AGP Executive Report

Marine Fishing Policy: President Trump signed a proclamation reopening parts of three Pacific marine national monuments to commercial fishing, including Rose Atoll waters near American Samoa, expanding access to about 500,000 square miles and drawing sharp reactions from conservationists and local advocates. Local Fisheries Voice: Gov. Pula’ali’i Nikolao Pula told the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council that tuna matters most for American Samoa, pushing for a South Pacific albacore allocation that can be transferable to support local fisheries development. Community Response: Puipui Measina chairman Motusa Tuileama Nua said he’s disappointed and may pursue legal action over the Rose Atoll reopening. Market Integrity: DMWR flagged concerns that foreign vessels’ bycatch sold locally could displace domestic fishers, calling for better documentation and data to protect local market integrity. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: BOEM updated council members that American Samoa and nearby areas are still in the lease identification stage, with environmental review underway. YouTube Feature: YouTube says its revamped direct messaging inbox is rolling out, including in American Samoa.

Marine Policy Shock: President Trump signed an executive proclamation reopening parts of three Pacific marine national monuments to commercial fishing, including waters around Rose Atoll near American Samoa, expanding access to about half a million square miles and rolling back prior protections. Local Fisheries Impact: American Samoa’s Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council meeting heard Gov. Pula’ali’i stress tuna’s importance and push for a South Pacific albacore allocation for the territory, while Puipui Measina chairman Motusa Tuileama Nua said he’s disappointed and may pursue legal action over the Rose Atoll change. Market Integrity Concern: DMWR flagged worries that foreign vessels delivering to Pago Pago could end up sold locally in ways that undercut domestic fishers and weaken landing and market data. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: At the council, BOEM updated that American Samoa’s seabed lease proposal is still in the area identification stage with environmental review underway, and experts warn federal rules may be outdated. Community & Culture: Kalaupapa resident Meli Watanuki was remembered for faith and joy, and Leone High School held its 60th commencement for 123 graduates.

Pacific Fishing Policy: President Trump signed a proclamation reopening portions of three Pacific marine national monuments to commercial fishing, including the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument near American Samoa, expanding access to about 500,000 square miles and drawing sharp criticism from conservationists and cultural practitioners who say protections are being rolled back. Local Maritime Update: Port Administration American Samoa says construction of the new Ofu Wharf Terminal Building is continuing, with structural framing and interior work advancing and a target completion and handover in late 2027. Community & Education: Nuuuli Vocational Technical High School held its commencement, with Gov. Pulaalii urging graduates to “make your mark” and trust God in their next steps. Public Safety: Samoa Police told the Samoa Observer they were not aware of information that a wanted Sydney murder suspect, Anthony Pele, is in Samoa. Sports: Cairah Curran was named to American Samoa’s women’s national softball team as the territory targets Olympic qualification for LA28, with the team set to compete in Canada Cup Women’s Championship in July. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: A new report highlights concerns that U.S. deep-sea mining rules are outdated ahead of proposed seabed lease sales, including an August process in American Samoa.

Marine Protections Roll Back: President Trump signed a proclamation reopening portions of three Pacific marine national monuments to commercial fishing, including Rose Atoll Marine National Monument near American Samoa—an estimated half-million square miles—sparking pushback from conservationists and cultural practitioners while fishing groups say it will cut seafood costs and boost jobs. Local Impact on Fisheries: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will meet June 9–11 in American Samoa, with major discussion on South Pacific albacore tuna access for the territory’s longline fleet and how future regional catch limits could affect local operations. Coast Guard Presence: USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, including a port call in Pago Pago where the crew serviced navigation aids and helped with a beach clean-up. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: As federal agencies move toward seabed lease planning, local voices are pressing for clearer answers on how any deep-sea minerals program would affect American Samoa, especially around timing, oversight, and potential benefits. Infrastructure Update: The Fagaima Road and Tualauta Mitigation projects are still in slow pre-work stages, with right-of-way and environmental review requirements delaying progress. Community & Youth: Nuuuli Vocational Technical High School held its commencement; and American Samoa’s first-ever national women’s softball team roster is taking shape with Cairah Curran named to the squad. Public Services: Land Use Permit guidelines were streamlined, and the Department of Commerce hosted a Wetlands Appreciation and Recognition event highlighting traditional knowledge and conservation. Tech for Residents: YouTube has relaunched direct messaging, and American Samoa is listed among the places where the feature is available.

