AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal comments to BOEM on the proposed PACM-1 offshore mineral lease, reiterating that the territory does not support commercial deep-sea mineral extraction now and urging any early steps to stay focused on science, environmental studies, and baseline research. Local Governance & Compliance: Lawmakers questioned the American Samoa Zoning Board’s enforcement after concerns that some businesses operate multiple ventures from one location without proper zoning or inspections, raising sanitation and public-safety worries. Consumer Protection: The Senate approved a Product Labeling Standards Act of 2026 requiring clear labels for ingredients, weights, origin, dates, and safety instructions, with English and Samoan translation rules and penalties that can include fines up to $5,000 and license action. Telecom & Industry: The Department of Commerce is set to administer $30 million in federal grants for the Le Vasa Google Cable project, aimed at building a digital economy and expanding high-speed internet access. Agriculture Risk & Deadlines: USDA’s Seward County service center message highlights fall acreage certification deadlines (Nov. 16) and reminders about NAP coverage and upcoming ARC/PLC enrollment for 2026–2027 crop years. Coral Reef Funding: NFWF awarded $2.1 million to projects in American Samoa and other Pacific areas to test heat-resilient coral restoration and reduce sediment pollution.

Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal comments to BOEM on the proposed PACM-1 lease, saying the Territory does not support commercial deep-sea mineral extraction now and urging any early steps be limited to science, environmental studies, and baseline work to protect fisheries and marine ecosystems. Federal Timeline Pressure: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum says deep-sea mining permits could come within months as BOEM moves toward a Nov. 19, 2026 lease sale for American Samoa and a Dec. 16, 2026 sale for the Northern Marianas—while activists press for a pause and Apatang says he won’t seek a halt before the Oct. 19 deadline. Local Industry & Trade Rules: The Senate approved the Product Labeling Standards Act of 2026, setting new requirements for consumer goods labels sold in American Samoa, including English and Samoan translation where feasible, plus penalties for misleading or missing key information. Infrastructure for Growth: Acting DOC officials report $30 million in federal grants for the Le Vasa Google Cable project, aimed at building a digital economy and expanding high-speed connectivity. Business Oversight: Lawmakers questioned the Zoning Board’s enforcement after concerns that some businesses operate multiple ventures from one location, raising zoning, licensing, and public safety issues. Fisheries Access: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council backed changes that could expand longline fishing access near Rose Atoll to 12–50 nautical miles once monument-based prohibitions are lifted, while keeping waters within 12 miles closed. Coral Reef Funding: NFWF announced $2.1 million in grants (with matching funds) to support heat-resilient coral restoration in American Samoa and other U.S. Pacific locations.

Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal comments to BOEM on the proposed PACM-1 lease, saying the territory does not support commercial deep-sea mineral extraction right now and wants any early steps to stay focused on science, environmental baselines, and fisheries impacts. Local vs Federal Timeline: Activists and community groups urged Guam’s Gov. David Apatang to use a narrow federal rule to halt the Dec. 16 Marianas-area sale, but Apatang said he won’t seek a pause before an Oct. 19 deadline, pointing to pending lawsuits and separate public comments. Revenue-Share Debate: Northern Marianas Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced a bill to split seabed mining revenues 50-50 with host territories and add stronger bonding and consultation rules, while also arguing the Dec. 16 sale should not be slowed or stopped. Permits “Within Months”: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum told G20 energy ministers the U.S. could issue deep-sea mining permits within months, even as the lease-sale dates move toward November and December. Fisheries Access: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council backed changes that could allow larger American Samoa longliners to fish between 12 and 50 nautical miles from Rose Atoll once monument-based prohibitions are lifted, keeping waters within 12 nm closed. Broadband Investment: Commerce Department grants totaling $30 million were approved for American Samoa’s Le Vasa Google Cable project, with officials saying the goal is building a digital economy. Food Safety & Consumer Rules: Health Department inspectors shut two more food stores for violations, and the Senate approved new consumer goods labeling standards, including English and Samoan requirements where feasible.

