AGP Executive Report

Education & STEM: American Samoa Community College held its Fall 2026 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society induction on Sept. 18, welcoming 30+ students and highlighting faculty advisors across Fine Arts, Computer Science, and Math. Community Health Tech: A pediatric ophthalmology team from OHSU is screening about 230 students at Matafao Elementary, with follow-up screenings planned for Manu’a—part of a broader Maternal and Child Health partnership. AI & Language Tech: Salamasina Fuimaono and her team won Best Research Project at AI4LAM for building AI tools that identify low-resource languages in public media archives, including Samoan. Coral Resilience Funding: NFWF awarded $2.1M (with $1.2M in matching support) for coral reef projects in American Samoa and the region, targeting heat-resilient corals and sediment pollution reduction. Ocean Policy & Mining: Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal comments to BOEM opposing commercial deep-sea mineral extraction for now, urging science-first preliminary activities and environmental baselines. Telecom & Digital Economy: The Department of Commerce is set to administer $30M in federal grants for the Le Vasa Google Cable project, aimed at boosting call centers and IT growth. Cyber Safety: A new report warns AI-driven voice scams are increasingly hitting households, with older victims reporting major losses.

Ocean & Policy Legacy: A new piece revisits Congressman Eni Faleomavaega’s long push to understand what’s beneath Pacific waters—now echoed by 2026 talks on a BOEM proposed offshore critical-minerals lease near American Samoa. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula has submitted formal comments to BOEM opposing commercial extraction for now, urging any early steps be science and environmental study first, while Guam and regional leaders warn the risks outweigh speculative gains. Coral Resilience Funding: NFWF announced $2.1 million for coral reef restoration in Florida, Hawai‘i, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, backed by NOAA and Aramco, to test heat-resilient coral approaches and reduce sediment impacts. Reef Monitoring in Action: NOAA scientists completed a major Pacific reef survey effort, diving hundreds of times to track fish, coral, and ocean conditions across remote sites. Health & Data Tech: The American Samoa Department of Health received a CDC grant to expand BRFSS health data collection for equity, supporting better planning for chronic disease prevention. AI & Scams: A report highlights how AI-driven voice scams are fueling major household fraud losses, with older victims hit hardest. Education & Coding: ASCC and local partners continue building tech skills, including a programming course for Grade 6 teachers using CodeHS. Timekeeping Note: Daylight Saving Time still ends Nov. 1, 2026 (2 a.m.), with clocks set back one hour.

NOAA Reef Science: NOAA scientists completed a major Pacific dive survey, logging 1,006 dives and hundreds of fish, coral, and water checks from places including Palmyra, Kingman, and Jarvis to track reef recovery and build 3D seafloor models. Coral Restoration Funding: NFWF awarded $2.1 million (with $1.2 million in matching support) to test heat-resilient coral growth, cut sediment pollution, and restore reef habitat in American Samoa and other U.S. regions. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa’s governor submitted formal comments to BOEM opposing commercial deep-sea extraction for now, urging any early work to stay focused on science and environmental baselines as federal lease steps move toward November. Telecom Connectivity Grants: The U.S. Commerce Department is set to administer $30 million for the Le Vasa Google Cable project, aiming to boost American Samoa’s digital economy and internet access. Vision Screening in Schools: An OHSU pediatric ophthalmology team is in American Samoa for a week-long school vision screening push, starting with about 230 students at Matafao Elementary. AI Research Recognition: Salamasina Fuimaono and her team won Best Research Project for building AI tools to identify low-resource languages in public media archives, including Samoan. Public Health Data Support: The CDC awarded the Department of Health $324,271 for targeted BRFSS data collection to improve health equity planning.

Coral Reef Tech & Funding: NFWF awarded $2.1M to projects in Florida, Hawai‘i, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to test heat-resilient coral growing, cut sediment pollution, and restore reef habitat, with $1.2M in matching funds via the Coral Reef Stewardship Fund. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa and Guam leaders urged the U.S. to slow down deep-sea mining, with Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitting formal BOEM comments saying commercial extraction shouldn’t proceed now and that any early work should be science and environmental study. Local Broadband Buildout: The Department of Commerce is set to administer $30M for the Le Vasa Google Cable, aiming to spur a digital economy and connect unserved/underserved areas. Health Tech in Schools: An OHSU pediatric eye team is screening about 230 students in American Samoa to catch vision problems early, supported by local health and education partners. Cybersecurity & AI Scams: A new report highlights how AI-driven voice scams are draining household accounts, with older victims hit hardest. Fisheries Management: NOAA and the Western Pacific Fishery Council are moving toward updated longline access near Rose Atoll, with rules still under review.

Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa and Guam leaders are urging the U.S. to slow down deep-sea mining plans, warning that commercial extraction is untested and could harm island oceans, fisheries, and communities; American Samoa’s Gov. Pulaali‘i says the territory does not support commercial mining “at this time,” and wants any early steps to be science and environmental study rather than extraction. Broadband & Digital Economy: The American Samoa Telecommunications Authority is set to receive $30 million in federal Commerce grants for the Le Vasa Google Cable project, aiming to expand high-speed internet and spur call-center and IT growth. Health Data for Equity: The Department of Health received a CDC grant ($324,271) to improve health equity through targeted BRFSS data collection. Vision Screening Drive: OHSU’s pediatric eye team is screening about 230 students in Matafao Elementary, then continuing to Manu‘a. Cybercrime Alert: A new report highlights how AI-powered voice scams are draining household accounts, especially targeting older adults. Fisheries Access Update: NOAA and the Western Pacific council are moving toward changes affecting longline fishing around Rose Atoll, with decisions tied to monument-related restrictions. Campus Continuity: ASCC formed an ad hoc committee to manage leadership and operations transition, including tech, finances, facilities, and accreditation.

Deep-Sea Mining Policy: Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula says he won’t ask Interior to pause the Northern Mariana Islands lease sale before the Oct. 19 deadline, pointing to pending lawsuits, while his administration continues preparing formal BOEM comments on American Samoa’s PACM-1 proposal. Local Governance: The American Samoa Community College is setting up an ad hoc presidential transition committee covering academics, student access, finances, facilities, infrastructure and technology. Connectivity Funding: The American Samoa Telecommunications Authority is set to receive $30 million in federal Commerce grants for the Le Vasa Google Cable project, aimed at building a digital economy. Health Tech & Research: An OHSU pediatric ophthalmology team is in American Samoa for a week of school vision screenings, with about 230 students targeted. Public Health Data: The Department of Health received a CDC grant to expand BRFSS data collection for health equity. Cyber Safety: A new report highlights how AI-driven voice scams are fueling large household losses, especially among older victims. Ocean Science & Mapping: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is mapping the Pacific seafloor, with Fiji operations before moving to American Samoa. STEM in Schools: DOE Tech Integration is running an Introduction to Programming course for Grade 6 teachers using CodeHS.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: 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 extraction now and urging any early steps to be science and environmental study first. Local Governance & Tech: ASCC leadership is entering a transition phase, with an ad hoc committee tasked with reviewing operations, finances, facilities, infrastructure and technology, plus accreditation and grants. Broadband & Digital Economy: The DOC is set to administer $30 million in federal grants for the Le Vasa Google Cable, with officials linking the investment to call centers and IT industry growth. Health Tech in Schools: An OHSU pediatric ophthalmology team is screening about 230 students this week with Maternal and Child Health partners, including Lions Club and Medicaid. Fisheries Management: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council backed changes that could expand longline access near Rose Atoll to 12–50 nautical miles once monument-based prohibitions are lifted. Public Health Data: CDC awarded American Samoa $324,271 for BRFSS-based health data collection to advance health equity. Cybersecurity & AI Scams: A new look at FBI fraud reports warns AI voice scams are increasingly hitting household accounts, especially older victims. STEM Education: DOE Technology Integration is running an Introduction to Programming course for Grade 6 teachers using CodeHS.

Deep-Sea Mining: American Samoa Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula says he won’t ask Interior to pause the Northern Mariana Islands lease sale before the Oct. 19 deadline, pointing instead to formal BOEM comments and pending lawsuits; separately, he submitted BOEM’s PACM-1 feedback urging no commercial extraction now and calling for science and environmental baselines first. Broadband & Digital Economy: The Department of Commerce is set to administer $30 million in federal grants for the Le Vasa Google Cable, with funding sources including Treasury, ARPA, and BEAD—aimed at building call centers and IT growth. Education Tech: ASCC leadership is moving through a new presidential transition ad hoc committee, with a review covering academics, student access, finances, facilities, infrastructure and technology. Health Tech: An OHSU pediatric ophthalmology team is screening about 230 students on Tutuila and then moving to Manu‘a as part of a school vision partnership. Cyber Safety: A new report highlights how AI-driven voice scams are hitting households hard, especially older victims—another reason to tighten phone and money verification habits. Fisheries Access: The Western Pacific council backed changes that could expand longline fishing between 12 and 50 nautical miles from Rose Atoll once monument-based prohibitions are lifted, while keeping waters within 12 nm closed. Public Health Data: CDC awarded American Samoa $324,271 for BRFSS-based health equity data collection through 2029. STEM Training: DOE Tech Integration held an “Introduction to Programming” course for Grade 6 teachers using CodeHS.