Pacific Fishing Policy: President Trump signed a proclamation reopening parts of three Pacific marine national monuments to commercial fishing—Papahānaumokuākea near Hawaii, the Mariana Trench unit off Guam, and the Rose Atoll unit near American Samoa—expanding access to about half a million square miles and framed as a boost for U.S. seafood supply and fishing jobs. Political Pushback: At the signing, Trump attacked Sen. Lisa Murkowski as an “impediment,” while conservation critics warn the rollback could weaken long-standing ocean protections. Local Coast Guard Presence: USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, including a port call in Pago Pago where the crew serviced navigation aids and helped with a beach clean-up. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Experts say U.S. rules for deep-sea mining are outdated and lack strong oversight as lease activity is planned for August in American Samoa’s federal waters. Community Updates: Port Administration American Samoa says Ofu Wharf Terminal Building construction is progressing toward a late-2027 handover; meanwhile, the Western Pacific Fishery Council meets in American Samoa June 9–11 to discuss South Pacific albacore access and regional tuna allocation.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Legal experts warn the U.S. rules for deep-sea mining are outdated and may weaken environmental oversight as federal lease sales move toward commercial activity, with American Samoa named for an August first sale. Local Governance: The Ofu Wharf Terminal Building construction is progressing toward a late-2027 handover, while the Fagaima Road and Tualauta Mitigation projects are still stuck in slow pre-work stages tied to right-of-way and environmental review. Maritime & Safety: The Coast Guard’s USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, including a port call in Pago Pago. Community & Culture: The Department of Commerce Wetlands Program held a Wetlands Appreciation and Recognition event celebrating wetlands and traditional knowledge. Sports & Youth: Cairah Curran was named to American Samoa’s first-ever national women’s softball team aiming for LA28, and the Air Force Recruitment Team visited the Governor’s Office to discuss building a local recruiting presence. Public Safety: Police arrested a man in Vaitogi after an alleged machete threat during a domestic disturbance, and the High Court set a July 8 hearing for importers seeking relief over seized vehicles from China. Tsunami Monitoring: After a 7.8 quake near the southern Philippines, U.S. tsunami advisories included American Samoa, with agencies urged to follow local coastal safety procedures. Cost of Living: The Basic Food Index for May fell 1.1%, with eggs down 15.2% to $1.96.

Ofu Wharf update: Port Administration American Samoa says construction of the new Ofu Wharf Terminal Building is progressing, with framing and interior work underway and a target for handover in late 2027. Public safety & services: Amata marked Women Veterans Recognition Day (June 12) and highlighted the role of women in the U.S. Armed Forces, including local service stories. Local government streamlining: The Land Use Permit application process has been streamlined under the Coastal Management Act rules, with clearer guidelines on what applicants must submit before work begins. Environment: The Department of Commerce Wetlands Program held a Wetlands Appreciation and Recognition event, spotlighting wetlands and traditional knowledge. Economy & cost of living: The Basic Food Index for May fell 1.1%, with eggs down 15.2% to $1.96—the lowest this year. Health & federal funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata says American Samoa’s 2027 nutrition support would be $12.2 million, pending Senate action. Sports: Cairah Curran was named to American Samoa’s first-ever national women’s softball team, with Canada Cup play starting July 6 in Surrey, B.C. Regional alert: After a 7.8 quake near the southern Philippines, the U.S. Tsunami Warning Centre issued advisories for parts of the Pacific, including American Samoa, urging coastal agencies to inform residents and stay out of the water if directed.

Olympic Softball Push: Cairah Curran, a Santa Clara standout, was named to American Samoa’s first-ever women’s national softball team, earning a spot on the final 20-player roster after a training camp; the team will chase LA28 qualification through WBSC tournaments, including the 2026 Canada Cup in Surrey, B.C. Coast Guard Presence: USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, logging 7,500 nautical miles and making port calls including Pago Pago, with law-enforcement support and community tours in Tonga. Local Permitting Update: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula says the Land Use Permit process has been streamlined, with clearer PNRS guidelines and required documentation before any permitted work begins. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A letter urges the Deep-Sea Minerals Steering Committee to provide documented answers on revenue and impacts as federal agencies move toward commercial leasing in August, while experts warn U.S. rules may be outdated for the fast-growing industry. Fisheries & Food Security: The Western Pacific Council’s science panel endorsed the 2026 American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment update, and the Basic Food Index reported May food prices down 1.1%—eggs fell 15.2% to $1.96. Public Safety: Police charged a man in Vaitogi after an alleged machete threat during a domestic disturbance, and another case in Fagatogo led to assault charges after a mother reported violence involving her sons.

