AGP Executive Report

Maritime Patrol: USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after its first Operation Blue Pacific, covering 7,500 nautical miles in 42 days with port calls including Pago Pago, and supporting law enforcement and fishing vessel safety checks in Tonga. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: American Samoa leaders and residents are pushing back on fast-tracked federal seabed mining plans, with calls for full transparency and stronger environmental review before any commercial leases move ahead. Local Food Prices: The Basic Food Index for May fell 1.1%, led by eggs down 15.2% to $1.96, while some items like chicken, sugar, and tuna rose. Nutrition Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata says American Samoa’s federal nutrition support would reach $12.2 million in 2027, including a $500,000 increase. Port & Infrastructure: The Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project is advancing through the 35% design phase with an Environmental Assessment, targeting construction in late 2027 and completion before 2029. Fuel Supply Update: ODAPM disputed recent claims about fuel price hikes, saying MAP is calculated per product and that fuel supply and tanker arrivals remain on schedule. Seafloor Skills Pipeline: A local student was selected for an Ocean Exploration Trust internship aboard E/V Nautilus to help map seafloor between Hawaiʻi and Guam.

Coast Guard Operations: The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Hollyhock returned to Honolulu Sunday after a 42-day Operation Blue Pacific patrol, covering more than 7,500 nautical miles and making port calls in American Samoa, Tonga, and Kiribati, as the buoy tender supports navigation aids across Oceania. Food Prices Watch: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index fell 1.1% in May 2026, with eggs down 15.2% to $1.96—the lowest this year—after last year’s shortage, while some items like chicken, sugar, and tuna edged higher. Nutrition Funding: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata says House action would secure and raise American Samoa’s 2027 federal nutrition support to $12.2 million, including a $500,000 increase over the prior year. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: A new public letter and local commentary keep pressure on federal agencies over fast-track commercial deep-sea mineral leases, arguing for transparency, no shortcuts, and science-based review before any mining moves ahead. Maritime Infrastructure: Port Administration and USACE continue the Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project, with an Environmental Assessment underway and a planned $3.7 million rebuild designed for both Alia passenger service and cargo landing craft. Local Talent in Ocean Science: An American Samoa student was selected for a 2026 Seafloor Mapping & Hydrography internship aboard E/V Nautilus, mapping seafloor between Hawai‘i and Guam.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: American Samoa’s Delegate Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a moratorium, saying DOI/BOEM must complete a full science-based environmental review for federal waters 3–200 miles offshore and not rush decisions that could harm fish stocks via sediment “plumes.” Local Governance & Maritime Infrastructure: Port Administration and federal partners are advancing the Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project, replacing the wharf and boat ramp with a design that supports both Alia passenger service and cargo landing craft; the $3.7M project is in the 35% design phase with a NEPA Environmental Assessment expected to be released this June, with construction targeted for late 2027 and completion before 2029. Food Prices: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index fell 1.1% in May 2026, with eggs down 15.2% to $1.96—the lowest since the year began—while some items like chicken, sugar, rice, milk, and tuna rose. Elections & Community: Sandra King-Young officially registered her campaign committee with the FEC to run for Delegate to the U.S. House, citing transparency and the need to address issues like deep-sea mining. Fuel Costs Dispute: ODAPM pushed back on Democratic Party claims about fuel price spikes, stressing MAP is product-specific and noting a 35% smoothing mechanism applied in March. Ocean Skills Pipeline: A local student, Jhen Allison Paguiligan Seguiwan, was selected as a 2026 Seafloor Mapping & Hydrography intern aboard E/V Nautilus for 13 days of mapping between Hawai‘i and Guam.