ASCC Leadership Transition: American Samoa Community College President Ti’alemasunu Dr. Mikaele Etuale has set up an 8-member ad hoc committee to manage the presidential transition, reviewing academics, student access, finances, facilities, tech, HR, accreditation, grants, and partnerships. Broadband Funding for Le Vasa Cable: The American Samoa Telecommunications Authority is set to receive $30M in federal Commerce grants for the Le Vasa Google Cable, with officials citing plans to grow a digital economy via call centers and IT industries. Kids’ Eye Screenings: An OHSU pediatric ophthalmology team is in American Samoa for a week-long school vision screening push, targeting about 230 students and continuing to Manu’a. Health Data for Equity: The Department of Health received a CDC award of $324,271 to expand BRFSS-based health data collection and support health equity through 2029. AI Scam Warning: A new look at FBI fraud reports highlights how AI-linked scams are driving major household losses, especially among older victims. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal BOEM comments opposing commercial deep-sea mineral extraction for now, urging science and environmental baselines first. NOAA Deep-Sea Mapping: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is in Fiji for deep-seafloor mapping before heading to American Samoa for more sonar and remotely operated vehicle surveys. Fisheries Access at Rose Atoll: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is weighing changes that could expand longline fishing access between 12 and 50 nautical miles from Rose Atoll once monument-based prohibitions are removed. STEM for Teachers: The Department of Education Technology Integration is running an Introduction to Programming course for Grade 6 teachers using CodeHS, including AI-focused learning.

AI & Fraud Watch: An American Samoa-focused report warns that AI-powered voice scams are draining household money, citing FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center data showing AI-linked fraud losses reaching hundreds of millions and hitting older victims hardest. Deep-Sea Science First: American Samoa Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal comments to BOEM on the proposed PACM-1 seabed lease, saying commercial extraction should not proceed now and that any early steps must prioritize credible science, environmental baselines, and fisheries protection. BOEM Comment Mystery: BOEM’s Federal Register entry says only one comment was received by a deadline, without naming the author—raising questions about whether it was the Governor’s submission. NOAA Mapping in the Region: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer made its first Fiji visit to map the deep seafloor and is set to head to American Samoa for further deep-ocean mapping using remotely operated vehicle dives to 6,000 meters. STEM in the Classroom: AS Department of Education Technology Integration is running an “Introduction to Programming” course for Grade 6 teachers using CodeHS, bringing coding and AI learning into local training. Marine Careers Pipeline: An ASCC Marine Option student intern is nearing completion of a Hokuala Kai internship with NOAA’s Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center as a marine science technician. DST Reminder: With daylight saving time still scheduled to end Nov. 1, 2026, residents are reminded to “fall back” at 2 a.m. local time unless Congress changes course.

Deep-Sea Mapping in the Pacific: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer docked in Suva for its first Fiji visit, running scientific seafloor mapping with sonars and a remotely operated vehicle that can reach 6,000 meters; after Fiji, it heads to American Samoa, with data planned for public release. Deep-Sea Mining Push Meets Local Caution: Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal comments to BOEM on the proposed PACM-1 lease near Ta‘ū, urging that commercial extraction not proceed now and that any early steps focus on credible science, environmental baselines, and impact studies—while stressing American Samoa’s interests even though the areas are in federal waters. BOEM Comment Timing Question: BOEM says only one comment was received by the deadline but won’t disclose the author or contents yet, leaving residents wondering whether the governor’s submission is the one on record. STEM for Teachers: American Samoa’s Department of Education Technology Integration held an “Introduction to Programming” course for Grade 6 teachers using CodeHS, aiming to build coding and AI-ready classroom skills. Fisheries Management Watch: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s meeting will consider changes affecting American Samoa, including decisions around Rose Atoll access and longline-related rules. Marine Career Pathways: An ASCC Marine Option Program student group heard from a marine biologist connected to coral reef management work, highlighting local routes into marine science.

Deep-Sea Mining Decision: 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, citing major unanswered questions about impacts to deep-ocean ecosystems and local fisheries. STEM in Schools: The American Samoa Department of Education Technology Integration rolled out an “Introduction to Programming” course for Grade 6 teachers using CodeHS, aiming to build coding and computer science skills with an AI-ready K-12 focus. Marine Science Training: Hokuala Kai Intern Christina Ieremia is nearing completion of her internship as a Marine Science Technician Intern with NOAA’s Daniel K. Inouye Regional Center under the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. Fisheries Access Talks: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is set to meet Sept. 15–17 to consider actions affecting American Samoa, including final decisions on the Large Vessel Prohibited Area around Muliāva/Rose Atoll and rules tied to reopened fisheries. NOAA Seafloor Findings: A NOAA expedition exploring deep seabed around American Samoa reported polymetallic nodule fields, with nodules observed up to about 15 cm across, alongside deep-sea life—new data as lease planning moves forward. Harbor Safety Input: PAAS met with the Aunu’u Community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, collecting feedback on safety concerns after the June 2026 extreme tidal event and pushing geotechnical work as the project advances toward later construction bidding.