Coast Guard Patrol: USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu Sunday after its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, logging 7,500 nautical miles in 42 days with port calls including Pago Pago, and helping Tonga’s Royal Navy with fishing vessel safety checks. Deep-Sea Mining Rules: Critics say proposed U.S. deep-sea mining regulations are “bare bones” and outdated, with worries that streamlined leasing could weaken environmental review and public input. Local Food Prices: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index fell 1.1% in May, led by eggs down 15.2% to $1.96—the lowest this year—while some items like chicken, sugar, and tuna rose. Fisheries Science: The Western Pacific Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee endorsed the 2026 American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment update and backed improved assessment tools and climate-resilience research. Nutrition Funding: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata says House action would boost American Samoa’s 2027 nutrition support to $12.2 million. Public Safety—Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake near Mindanao, U.S. tsunami advisories listed American Samoa among areas under monitoring, with officials urging coastal readiness and staying out of the water if conditions worsen. Governance & Courts: The High Court set a July 8 evidentiary hearing for importers of seized China vehicles, and Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula submitted Roy JD Hall Jr. for Senate confirmation as an Administrative Law Judge. Sports: Arizona Wildcats Tele Jennings and Sina Talataina were named to American Samoa’s Canada Cup softball roster. Community & Youth: Tafuna High School dedicated a new $1.7 million JROTC facility, and FAST opened its Mulinu’u headquarters “Home of Faith.”

Coast Guard Update: The crew of the buoy tender USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after a 42-day Operation Blue Pacific patrol, traveling more than 7,500 nautical miles and making port calls in American Samoa, Tonga and Kiribati. Marine Policy Watch: A U.S. bill moving through Congress would bar presidents from banning commercial fishing in marine national monuments, shifting management toward the Magnuson-Stevens Act—an issue that could affect how protected waters are handled in the Pacific. Local Food Costs: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index fell 1.1% in May, with eggs dropping 15.2% to $1.96—the lowest since the year began. Fisheries Science: The Western Pacific Fishery Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee endorsed the 2026 American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment update and backed research priorities tied to climate resilience. Nutrition Funding: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata says House action would secure and raise American Samoa’s 2027 nutrition support to $12.2 million. Public Safety: Police charged a man after an alleged domestic assault involving a family disturbance, and another case followed a burglary of a school cafeteria. Tsunami Alert: After a 7.8 quake near the southern Philippines, U.S. tsunami advisories listed American Samoa among areas under monitoring with hazardous ocean conditions possible.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: A letter to the Deep-Sea Minerals Steering Committee asks for clear, documented proof on the federal timeline for commercial deep-sea mineral leases in American Samoa waters this August, warning the ocean isn’t a “testing ground” and demanding transparency for fishermen and families. Food Prices: The Basic Food Index for May fell 1.1%, with eggs down 15.2% to $1.96—the lowest this year after last year’s shortage—while some items like chicken, sugar, and milk rose. Public Safety: Police arrested and charged a man after an alleged domestic assault on May 31 in Fagatogo, and separately reported a burglary case at Faasao Marist High School cafeteria where a suspect was charged. Sports & Olympics: American Samoa named players to its national softball roster, including Arizona Wildcats Tele Jennings and Sina Talataina, as the territory targets the 2028 Olympics; another local standout, Cairah Curran, was selected for the women’s national team. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake near the Philippines, U.S. tsunami advisories listed American Samoa among areas seeing forecast sea-level changes under 0.3 meters, with officials urged to follow local coastal guidance. Local Infrastructure: Updates continue on the Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project, with an Environmental Assessment underway and construction planned to start in late 2027.

Tsunami Watch for American Samoa: After a powerful 7.8 quake struck off Mindanao, the U.S. Tsunami Warning Centre issued Pacific advisories, including American Samoa, with expected sea-level changes under 0.3 meters and officials urging people to stay out of the water and follow local guidance. Local Infrastructure Update: Port Administration says the Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project will replace the existing wharf and boat ramp at the current site, with an Environmental Assessment underway and construction targeted to start in late 2027, costing about $3.7 million. Congressional Funding Push: U.S. Rep. Uifa’atali Amata reports the House Appropriations Committee advanced bills that would add $1 million to American Samoa’s OIA Operations fund (to $30M), plus $3M for ASCC and a federally funded report on Pago Pago Port improvements. Public Assistance Modernization: DHSS launched the ASNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system, moving recipients onto a more modern way to access nutrition assistance. Elections: The Election Office urges new 18-year-old graduates to register, and Sandra King-Young officially filed her FEC campaign committee for Delegate. Sports & Community: American Samoa’s women’s softball program gets a boost as Cairah Curran is selected for the national team aiming for Olympic qualification, while the territory’s flag football federation hosted a dinner to map the path to international competition.

