AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Delegate Uifa’atali Amata renewed her push for a moratorium near American Samoa, saying federal reviews must be science-based, not rushed, and must fully address unknown impacts like sediment “plumes” that could harm fish stocks and food security. Fisheries Science & Governance: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee will review the 2026 American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment in Honolulu, with discussion also covering improved modeling for data-limited fisheries; separate hybrid public meetings in early June include an agenda item on deep-sea mining updates. Local STEM Spotlight: American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 (“Igniting Hope Through STEAM!”) brought hands-on science and engineering activities, solar car challenges, and career exploration to students and families. Health Tech in the Territory: A University of Hawaiʻi researcher is partnering with LBJ Tropical Medical Center to strengthen maternal-fetal care in American Samoa using sonography training, telehealth, and better specialist access. Invasive Species Alert: Little fire ants continue spreading across Tutuila, now detected at 26 sites, with transport of infested plants and materials flagged as a key driver. Student Achievement: Manumalo Academy’s Rachael Park placed 4th overall at the Regeneron ISEF 2026 for breadfruit-based biofuel research.

Invasive Species Watch: Little fire ants are still spreading across Tutuila, with at least 26 detected sites and more risk from everyday transport of infested plants, taro materials, lumber, and firewood. Seabed Mining Pushback: U.S. Delegate Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a deep seabed mining moratorium near American Samoa, citing unresolved science, sediment “plumes,” and concerns that federal reviews can’t be done fast enough or with enough rigor. Fisheries Science & Governance: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee will review the 2026 American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment in Honolulu, alongside other fisheries topics that could shape future management. Community Tech & STEM: American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 (“Igniting Hope Through STEAM!”) brought hands-on science, solar car challenges, and career exploration to students and families. Health & Safety Tech: A medical evacuation report highlights how 24/7 air ambulance coordination and specialized aircraft loading can help families respond faster during island emergencies. Youth Innovation: American Samoa students competed at the Regeneron ISEF 2026, with Rachael Park placing 4th overall for breadfruit-based biofuel research.

Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Delegate Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining near American Samoa, arguing federal reviews must be science-based, not rushed, and that unknown impacts like sediment “plumes” could harm fish stocks and food security. Fisheries Science in Focus: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee will review the 2026 American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment in Honolulu, with follow-on work on data-limited fisheries and next-generation modeling. Local Community Tech & Skills: American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 (“Igniting Hope Through STEAM!”) brought hands-on science, solar car challenges, and career booths to students and families, while ASCC’s Trades & Technology Division awarded Residential House Wiring II certificates to nine graduates. Energy & Operations: ASPA appointed Ryan K. Tuato’o as Chief Operations Officer, bringing long experience in utility customer operations and renewable energy permitting support. Health & Safety Policy Watch: Virginia’s in-custody death autopsy requirement is reportedly missed nearly half the time, raising concerns about protections for people in custody.

Medical Transport: Optimum Air says it can coordinate urgent air ambulance evacuations from American Samoa via its Las Vegas base and a Honolulu operation, using specialized aircraft loading systems and a 24/7 communications center for stressed families. Local STEM & Skills: American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 (“Igniting Hope Through STEAM!”) brought hands-on science, solar car challenges, and career booths to students and families, while ASPA’s Trades & Technology Division awarded Residential House Wiring II certificates to nine learners. NOAA & Ocean Research: NOAA’s 2026 Get Into Your Sanctuary photo contest is open, and NOAA Ship Oscar Elton Sette is conducting fish and benthic surveys around Tutuila, Ofu, Rose Atoll, and Taʻū. Fisheries Science: The Western Pacific Council’s SSC will review the 2026 American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment update, and separate early-June public meetings include an American Samoa deep-sea mining update. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata renews her call for a moratorium, citing unresolved science on sediment “plumes” and impacts to fish stocks, as the U.S. prepares lease auctions for seabed mining blocks. Youth Research Win: Rachael Park placed 4th overall at Regeneron ISEF 2026 for breadfruit-based biofuel research. Public Health Tech Debate: Google-backed Verily seeks approval to release 32 million mosquitoes in California and Florida, reviving ethical concerns around biotech vector control.