Deep-Sea Mining: American Samoa Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal comments to BOEM on the proposed PACM-1 lease sale, saying the Territory does not support commercial deep-sea mineral extraction now and urging any early steps to stay focused on science, environmental baselines, and safeguards. Federal Permits Push: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum told G20 energy ministers the U.S. could issue deep-sea mining permits within months, keeping pressure on the timeline toward a Nov. 19 lease sale. Local Governance & Compliance: Lawmakers questioned the American Samoa Zoning Board’s enforcement after concerns that some businesses operate multiple ventures from one location without proper inspections. Consumer Protection: The Senate passed a Product Labeling Standards Act of 2026 requiring clear labeling for consumer goods (including traditional packaged foods), with enforcement by the Office of Weights and Measures and penalties up to $5,000 per violation. Broadband/Telecom: DOC federal grants totaling $30 million were reported for the Le Vasa Google Cable project, aimed at building a stronger digital economy. Fisheries Access: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council backed changes that could expand longline fishing access near Rose Atoll once monument-based prohibitions are lifted, while keeping waters within 12 nautical miles closed. Public Health: DOH shut down two food stores after sanitation and public health violations.

Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: Environmental and community groups are urging Gov. David Apatang to use a narrow federal rule to recommend stopping the Northern Marianas lease process, as Interior Secretary Doug Burgum says deep-sea mining permits could come “within months.” Local Response: Apatang says he won’t ask Interior to pause or cancel before an Oct. 19 deadline, instead submitting formal comments focused on public input and pending lawsuits. American Samoa Position: Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula has filed BOEM comments on the PACM-1 proposal, opposing commercial extraction now and calling for any early steps to be science and environmental study. Fisheries & Access: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council backed changes that could let larger American Samoa longliners fish 12–50 nautical miles from Rose Atoll once monument-based prohibitions are lifted, while keeping waters within 12 miles closed. Telecom Investment: Commerce is set to administer $30M for the Le Vasa Google Cable, aiming to spur a digital economy and call-center/IT growth. Consumer Protection & Compliance: The Senate advanced a Product Labeling Standards Act requiring clear labels (English, and Samoan when feasible) and penalties for misleading packaging. Food Safety: Health inspectors shut down two retail stores after sanitation violations. Infrastructure: EOB renovations in Utulei are now projected to finish by February 2027.

Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: Environmental and community groups are urging Gov. David Apatang to use a narrow federal rule to recommend stopping the Northern Marianas deep-sea mining lease process before an Oct. 19 deadline, as Interior Secretary Doug Burgum says U.S. deep-sea mining permits could come within months. Local Governance: Apatang says he won’t ask Interior to halt the lease sale, pointing instead to separate formal comments and pending lawsuits. Territory Position on Mining: American Samoa Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted BOEM comments on the PACM-1 proposal, saying the territory does not support commercial deep-sea mineral extraction now and wants any early steps to be science and environmental study. Fisheries Access: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council backed changes that could let larger American Samoa longline vessels fish between 12 and 50 nautical miles from Rose Atoll once monument-based prohibitions are removed, while keeping waters within 12 nm closed. Telecom & Digital Economy: DOC federal grants totaling $30 million were approved for the Le Vasa Google Cable project, aimed at boosting call centers and IT industries. Consumer Protection: The Senate passed the Product Labeling Standards Act of 2026, setting rules for ingredient, origin, dates, and required translations, with enforcement powers for the Office of Weights and Measures. Food Safety: Health inspectors shut down two retail food stores in Vaitogi and Futiga for sanitation and public health violations. Infrastructure Update: Renovations to the A.P. Lutali Executive Office Building are now projected to finish by February 2027.

