m.), plus a car show Friday and an Independence Day church service and concert Saturday, culminating in a drone-and-fireworks finale at Lions Park. Fautasi Spotlight: The America 250 Fautasi Regatta grand final is officially won by Vatia’s Fuao, taking the $30,000 prize; Nu’uuli’s Manulele Tausala III places second ($25,000). Health Alert: Children with rheumatic heart disease are missing daily penicillin doses, with doctors warning of relapses and serious complications when treatment is interrupted. Education Leadership: ASCC’s Board of Higher Education appoints Sonny J. Leomiti as Interim President effective July 1, 2026. Community Support: Rotary Club of Pago Pago presented 15 modern hospital beds to Hope House, funded by local sponsors.

America 250 Countdown: America250 says the Times Square ball will drop eight times for July 4, starting July 3 at 10 a.m. EDT for Guam and ending July 4 at 7 a.m. EDT for American Samoa, with the “Giving 4th Broadcast Benefit Show” and livestreams as the main way to watch. Local Independence Events: In American Samoa, the America 250 celebration keeps building with a special Jean P Haydon Museum exhibition today, plus a car show Friday and Independence Day church service and concert Saturday, culminating in drones and fireworks at Lions Park. Citizenship Court Impact: A U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order is being cited by territorial rights advocates as strengthening constitutional citizenship arguments tied to places like Guam, while American Samoa’s own citizenship debate remains linked to the Deeds of Cession and constitutional relationship. Health Alert: Children with rheumatic heart disease in American Samoa are missing daily penicillin doses, with doctors warning relapses and serious complications after gaps of months. Sports & Community: Vatia’s Fuao won the America 250 fautasi grand final, and the Rotary Club of Pago Pago delivered 15 hospital beds to Hope House after community fundraising.

America 250 Countdown: New York’s Times Square ball will drop eight times for the July 4 semiquincentennial, with the final drop scheduled at 7 a.m. July 4 in American Samoa—no public viewing areas, but live streaming and apps will carry the rolling midnight countdown across U.S. time zones and territories. Independence Day Plans in American Samoa: The territory’s America 250 week culminates Saturday, July 4, with a drone-and-pyrotechnic show at Lions Park in Tafuna, plus earlier museum, car show, and church service events. Fautasi Regatta Results: Vatia’s Fuao has been declared the America 250 Fautasi Regatta winner, taking $30,000; Nu’uuli’s Manulele Tausala III placed second ($25,000) and Alao third ($20,000). Health Alert: Children with rheumatic heart disease are missing daily penicillin doses after a switch from longer-acting injections, with doctors warning of relapses and serious complications. Community Support: The Rotary Club of Pago Pago delivered 15 modern hospital beds to Hope House, boosting care for residents at the Catholic Diocese facility. Education Leadership: ASCC’s Board of Higher Education named Sonny J. Leomiti interim president effective July 1, 2026.

Telecom & Infrastructure: DXN has secured a $1 million contract with the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) to design, build, test, deliver and commission a prefabricated cable landing station for the Le Vasa subsea cable system, with manufacturing set to begin immediately. America 250 Celebrations: American Samoa’s final official America 250 Independence Day show is set for July 4 in Tafuna, with a fleet of 300 drones (including pyro-drones) and fireworks at Lions Park. Fautasi Regatta: After weather delays, the America 250 fautasi races are moving toward the final—Heat results set six crews for Thursday’s showdown, with ASTCA reminding the public the final starts from Amu‘ula at 8:00 a.m. Public Safety & Courts: Police report arrests tied to public peace disturbance incidents, including one at Su’igaula Malae in Utulei and another at the ASNAP office over alleged benefit-related ID issues. Health & Community: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced federal grants for the American Samoa Criminal Justice Planning Agency and the local Health Department, including substance abuse treatment funding. Sports: SPW Fitness says its 3rd Annual American Samoa Marathon & Half Marathon in Utulei was a success, drawing local and overseas runners.

America 250 Celebrations: American Samoa’s Independence Day finale is set for July 4 in Tafuna with a record 300-drone show plus fireworks, billed as the last official America 250 event across U.S. states and territories on July 4. Fautasi Regatta: After weather forced postponements, the America 250 Fautasi Regatta heats and finals are moving ahead with qualifying crews set for Thursday’s showdown, with ASTCA reminding the public the final starts from Amu‘ula at 8:00 a.m. Local Culture & Pride: Tala restaurant chef Henry Onesemo was celebrated after a historic Michelin recognition for contemporary Samoan cuisine. Community Support: The American Samoa Community Food Bank thanked the M/V Ocean Guardian and Stabbert Marine for a generous frozen-food donation that reached vulnerable residents and families displaced by recent fires. Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced new federal grants for the territory’s criminal justice substance abuse program and health efforts. Public Safety: DPS says Homeland Security is involved in a drug-related post office incident after marijuana was found in a package. Sports: PAAS wrapped up its 2026 Summer Pickleball Tournament with winners across 10 categories, including off-island clubs.

