AGP Executive Report

Power Restored After Storm Fault: Severe weather triggered an underground fault on Feeder 1, knocking out electricity for many eastern-side customers from Leloaloa to Onenoa; ASPA restored power around 12:30 p.m. after crews battled heavy rain, and a public apology went out as residents waited. ASTCA Training Push: 24 trainees completed ASTCA’s Tower Climber/Rescuer and Rigging training (May 12–15), aiming to strengthen safe telecom work at height. Overtime Rules Shift (US): The U.S. Department of Labor moved to rescind the Biden-era overtime threshold after courts vacated the 2024 rule, returning employers to the earlier 2019 salary level. Public Safety & Courts: Police charged a man after an alleged rape involving a 16-year-old; separate cases also include domestic assault allegations and other arrests tied to alleged assaults and disturbances. Community Milestones: ASCC held its 84th commencement, with Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata congratulating 75 graduates.

Overtime Rules Reversed: The U.S. Department of Labor issued a technical amendment restoring the pre-2024 overtime exemption rules after courts vacated the Biden-era salary-threshold changes—meaning the operative overtime threshold is back to the older framework for exempt classifications. Public Safety—Courts Move Fast: A man was charged after an alleged assault on his wife and stepson following a vehicle incident, and another case heads to court over rape allegations involving an underage girl who reportedly became pregnant. Training & Telecom Readiness: ASTCA ran a Tower Climber/Rescuer and Rigging training week for 24 trainees, and is also preparing to take over the 911 call center from DPS, with operators sent for specialized training. Power & Water Disruptions: Severe weather knocked out power on the east side, and Fagamalo’s water is back on but a boil notice remains until testing clears. Community & Culture: ASCC held its 84th commencement for 75 graduates, and Bluesky is the new title sponsor of the 2026 Miss American Samoa Pageant.

Guinness Moment Aboard Disney Cruise: Idaho man David Rush says he snapped 84 toothpicks in one minute to break a world record—he’s still waiting on Guinness confirmation. USPS Pressure Point: A new report highlights how USPS is struggling financially, even as it tries to keep mail moving to remote places. FEMA Money Still Moving: Guam’s power utility GPA says it’s still awaiting about $34.5M in FEMA Mawar-related claims, while FEMA also approved nearly $307M in disaster/COVID recovery funding across the region, including support for American Samoa. Local Public Safety Upgrade: ASTCA says it’s preparing to take over the 911 call center from DPS, with operators headed overseas for training. Water Update: Fagamalo’s water is back on, but a boil-water notice remains until ASEPA clears it. Electricity Costs: ASPA announced a fuel surcharge jump that will raise residential rates from 38 to 46 cents per kWh in May. Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata says FEMA approved $1.29M to reimburse ASDOH COVID-19 response work.

Hospital Funding Watch: Guam’s ARP hospital pot has been cut again, dropping from $103.543M in March to $83.543M in April, with only $555,555 spent so far and $82.988M tied up—while the governor and attorney general keep fighting in court over whether the money can be used. Pacific Games Logistics: Samoa shifted sailing and va’a venues to Mulifanua after wreckage was found in Vaiusu Bay, with officials saying the new site better fits key Olympic-qualifier races. FEMA Money Still Moving: FEMA says it’s approved about $307M for disaster and COVID recovery across the region, including American Samoa and Guam—while Guam’s power utility still says $34.484M from Typhoon Mawar claims is pending. Local Public Safety & Utilities: ASPA fuel surcharge is set to jump in May, ASTCA is preparing to take over the 911 call center, and Fagamalo’s water is back on but drinking remains off until the boil notice is lifted. Community & Culture: Bluesky is the title sponsor of the 2026 Miss American Samoa pageant, and AAPI Heritage Month is underway.

FEMA Money Still Stuck for Guam Power: Guam Power Authority says it’s still waiting on about $34.484 million in FEMA Mawar-related claims nearly three years after Typhoon Mawar, with FEMA reviewing costs and documentation. Local Health Funding: In American Samoa, Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata says FEMA approved $1.29 million to reimburse ASDOH for COVID-19 response work, including village outreach, testing, communications, and eligible overtime. Fuel Costs Jump: ASPA is set to raise the fuel surcharge—pushing residential electricity from 38¢/kWh in April to 46¢/kWh in May. Public Safety Upgrade: ASTCA is preparing to take over the 911 call center from DPS, sending operators for specialized training and expanding CCTV coverage plans. Courts & Crime: Police charged a man after an alleged rock-throwing incident at Nu’uuli, and another case involves an alleged nighttime home intrusion where a teenage girl was reportedly approached while sleeping.