Broadband & Digital Economy: American Samoa Telecommunications Authority is set to receive $30 million in federal grants for the Le Vasa Google Cable, with funding from the U.S. Treasury, ARPA, and BEAD—aimed at building a stronger digital economy and call-center/IT growth. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula says American Samoa does not support commercial deep-sea mineral extraction for now, urging any early federal steps be limited to science and environmental study; meanwhile, environmental groups are pushing to stop lease sales and lawsuits target the process. Fisheries Access & Rose Atoll: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council backed changes that could allow larger American Samoa longliners to fish 12–50 nautical miles from Muliava/Rose Atoll once monument-based prohibitions are lifted, while NOAA priorities reshape conservation vs. access. Local Business Oversight: Lawmakers questioned the Zoning Board’s enforcement role after concerns about multiple ventures operating from one location without proper zoning or inspections. Consumer Protection: The Senate passed the Product Labeling Standards Act of 2026, setting rules for English/Samoan labeling, ingredient and expiration disclosure, and penalties for misleading labels. Public Health Enforcement: Health Department inspectors shut down two food stores in Vaitogi and Futiga for sanitation and public health violations. Government Infrastructure: EOB renovations in Utulei are now projected to finish by February 2027, with ARPA spending deadlines driving budget adjustments.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: American Samoa Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal comments to BOEM on the proposed PACM-1 lease, saying the Territory does not support commercial deep-sea mineral extraction now and urging any early work to stay focused on science, environmental baselines, and safeguards for fisheries and marine ecosystems. Federal Timeline Pressure: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum told energy ministers the U.S. could issue deep-sea mining permits within months, while BOEM’s PACM-1 lease sale is still slated for Nov. 19, with PACM-2 following Dec. 16. Community & Legal Backlash: Environmental and community groups are also racing to challenge deep-sea mining in court, including a lawsuit tied to the American Samoa process, arguing the government’s review underestimates risks to protected species and ocean health. Local Government Works: Renovations to the A.P. Lutali Executive Office Building are now projected to finish by February 2027, with lawmakers focused on making sure displaced departments budget rent costs as ARPA spending deadlines approach. Food Safety Enforcement: The Department of Health shut down two retail food stores—Gold Conda Store (Vaitogi) and JKL Food Center (Futiga)—after inspectors found major sanitation and public health violations. Maritime & Fisheries Watch: The Western Pacific Fishery Council meets Sept. 15–17 and is set to decide on changes to the Large Vessel Prohibited Area around Muliāva, a key issue for American Samoa’s longline fleet and access rules. Cyber Scam Warning: A new report highlights how AI-driven voice scams are draining household accounts, with older victims hit hardest—another reminder for residents to verify calls before sending money.

Deep-Sea Mining: Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula told BOEM American Samoa does not support commercial deep-sea mineral extraction for the proposed PACM-1 lease, urging any early steps to stay focused on science, environmental studies, and precaution to protect fisheries and marine ecosystems. Federal Process Watch: BOEM’s Federal Register says only one public comment hit the deadline, but it won’t say who submitted it or what it contained. Local Government & Infrastructure: The A.P. Lutali Executive Office Building renovation in Utulei is now projected to finish by February 2027, with lawmakers pressing for rental costs for displaced departments and ARPA spending deadlines. Food Safety Enforcement: The Department of Health shut down two retail food stores—Gold Conda Store (Vaitogi) and JKL Food Center (Futiga)—after inspectors found sanitation and public health violations. Fisheries & Ocean Use: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council meets Sept. 15–17 and is set to decide on Large Vessel Prohibited Area rules around Muliāva (Rose Atoll), with potential impacts for American Samoa longline operations. Maritime Security: Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak returned to Honolulu after a 52-day patrol that included port calls in American Samoa and joint actions against illegal fishing. Wharf Planning: PAAS met with the Aunu’u community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, flagging safety concerns after June 2026 tidal surges and pushing for fixes to the eastern wave absorber.

Deep-Sea Mining: Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal comments to BOEM on the proposed PACM-1 offshore mineral lease sale, saying American Samoa does not support commercial deep-sea mineral extraction for now and citing major concerns about fisheries, the marine environment, and deep-ocean ecosystem impacts. Local Government & Infrastructure: Renovations to the A.P. Lutali Executive Office Building in Utulei are now projected to finish by February 2027 under a 244-day, $18.1 million contract, with lawmakers pressing for rental costs for displaced departments as ARPA spending deadlines approach. Federal Policy Timeline: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the U.S. could issue deep-sea mining permits within months, while BOEM’s PACM-1 lease sale is still slated for Nov. 19, 2026. Maritime & Fisheries: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council meets Sept. 15–17, with a key decision on the Large Vessel Prohibited Area around Muliāva (Rose Atoll) and possible changes tied to reopened fisheries. Food Safety: The Department of Health shut down two retail food stores—Gold Conda Store (Vaitogi) and JKL Food Center (Futiga)—after sanitation and public health violations. Community Projects: PAAS met with the Aunu’u Community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, focusing on safety after June 2026 tidal surges and the need to repair the eastern wave absorber.