America250 July 4 plans for American Samoa: The Times Square ball will be dropped eight times across time zones, with the final drop at 7 a.m. July 4 in American Samoa, marking the territory’s place in the nationwide Independence Day countdown. Fautasi racing update: The 2026 July 4th Fautasi Regatta was postponed/called off after unsafe conditions from wind, swells, and drizzle; officials say they’ll try again as weather allows, with the race start location shifting based on sea conditions. Local sports: Six crews advanced to the final after two heats, setting up a fierce championship race for fautasi glory. Community health push: SPW Fitness says its 3rd Annual American Samoa Marathon & Half Marathon in Utulei drew strong local and overseas participation as part of the MASHA healthy-living campaign. Public safety: Police are investigating a fatal crash tied to a police chase in Leone, with details still limited. Governance & rights: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order, while a separate report flags a federal plan to close a National Archives site holding records tied to U.S. citizenship cases. Drugs at the post office: DPS says it’s working with Homeland Security after marijuana was found in a package processed locally.

Fautasi Regatta: Two heats narrowed the field to six crews for Thursday’s American Samoa Fautasi Regatta final, with MT 3 (Nuuuli), Alao and Lupelele (Iliili) qualifying from Heat 1, and Fuao (Vatia), Fealofani Samoa 3 (Fagasa) and Aeto (Pago Pago) from Heat 2; ASTCA says the final starts from Amuula at 8:00 a.m. America250 Sports & Health: SPW Fitness wrapped up its 3rd Annual American Samoa Marathon & Half Marathon in Utulei, while local students and athletes keep showing up for major events, including HOSA students attending the International Leadership Conference. Public Safety: Police charged an ASNAP office disturbance suspect after an employee said he was told he couldn’t collect food stamp benefits without required ID. Local Governance & Courts: ASG retained a Honolulu law firm to defend against Leauma B. Alefosio’s third civil suit. Community Support: The Lions Club is rallying help for a family that lost its home in a late-May fire. Regional Watch: Coast Guard Oceania District held a change of command in Honolulu, covering operations across the Pacific including American Samoa.

US Supreme Court: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked President Trump’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for some children, ruling it violates the 14th Amendment. Public Safety & Justice: DPS is investigating a drug incident tied to a package processed through the Post Office, while a separate fatal traffic crash followed a police chase; authorities are also looking into possible homicide by vehicle. Drugs at the Post Office: Customs found about one pound of marijuana hidden in a package labeled as rice noodles, and the case was referred to Homeland Security. Local Roads & Schools: McConnell Dowell is helping Tafuna High School with a temporary road repair after officials flagged campus road conditions. America250 Sports & Culture: The July 4 America250 commemoration kicks off with the Fautasi Regatta, with heats and a grand final set around weather; ASTCA and partners also announced a July 4 concert lineup and fireworks. Tuna & Fisheries Talks: American Samoa took part in the U.S.-Pacific tuna treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing the link between the U.S.-flag fleet and the territory’s tuna industry. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: A community coalition sent Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolau Pula a request for a territorial review of deep-sea mining, focusing on science, risks, and legal options. Commuter Air Service: Pacific Air Charters says it plans to start American Samoa commuter routes later in 2026, pending approvals and timing with existing cabotage authority. Community Forum: Finafinau hosted an ocean forum on deep-sea mining, port plans, fisheries sustainability, and ocean conservation.

America250 Kicks Off: American Samoa’s America250 celebrations begin today with the 2026 July 4th Fautasi Regatta, featuring 13 crews and two heats, with the grand final set for tomorrow if weather allows. Public Safety Update: DPS is investigating a fatal traffic crash tied to a police chase, and authorities are also looking at possible homicide by vehicle. Drugs at the Post Office: DPS and Homeland Security are jointly investigating a drug incident after customs found about one pound of marijuana hidden in a package labeled as rice noodles. Education & Community Support: Tafuna High School gets a temporary road repair help from McConnell Dowell while a longer-term fix waits on funding. Air Travel Plans: Pacific Air Charters says it expects to start American Samoa commuter routes later in 2026, after regulatory approvals and around the Samoa Airways cabotage waiver timeline. Tuna Treaty Talks: American Samoa took part in the U.S.-Pacific Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing the link between the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and the territory’s tuna industry. Ocean Concerns: A community ocean forum focused on deep-sea mining, fisheries sustainability, and proposed port developments, giving residents a chance to ask questions. Local Celebrations: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata joined Samoan Flag Day festivities in Adelanto, California, highlighting island culture abroad.

