AGP Executive Report

Meta Settlement for Youth Safety: South Carolina announced a nearly $247 million share of Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate deal over Instagram and Facebook child-safety claims, with American Samoa included; Meta must add daily usage limits, “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, stronger age checks, and tighter protections around harmful content. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Congress moved to fast-track seabed mining reviews under FAST-41, and American Samoa leaders and protesters again pushed back against federal leasing plans near the territory, warning the process could bypass tough oversight. Local Health Watch: Hawaiʻi officials reported dengue virus detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases tracked there; the alert still matters for the wider Pacific, including American Samoa, where dengue risk is year-round. Courts and Citizenship: Alaska’s appeals court tossed a felony voter misconduct indictment against a Whittier woman born in American Samoa, saying prosecutors used the wrong legal standard and misled grand jurors—potentially affecting similar cases. ASG Governance: The House Retirement Committee grilled lawmakers over ASG’s growing unpaid debt to the Employees’ Retirement Fund, while another House push demanded a full accounting of ARPA interest investments. Community & Economy: ASCC named a new president effective Sept. 8, the Election Office listed eligible 2026 midterm candidates, and the Basic Food Index rose slightly in August as some staples increased.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa leaders and Greenpeace activists confronted NOAA’s research ship Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor, urging “Don’t Mine the Moana” as a federal lease sale for seabed mining near the territory moves ahead despite local opposition. Local Governance & Courts: In Alaska, an appeals court tossed a felony voter misconduct indictment against Whittier resident Tupe Smith, an American Samoan, saying prosecutors used the wrong legal standard and misled grand jurors—potentially affecting similar cases. Youth & Safety: Attorney Edward Manibusan announced a landmark $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement, including American Samoa, requiring major Instagram/Facebook child-safety changes like daily time limits and nighttime blocks. Public Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases tracked there; dengue is a known risk across parts of the Pacific. Community & Education: ASCC named Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale as its new president effective Sept. 8, after a leadership transition. Food Prices: The Basic Food Index rose 0.2% in August, with increases in items like rice, milk, fish, and taro, while several staples fell.

Deep-Sea Mining Push vs. Local Opposition: American Samoan community leaders and Greenpeace USA activists confronted NOAA’s research ship Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor, warning that mapping deep-sea minerals could feed a federal deep-sea mining agenda despite the territory’s moratorium and leadership opposition. Local Governance & Oversight: The House Retirement Committee heard concerns that ASG debt to the Employees’ Retirement Fund is still growing, with unpaid contributions reported at about $28 million as of Aug. 1, while lawmakers pressed for a real repayment plan. Public Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in Hilo wastewater, noting no active cases currently tracked there; dengue is a known risk across the Pacific, including American Samoa. Youth & Community Programs: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped up its PITA Jr. Summer STEAM Bootcamp for ages 10–12, pairing technology learning with prevention-focused outreach. Education Leadership: ASCC named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the new president effective Sept. 8, replacing interim leadership. Policy & Economy: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced DOH received a CDC preventive health grant of $87,718. Midterm Election Update: The Election Office listed candidates deemed eligible for the Nov. 3, 2026 midterm election.

