AGP Executive Report

Critical Minerals & Deep-Sea Mining: American Samoa leaders are pushing back on a Trump-backed push for critical minerals, arguing a territorial “No” can’t stop federal Outer Continental Shelf decisions but can shape how the territory engages the process as Interior weighs leasing about 31.5 million acres near the islands. Local Governance: The House again rejected Brett Butler’s ASEDA board nomination, leaving the appointment short of the required votes. Aviation/Logistics: Port Administration of American Samoa and Samoa Airways completed the complex recovery of a Twin Otter aircraft from Fitiuta Airport, using specialized engineers, heavy equipment, and temporary runway closures. Environment & Water Compliance: AS-EPA hosted USEPA Region 9 Clean Water Act training for ASPA and StarKist, plus inspections of wastewater facilities and the shipyard. Fisheries & Security: Samoa used the WCPFC scientific session to stress stronger fish stock monitoring and EEZ security, including coordination with partners to tackle illegal fishing and trafficking and to manage E-Zone boundaries with American Samoa. Public Safety: Raised crosswalks near schools are being clarified as federally funded safety upgrades, not “speed bumps,” after complaints. Community & Industry: A Samoan student won a University of Waikato climate scholarship, planning to return home to tackle climate impacts. Sports/Community Spotlight: “Next Goal Wins” hits Hulu today, featuring the American Samoa national soccer team story.

Deep-Sea Minerals & Local Voice: American Samoa leaders are pushing back on a proposed federal lease for 31.5 million acres of seabed near the territory, arguing the “No” stance matters because the EO-driven push for critical minerals could move fast while local protections, jobs, and fishery safeguards remain unclear. Clean Water Compliance: AS-EPA and USEPA Region 9 delivered a six-hour Clean Water Act training for ASPA and StarKist, covering permits, 401 certification, mixing zones, TMDLs, and effluent limits, plus federal inspections of wastewater facilities and the shipyard. Fisheries Monitoring & Security: Samoa is urging stronger fish stock monitoring and EEZ security at the WCPFC scientific session, coordinating regional patrols against illegal fishing, drugs, and trafficking, and working with partners including American Samoa on E-Zone boundary issues. Local Governance & Safety Works: Raised crosswalks installed near schools are being clarified as FHWA-funded safety upgrades after complaints, with officials citing national research showing fewer crosswalk-related accidents. ASEDA Board Vote: The House again declined to confirm Brett Butler to the ASEDA board, keeping the appointment stalled on a second unsuccessful vote. Public Safety Incidents: Police charged suspects in separate cases including an alleged Tafuna Industrial Park burglary and an escape-from-confinement claim tied to a power outage at TCF. Climate Education: A Samoan student received a Tower Climate Change Scholarship at the University of Waikato, planning to return home to tackle climate impacts.

Climate & Education: Lagi Talalupe, a 19-year-old Samoan student, is one of three recipients of the 2026 Tower Climate Change Scholarship at the University of Waikato, planning to return home to help tackle Samoa’s climate impacts. Deep-Sea Minerals & Ocean Protection: Pacific bishops are urging caution on deep-sea mining, warning that serious or irreversible harm can’t be treated as acceptable just because science isn’t complete; meanwhile, Mauritius and other African countries are backing a precautionary pause at the International Seabed Authority as critical-mineral races heat up. Fisheries & Maritime Security: Samoa is pushing stronger fish-stock monitoring and EEZ security at the WCPFC scientific session, including coordination with Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji—and American Samoa—against illegal fishing, drugs, and trafficking. Water Compliance for Industry: AS-EPA and USEPA Region 9 ran a six-hour Clean Water Act training for ASPA and StarKist, plus federal inspections of wastewater facilities and the shipyard. Local Governance & Safety: Raised crosswalks in American Samoa are being clarified as FHWA-funded safety upgrades after complaints about “speed bumps,” with claims of fewer crosswalk-related accidents. Public Safety & Courts: Police charged a Tafuna Industrial Park burglary suspect with multiple felonies and misdemeanors; separately, two TCF inmates face escape-from-confinement charges after allegedly returning through the front gate during a power outage. Sports in the Spotlight: Hulu adds “Next Goal Wins,” a sports comedy about the American Samoa national soccer team, to its streaming library today.