America 250 in NYC: New York City is gearing up for the U.S. turning 250, with a major “Grand Parade of Sail” featuring 80 ships and 150 aircraft over several days, plus big fireworks plans and a Times Square ball drop timed across U.S. time zones (including Guam and American Samoa). Local Sports & Community: CNMI Juniors beat American Samoa 14-3 in six innings at the Little League Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Tournament in South Korea. America 250 Fautasi Races: Fautasi races for the America 250 commemoration run Monday (June 29) with heats and a championship race Tuesday (June 30), with prize money totaling $180,000. Tuna Treaty Talks: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and American Samoa’s tuna industry are tightly linked and must stay viable together. Ocean Forum on Deep-Sea Mining: A community ocean forum “Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i: Stand with the Moana” invited residents to learn about deep-sea mining, fisheries sustainability, and ocean conservation. Fuel Crisis & Cost of Living: A memo dispute surfaced after the AS Democratic Party raised concerns about fuel price jumps and rising living costs, with ODAPM calling the statements “divisive.” Public Safety Court News: Two separate arrests were reported—one after an alleged domestic dispute involving travel plans led to property damage and a fire attempt, and another after a girlfriend was allegedly punched in Puapua.

Election 2026 Prep: Territorial Review launched a new online tracker for Guam senators’ past work, and says it will expand to other U.S. territories including American Samoa—aimed at helping voters compare records. Regional Fisheries: CNMI urged delegates at WCPFC22 to adopt a management procedure for South Pacific albacore, echoing American Samoa’s call for urgent action. Tuna Treaty Talks: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and American Samoa’s tuna industry are tightly linked through ports, processing, jobs, and the regional supply chain. America 250 Sports & Culture: Fautasi races for America’s 250th run Monday (with heats) and a championship Tuesday, with weather backups; the July 4 concert at Samoa Motors includes Stan Walker and others, followed by drone lights and fireworks. Local Safety & Courts: Police reported arrests tied to alleged domestic violence and property damage after disputes, with cases filed in court. Ocean Forum: Finafinau held a community ocean forum on deep-sea mining, port plans, fisheries sustainability, and conservation, focused on open dialogue. Telecom Update: FCC wrapped AWS-3 spectrum Auction 113 at $3.57B, with American Samoa listed among the lowest per-unit prices. Fuel Costs Pressure: A local political party criticized rising fuel prices and urged relief measures, including transparency and renewable energy steps.

America 250 Sports & Culture: Fautasi races for American Samoa’s America 250 commemoration kick off Monday, June 29, with heats and a championship set for Tuesday (weather backup dates July 1–2). Community Events: A concert for July 4 at Samoa Motors (Stan Walker, Kennyon Brown, DJ Noiz, NATO Brothers) will be followed by a drone light show and fireworks. Local Football Development: “Kid From The Rock” talent scout Keiki Misipeka is on island running a workshop for families and athletes on college recruiting, transfer portals, and NIL. Ocean Policy & Public Input: Finafinau’s “Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i: Stand with the Moana” ocean forum drew residents to discuss deep-sea mining, port plans, fisheries, and conservation. Tuna & Trade Talks: American Samoa took part in the U.S.-Pacific Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing the link between the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and the territory’s cannery, port, and workforce. Public Safety: Police reports include arrests tied to alleged domestic violence and threats, plus a case where a man allegedly damaged a family home after an argument over travel plans. Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced HHS grants for LBJ Tropical Medical Center’s HIV services and for EMS for Children. Fuel Costs Politics: The American Samoa Democratic Party says a memo from ODAPM criticized its April warnings about rising cost of living tied to fuel prices.