Meta Settlement Reaches American Samoa: Attorney Edward Manibusan announced a landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta over Instagram/Facebook youth safety, with American Samoa included among the jurisdictions; Meta must add strict child protections like daily time limits, “productive pauses,” and nighttime blocks. Local Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata said the American Samoa Department of Health received a $87,718 CDC preventive health block grant for one year. ASCC Campus Incident: Police say two ASCC students were charged after an Aug. 25 campus disturbance involving an alleged fight; arrests followed, with charges including public peace disturbance and third-degree assault. Education Leadership Change: The Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC president effective Sept. 8. Fisheries Science Meeting: The Western Pacific Council’s scientific panel will review Rose Atoll large-vessel rules and set science-based bottomfish catch guidance for 2027–2030. Deep-Sea Mining Push Faces Pushback: Community leaders and Greenpeace confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor over concerns the mapping work could advance federal deep-sea mining leasing near American Samoa. Food Prices: The Basic Food Index rose 0.2% in August, with taro and bananas among the highest-priced items. Labor Day: Acting Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr declared Monday, Sept. 7 Labor Day with ASG offices closed.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: The U.S. House Rules Committee blocked Guam Delegate James Moylan’s bid to keep seabed mining off a fast-track permitting list, even as the House passed H.R. 1501 placing mining and mineral processing under FAST-41—an issue American Samoa lawmakers have opposed. Regional Security: Pacific leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum urged China to give advance notice for missile tests after a July ICBM launch reportedly passed over islands without adequate warning. Public Health: Hawaiʻi health officials reported dengue detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases currently tracked; the virus is a known risk across parts of the Pacific, including American Samoa. Local Government Watch: The House pressed for a full accounting of about $10 million in ARPA interest investments, warning oversight has been weak. Immigration Policy: A new Senate bill would create a one-time Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program for foreign nationals in American Samoa without valid status, while another proposal seeks a 12-month pause on a controversial immigration-law provision. ASG Services & Community: Congresswoman Aumua Amata announced a CDC preventive health grant for the Department of Health; Acting Gov. Pulumataala declared Labor Day Sept. 7 with ASG offices closed. Education & Youth: ASCC students were arrested after a campus fight; and the PITA Jr. STEAM bootcamp concluded, aiming to steer youth toward tech and engineering. Court Update: Alaska’s appeals court tossed a felony voter misconduct indictment tied to an American Samoan resident, saying prosecutors used the wrong legal standard and misled grand jurors.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoan leaders and Greenpeace USA activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor, warning that mapping seabed minerals could feed a wider U.S. deep-sea mining push even as American Samoa rejects mining and keeps a moratorium. Local Health Funding: Congresswoman Aumua Amata announced the Department of Health received a $87,718 CDC preventive health block grant for one year. Meta Youth Safety Settlement: AG Edward Manibusan said American Samoa is among jurisdictions in a landmark $17.1B multistate Meta settlement, with required safety changes for children on Instagram and Facebook. ASCC Campus Incident: Police arrested four students after an alleged fight at American Samoa Community College; two were charged with public peace disturbance and third-degree assault. Immigration Policy: A new Senate bill would create a one-time Critical Guest Worker Amnesty Program for foreign nationals in American Samoa without valid status, while another proposal would pause a controversial immigration-law provision for 12 months. Government Oversight: House lawmakers pressed for a full accounting of about $10 million in ARPA interest earnings, questioning how the money was invested and used. Education Leadership: The Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC president effective Sept. 8. Regional Fisheries Science: Western Pacific scientists will review proposed changes to large-vessel fishing rules near Rose Atoll and set science-based bottomfish catch guidance for 2027–2030. Public Safety Note: Acting Gov. Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. declared Monday, Sept. 7 Labor Day with ASG offices closed.

Big Tech & Youth Safety: Attorney Edward Manibusan announced a landmark $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement, including claims involving Instagram and Facebook’s effects on children and teens; American Samoa is listed among the jurisdictions, and Meta must add major safety steps like daily time limits, “productive pauses,” and nighttime blocks. Local Governance & Services: The Election Office says it has named candidates eligible for the 2026 Midterm Election, while the Board of Higher Education selected Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC president effective Sept. 8. Public Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in a Hilo wastewater sample, with no active cases tracked in Hawaiʻi County and follow-up results pending—an alert for mosquito-bite prevention across the region, including American Samoa. Cost of Living: The Basic Food Index rose 0.2% in August, with some items up (like taro and bananas) even as others fell (including turkey tail and eggs). Justice & Safety: Court updates include charges in a reported rape case involving an underaged girl and another assault case tied to a disturbance over alleged missing money. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: American Samoa community leaders and activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer, raising concerns about deep-sea mineral mapping tied to future lease plans. Immigration Policy: A Senate bill proposes a Critical Industry Guest Worker permit with a 90-day amnesty window for certain people out of status.

Government Funding: The U.S. House passed a bipartisan stopgap to keep the federal government running through Dec. 11, with Rep. Uifa’atali Amata saying it prevents an end-of-September shutdown and preserves current funding for American Samoa, including $1M for operations through OIA and $1M for port infrastructure. Regional Voice: American Samoa’s delegation at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau formally presented its request to become a full member, arguing that after years as observer/associate, political status shouldn’t limit participation. ASCC Leadership: The Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC president, effective Sept. 8, replacing interim president Sonny J. Leomiti. Public Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in a Hilo wastewater sample; officials say there are no active cases being tracked and the result is an early warning, not proof of community spread. Youth Safety & Social Media: Wyoming AG Keith Kautz announced a multistate Meta settlement tied to youth mental health and safety, including claims that Meta’s platforms harmed young users; American Samoa is listed among the jurisdictions seeking relief. Food Prices: The Basic Food Index rose 0.2% in August, with increases in items like rice, milk, fish, and ice cream, while several staples fell.