Medical Evacuation Tech: Optimum Air describes how its Las Vegas base and Honolulu “satellite” operation move critically ill patients fast, using specialized aircraft loading systems and a 24/7 communications center to support families and hospitals. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata renews her push for a moratorium near American Samoa, citing unresolved science on sediment “plumes” and the pace of federal environmental review; meanwhile, U.S. agencies are preparing seabed lease auctions that could start commercial-scale mining soon. Fisheries Science: The Western Pacific Council’s SSC will review the 2026 American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment, with results indicating stocks aren’t overfished and not experiencing overfishing, plus next steps for data-limited management. STEM & Skills: American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 spotlights hands-on learning (including solar car challenges), while ASCC’s Trades & Technology Division awards Residential House Wiring II certificates to nine learners. Local Innovation: Rachael Park earns 4th overall at Regeneron ISEF for breadfruit-based biofuel research. NOAA Ocean Engagement: NOAA opens its “Get Into Your Sanctuary” photo contest with new categories for capturing life and community connections in marine sanctuaries.

Medical Evacuation Tech: Optimum Air details how its Las Vegas base and Honolulu “satellite” operation move critically ill patients by air ambulance, including 24/7 coordination and specialized aircraft loading systems. STEM in the Community: American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 (“Igniting Hope Through STEAM!”) brought hands-on science and engineering stations, solar car challenges, and career booths to students and families. Local Skills Training: ASCC’s Trades & Technology Division awarded certificates to nine graduates of Residential House Wiring II, building practical electrical skills for safer home systems. Energy & Water Leadership: ASPA appointed Ryan K. Tuato’o as Chief Operations Officer, bringing long-running utility operations and renewable energy project experience. Ocean Science & Data: NOAA’s Oscar Elton Sette is set for a three-week survey mission around Tutuila, Ofu, Rose Atoll, and Taʻū, collecting fish and benthic data for sanctuary monitoring. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: The U.S. is preparing seabed lease auctions for American Samoa and others, while local students urge caution over permanent ecosystem harm. Health Snapshot: New obesity figures place American Samoa among the highest adult obesity rates worldwide, highlighting a major public health challenge.