Sports & Community: American Samoa’s commemoration of America 250 kicks off with fautasi races next Monday (June 29), with heats and a championship set for June 30, plus a July 4 concert, drone light show, and fireworks. Local Talent & Youth Sports: The “Kid From The Rock” football guidance effort is in Tafuna this week, with a workshop for families and athletes on navigating college recruiting and NIL. Health & Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted two HHS grants for American Samoa—$33,200 for HIV services at LBJ and $86,554 for EMS for Children. Ocean Policy & Debate: A community ocean forum (“Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i: Stand with the Moana”) brought residents together to discuss deep-sea mining, port plans, fisheries sustainability, and ocean conservation. Regional Fisheries: American Samoa participated in the U.S.-Pacific tuna treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing the link between the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and the territory’s cannery, port, and workforce. Public Safety: Police reported arrests tied to alleged domestic violence and threats, including a man accused of punching his girlfriend and another charged after allegedly threatening a woman over a curfew bell dispute. Cost of Living & Fuel: A political dispute over rising fuel prices continues, with local leaders pointing to sharp month-to-month increases and calling for relief measures. Telecom & Connectivity: The FCC wrapped up the AWS-3 spectrum auction, with pricing noted for American Samoa among other markets.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The Trump administration is seeking industry input for what could be the first federal lease for offshore seabed mineral mining off Virginia, raising fresh concerns about marine impacts and how (or whether) U.S. territories like American Samoa would share in any new revenues. Ocean Forum: Local organizers held “Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i: Stand with the Moana” to answer community questions on deep-sea mining, port plans, fisheries sustainability, and ocean conservation—emphasizing transparency and direct Q&A. Tuna Treaty: American Samoa took part in 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 supply chain. Drinking Water Funding: The EPA announced more than $25 million in grants for small and rural drinking water upgrades, including tackling PFAS and lead. America 250 Fautasi: Fautasi races for the America 250 commemoration are set for Monday, June 29, with heats and a championship race plus a July 4 concert and fireworks. Sports & Youth: A Kid From the Rock workshop is planned for today at the DYWA Center, and the Measina 16U girls won a Silver Medal at an AAU tournament in Hawaii. Local Courts: Police reported arrests tied to alleged domestic violence and other disputes, including a man accused of punching his girlfriend and another charged after an argument over travel plans turned into alleged property damage.

America 250 Fautasi Races: The American Samoa Telecommunications Authority and the Reid Family Group say all 13 fautasi from the Flag Day regatta will race next Monday, June 29, with heats Monday and the championship Tuesday, June 30 (weather could push races to July 1–2). America 250 Concert: The July 4 celebration at Samoa Motors Lot (across from Lions Park Tennis Court) features Stan Walker, Kennyon Brown, DJ Noiz and NATO Brothers, with gates at 3pm, show at 5pm, then a drone light show and fireworks. Sports Pathways: Longtime scout Keiki Misipeka is on island promoting “Kid From The Rock” to help families and athletes navigate college recruiting, transfer portals and NIL; a workshop runs today (3–4pm) at the DYWA Center in Tafuna, followed by a meeting at the ASNOC office at 5:30pm. Water Funding: The EPA announced more than $25 million in grants through the SmaRT Drinking Water Assistance Program to upgrade drinking water systems in small and rural communities, including help targeting PFAS and lead. Pacific Fuel Fallout: A new look at the fuel crisis shows Pacific governments raising diesel ceilings and pushing renewable energy plans as costs and slowdowns hit across the region. Tuna Treaty Talks: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and American Samoa’s tuna industry must stay viable together. Local Public Safety: Police reports include arrests tied to domestic disputes and alleged assaults, plus a case where no arrests have been made yet in a drug bust at the Pago Pago Post Office.

Local Courts & Safety: A man was arrested after an alleged argument over a family travel plan led him to damage the home and set a curtain on fire; he was held without bail on private peace disturbance and property damage charges. Domestic Violence Case: Another man was charged after allegedly punching his girlfriend in Puapua during a dispute, also held without bail. Community & Ocean Policy: Residents were invited to “Mo Lo Tatou Lumana’i: Stand with the Moana,” a June 19 ocean forum on deep-sea mining, port plans, fisheries sustainability, and conservation. Cost-of-Living Politics: The American Samoa Democratic Party says ODAPM criticized its April fuel-price statements as “divisive,” after fuel costs jumped sharply. Health Funding: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata highlighted two HHS grants for LBJ—$33,200 for HIV services and $86,554 for EMS for Children. Sports Development: ASNFF’s Talent ID Combine and Flag Football Camp opens June 24–25 at Veterans Memorial Stadium, led by the women’s national flag team. Pageant Spotlight: Tilomai Tauiliili was crowned Miss American Samoa 2026 at the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium. U.S. Pacific Push: The Trump administration says it’s expanding Pacific engagement to counter China, with Congresswoman Amata pressing on reducing dependence on Beijing.