Local Justice: A suspect has been charged with rape and other sexual offenses involving an underaged girl, with the defendant held without bail. Community Safety: Police also moved on an alleged assault tied to a disturbance over missing money, with charges including private peace disturbance and third-degree assault. Cost of Living: The Basic Food Index rose 0.2% in August, with increases in items like rice, milk, fish, and taro, while chicken, turkey tail, eggs, and sugar saw drops. Elections: The Election Office named people eligible for the 2026 Midterm Election and listed candidates for the Nov. 3 vote. Education Leadership: The Board of Higher Education appointed Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC President, effective Sept. 8. Public Health: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in Hilo wastewater, while saying there are no active cases currently tracked. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: American Samoa leaders and activists pushed back against deep-sea mining plans tied to U.S. lease efforts near the territory. Youth Online Safety: Meta’s massive settlement with states includes new protections for teens, with American Samoa listed among the participating jurisdictions. Weather Watch: The National Weather Service warned a strengthening El Niño could bring heat, water stress, and higher tropical cyclone risk.

Public Health: Hawaiʻi DOH says a wastewater sample from Hilo tested positive for dengue virus, with no active cases currently tracked in Hawaiʻi County; follow-up results are pending, and officials note dengue risk is travel-linked and mosquitoes can spread it. Federal Court & Citizenship: A Maryland judge blocked Trump’s latest birthright citizenship executive order, calling it likely unconstitutional after the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling. Local Leadership: The Board of Higher Education named Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale as the next ASCC President, starting Sept. 8. Government Oversight: At a Senate hearing, Acting Treasurer Carri-Lee Magalei-Tulafono testified that a claimed $10 million ARPA interest investment in Kansas produced no return as of Aug. 31, while lawmakers pressed for details. ASTCA Tensions: The Governor’s move to dissolve ASTCA’s board drew sharp rebukes in the Senate, with questions raised about legality and spending. Online Safety & Money: AG Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion youth-safety settlement, which also requires new limits and protections for Instagram and Facebook. Climate Prep: The National Weather Service warns a strengthening El Niño could bring heat, water stress, higher cyclone risk, and coral bleaching—urging residents to prepare now. National & Regional News: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted a federal funding extension that avoids a shutdown through Dec. 11, and American Samoa’s push for full membership in the Pacific Islands Forum. Community & Culture: The territory mourns Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, LBJ Tropical Medical Center’s longtime doctor, who died in Honolulu at 80.

Meta Youth Safety Settlement: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced a landmark $17.1 billion multistate deal with Meta over Instagram and Facebook addiction harms; American Samoa will receive $1.1 million, and Meta must add strict teen time limits, nighttime blocks, stronger age-assurance, and tighter content controls. Local Governance & ARPA Funds: At a Senate Government Operations hearing, lawmakers pressed for details on a rumored $10 million-plus ASG investment tied to ARPA interest at Zions Bank—Acting Treasurer Carri-Lee Magalei-Tulafono testified that the money was moved to a Kansas firm, but she said there’s been no return as of Aug. 31. ASTCA Board Clash: Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula dissolved the ASTCA board, triggering sharp rebukes from Senator Muagututi‘a Tauoa and questions from Senate leaders about legality and funding for the America 250 celebration. Pacific Regional Role: American Samoa’s delegation, led by ASTCA CEO Folasaaitu Sorepa Fata-Thomas, presented the territory’s request for full membership in the Pacific Islands Forum. Weather & Preparedness: The National Weather Service warned a strengthening El Niño could bring heat, water stress, higher cyclone risk, and reef impacts—urging residents to conserve water and prepare emergency plans. Food Assistance Update: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year benefit on Sept. 1, funded through unspent federal funds, expiring Sept. 30.

Meta Settlement for Youth Safety: A landmark $17.1 billion multistate deal would require Meta to cap teen screen time, add “productive pauses,” block late-night access, and strengthen age checks; American Samoa is listed to receive $1.1 million, with the agreement aimed at Instagram and Facebook harms. Local Governance Clash at ASTCA: Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula dissolved the ASTCA board, triggering a sharp rebuke from Senator Muagututi‘a Tauoa and questions from the Senate over the legality and timing of the dismissals ahead of hearings on ASTCA’s July 4 “America 250” spending. ARPA Interest Under Scrutiny: House members are pushing for details on how ARPA interest earnings—reported up to $10 million—were invested and used, with lawmakers seeking formal information through testimony and possible subpoenas. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is mapping American Samoa’s seafloor as the U.S. moves toward a seabed minerals lease sale tied to the region’s uncharted waters. Food Assistance Update: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year benefit on Sept. 1, expiring Sept. 30. Cyber Scams Warning: Pacific communities are urged to protect themselves as AI-driven e-commerce scams surge, with experts pointing to rapid growth in online fraud. Public Safety: DSAR issued urgent fire-safety reminders after multiple recent blazes in Nuʻuuli, urging residents and businesses to prevent cooking, electrical, and brush-related hazards.