Maritime Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with Port Administration American Samoa and MARAD, is pushing the Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project through the 35% design phase, including a NEPA Environmental Assessment; the plan would replace the wharf and boat ramp, support both Alia passenger service and cargo landing craft, with an estimated $3.7 million cost and construction targeted for late 2027 through before 2029. Congressional Funding: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata says the House Appropriations Committee advanced four OIA-related priorities, including a $1 million boost to American Samoa’s OIA Operations fund (to a record $30 million), $3 million for ASCC, and a federally funded report on Pago Pago Port improvements planning, plus an additional $1 million earmark for 2027 port work. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Amata renewed her call for a moratorium near American Samoa, arguing the federal review must be science-based, not rushed, and raising concerns about sediment “plumes” and impacts to fish stocks; meanwhile, NOAA cleared a regulatory step for Deep Sea Minerals Corp.’s exploration application in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, moving it forward in the federal review process. Local Environment & Agriculture: Little Fire Ants continue spreading across Tutuila, with at least 26 detected sites and warnings that infested plants and materials can move colonies around the island. Community & Skills: American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 drew families and students for hands-on learning, solar car and engineering challenges, and career exploration tied to innovation and environmental stewardship. Politics & Campaign: Sandra King-Young officially registered her campaign committee with the FEC to run for Delegate to Congress, citing transparency and the urgency of deep-sea mining concerns.

Maritime Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with Port Administration American Samoa and MARAD, is pushing the Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project through the 35% design phase, including a NEPA Environmental Assessment. The rebuilt wharf will support both Alia inter-island passenger service and cargo landing craft operations, with an estimated $3.7 million cost and construction targeted for late 2027 through before 2029. Congressional Funding: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata reports the House Appropriations Committee advanced two bills that would add $1 million to American Samoa’s OIA Operations fund (to a record $30 million), plus $3 million for ASCC and a federally funded report on Pago Pago Port improvements planning—along with another $1 million earmark for Port of Pago Pago use in 2027. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa’s Delegate Amata renewed her call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining near the territory, arguing the federal environmental review must be thorough and science-based, especially over unknown impacts like sediment “plumes” on fish stocks. Local STEM & Workforce: OceaniaCDN and partners held American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 (“Igniting Hope Through STEAM!”) with hands-on stations, solar car and engineering challenges, career exploration, and local food vendors—aimed at building future skills for the territory. Seafloor Science Opportunity: A local student, Jhen Allison Paguiligan Seguiwan, was selected as a 2026 Seafloor Mapping & Hydrography intern aboard E/V Nautilus to map seafloor between Hawai‘i and Guam and support biodiversity and seabird surveys.

Ocean Policy & Justice: Upwell 2026 in Washington, D.C. drew 400+ ocean advocates, with Micronesia Climate Change Alliance co-director María Hernandez pushing for stronger public and youth voices as deep-seabed mining threats grow. Local Infrastructure: The Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project is moving through the USACE 35% design phase, with a NEPA Environmental Assessment underway; the rebuilt wharf will support both Alia inter-island passenger service and cargo landing craft, with an estimated $3.7M cost and construction targeted for late 2027–before 2029. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa’s Delegate Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a moratorium near the territory, citing unresolved science, sediment “plumes,” and the need for a full, science-based EIS—no shortcuts. Congressional Funding: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata says the House Appropriations Committee advanced four OIA-related priorities, including a $1M boost to American Samoa’s OIA Operations fund (to $30M), $3M for ASCC, and a federally funded report on Pago Pago Port improvements planning. Community & Skills: A local student, Jhen Allison Paguiligan Seguiwan, was selected for a Seafloor Mapping & Hydrography internship aboard E/V Nautilus, mapping seafloor between Hawai‘i and Guam. Elections: Sandra King-Young officially registered her campaign committee with the FEC to run for Delegate to the U.S. House from American Samoa.