FEMA Funding Boost: FEMA approved about $113 million for Arizona’s economic recovery, with $105 million to Dignity Community Care and $5.5 million for the Havasupai Tribe for flood-related repairs—part of a broader $307 million batch that also includes American Samoa. Local Health Reimbursement: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata says American Samoa’s Department of Health will receive $1.29 million from FEMA to reimburse COVID-19 response work, including village outreach, testing support, and vaccination operations. Public Safety Shift: ASTCA is preparing to take over the 911 call center from DPS, sending operators for specialized training to improve emergency call handling. Utilities Update: Fagamalo’s water supply is back, but a Boil Water Notice remains until ASEPA clears it. Community & Culture: MBOPA launched fundraising for Saint Joseph’s College hall renovations and plans major events in July, while Bluesky is the title sponsor of the 2026 Miss American Samoa Pageant. Crime & Courts: Police charged a suspect after an alleged rock-throwing traffic disruption, and another case involves an alleged nighttime entry toward a sleeping teenage girl.

Happiest Cities Watch: A new global ranking puts the world’s happiest cities in 2026 under the spotlight, with fresh data-driven comparisons drawing attention to what makes places feel livable. Opioid Settlement Spillover: Delaware says its $7.4B Purdue Pharma/Sackler settlement is now legally effective, with money headed to communities and victims and the Sacklers permanently barred from selling opioids in the U.S. Public Safety Upgrade: ASTCA is set to take over the 911 call center from DPS, sending operators for specialized training to improve how emergencies are triaged and routed. Cost of Living Pressure: ASPA announces a fuel surcharge hike that will raise residential electricity rates from 38¢/kWh to 46¢/kWh in May. Health Funding: Congresswoman Amata highlights a $1.29M FEMA reimbursement for ASDOH’s COVID-19 response work. Local Justice Cases: Police report arrests tied to alleged rock-throwing traffic disruption and an alleged home entry involving a teen.

Opioid Settlement: Delaware says its $7.4B Purdue Pharma/Sackler deal is now legally effective, with funds flowing to communities and victims and the Sacklers permanently barred from selling opioids in the U.S. Public Safety Upgrade: ASTCA says it’s moving to take over the 911 emergency call center from DPS, sending operators for specialized training and planning more CCTV coverage across government sites. Energy Costs: ASPA announces a fuel surcharge jump that will push residential power from 38¢/kWh to 46¢/kWh in May. Health & Water: FEMA is reimbursing ASDOH for COVID-19 response work with $1.29M, while Fagamalo’s water is back on—but a boil notice remains until ASEPA clears it. Justice & Crime: Police allege a man disrupted traffic by throwing rocks at vehicles, and another case involves a teen girl allegedly being covered while she slept. Community & Culture: AAPI Heritage Month is being marked, and Swains Island’s 101st Flag Day drew prayers and speeches focused on unity.

Overtime Rule Reversed: The U.S. Department of Labor restored the 2019 overtime salary threshold in a final rule update, bringing the weekly level back to $684 after federal courts struck down the 2024 Biden-era increase. Local Courts & Safety: Police cases continue to surface—from an alleged father abusing a 13-year-old to multiple Amanave incidents involving assaults, machetes, and arrests. Education & Recognition: SNHU named seven American Samoa students to its Spring 2026 President’s List, while ASCC’s 84th Commencement is set for May 15. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: The Governor created a Deep Sea Minerals Steering Committee, while local groups are rallying signatures for a community letter to the Fono urging stronger protections. Regional Moves: Samoa approved a 40-sene minimum wage increase starting July 2026, and Bluesky became the title sponsor of the 2026 Miss American Samoa pageant.

National History Day: Brown County student Genevieve Laguna just placed second in Indiana and is headed to the June 14–18 national contest at the University of Maryland College Park, where students from American Samoa and beyond will compete. Overtime Rule Reversal: The U.S. Department of Labor rescinded the Biden-era overtime rule, formally restoring the 2019 salary threshold after courts vacated the 2024 changes. Serious Allegations: Local authorities report a father accused of physically abusing his 13-year-old daughter, with the suspect held without bail. Education Wins: SNHU named seven American Samoa students to its Spring 2026 President’s List, and another local student made the Dean’s List. Culture & Community: Bluesky is now the title sponsor of the 2026 Bluesky Miss American Samoa Pageant, and an Asian/Pacific Island celebration highlighted performances including American Samoa. Public Safety: Police say an inmate was found hiding inside an SUV during an inventory process after a routine arrest at Fagatogo.

Deep-Sea Mining Push Meets Local Pushback: American Samoa’s Governor has set up a Deep Sea Minerals Steering Committee, with seven subcommittees meant to guide any deep-sea mineral work and transshipment plans—while local groups are already circulating a community sign-on letter urging the Fono to act fast to protect local waters and rights as federal agencies move toward possible leasing. Water Safety Update: ASPA says Fagamalo’s water shutdown is tied to disinfection of the tank and distribution lines after a boil water notice—work starts now and is set to finish May 13. Local Governance & Oversight: The Territorial Audit Office flagged major gaps in the Criminal Justice Planning Agency’s COPS program, including potential repayment of about $459,000 and concerns over training and grant compliance. Community & Culture: The territory has adopted its first Statistical Strategy and Framework for 2025–2030, and Swains Island’s 101st anniversary is marked with a public holiday on May 13. Regional Watch: Samoa and partners launched a cyber safety outreach program across 11 Pacific countries to tackle scams and online crime.