Deep-Sea Mining Timeline: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum says U.S. deep-sea mining permits could arrive “within months,” but the near-term action for American Samoa is the scheduled BOEM lease sale process—PACM-1 proposed for Nov. 19, 2026, with a second sale (PACM-2) set for Dec. 16. NOAA Exploration: A NOAA expedition around American Samoa reported a polymetallic nodule field, including nodules up to 15 cm, plus deep-sea life—new data as the lease review moves forward. Local Pushback & Legal Action: A resident submitted formal “NO” comments to the Governor’s 60-day review of BOEM’s PACM-1 plan, while conservation groups filed lawsuits challenging the lease approach, including claims tied to endangered species impacts. Fishing & Community Stakes: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council meets Sept. 15–17 and will decide on the Large Vessel Prohibited Area around Muliāva (Rose Atoll), weighing options that could affect American Samoa longline operations. Food Safety Enforcement: The Department of Health shut down two retail food stores in Vaitogi and Futiga after sanitation and public health violations. Infrastructure Planning: PAAS met with the Aunu’u Community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, with geotechnical work and a construction bid expected later.

Deep-Sea Mining Deadline: The American Samoa Governor’s 60-day review of BOEM’s proposed deep-sea mining lease sale is set to end Sept. 15, with BOEM expected to issue a final leasing notice in October and a potential Nov. lease sale on the table. Local Governance & Community Input: Residents and the Port Administration met with the Aunu’u Community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, with safety concerns tied to the June 2026 tidal surge and calls to repair the eastern wave absorber. Fisheries Management: The Western Pacific Fishery Council meets Sept. 15–17 and will decide on the Large Vessel Prohibited Area around Muliāva (Rose Atoll), including whether to keep, exempt, or reduce restrictions affecting American Samoa longline access. Food Safety Enforcement: The Department of Health shut down two retail food stores—Gold Conda Store (Vaitogi) and JKL Food Center (Futiga)—after sanitation and public health violations. Ocean Science for Industry: NOAA dives east of Rose Atoll and in the Samoa Basin found polymetallic nodule fields and deep-sea life, adding new detail as exploration and potential leasing move forward. Policy Pushback: Conservation groups filed a lawsuit challenging deep-sea mining lease actions tied to American Samoa and the Marianas, arguing endangered species impacts were improperly dismissed. Freight Costs: Maersk added a $500 container surcharge for Gulf-bound shipments, with regulated-country timing that includes American Samoa. Cultural Education: The American Samoa Visitors Bureau launched “Our Paogo,” a children’s book aimed at preserving the territory flower and teaching growing and conservation.

Deep-Sea Mining Deadline: American Samoa’s governor review of BOEM’s PACM-1 deep-sea mining lease sale is due to end Sept. 15, with BOEM expected to issue a final notice in October and a proposed Nov. 19 lease sale tied to critical minerals; residents and groups are also pushing back through formal comments and lawsuits. Legal Pushback: Conservation groups filed a second Earthjustice lawsuit challenging the federal deep-sea mining push, arguing it could harm endangered species and fragile ocean ecosystems that support local livelihoods and culture. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Port Administration of American Samoa met with the Aunu’u community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, focusing on safety after June tidal surges and the need to repair the eastern wave absorber; permitting is underway with construction bidding targeted for Oct. 2027. Fisheries & Shipping: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council meets Sept. 15–17, with a key decision on the Large Vessel Prohibited Area around Muliāva (Rose Atoll) that could reshape longline access for American Samoa. Food Safety: DOH inspectors shut down two retail food stores—Gold Conda Store (Vaitogi) and JKL Food Center (Futiga)—after sanitation and public health violations. Maritime Security: Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak returned to Honolulu after a 52-day Blue Pacific patrol, including boardings and support for efforts to curb illegal fishing. Culture & Learning: ASVB launched “Our Paogo,” a children’s book aimed at preserving American Samoa’s Paogo symbol through culture, conservation, and hands-on growing activities.