Biosecurity & Ethics: Google-backed Verily is seeking federal approval to release 32 million mosquitoes (32 million) in California and Florida to curb virus-spreading species, reviving debate over biotech fixes versus ecological and ethical risks. Ocean Voyaging & Climate: Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia will adjust the Moananuiākea route as an El Niño pattern develops, with plans to depart Aotearoa in late August 2026 and sail via American Samoa. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The U.S. is preparing lease auctions for seabed mining blocks, with the first sale slated for federal waters of American Samoa in August 2026—while local voices and students warn impacts could be permanent. Local Fisheries & Research: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s SSC will review the 2026 American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment June 2–4 in Honolulu, with public meetings in early June including a deep-sea mining update. Power & Skills: ASPA appoints Ryan K. Tuato’o as Chief Operations Officer, and ASCC’s Trades & Technology Division reports nine graduates completing Residential House Wiring II. STEM Spotlight: American Samoa students earned recognition at the Regeneron ISEF 2026, including Rachael Park placing 4th overall for breadfruit-based biofuel research. Cyber Safety: A bipartisan group of state attorneys general opposes the House Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act, arguing it weakens state enforcement and platform accountability for harms to minors.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. is preparing seabed lease auctions that could start commercial deep-sea mining in federal waters, with a first sale planned for American Samoa in August 2026—sparking fresh local and regional debate over irreversible ocean impacts. Local Fisheries Science: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s SSC will review the 2026 American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment in Honolulu (June 2–4), with public hybrid meetings in early June that also include a deep-sea mining update. Power & Skills: ASPA appoints Ryan K. Tuato’o as Chief Operations Officer, while American Samoa Community College’s Trades & Technology Division awarded Residential House Wiring II certificates to nine graduates. STEM Spotlight: Rachael Park placed 4th overall at the Regeneron ISEF 2026 for breadfruit-based biofuel research, representing American Samoa among top finalists. Community Tech & Environment: NOAA opened its 2026 “Get Into Your Sanctuary” underwater photo contest, and Arbor Week added a first-ever Indoor Greenhouse Gala supported by USDA Forest Service IRA funding. Online Safety: Attorney General Tong leads a multistate investigation into Roblox over alleged child harm, as states push back on weaker federal online protections. Health Data: A new global obesity snapshot shows American Samoa at 68.5%, among the highest rates worldwide.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. is preparing to auction deep-sea mining lease blocks, with the first sale slated for federal waters of American Samoa in August 2026—an early step toward commercial-scale mining that critics warn could cause permanent marine damage. Local Fisheries Science: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee will review the 2026 American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment update in Honolulu (June 2–4), including future research priorities for data-limited fisheries. AS Tech & Skills Training: American Samoa Community College’s Trades & Technology Division awarded Residential House Wiring II certificates to 9 graduates, building practical electrical skills for safer home wiring. Energy Utility Leadership: ASPA appointed Ryan K. Tuato’o as Chief Operations Officer, bringing 25+ years of operations and customer service leadership, including work tied to renewable energy permitting. STEM Recognition: Nu’uuli Vocational Technical High School student Rachael Park placed 4th overall at the Regeneron ISEF 2026 for a breadfruit-based biofuel project. Online Child Safety: A bipartisan coalition of 44 state attorneys general urged Congress to reject the House Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act version, arguing it weakens state enforcement and leaves gaps for protecting minors. Infrastructure Planning: Port Administration selected HDR to lead a 20-year Pago Pago seaports master plan, funded by a $3 million FY2024 RAISE grant. Marine Conservation Outreach: NOAA opened its 2026 “Get Into Your Sanctuary” underwater photo contest, including American Samoa, with new categories for wildlife behavior and people’s connections to sanctuaries.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The U.S. is preparing seabed lease auctions, with the first sale slated for federal waters of American Samoa in August 2026—an early step toward commercial deep-sea mining that’s already drawing strong local and regional pushback, including Guam’s ban and student-led concerns about permanent ecosystem harm. Fisheries Science: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s SSC will review the 2026 American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment in Honolulu (June 2–4), with agenda items also including a deep-sea mining update. Local Energy & Skills: American Samoa Community College’s Trades & Technology Division awarded Residential House Wiring II certificates to 9 graduates, while ASPA named Ryan K. Tuato’o as its new Chief Operations Officer. STEM Spotlight: Regeneron ISEF 2026 brought American Samoa finalists, with Rachael Park placing 4th overall for breadfruit-based renewable biofuel research. Online Safety Policy: A bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general urged Congress to reject the House Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act version, arguing it weakens state enforcement and platform accountability for harms to minors. Public Engagement: NOAA opened its “Get Into Your Sanctuary” underwater photo contest, including American Samoa’s marine sanctuary sites.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. is preparing lease auctions for seabed mining blocks tied to American Samoa, with regulators moving fast as multiple companies line up—while Guam just voted to ban mining in its waters and local leaders in American Samoa say they’ll monitor federal studies rather than jump to conclusions. Fisheries Science in Focus: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee meets June 2–4 in Honolulu to review the 2026 American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment, with discussion on next-generation modeling for data-limited fisheries. Local Power & Skills: ASPA appoints Ryan K. Tuato’o as Chief Operations Officer, and American Samoa Community College’s Trades & Technology Division awarded certificates to 9 graduates completing Residential House Wiring II. STEM Spotlight: American Samoa’s Rachael Park placed 4th overall at the 2026 Regeneron ISEF for breadfruit-based biofuel research. Community Tech & Training: Port Administration selected HDR to lead a 20-year Pago Pago seaports master plan funded by a $3M RAISE grant. Online Safety Policy: A bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general opposes the House Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act, arguing it weakens state enforcement and falls short on platform duty-of-care for minors. Health Data: New global obesity figures show American Samoa at 68.5%, about 40x higher than Japan’s 4.9%. Media & Tech Industry: NAB announced 2026 radio and TV board election results, including a seat for Jeff Warshaw covering Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The U.S. is moving toward lease sales for seabed mining blocks in federal waters that include American Samoa, with regulators saying the process is “responsible” even as critics warn of rushed timelines and possible irreversible harm; local leaders are urging residents to stay engaged as studies and research begin. Fisheries & Policy: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is holding hybrid public meetings in American Samoa in early June, including agenda items that touch deep-sea mining updates alongside tuna and crab management. Port Tech Upgrade: The Port Administration of American Samoa has selected HDR to lead a 20-year seaports master planning project for Pago Pago Harbor, funded by a $3M RAISE grant, aiming to modernize infrastructure and improve safety, efficiency, and climate resilience. Power & 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. STEM in the Community: NOAA opened its 2026 “Get Into Your Sanctuary” underwater photo contest, with new categories that include “Life in Motion.” Local Research Talent: A Tufts University student from Fagatogo graduated Magna Cum Laude with majors in Biology and Biotechnology. Public Works: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata marked National Public Works Week, highlighting how infrastructure maintenance supports daily life and emergency response in American Samoa.

