AGP Executive Report

Marine Fisheries Policy: President Trump signed a proclamation reopening portions of three Pacific marine national monuments to commercial fishing, expanding access to about 500,000 square miles and specifically including Rose Atoll Marine National Monument near American Samoa, plus areas around Papahānaumokuākea and the Mariana Trench. Local Industry Impact: Supporters say it boosts U.S. seafood production and jobs for fishing communities, while critics warn it rolls back protections for fragile ecosystems and could trigger legal challenges. Tuna & Regional Governance: American Samoa’s Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula told the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council that tuna is the territory’s top natural resource, pushing for a fair playing field and meaningful access for local and U.S.-flagged fleets. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: As DOI prepares seabed lease steps with an August first sale in American Samoa, experts say the rules may be outdated and lack strong oversight, while local voices demand clearer answers on impacts and revenue. Infrastructure & Shipping: Port Administration American Samoa reports continued progress on the Ofu Wharf Terminal Building, targeting late-2027 completion. Food Costs: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index fell 1.1% in May, with eggs down 15.2% to $1.96, even as some items like chicken and tuna rose slightly.

Pacific Fisheries Policy: President Trump signed a proclamation reopening parts of three Pacific marine national monuments to commercial fishing, including Rose Atoll Marine National Monument near American Samoa, expanding access to about 500,000 square miles; the White House says it will lower seafood prices and boost jobs, while conservationists and cultural practitioners warn it could harm fragile habitats and are preparing legal challenges. Local Tuna & Regional Allocations: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council meets June 9–11 in American Samoa, with a major focus on South Pacific albacore tuna and how future catch limits could affect the territory’s longline fleet and related businesses. Deep-Sea Mining Push vs. Local Concerns: As the U.S. moves toward seabed lease sales, experts say federal rules for deep-sea mining are outdated and lack oversight; in American Samoa, the community is also weighing a fast-moving federal timeline against the territory’s own moratorium. Maritime Infrastructure: Port Administration American Samoa reports continued progress on the Ofu Wharf Terminal Building, with construction advancing and a target for completion in late 2027, plus an Aunu’u wharf reconstruction update tied to USACE design and NEPA review. Food Costs: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index fell 1.1% in May, led by a 15.2% drop in egg prices, even as some items like chicken and tuna rose. Federal Funding Signals: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlights House progress on 2027 nutrition support for American Samoa totaling $12.2 million, and additional House action on other local priorities including port-related planning and operations funding.

Marine Policy & Fishing: President Trump signed a proclamation reopening parts of three Pacific marine national monuments to commercial fishing, including the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument near American Samoa, expanding access to about half a million square miles and framing the move as a boost for U.S. seafood supply and fishing jobs. Local Fisheries Planning: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council meets June 9–11 in American Samoa to discuss South Pacific albacore tuna access for the territory’s longline fleet and related businesses, with allocation scenarios under review. Deep-Sea Minerals Debate: As the U.S. moves toward seabed lease sales, experts say the proposed deep-sea mining rules are outdated and lack key oversight, while local voices in American Samoa are asking for clearer, documented answers ahead of an August lease timeline. Maritime Infrastructure: Port Administration and federal partners continue work on the Ofu Wharf Terminal Building, with construction progressing and a target completion in late 2027; separate updates also track the Aunu’u wharf reconstruction, with an Environmental Assessment underway and construction expected to start in late 2027. Business & Contracts: A senator says federal agencies have cut spending with small business contractors by $47 billion since January 2025, pushing more firms out of the federal market. Food Prices: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index fell 1.1% in May, with eggs down 15.2% to $1.96, while some items like chicken and rice rose. Coast Guard Presence: USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after Operation Blue Pacific, including a port call in Pago Pago and maritime safety support in the region.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Legal experts warn the U.S. rules for commercial deep-sea mineral leases are outdated and may weaken environmental oversight as DOI moves toward lease sales, with an August process tied to American Samoa. Local Governance & Planning: Port Administration says the Ofu Wharf Terminal Building is progressing, with framing and interior work underway and a target handover in late 2027. Permitting Streamline: American Samoa’s Land Use Permit process has been streamlined via updated guidelines under the Coastal Management Act to prevent unauthorized development and speed document review. Maritime Operations: The Coast Guard cutter USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after Operation Blue Pacific, including a port call in Pago Pago and law-enforcement support in Tonga. Food Prices: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index fell 1.1% in May, led by a 15.2% drop in eggs. Nutrition Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlights $12.2M in 2027 federal nutrition support for American Samoa, now moving through the Senate. Fuel & Power Costs: ODAPM disputes claims about fuel price spikes, clarifying how MAP is calculated across products and how smoothing affects monthly impacts. Infrastructure Delays: Fagaima Road and Tualauta Mitigation projects are still in slow pre-work stages due to right-of-way and environmental review requirements. Ocean Skills Pipeline: A local student was selected for an E/V Nautilus seafloor mapping internship, joining a June expedition between Hawaiʻi and Guam.

Maritime Infrastructure: Port Administration American Samoa says construction is progressing on the new Ofu Wharf Terminal Building in Manu‘a, funded by a Community Development Block Grant, with framing and interior work advancing and a target completion/hand-over in late 2027. Local Governance: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula says American Samoa streamlined the Land Use Permit process via updated guidelines under the Coastal Management Act, aiming to stop unauthorized development and speed up complete applications. Food Prices: The Basic Food Index for May 2026 fell 1.1%, with eggs down 15.2% to $1.96—the lowest this year—while some items like chicken and sugar rose. Nutrition Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlights $12.2 million in 2027 federal nutrition support for American Samoa, including a House-passed increase. Ocean & Industry Policy: A Western Pacific Fishery Council meeting in American Samoa (June 9–11) will focus on South Pacific albacore access for the territory’s tuna industry, alongside updates on proposed deep-sea mineral mining. Fuel Assurance: ODAPM Director Lologa Olo reassures residents there’s enough fuel capacity for 30 days and tankers are arriving on schedule. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Multiple letters and commentary press for transparency and stronger safeguards as the U.S. moves toward commercial deep-sea minerals leasing near American Samoa.

Deep-Sea Minerals & Local Impact: American Samoa’s Delegate candidate Sandra King Young formally launched her campaign with the FEC, calling for immediate action as deep-sea mining pressure builds; meanwhile, multiple voices are pushing for transparency and a full environmental review, including concerns about fast-tracked commercial leases and whether “bare bones” U.S. rules can properly regulate a nascent industry. Local Governance & Permitting: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula says the Land Use Permit process has been streamlined under coastal management rules, with clearer application requirements aimed at preventing unauthorized development. Fisheries & Jobs: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council meets June 9–11 in American Samoa to discuss South Pacific albacore access and tuna allocation—key for the territory’s longline fleet and related businesses. Infrastructure & Resilience: Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction is moving through NEPA environmental assessment and 35% design, with construction targeted for late 2027; Fagaima Road and Tualauta mitigation projects remain in slow pre-work stages amid ROW and environmental review hurdles. Food & Cost of Living: The Basic Food Index fell 1.1% in May, with eggs down 15.2% to $1.96, even as some items like chicken and tuna ticked up. Fuel & Utilities: ODAPM disputed claims about fuel price spikes, clarifying how MAP is calculated across different fuel products and how smoothing affects what families pay. Maritime Presence: USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after a 42-day Operation Blue Pacific patrol that included a port call in Pago Pago.

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.