Pacific Safety: The U.S. Tsunami Warning Centre issued advisories after a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, with possible hazardous ocean conditions and sea-level changes for American Samoa and much of the Pacific, urging people to stay out of the water. Deep-Sea Mining & Ocean Policy: A new push for seabed minerals is tied to U.S.-China geopolitics, while Guam’s seabed mining ban highlights how territorial rules may clash with federal lease plans; locally, NOAA is advancing at least one exploration application, and American Samoa voices continue to oppose mining and transshipment. Local Infrastructure: Port officials and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are moving forward on the Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project, with an Environmental Assessment underway and construction targeted for late 2027 through 2029. Elections & Representation: Election Office outreach urges graduates to register to vote ahead of the midterms, and Sandra King-Young formally registered her Delegate campaign committee with the FEC. Public Assistance Modernization: DHSS launched the ASNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system to modernize food assistance delivery. Community & Sports: Cairah Curran was selected for the American Samoa National Women’s Softball Team as it pursues Olympic qualification, and the National Football Federation hosted a dinner to grow international flag football. Health: A University of Hawaiʻi-led effort is working to strengthen maternal-fetal care at LBJ Tropical Medical Center through training, telehealth, and specialist access.

Ocean Justice & Territorial Voice: More than 400 ocean policy and environmental justice advocates met in Washington, D.C. for Upwell 2026, with leaders from Guam, CNMI, American Samoa and Puerto Rico pushing for conservation decisions that include Indigenous and local input. Congressional Democracy Debate: A bipartisan briefing at the U.S. Senate focused on what “consent of the governed” means for 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories who lack full voting rights. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa continues to weigh in on seabed mining—letters and local reactions question whether regulatory steps equal safety, while Guam’s ban and related port-control provisions highlight the fight ahead. Port & Island Infrastructure: Plans for Aunu’u Wharf move forward with an Environmental Assessment under NEPA; the $3.7 million project targets safer inter-island passenger and cargo operations. Local Governance & Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata’s bills advanced in House Appropriations, including boosts to American Samoa’s OIA operations fund and support for ASCC, plus a federally funded report on Pago Pago Port improvements. Public Services: DHSS launched the ASNAP EBT system to modernize food assistance delivery. Sports & Youth: Cairah Curran was named to the American Samoa National Women’s Softball Team as the territory pursues Olympic qualification; ASNFF held a dinner to grow international flag football. Safety & Courts: Police reported domestic violence arrests and a school cafeteria burglary case, with suspects held without bail.

Homelessness Update (Anchorage): Anchorage says a federally mandated count found a 28% drop in people living outside, citing more year-round shelter beds and fewer street deaths—but some residents remain skeptical about whether the change is real. Territorial Democracy: A bipartisan congressional briefing highlighted that 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories still lack full voting power, tying the issue to the Insular Cases and the meaning of “consent of the governed.” Local Funding & Ports: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata’s bills advanced in the House Appropriations process, including boosts for American Samoa’s OIA operations fund, support for ASCC, and a federally funded report on Pago Pago Port improvements. Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction: Port officials say the Aunu’u Wharf project will replace the existing wharf and ramp, with an Environmental Assessment underway and construction targeted for late 2027 into 2029. Public Assistance Modernization: DHSS launched the ASNAP EBT system, moving the nutrition assistance program toward a more modern, card-based delivery. Elections & Campaigns: The Election Office urged new 18-year-old graduates to register, while Sandra King-Young officially registered her Delegate campaign committee with the FEC. Sports & Youth: American Samoa’s national women’s softball program named Cairah Curran to the Olympic-aiming squad, and the territory was awarded the WBSC Oceania 15U Women’s World Cup Qualifier in July. Community Safety: Police reports this week included domestic violence arrests and a burglary case tied to the Faasao Marist High School cafeteria.

Territorial Democracy: A bipartisan congressional briefing in Washington pushed the question of whether “consent of the governed” applies to the 3.6 million Americans living in U.S. territories, highlighting how the Insular Cases still limit full democratic rights. Congressional Funding: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata’s bills advanced in the House Appropriations process, including a $1 million boost for American Samoa’s OIA operations fund, $3 million for ASCC, and a federally funded report on Pago Pago Port improvements planning. Maritime Infrastructure: Work continues on the Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project, with an Environmental Assessment underway and plans to support both Alia passenger service and cargo landing craft operations. Public Assistance Modernization: DHSS launched the ASNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system, marking a major step toward modernizing food assistance delivery. Elections & Campaigns: The Election Office urged new 18-year-old graduates to register to vote, while Sandra King-Young officially registered her campaign committee with the FEC for Delegate. Sports & Youth: American Samoa’s national women’s softball team added Cairah Curran to its Olympic-qualification push, and the territory was named host for the WBSC Oceania 15U Women’s World Cup Qualifier in July. Local Crime Updates: Police reported multiple domestic violence and assault cases, plus a burglary arrest tied to the Faasao Marist High School cafeteria.