Culture in Chicago: The Field Museum’s “Amerika Samoa” exhibit is putting Samoan tattooing and siapo barkcloth front and center, built with local artists to spotlight the Samoan community in the city. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Finafinau founder Sabrina Suluaʻi Mahuka is collecting signatures for a community letter urging the Fono to protect local waters as federal agencies move toward deep-sea mining; the governor also set up a Deep Sea Minerals Steering Committee with subcommittees for infrastructure and revenue sharing. Local Governance & Accountability: The Territorial Audit Office says CJPA may owe about $459,000 tied to COPS grant spending on truant officers who don’t meet grant training requirements. Public Safety: Police reported alleged child abuse in Aasu and a separate tax-related family confrontation that escalated into chaos. Transportation Update: Damen Shipyards officials wrapped meetings on American Samoa’s new fast ferries, discussing specs, timelines, and coordination with PAAS. Education & Community: ASCC’s 84th commencement is set for May 15, and local students are headed to Washington, D.C., for National History Day.

Missile Defense Cost Shock: A new U.S. government report says Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile defense plan could run about $1.2 trillion over 20 years, with space-based interceptors driving most of the price—and even then, it may not stop a major nuclear attack. Opioid Fallout: Purdue Pharma/Sackler opioid settlements are continuing to take effect, with New Mexico receiving $40.15M. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Local groups opposing seabed mining near American Samoa are rallying a community letter to the Fono, warning federal lease steps could move too fast and without meaningful territorial participation. ASG Budget Tightens: FY2026 second-quarter revenue is 13.2% below projections, and the governor is asking agencies to pause nonessential hiring and travel. Vehicle Audit: A TAO audit found 100+ unregistered light-duty government vehicles, pointing to weak fleet controls. Local Public Safety: Police report multiple late-night and family-related incidents in Amanave and Petesa, including arrests tied to alleged assaults and disturbances. Water Update: ASPA says Fagamalo’s shutdown is for tank and line disinfection after a boil water notice, with work set to finish May 13.

Budget Watch: Gov. Pulaali’i says FY2026 Q2 revenues are about 13.2% below projections, ordering tighter spending—temporary hiring pauses and postponing non-essential travel. Vehicle Accountability: A TAO audit flags 100+ unregistered ASG light-duty vehicles, urging stronger controls across multiple departments. Fleet Value Question: The TAO also estimates the total value of ASG light-duty vehicles at $25–$30 million. Public Safety—Amanave: A dog-related family dispute spiraled into a chaotic confrontation, leading to arrests of five women after alleged group assault. Police Response—Amanave: A separate late-night machete incident ended with two men arrested after threats, property damage, and resisting police. Public Safety—Child Protection: Court filings detail allegations of severe child abuse involving a 5-year-old, with a father facing charges including assault and endangering a child. Water Update: ASPA says Fagamalo’s shutdown is tied to disinfection after a boil water notice; work runs through May 13. Community & Culture: ASCC’s 84th commencement is set for May 15.

Hiring & Jobs: The USPS is holding a job fair Thursday, May 14 (10 a.m.–2 p.m.) at the Quincy Post Office, hiring full-time Automotive Technicians with a starting pay of $32.13/hour and federal benefits—applicants must be 18 (or 16 with a diploma) and able to pass background, drug, and medical checks. Local Public Safety: In American Samoa court filings, police allege a McDonald’s drive-thru disturbance in Petesa escalated into threats, a brief vehicle pursuit, and an arrest—charges include public peace disturbance, assault, and resisting arrest. Water & Health Alerts: ASPA says the Fagamalo shutdown notice is tied to disinfection work after a boil water notice—tank and line samples showed coliform contamination, with completion expected May 13. Governance & Community: The governor declared a public holiday Wednesday, May 13, for Swains Island’s 101st anniversary, closing government offices. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A revised outreach call is making waves as lawmakers and community voices push for more than federal messaging ahead of deep-sea minerals decisions.

Deep-Sea Minerals Push: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolau Pula has set up a Deep-Sea Minerals Steering Committee, saying it will guide any deep-sea minerals work—including possible transshipment of critical minerals—while stressing environmental stewardship, cultural integrity, and compliance. Water Safety Update: ASPA says the Fagamalo shutdown notice is tied to disinfection of the tank and water lines after a Boil Water Notice; work is underway and set to finish May 13. Public Service & Community: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata marks National Police Week by honoring law enforcement and fallen officers. Education & Milestones: ASCC will hold its 84th Commencement May 15 for 82 graduates. Local Commemoration: A public holiday is declared for Swains Island’s 101st anniversary on May 13. Public Safety Court News: Police reports include an alleged McDonald’s drive-thru disturbance that escalated to threats and arrest, plus a separate alleged Leone break-in case.