Deep-Sea Mining: The American Samoa Governor’s 60-day review of a proposed offshore deep-sea mining lease sale is set to end Sept. 15, as BOEM moves toward a final leasing notice in October and a potential Nov. lease sale. Local Food Safety: The Department of Health shut down two retail food stores—Gold Conda Store (Vaitogi) and JKL Food Center (Futiga)—after inspectors found major sanitation and public health violations. Maritime & Fisheries: The Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak returned to Honolulu after a 52-day Blue Pacific patrol, including port calls in American Samoa and joint actions against illegal fishing. Fisheries Management: Western Pacific fishery scientists reviewed options affecting American Samoa longline rules and the LVPA around Rose Atoll, with possible gear and access changes on the table. Ports & Construction: PAAS met with the Aunu’u Community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, focusing on safety after June 2026 tidal surges and the need to repair the eastern wave absorber. Regional Policy: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds advanced the Pacific Minerals Economic Security Act, pushing a 50-50 revenue split for seabed mining leases and stronger bonding and consultation rules. Public Phone Protection: Multiple U.S. attorneys general urged the FCC to tighten “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls—an issue with real consumer impact across the islands. Education & Culture: ASVB launched “Our Paogo,” a new children’s book to teach and preserve American Samoa’s Paogo cultural and natural heritage.

Deep-Sea Mining Deadline: American Samoa Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula’s 60-day review of BOEM’s proposed deep-sea mining lease sale ends 15 September, with a possible November lease sale next; the proposal covers 31+ million acres east of Taʻū, split into two areas, with minimum bids of $3 million each, and BOEM expected a final leasing notice in October. Territorial Revenue Push: CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds is advancing the Pacific Minerals Economic Security Act (PACMESA) to require a 50-50 revenue split for covered seabed leases and stronger bonding, consultation, and notification for affected territories. Legal Challenge: Environmental and community groups, via Earthjustice, filed suits to block deep-sea mining lease actions in the Marianas and American Samoa, arguing federal agencies improperly concluded the sales won’t harm endangered species and critical habitat. Fisheries & Ports: The Western Pacific Fishery Council meets Sept. 15–17 and will decide how to handle the LVPA around Muliāva, while NOAA mapping dives found polymetallic nodule fields near American Samoa. Public Health Enforcement: DOH Environmental Health Services shut down two food stores for sanitation violations, and also ordered closures tied to other health inspection findings. Shipping Costs: Maersk added a $500 surcharge for Gulf-bound containers, with U.S. territories including American Samoa listed as “regulated” for timing.

Shipping Costs: Maersk added a $500 Emergency Operational Cost Recovery Surcharge for containers bound for the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Iraq, with American Samoa listed among “regulated countries” getting later start dates. Port & Construction: PAAS met with the Aunu’u Community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, flagging safety concerns after June 2026 tidal surges and pushing for fixes to the eastern wave absorber; permitting is underway and a construction bid is expected in Oct. 2027. Ocean Resources & Legal Fight: NOAA reported a polymetallic nodule field near American Samoa, including nodules up to 15 cm, as lawsuits challenge deep-sea mining lease plans in the Marianas and American Samoa and groups urge CNMI Governor Apatang to oppose the Marianas lease sale. Local Governance & Public Health: Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building for sanitation and health compliance failures, including the Port Administration’s Airport Hangar Facility (VIP lounge excluded). Regional Policy & Industry: Western Pacific fishery managers meet Sept. 15–17, with a key decision on the LVPA around Muliāva and discussion of deep-sea mining impacts on fisheries. Tourism & Culture: ASVB launched “Our Paogo,” an educational book to preserve and teach kids about American Samoa’s territorial flower. Public Safety Tech: Multiple U.S. attorneys general urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls.