AGP Executive Report

Postal Service: New USPS standards mean Ground Advantage packages to and from American Samoa may take 10 days or more, while Priority Mail is also slower. Senate Oversight: Tax officials told senators 3,595 returns remained unprocessed as of Oct. 21, blaming a backlog during the shift to a new system; some residents are still waiting on 2024 and 2025 refunds. Military and Mining: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata told PACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo she opposes deep-sea mining near the territory, as environmental groups and Manu‘a chiefs sue to block a planned Nov. 19 lease sale covering more than 31 million acres. Pacific Politics: Israel’s new Pacific Islands Forum partner status has drawn sharply opposing reactions, with civil society groups calling for a review. The debate touches on decolonization, a founding Forum principle; the United States has also called for an end to the UN decolonization committee, which includes American Samoa among the territories it addresses.

Pacific Diplomacy: Israel’s new status as a Pacific Islands Forum partner has drawn criticism from civil society groups, who say the decision conflicts with the region’s commitment to decolonization. American Samoa remains on the UN list of non-self-governing territories as the U.S. calls for ending the UN decolonization committee. Deep-Sea Mining: The federal government set Nov. 19 for a lease sale covering more than 31 million acres of seabed near American Samoa. Traditional chiefs and environmental groups have filed another lawsuit seeking to block it; congressional candidates have also opposed the mining plan. Government Oversight: Senators continued questioning ASTCA officials over America250 spending and former CEO Chuck Leota’s move to COO, seeking a full accounting of expenses and the reported cost-sharing agreement. Fishing Policy: Congressional candidates discussed federal fishing rules near Rose Atoll, weighing protections for local fishers against the commercial tuna industry’s needs.

Deep-Sea Mining: Federal officials set a Nov. 19 auction for more than 31 million acres of seabed off American Samoa. Environmental groups and Manu‘a chiefs have filed another lawsuit seeking to stop the sale, challenging the government’s authority to lease the waters. Decolonization: The United States urged the UN to abolish its decolonization committee, where American Samoa remains listed as a non-self-governing territory. Government Oversight: Senators questioned ASTCA officials about America250 expenses and former CEO Chuck Leota’s transition to COO, seeking a full accounting of costs and the reported cost-sharing deal. Fishing Policy: Congressional candidates debated federal fishing rules near Rose Atoll, weighing protections for local fishers against the commercial industry’s needs. Land Use: The Zoning Board is reviewing O&O Enterprises’ shopping-center permit, with members concerned about traffic, neighborhood safety and emergency access.

Deep-Sea Mining: Earthjustice has filed a third lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s plan to auction more than 31 million acres of seabed off American Samoa on Nov. 19. The suit, brought with Samoan leaders and conservation groups, asks a court to block the sale as unlawful. Federal terms set a $3 million minimum bid for each of two leases, with royalties as low as 2% once mining begins. Congressional Race: Candidates in the local congressional debate discussed seabed mining and fishing access; coverage says candidates opposed mining plans, amid growing concerns about impacts on the environment and fishing industry. Self-Determination: The United States called for ending the UN decolonization committee, which lists American Samoa among non-self-governing territories. Government Oversight: Senators questioned ASTCA officials about America250 spending and executive compensation, seeking a full accounting of costs and the authority’s agreement to split expenses with the Reid Group.

Seabed Mining: Guam is asking Washington to pause a planned Dec. 16 lease sale until the island can meaningfully review the proposal. The request comes as federal officials prepare a Nov. 19 auction of more than 31 million acres off American Samoa. Manu‘a chiefs have joined environmental groups in a lawsuit seeking to block the sale, while congressional candidates debated mining and protections for local fishing. Self-Determination: The U.S. has called for ending the UN decolonization committee, which lists American Samoa among its non-self-governing territories. The move comes as the territory’s political status remains unresolved. Government Oversight: Senators questioned ASTCA officials about spending on America250 events and former CEO Chuck Leota’s move to chief operating officer, seeking a full accounting of costs and the reported cost-sharing agreement with the Reid Group.

Seabed Mining Fight: Federal officials set a Nov. 19 auction of more than 31 million acres of seabed off American Samoa. Manu‘a chiefs and environmental groups have joined a lawsuit to block the sale, while congressional candidates debated mining and protections for local fishing. Self-Determination: The U.S. called for ending the UN decolonization committee, which lists American Samoa among the territories whose political status remains unresolved. The Pacific Islands Forum’s reported acceptance of Israel as a partner has also drawn criticism over the region’s decolonization commitments. Government Oversight: Senate investigators authorized subpoenas for records on utility legislation affecting CUC, while a separate inquiry pressed ASTCA officials for details on America250 spending and executive contracts.

Self-Determination: The U.S. called for ending the U.N. decolonization committee, even as American Samoa remains on the list of non-self-governing territories. Seabed Mining: Federal officials finalized a Nov. 19 auction of more than 31 million acres off American Samoa. Manu‘a chiefs have joined environmental groups in a lawsuit to block the leases, and congressional candidates voiced opposition to mining and discussed protecting local fishing. Government Oversight: Senators questioned ASTCA leaders about America250 expenses and the transition of former CEO Chuck Leota to COO, including whether a reported cost-sharing agreement was honored. Land Use: The Zoning Board took O&O Enterprises’ shopping-center permit under legal advisement amid concerns about traffic, safety and emergency access in nearby neighborhoods.

Seabed Mining Fight: Manu‘a chiefs have joined two environmental groups in a lawsuit seeking to block the federal government’s planned Nov. 19 auction of more than 31 million acres of seabed off American Samoa. The suit challenges federal authority to offer the leases as local opposition grows. Government Oversight: Senators are pressing ASTCA for a full accounting of spending on the America250 celebration, including whether the Reid Group paid its agreed share, and are scrutinizing Chuck Leota’s move from CEO to COO and his compensation. Territorial Status: The United States has called for dismantling the UN decolonization committee after voting against resolutions on Pacific territories, renewing debate over self-determination for American Samoa and other U.S. territories. LBJ Board: Gov. Pulaalii Nikolao Pula made recess appointments of Dr. Ianeta Timoteo-Liaina and Afa Roberts to the medical center’s board; their appointments will expire after the next legislative session unless confirmed.

Seabed Mining Lawsuit: Manu‘a chiefs have joined two environmental groups in suing the federal government to stop its planned auction of more than 31 million acres of seabed near American Samoa. The Nov. 19 sale would be the first U.S. deep-sea mining lease auction; plaintiffs challenge the government’s authority to offer the leases. Territorial Status: The United States urged the UN to end its decolonization committee after voting against resolutions on Pacific territories, including American Samoa. The move renews scrutiny of the territory’s unresolved self-determination status. Government Oversight: Senators questioned ASTCA officials about America250 spending, the reported cost-sharing agreement with the Reid Group, and former CEO Chuck Leota’s transition to COO. Congressional Race: Candidates at a local debate opposed seabed mining and discussed protecting the environment, fishing grounds and Pago Pago’s economy. Candidate Samana Semo Ve‘ave‘a, a former government director and Army veteran, has died at 77. Fuel Relief: American Samoa’s farmers and fishermen may qualify for federal diesel-cost aid, with USDA to set payments using fuel-cost data from the territories.

Seabed Mining: Federal officials finalized a Nov. 19 auction of two seabed lease areas off American Samoa, covering more than 31 million acres. A Manu‘a chiefs’ council and two conservation groups have sued to stop the sale, arguing the government lacks authority to lease the waters; local leaders and environmental advocates warn of risks to marine life, culture and livelihoods. Self-Determination: The U.S. called for abolishing the U.N. Decolonization Committee, even as American Samoa and other U.S. territories continue to seek full political rights and self-determination. Political Loss: Samana Semo Ve’ave’a, a former Homeland Security director and congressional candidate, has died at 77. The Army veteran also served as a senior JROTC instructor and Parks and Recreation director. Government Funding: Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula warned that cuts to the Special Programs Budget—from $19.1 million to $9.8 million—could scale back Flag Day events, including the fautasi races, and the government’s Christmas program.

Seabed Mining Showdown: The federal government has finalized plans to auction two seabed leases totaling about 31.4 million acres off American Samoa on Nov. 19. Manu‘a chiefs and conservation groups have sued to stop the sale, arguing the government lacks authority. A lease would allow preliminary work, not immediate mining. Governor Pula has sought a share of future revenues, but the agency says it lacks authority to offer one. Regional Policing: American Samoa’s acting public safety commissioner joined Pacific police chiefs as they launched PACPOL, a regional effort to coordinate action against cross-border crime. Public Service: High Chief Samana Semo Ve’ave’a, a former Homeland Security director and congressional candidate, has died at 77. Government Oversight: ASTCA COO Chuck Leota told senators his move from CEO was part of the governor’s planned leadership changes, not a trade-off. Budget Cuts: Governor Pula warned that Fono reductions to the Special Programs budget could scale back Flag Day events and other community programs.

Seabed Mining: The federal government has set a Nov. 19 auction for leases covering 31.4 million acres off American Samoa. Manu‘a chiefs and two community groups have sued to stop it, arguing the government lacks legal authority to lease the seabed. Governor Pula has sought revenue sharing, but the agency says it lacks authority to provide it. Government Oversight: A preliminary Senate committee report on the $10.1 million ARPA-interest investment alleges the administration previously spent more than $5 million without legislative appropriation and bypassed legal and procurement advice. Healthcare Budget: Pula warned that halving the local Medicaid match could cost the territory more than $9 million in federal funds; lawmakers also cut LBJ Hospital’s subsidy.

Deep-Sea Mining: Manuʻa chiefs and two conservation groups have sued to block the Nov. 19 auction of leases covering about 31 million acres off American Samoa, arguing the federal government lacks authority to sell the seabed. The challenge targets the agency overseeing the sale; a lease would allow preliminary work, not immediate mining. Government Accountability: A Senate committee’s preliminary report on the $10.1 million ARPA-interest investment raises concerns that more than $5 million was spent without Fono approval and questions why the governor bypassed legal and procurement advisers. Budget Cuts: Governor Pula warns cuts to the FY2027 Medicaid match could cost the territory more than $9 million in federal funds; reductions to the Special Programs budget may also affect Flag Day and other community events. Self-Determination: Pacific churches have condemned the U.S. call to end the UN decolonisation committee, which includes American Samoa on its list of non-self-governing territories.

Seabed Mining: The U.S. has finalized a Nov. 19 auction of 31.4 million acres off American Samoa, despite local opposition. Earthjustice and Samoan organizations are suing to block it, arguing the government lacks authority to lease the seabed. A lease would allow preliminary work, not immediate mining; Governor Pulaali’i is also seeking territorial revenue sharing, which federal officials say current law does not authorize. Territorial Status: The U.S. has called for ending the UN decolonization committee, whose list includes American Samoa. Pacific church leaders rejected the proposal, saying island communities must retain a voice in determining their political future. Healthcare Funding: Governor Pulaali’i warned that Fono-approved cuts to Medicaid matching funds and the LBJ hospital subsidy could jeopardize federal funding and essential services; he says the Medicaid reduction alone could cost the territory more than $9 million in federal support.

Seabed Mining: The federal government has taken its final step toward a Nov. 19 auction of leases covering 31.4 million acres off American Samoa. A lease would allow preliminary work, not mining, but local groups warn of risks to marine life and fishing. Gov. Pula is seeking a share of any future revenue; the agency says it lacks authority to provide one. Self-Determination: Pacific churches condemned the U.S. call to end the UN decolonization committee, which includes American Samoa among six Pacific territories on its list. Health Funding: Gov. Pula warned that Fono cuts to the Medicaid match and LBJ hospital subsidy could jeopardize more than $9 million in federal Medicaid funds and strain services. Government Accountability: A Senate preliminary report on the disputed $10 million ASG investment raised concerns about executive oversight; lawmakers say a final report is due by month’s end.

Deep-Sea Mining: The U.S. has set Nov. 19 for its first offshore mineral lease auction, covering 31.5 million acres near American Samoa. The 20-year leases would allow companies to explore for minerals, but not begin mining without further reviews. The governor and local groups oppose the plan, citing risks to marine life and fishing. Self-Determination: The U.S. called for ending the UN’s decolonisation committee, which includes American Samoa among the territories whose political status is under consideration. Pacific churches rejected the call, saying communities must retain a forum to express their views. Investment Oversight: The Senate’s preliminary report on the government’s $10 million investment raised concerns about executive accountability; a final report is expected by month’s end. Governor Pulaalii has asked residents to be patient as officials pursue a deal he says could return $100.1 million to the territory.