Deep-Sea Minerals & Ocean Policy: American Samoa leaders and religious voices are pushing back hard as the U.S. moves toward deep-sea mining near the territory, with local commentary warning the risks aren’t matched by guaranteed jobs, revenue, or enforceable protections, and bishops urging “due care” when harm could be serious or irreversible. Fisheries & Maritime Security: Samoa is using the WCPFC scientific session to press for stronger monitoring and management of fish stocks and better protection of E-Zones, including coordination with partners to tackle illegal fishing, drugs, and trafficking—while also coordinating EEZ boundary issues with regional neighbors including American Samoa. Water Compliance for Industry: AS-EPA hosted a six-hour Clean Water Act training with USEPA Region 9, bringing together ASPA and StarKist Samoa, plus inspections of wastewater facilities and the shipyard to support compliance on permits and discharge rules. Local Governance & Safety: Raised crosswalks installed near schools are drawing complaints, but Public Works says they’re federally funded safety upgrades approved under FHWA research, not “speed bumps.” Public Safety & Courts: Police charged suspects in separate incidents, including an alleged burglary in Tafuna Industrial Park and an alleged private peace disturbance and assault/property damage tied to a long-running land dispute. Logistics Cost Shock (Neighboring Territory): Guam residents report higher shipping costs to the U.S. states after USPS required third-party duty collection via the Zonos Prepay app.

Deep-Sea Minerals & Ocean Policy: American Samoa’s leaders and church voices are pushing back as the U.S. moves toward deep-sea mining leases near the territory, with local commentary warning that “No” must come with enforceable science-based protections for fisheries, jobs, and cleanup costs. Fisheries & Maritime Security: Samoa is using the WCPFC scientific session to press for stronger fish-stock monitoring and tighter protection of EEZ “E-Zones,” including joint patrols against illegal fishing, drugs, and trafficking, and coordination with American Samoa on boundary issues. Water Compliance for Industry: AS-EPA hosted a six-hour Clean Water Act training with USEPA Region 9 for ASPA and StarKist, plus inspections of wastewater facilities and the shipyard to support permit compliance. Local Governance & Safety Works: Raised crosswalks around schools are being clarified as federally funded safety upgrades, after complaints that they were “speed bumps.” Public Safety: Tafuna police charged suspects in a Mapusaga disturbance tied to a piggery boundary dispute, and also reported a Tafuna Industrial Park burglary case. Immigration & Labor: A Senate committee heard about a proposed 12-month moratorium on a special foreign-worker provision that currently covers 3,489 workers in the territory, with no cap on how many businesses can sponsor. Logistics Cost Shock (Regional): Guam residents face higher shipping costs to the U.S. states after USPS added third-party duty collection requirements.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: Pacific bishops are urging prudence on commercial deep-sea mining, warning that serious or irreversible harm can’t be rushed just because science isn’t “complete,” as the U.S. moves toward lease actions near American Samoa. Critical Minerals Politics: An American Samoa op-ed argues the territory can say “No” to a proposed federal seabed lease while still engaging federal processes, demanding guaranteed jobs, revenue, and enforceable environmental protections before any deal. Local Water Compliance: AS-EPA hosted a six-hour Clean Water Act training with USEPA Region 9 for ASPA, StarKist Samoa, and the Shipyard, covering permits, Section 401 certification, mixing zones, TMDLs, and effluent limits, plus federal inspections. Fisheries & Security: Samoa is pressing for stronger fish stock monitoring and EEZ security at the WCPFC, coordinating regional patrols against illegal fishing, drugs, and trafficking and coordinating E-zone boundary issues with American Samoa. ASEDA Appointment Stalled: The House again failed to confirm Brett Butler to the ASEDA board, keeping the appointment one vote short under House rules. Road Safety Fix Clarified: Senators heard raised crosswalks are federally funded safety upgrades, not “speed bumps,” with claims of reduced crosswalk-related accidents. Industrial Park Crime: Police charged a Tafuna Industrial Park burglary suspect after an alleged active break-in, with multiple felony and misdemeanor counts filed. Corrections Incident: Two Tafuna Correctional Facility inmates face escape-from-confinement charges after allegedly leaving during a power outage and returning through the front gate.

Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Mauritius, Kenya and other African states are backing a precautionary pause at the International Seabed Authority as the race for ocean critical minerals heats up, while Pacific church leaders urge caution and transparency. American Samoa Ocean Policy: Local voices are also reacting to U.S. moves that would reopen protected Pacific waters to commercial fishing and to possible deep-sea mining near American Samoa—raising concerns for marine life and food security. Fisheries & Security at WCPFC: Samoa is using the WCPFC scientific session to press for stronger fish-stock monitoring and better protection of EEZ “E-Zones,” including joint efforts against illegal fishing, drugs, and trafficking, and coordination of E-Zone boundaries with partners including American Samoa. Clean Water Act Compliance: AS-EPA and USEPA Region 9 ran a six-hour Clean Water Act training for ASPA and StarKist, plus federal inspections of wastewater facilities and the shipyard. ASEDA Board Vote: The House again rejected Brett Butler for the ASEDA board, leaving his confirmation one vote short. Road Safety Clarification: Raised crosswalks near schools are being defended as FHWA-funded safety upgrades after complaints about “speed bumps.” Food Prices: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index rose 0.8% in July, led by higher turkey tail prices. Public Safety Incidents: Police reports include a Tafuna Industrial Park burglary case and charges tied to an alleged escape during a power outage at TCF.

ASEDA Board Vote: The House again rejected Brett Butler’s appointment to the American Samoa Economic Development Authority board, with the reconsideration vote still falling short of the 11 needed confirmations. Clean Water Compliance: AS-EPA hosted a six-hour Clean Water Act training with USEPA Region 9, bringing in ASPA and StarKist Samoa, plus federal inspections of wastewater facilities and the shipyard. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Pacific bishops urged caution on deep-sea mining, warning that lack of full scientific certainty shouldn’t justify proceeding without due care. Fisheries & EEZ Security: Samoa used the WCPFC scientific session to press for stronger fish stock monitoring and E-Zone security, including coordination with partners to tackle illegal fishing, drugs, and trafficking. Road Safety Fix: Raised crosswalks installed near schools were clarified as FHWA-funded safety upgrades after complaints to the Senate Public Works Committee. Corrections Incident: Two Tafuna Correctional Facility inmates face escape-from-confinement charges after allegedly leaving during a power outage and returning through the front gate. Food Prices: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index rose 0.8% in July 2026, driven by higher prices for items like turkey tails, ice cream, sugar, taro, eggs, and pork spareribs. Critical Minerals Politics: An OP-ED argues American Samoa’s “No” stance on Trump’s critical minerals push could shape future BOEM-related decisions.

Deep-Sea Mining Push Meets Pacific Backlash: Pacific bishops are urging “wisdom” and caution as commercial deep-sea mining plans move closer, warning that lack of full scientific certainty shouldn’t justify proceeding without due care; meanwhile, U.S. proposals to auction large ocean areas near American Samoa have sparked “no consultations” complaints from Pacific leaders, with concerns tied to food security and ecosystem harm. Local Water Compliance Training: AS-EPA hosted a six-hour Clean Water Act training with USEPA Region 9 for ASPA, StarKist Samoa, and local partners, covering permits, mixing zones, TMDLs, and industrial effluent limits, plus federal inspections of wastewater facilities and the shipyard. Fisheries Security at WCPFC: Samoa is pressing for stronger fish stock monitoring and EEZ security at the WCPFC scientific session, coordinating regional patrols against illegal fishing, drugs, and trafficking, and working on E-Zone boundary coordination that includes American Samoa. Public Works Safety Clarification: Senators heard that “speed bumps” are actually raised crosswalks funded by the FHWA under the Islandwide Safety Project, citing studies showing fewer crosswalk-related accidents after installations. Food Prices Tick Up: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index rose 0.8% in July 2026, driven by higher prices for items like turkey tails, ice cream, sugar, taro, eggs, and pork spareribs. Industry & Ports Resilience (Regional): Commonwealth Ports Authority leaders say typhoon recovery should shift toward rebuilding facilities more resiliently for day-to-day cargo and passenger operations. Ocean Safety Tech Spotlight: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says certified submersibles can be safer than flying, pointing to a new “Honu” vehicle planned for dives in French Polynesia later this year.

Fisheries & Maritime Security: Samoa is pushing for stronger fish stock monitoring and tighter protection of its Exclusive Economic Zone at the WCPFC scientific session in Apia, warning that without proper EEZ monitoring only a few countries will benefit; Samoa is also coordinating Blue Pacific operations with Australia, New Zealand, Tonga and Fiji to tackle illegal fishing, drugs and trafficking, and working on EEZ boundary issues with Tonga, Niue, New Zealand, Wallis and Futuna and American Samoa. Deep-Sea Mining Backlash: Multiple reports highlight growing Pacific opposition to U.S. plans to auction seabed mining rights near American Samoa as soon as November, with leaders citing “no consultations,” food security risks, and environmental uncertainty, while local and regional voices call for a moratorium or precautionary pause. Local Public Safety: Police say a Tafuna Industrial Park burglary was reported as in progress, leading to charges including burglary, stealing, trespass and property damage, with bail set at $5,000. Cost of Living Watch: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index rose 0.8% in July 2026, driven by higher prices for items like turkey tails, ice cream, sugar, taro and eggs. Workforce Policy: A Senate committee heard an administration bill would place a 12-month moratorium on the “special provision” clause used by thousands of foreign workers, with most in the private sector.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa is being pulled into a fast-moving U.S. push to auction seabed mineral rights, with critics warning it’s a “test case” for how Washington treats Pacific waters and Indigenous ties to the ocean. Local Governance & Immigration: The Senate Public Safety committee heard testimony on a proposed 12-month moratorium on the “special provision” that lets employers bring in foreign workers without a numerical cap; officials said 3,489 workers are currently under the clause. Fisheries & Regional Monitoring: Samoa used the WCPFC meeting in Samoa to stress fish-stock monitoring, surveillance, and coordination of E-Zone boundaries with partners including American Samoa. Food Prices: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index rose 0.8% in July, driven by higher turkey tail prices and other staples, while some items like rice and bananas dipped. Aviation & Infrastructure: Recovery from a Samoa Airways runway deviation at Fitiuta Airport is expected to take months, with engineers assessing the aircraft before relocation. Community & Skills: FCCLA delegates from American Samoa and other states gathered in Washington, D.C., for leadership and career-focused competitions.

Fisheries & E-Zones: Samoa’s fisheries ACEO Roseti Imo says the WCPFC meeting in Samoa is focused on monitoring and managing fish stocks, warning that poorly monitored E-Zones won’t deliver benefits to all partners; Samoa is also coordinating E-Zone boundary work with Tonga, Niue, New Zealand, Wallis & Futuna, and American Samoa, while joining an Australia-New Zealand-Tonga-Fiji operation to curb illegal fishing plus drugs and trafficking. Public Safety: In Tafuna Industrial Park, police responded to a reported burglary in progress and charged suspect Matthew Antonio with burglary, stealing, trespass, and property damage; bail was set at $5,000. Deep-sea mining fight: American Samoa remains in the spotlight as the U.S. prepares seabed lease auctions near the territory, with local and regional opponents pushing “no consultations” and warning of impacts to food security and cultural identity. Immigration & labor policy: The Senate Public Safety committee heard a bill proposing a 12-month moratorium on the “special provision” clause, citing 3,489 foreign workers currently covered under the loophole. Local economy & food prices: The Basic Food Index rose 0.8% in July, driven by higher turkey tails and other staples. Aviation recovery: Samoa Airways’ Fitiuta runway deviation recovery is expected to take months, with engineering assessments and a recovery plan required. Community input for conservation: A Local Working Group meeting is set for Aug. 18 at Pago Plaza to shape NRCS conservation funding and priorities.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: The U.S. is moving ahead with a proposed deep-sea mining lease sale near American Samoa, with an auction tentatively as soon as November—while Pacific leaders and Indigenous groups warn it threatens food security, culture, and the ocean’s sacred role, and say there were “no consultations.” Local Immigration Policy: The Senate Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee heard testimony on a bill that would impose a 12-month moratorium on American Samoa’s “special provision” clause, which currently allows businesses to bring in foreign workers without a numerical cap; officials cited 3,489 workers under the provision, including 1,029 from the Philippines. Port & Airport Resilience: Commonwealth Ports Authority leaders say typhoon recovery is shifting from emergency repairs to rebuilding facilities “better and more resilient,” and PAAS/Samoa Airways continue recovery after a Fitiuta Airport runway deviation incident, with no major injuries reported. Cost of Living Watch: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index rose 0.8% in July 2026, driven by higher prices for items like turkey tails, ice cream, sugar, taro, and eggs. Industry & Connectivity: DXN won a contract to build a modular cable landing station for the Adamasia Cable System 1 in the Solomon Islands, extending regional subsea connectivity that also includes prior work tied to American Samoa. Community & Agriculture: USDA NRCS and the American Samoa Soil & Water Conservation District invite the public to an Aug. 18 Local Working Group meeting to shape conservation priorities for local farmers and landowners.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. is moving ahead with plans to auction seabed mining rights near American Samoa as soon as November, with critics warning it could disrupt ocean life and Pacific food security while opponents say there were “no consultations.” Local Immigration Policy: A Senate hearing heard a bill proposing a 12-month moratorium on American Samoa’s “special provision” clause, which currently lets employers bring in foreign workers without a numerical cap; officials cited 3,489 workers under the provision. Ports & Cargo Resilience: Commonwealth Ports Authority leaders urged using recovery from super typhoons to rebuild airport and seaport facilities “better and more resilient,” while restoring day-to-day operations and cargo handling. Food Prices Watch: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index rose 0.8% in July, driven by higher turkey tails and other staples, while some items like rice and bananas fell slightly. Aviation Recovery: Samoa Airways’ Fitiuta Airport runway deviation incident recovery is expected to take months, with engineers assessing the aircraft before relocation. Agriculture & Land Use: Manu‘a residents met to discuss how Atu‘u trust land lease payments should be overseen transparently under a 1911 indenture. Cyber Safety: The Department of Education warned staff about phishing emails targeting ASDOE accounts and urged reporting and deleting suspicious messages.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: The U.S. is moving toward deep-sea mining near American Samoa, with a proposed BOEM lease sale covering 31 million acres tentatively set for November—sparking strong pushback from Pacific leaders and spiritual/environmental voices who warn it threatens marine life, food security, and Indigenous identity. Local Governance & Labor: In American Samoa, lawmakers heard testimony on a bill that would impose a 12-month moratorium on the “special provision” immigration clause, which currently lets employers bring in foreign workers without a numerical cap; officials cited 3,489 workers under the provision, with most in the private sector. Port & Logistics Recovery: Commonwealth Ports Authority board chair Bart Jackson says CPA is shifting from emergency response after super typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi back to day-to-day operations, including restoring cargo and improving facilities. Cost of Living Watch: The Basic Food Index rose 0.8% in July 2026, driven by higher prices for items like turkey tails, ice cream, sugar, taro, and eggs. Aviation Update: Samoa Airways’ Fitiuta Airport runway deviation recovery is expected to take months, with engineers assessing the aircraft before it can be moved for repairs. Agriculture & Conservation: USDA’s NRCS is inviting the public to an Aug. 18 Local Working Group meeting to shape conservation priorities for American Samoa. Telecom Industry: DXN won a contract to build a modular cable landing station for the Adamasia Cable System 1 in the Solomon Islands, extending its Pacific infrastructure work that includes an American Samoa landing station. Policy & Health: Across the U.S., Trump is urging the Senate to make daylight saving time permanent, while health specialists warn it could disrupt sleep and harm wellbeing.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: The U.S. is moving ahead with plans to auction about 31 million acres of ocean near American Samoa for mineral exploration, with protests and calls for “no consultations” growing across Pacific territories. Local Governance & Labor: A Senate hearing reviewed a proposed 12-month moratorium on American Samoa’s “special provision” immigration clause, which currently lets businesses bring in foreign workers without a numerical cap; officials cited 3,489 workers under the provision. Port & Infrastructure Resilience: Commonwealth Ports Authority leaders say typhoon recovery should mean rebuilding airport and seaport facilities “better and more resilient,” shifting from emergency spending back to day-to-day operations. Aviation Recovery: Samoa Airways’ Fitiuta Airport runway deviation incident recovery is expected to take months, with engineers assessing the aircraft before it can be moved. Cost of Living (Food): The Basic Food Index rose 0.8% in July 2026, driven by higher turkey tails and other staples. Community & Agriculture: USDA’s NRCS will host an American Samoa Local Working Group meeting Aug. 18 to shape conservation priorities with farmers and landowners. Security Reminder: The Department of Education warned staff about phishing emails targeting ASDOE accounts and urged reporting and deleting suspicious messages.