Fisheries & Ocean Policy: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will hold hybrid public meetings in American Samoa in early June, including a June 4 session that lists an “AS deep-sea mining activity” update alongside tuna management, stock assessments, and an EM implementation update. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The U.S. is preparing lease sales to auction seabed mining blocks in federal waters that could include areas off American Samoa, with supporters citing critical minerals and opponents warning of rushed timelines and major marine risks. Workforce Training: ASCC’s Trades & Technology Division (ASCC Trades & Technology) awarded Residential House Wiring II certificates to nine graduates, building practical electrical skills for safer home wiring. Utility Leadership: ASPA appointed Ryan K. Tuato’o as Chief Operations Officer, bringing 25+ years of operations and customer service leadership plus experience supporting renewable energy permitting and land issues. Port Infrastructure: Port Administration selected HDR to lead a 20-year seaports master planning project for Pago Pago Harbor, funded by a $3M MARAD RAISE grant, targeting modernization, safety, and climate resilience. Public Safety Education: PCHS marked progress in inclusive emergency management training, with 15 iEM trainees graduating and the rest expected to finish in Fall 2026. Sustainability Event: Arbor Week added a first-ever Indoor Greenhouse Gala, highlighting local forestry progress funded through a USDA Forest Service IRA grant.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The U.S. is preparing lease sales to auction seabed mining blocks in federal waters that include American Samoa, with supporters calling it a path to critical minerals and opponents warning of rushed timelines and irreversible marine harm. Local Governance & Ports: American Samoa’s Port Administration has selected HDR to lead a fully funded 20-year seaports master planning project for Pago Pago Harbor, aiming to modernize infrastructure, improve safety, and boost climate resilience. Power & Skills: ASPA named Ryan K. Tuato’o as its new Chief Operations Officer, while ASCC’s Trades & Technology Division awarded certificates to nine graduates of Residential House Wiring II. Ocean Science & Community: NOAA opened its “Get Into Your Sanctuary” photo contest, and NOAA’s Oscar Elton Sette is conducting fish and benthic surveys around Tutuila, Ofu, Rose Atoll, and Taʻū. Health & Water Tech: EPA announced $9.457M for PFAS and emerging contaminant work in American Samoa, and a JABSOM-led grant is strengthening maternal-fetal care via sonography training and telehealth. STEM in the Spotlight: A local student graduated Magna Cum Laude from Tufts with majors in Biology and Biotechnology.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The U.S. is gearing up to auction seabed mining leases in federal waters that include American Samoa, a move critics call rushed and risky for marine life while supporters argue it could unlock critical minerals. Local Energy & Skills: American Samoa Community College’s Trades & Technology Division awarded Residential House Wiring II certificates to 9 graduates, building practical electrical skills for the territory. Utility Leadership: ASPA appointed Ryan K. Tuato’o as Chief Operations Officer, bringing 25+ years of operations and customer-service leadership plus renewable energy project support. Port Tech Planning: Port Administration selected HDR to lead a 20-year Pago Pago Seaports Master Planning project funded by a $3M RAISE grant, targeting modernization, safety, and climate resilience. Marine Conservation & STEM: NOAA opened its 2026 “Get Into Your Sanctuary” photo contest, inviting entries from national marine sanctuaries including American Samoa. Public Health & Water: EPA announced $9.457M for PFAS and emerging contaminant work in American Samoa communities, including testing and drinking-water improvements. Emergency Preparedness Training: PCHS marked progress in inclusive emergency management education, with the first iEM cohort graduating and more set for later this year.

Maritime Tech & Infrastructure: Port Administration of American Samoa selected HDR to lead a 20-year seaports master planning project for Pago Pago Harbor, funded by a $3M FY2024 RAISE grant—aimed at modernizing facilities, improving safety and efficiency, and boosting climate resilience. Energy & Utilities Leadership: ASPA appointed Ryan K. Tuato’o as Chief Operations Officer, bringing 25+ years of utility operations and customer service leadership, including work tied to renewable energy permitting and revenue collection upgrades. Ocean Science & Community Engagement: NOAA opened its 2026 “Get Into Your Sanctuary” underwater photo contest, with new categories and eligibility that includes American Samoa’s national marine sanctuary sites. Public Health Tech: EPA announced $9.457M for American Samoa to tackle PFAS and other emerging contaminants in drinking water, including testing, planning, and infrastructure support. Emergency Preparedness Training: Pacific Center in Human Security marked progress in its inclusive-Emergency Management program at ASCC, with 15 trainees graduating and more expected in Fall 2026. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Coverage highlights fast-moving U.S. seabed mining plans and local pushback across the Pacific, while American Samoa’s governor says studies are underway and urges residents not to jump to conclusions. Cyber & AI Policy: AP reports Trump called off an AI executive order over concerns it could weaken U.S. tech advantage.