Seabed Minerals & NOAA Mapping: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is mapping American Samoa’s seafloor as the U.S. moves toward a Nov. 19 lease sale for seabed mineral rights, while a lawsuit challenges the plan. Meta Youth-Safety Settlement: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde says American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate settlement, with new limits and protections for kids on Instagram and Facebook. Local Governance Clash: Sen. Muagututi’a Tauoa sharply rebuked Gov. Pula’alii Nikolao Pula after the governor dissolved the ASTCA board ahead of a Senate hearing on July 4 spending. Food Assistance Update: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year benefit on Sept. 1, expiring Sept. 30. Public Safety: DSAR urged fire prevention after multiple recent blazes in Nuʻuuli. Community & Culture: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week. Sports: Floating Coconuts Outrigger Canoe Club wrapped up its World Sprint Championships campaign in Singapore. Elections: The Election Office issued final candidate nomination notice, with petitions due Sept. 1 at 4:30 p.m.

Meta Settlement for Youth Safety: American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from a landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta, with the company required to add new safety rules for children using Instagram and Facebook, including daily time limits and nighttime blocks. Local Governance: Gov. Pula’alii Nikolao Pula dissolved the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) Board ahead of Senate scrutiny, while Senator Muagututi’a Tauoa called for the governor’s removal and said the move is an attempt to “run the government by himself.” Public Assistance: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year benefit on Sept. 1, loaded on EBT cards, with benefits expiring Sept. 30. Community Safety: Search & Rescue and Fire urged residents to take proactive steps after a spate of fires, including a house fire in Nu’uuli that sent one person to the hospital. Sports & Culture: Floating Coconuts Outrigger Canoe Club wrapped up its campaign at the IVF Va’a World Sprint Championships in Singapore, and Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week. Regional Watch: The U.S. and New Zealand announced a major deep-sea port plan on a former Cook Islands military base, Penrhyn, as Pacific tensions and resource competition grow.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: American Samoa is named among 47 states (plus D.C., Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands) in a landmark $17.1 billion multi-state settlement with Meta. The deal requires sweeping Instagram and Facebook safety changes for kids and teens, and American Samoa will receive about $1.1 million. Health & Accountability: Two Health ACEOs and a senior official were suspended pending a Public Service Commission probe into alleged theft and sale of oxygen gas cylinders to FESA—linked to hospital oxygen shortages. Elections: The American Samoa Election Office set the nomination petition deadline for Sept. 1 at 4:30 p.m., and reminded eligible voters that registration is open. Public Safety: A house fire in Nu’uuli sent one person to the hospital; it was the fourth major fire in American Samoa this month. Deep-Sea Minerals Watch: NOAA announced deep-sea mapping expeditions around American Samoa to support offshore critical mineral evaluation, with live-streamed ROV dives and public data releases. Sports: Tafuna fell 42-0 to Liberty in prep football, while other local results included Intersections’ first ACCESS program for special needs students.

Health Accountability: Two Health ACEOs and a senior official in Samoa were suspended pending a Public Service Commission probe into alleged oxygen gas cylinder sales to FESA—linked to hospital oxygen shortages. Deep-Sea Minerals Watch: The U.S. plans a seabed minerals auction off American Samoa next month under domestic law, raising fresh questions about how mining rules apply in the Pacific. Elections: American Samoa’s Election Office set a Sept. 1, 4:30 p.m. deadline for House and U.S. Congress nomination petitions, while voter registration remains open. Public Safety: A house fire in Nu’uuli sent one person to the hospital and was the fourth major fire in American Samoa this month. Youth & Education: Intersections completed the first ACCESS program for special needs students, teaching consent, boundaries, and safety with parents participating. Sports: Tafuna (American Samoa) was shut out 42-0 by Liberty in Nevada prep football. Community & Culture: NOAA announced deep-sea mapping expeditions around American Samoa, with live-streamed ROV dives and public data releases. National Park Spotlight: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week. Meta Settlement Impact: Meta’s multistate child-safety settlement includes American Samoa, with new limits and protections for teens on Facebook and Instagram.