Maritime Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with Port Administration American Samoa (PAAS) and MARAD, is pushing ahead on the Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project, moving through the 35% design phase and running a NEPA Environmental Assessment to review impacts on marine life and wildlife; the upgraded wharf will support both inter-island passenger service via Alia and cargo landing-craft operations, with an estimated $3.7 million cost and construction expected to start in late 2027 and finish before 2029. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata reiterated her call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining near American Samoa, stressing the need for a full science-based EIS and warning that sediment “plumes” could harm fish stocks and food security. Local Policy & Fuel Costs: ODAPM/OPM disputed claims from the American Samoa Democratic Party about fuel price increases, clarifying that MAP is calculated per fuel product and explaining how smoothing affected month-to-month impacts. Training & Careers: A local student, Jhen Allison Paguiligan Seguiwan, was selected as a 2026 Seafloor Mapping & Hydrography Intern and will sail aboard E/V Nautilus in June to map seafloor between Hawaiʻi and Guam. Community & Education: American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 brought together students, families, and partners for hands-on STEAM stations, career exploration, and a solar car challenge.

Maritime Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with Port Administration American Samoa and MARAD, is advancing the Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project through the 35% design phase, including a NEPA Environmental Assessment. The new wharf would support both Alia inter-island passenger service and cargo landing craft operations, with an estimated $3.7 million cost and construction targeted for late 2027 through before 2029. Port Planning: Port Administration says the project will replace the existing wharf and boat ramp at the current site, and the Environmental Assessment is expected to be released this June. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a deep seabed mining moratorium near American Samoa, arguing federal reviews must not be rushed, must follow federal law, and must fully account for unknown impacts like sediment “plumes” that could harm fish stocks and food security. Local Politics & Elections: Sandra King-Young officially registered her campaign committee with the FEC to run for Delegate to the U.S. House, launching her fundraising and compliance process. Fuel Costs Clarification: ODAPM disputed a Democratic Party claim about fuel price increases, stressing MAP is not one single price and explaining how different fuel products and a smoothing mechanism affect what shows up in electricity rates. Invasive Species: Little Fire Ants continue spreading across Tutuila, with at least 26 detected sites and concerns for local ecosystems and agriculture. STEM & Workforce: American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 brought hands-on learning, solar car challenges, and career exploration to students and families, with local partners and agencies involved. Seafloor Careers: A local student was selected as a Seafloor Mapping & Hydrography intern for Ocean Exploration Trust’s E/V Nautilus expedition, mapping seafloor between Hawaiʻi and Guam.

OIA Funding Push: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata says the House Appropriations Committee advanced four American Samoa priorities, including a $1M boost to the OIA Operations fund (to a record $30M), $3M for ASCC, and a federally funded report on Pago Pago Port improvements—plus a separate $1M earmark for Port of Pago Pago work in 2027. Maritime Infrastructure: PAAS updated plans for the Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project: a new wharf and boat ramp at the current site, with USACE moving through 35% design and a NEPA Environmental Assessment; the facility will support both Alia passenger service and cargo landing craft, with $3.7M estimated cost and construction targeted for late 2027–before 2029. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa leaders renewed calls for a moratorium as NOAA advances deep-sea minerals review steps and the U.S. prepares potential lease sales; Amata stresses no shortcuts, a full science-based EIS, and concerns about sediment “plumes” harming fish stocks. Ocean Skills & Youth: A local student was selected for a 2026 Seafloor Mapping & Hydrography internship aboard E/V Nautilus, and American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 brought hands-on learning, solar car challenges, and career exploration to students and families. Local Politics: Sandra King Young officially registered her campaign committee with the FEC to run for Delegate to Congress. Invasive Species: Little Fire Ants continue spreading, with at least 26 detected sites on Tutuila and ongoing concerns for agriculture and daily life.

Mortgage Finance Update: The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines now accepts VantageScore 4.0 as mortgage collateral, letting member banks score about 4 million more consumers and expanding home-lending risk management. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Guam lawmakers signed a seabed mining ban into law, but the fight is shifting to federal lease sales and port enforcement tools. Local Opposition & Policy Pressure: American Samoa’s Delegate Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a moratorium, citing unresolved science, sediment “plumes,” and potential harm to fish stocks and food security; the American Samoa Democratic Party praised Guam’s action. Regulatory Progress Elsewhere: NOAA cleared Deep Sea Minerals Corp.’s application with a “substantial compliance” finding, moving its Pacific seabed exploration review forward. Industry & Ocean Governance: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will meet June 9–11 in Utulei, with mineral mining updates on the agenda. STEM & Mapping: A local student was selected for a 2026 Seafloor Mapping & Hydrography internship aboard E/V Nautilus, mapping new seafloor between Hawai‘i and Guam. Invasive Species Watch: Little Fire Ants continue spreading across Tutuila, with new detections raising concerns for agriculture and ecosystems.

Deep-Sea Mining Policy Fight: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining near American Samoa, saying federal reviews must follow the law, avoid shortcuts, and rely on a full science-based EIS—especially over unknown impacts like sediment “plumes” that could harm fish stocks and food security. Regional Opposition Builds: The American Samoa Democratic Party praised Guam’s move to ban deep sea mining in territorial waters, framing it as protection of ocean, culture, and livelihoods from outside corporate interests. Federal Lease Timeline: A new report says the U.S. Department of the Interior/BOEM plans offshore lease auctions starting with American Samoa in August 2026, with more in CNMI and Alaska—an early step toward commercial-scale mining. Ocean Conservation & Voice: More than 400 advocates met in Washington for Upwell 2026, pushing ocean justice and decolonizing conservation decisions that often exclude Pacific communities. Local STEM & Careers: American Samoa’s STEAM Fest 2026 drew families for hands-on learning, solar car challenges, and career exploration, while a local student was selected for a 2026 seafloor mapping internship aboard E/V Nautilus. Elections & Community: Sandra King Young officially registered her campaign committee with the FEC to run for Delegate to Congress.

Deep-Sea Mining Push Meets Local Resistance: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining near American Samoa, saying federal reviews must follow the law, avoid shortcuts, and complete a science-based environmental impact statement—especially over unknown risks like sediment “plumes” that could harm fish stocks and food security. Local Governance & Industry Oversight: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will hold its 207th meeting June 9–11 at the Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center in Fagatogo (hybrid), with deep-sea mining updates on the agenda alongside fisheries management items. Invasive Species Watch: Little Fire Ants continue spreading across Tutuila, with at least 26 detected sites, threatening ecosystems and agriculture; officials point to human transport of infested plants and materials as a key driver. Community & Workforce: American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 brought hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math activities plus solar car and engineering challenges to support education and local innovation. Banking Convenience: Territorial Bank of American Samoa reports direct-deposit encouragement for tax refunds is boosting account verification requests, while stressing continued monitoring and no change to opening hours. Weather Outlook: Forecasts across American Samoa point to mixed conditions—sunny periods with scattered showers and breezy trade winds in many areas.

Deep-Sea Mining Push Meets Local Pushback: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining near American Samoa, saying federal reviews must follow the law, avoid shortcuts, and rely on a full science-based environmental impact statement—especially over unknown sediment “plumes” and risks to fish stocks and food security. Local Governance & Process Scrutiny: A community letter urges transparency in BOEM’s lease sale process for seabed mineral activity in the territory’s federal waters, stressing “there will be no cutting corners” under federal statutes like NEPA. Regional Fisheries Watch: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will hold public discussions in American Samoa in early June, with deep-sea mining on the agenda alongside tuna and Kona crab management. Invasive Species Update: Little Fire Ants continue spreading across Tutuila, with detections now reported at 26 sites and concerns for agriculture and everyday life. Community & Workforce Development: American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 brought hands-on science and engineering activities, solar car challenges, and career exploration to students and families. Senior Support: Territorial Administration on Aging marked Senior Citizens Day with Governor Pulaali’i and Congresswoman Amata highlighting health and expanded services for elders. Education Spotlight: American Samoa students advanced at the Regeneron ISEF 2026, including Rachael Park placing 4th overall for breadfruit-based renewable energy research. Health & Travel Practicalities: A new piece for older travelers shares customs do’s and don’ts that could help protect medications and purchases at the counter.

Deep Seabed Mining Pushback: Delegate Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining near American Samoa, citing unresolved science, sediment “plumes,” and risks to fish stocks and food security while urging a full federal environmental impact statement. Federal Lease Sales Loom: The U.S. is preparing to auction seabed blocks in federal waters, with an American Samoa lease sale slated for August 2026—an early step toward commercial-scale mining. Local Industry & Skills: American Samoa Community College’s Trades & Technology Division awarded certificates to 9 graduates who completed Residential House Wiring II, boosting local electrical workforce readiness. Energy Utility Leadership: ASPA appointed Ryan K. Tuato’o as Chief Operations Officer, bringing 25+ years of operations and customer service leadership. STEM & Youth: OceaniaCDN and partners hosted STEAM Fest 2026 (“Igniting Hope Through STEAM!”) with hands-on stations, solar car challenges, and career exploration. Fisheries Calendar: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will hold its 207th meeting June 9–11 in Fagatogo, with deep-sea mining updates on the agenda. Community & Culture: Territorial Administration on Aging marked Senior Citizens Day, honoring elders with remarks from Governor Pulaali’i and Congresswoman Amata.

Medical Transport: Optimum Air details how its Las Vegas base and Honolulu “satellite” operation handle urgent air ambulance flights with 24/7 communications and specialized patient loading systems. Seabed Mining Moratorium Push: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata renews her call to pause deep-sea mining near American Samoa, citing unresolved science on sediment “plumes,” potential harm to fish stocks, and concerns that federal reviews are too rushed. Local Aging Services: The Territorial Administration on Aging marks Senior Citizens Day with Governor Pulaali’i and Congresswoman Amata highlighting health, well-being, and expanded support for elders. STEM & Workforce Pipeline: OceaniaCDN’s American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 brings hands-on science and engineering activities, solar car challenges, and career exploration to students and families. Energy & Skills Training: American Samoa Community College’s Trades & Technology Division awards Residential House Wiring II certificates to nine graduates, strengthening local electrical job readiness. Utility Leadership: ASPA appoints Ryan K. Tuato’o as Chief Operations Officer, bringing 25+ years of operations and customer service leadership. Fisheries & Governance: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council schedules June 9–11 meetings in Fagatogo with hybrid access, including a mineral mining update and offshore fisheries discussions. Public Works Focus: Congresswoman Amata marks National Public Works Week, stressing roads, drainage, repairs, and emergency access as core community infrastructure. Education Achievement: A local student, Ann Mariel Recto Villanueva, graduates Magna Cum Laude from Tufts University with dual majors in biology and biotechnology.

Medical Transport: Optimum Air says it can handle urgent air ambulance evacuations with a 24/7 communications center and specialized aircraft loading from its Las Vegas base and Honolulu satellite operation. Deep Seabed Mining: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata renews her push for a moratorium near American Samoa, arguing the federal review must be science-based and warning about unknown impacts like sediment “plumes” that could harm fish stocks and food security. Aging & Community Services: Territorial Administration on Aging marked Senior Citizens Day with Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula and Congresswoman Aumua Amata highlighting health and expanded support for elders. STEM & Workforce Pipeline: OceaniaCDN and partners hosted American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 (“Igniting Hope Through STEAM!”) with hands-on stations, career booths, solar car challenges, and community resources. Fisheries & Offshore Policy: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will hold June 9–11 meetings in Fagatogo, with deep-sea mining listed among agenda items for public discussions. Port & Infrastructure Planning: Port Administration selected HDR to lead a 20-year Pago Pago seaports master plan funded by a $3M RAISE grant, targeting modernization, safety, and climate resilience. Energy & Skills: ASPA appointed Ryan K. Tuato’o as Chief Operations Officer, and ASCC’s Trades & Technology Division awarded Residential House Wiring II certificates to nine graduates.