Marine Science Careers: Christina Ieremia is nearing the end of her Hokuala Kai Internship, working as a Marine Science Technician Intern with NOAA’s Daniel K. Inouye Regional Center under the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. Deep-Sea Research: NOAA’s 2026 American Samoa ROV and Mapping Exploration found a medium-density polymetallic nodule field about 100 miles east of Rose Atoll (around 5,140m) and observed large nodules in the Samoa Basin (about 5,870m), alongside deep-sea life like glass sponges and black corals. Fisheries Management: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council meets Sept. 15–17 to consider actions affecting American Samoa, including final decisions on the Large Vessel Prohibited Area around Muliāva/Rose Atoll and potential turtle-gear review using observer data. Local Infrastructure: PAAS met with the Aunu’u Community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs; the project is in permitting and moving into 65% design with geotechnical work ahead, with community concerns focused on safety after June 2026 tidal surges. Deep-Sea Mining Oversight: American Samoa Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula’s review window for proposed deep-sea mining lease terms is set to end Sept. 15 as BOEM moves toward a potential November lease sale.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch (American Samoa): NOAA reports a polymetallic nodule field off American Samoa, with nodules seen up to ~15 cm during two deep dives—news that lands as the American Samoa governor’s review of the proposed deep-sea mining lease sale nears its Sept. 15 deadline and a potential Nov. lease sale moves forward. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Port Administration of American Samoa met with the Aunu’u Community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, with geotechnical investigations planned during the 65% design phase and construction bidding targeted for Oct. 2027; residents flagged safety concerns after June 2026 extreme tidal surges. Fisheries Management (Rose Atoll): The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Sept. 15–17 meeting will weigh changes to fishing access around Muliāva (Rose Atoll), including whether to keep, exempt, or reduce the large-vessel prohibited area that affects American Samoa longline operations. Territorial Revenue Debate (CNMI): CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds pushes PACMESA for a 50-50 seabed mining revenue split and stronger bonding and consultation rules across Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa. STEM & Public Health (American Samoa): Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata congratulates Dr. Mata’uitafā Temukisa Solomona Fai’ai on her Yale Ph.D. in Chronic Disease Epidemiology, focused on cardiometabolic health among American Samoa adolescents.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch (American Samoa): NOAA’s 2026 ROV and mapping dives found a polymetallic nodule field east of Rose Atoll and in the Samoa Basin, with nodules up to about 15 cm, as the U.S. moves toward a possible deep-sea lease sale and American Samoa’s governor nears the end of a review window for BOEM’s proposed leasing. Local Governance & Infrastructure: PAAS met with the Aunu’u community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, with geotechnical investigations in the 65% design phase and construction bidding expected in October 2027, after June 2026 tidal surges raised safety and erosion concerns. Fisheries Management: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee weighed options for fishing access around Muliāva (Rose Atoll), including how to handle the large-vessel prohibited area and how reopened fisheries should be regulated using observer data. Pacific STEM & Health: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted Dr. Mata’uitafā Temukisa Solomona Fai’ai’s Yale Ph.D. in Chronic Disease Epidemiology, focused on cardiometabolic health among American Samoa adolescents. Maritime Tech & Security: The USCGC Joseph Gerczak completed Operation Blue Pacific patrols, conducting boardings with Pacific partners to counter illegal fishing and protect marine resources. Climate & Rights: A Pacific legal push continues to frame climate action as a justice issue, with Indigenous culture and rights at the center of the argument.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: American Samoa Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula has until Sept. 15 to review and comment on the U.S. proposed deep-sea mining lease sale offshore Taʻū, with BOEM expected to issue a final leasing notice in October and a potential Nov. 19 sale; the plan covers 31+ million acres and targets polymetallic nodules tied to “critical minerals.” CNMI Revenue Push: Northern Marianas Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds is advancing PACMESA, calling for a 50-50 split of seabed mining revenues for host territories, plus bonding and stronger consultation rules across Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa. NOAA Seafloor Mapping: NOAA’s 2026 ROV dives east of Rose Atoll and in the Samoa Basin found medium- to medium-high density polymetallic nodule fields, including nodules up to ~15 cm, alongside deep-sea life such as glass sponges and black corals. Fisheries & Turtle Rules: Western Pacific fishery scientists say any changes to turtle-related gear for American Samoa should rely on observer data to gauge impacts on turtle interactions and catch, noting basin-wide environmental factors can blur before/after comparisons. Harbor Infrastructure Input: PAAS met the Aunu’u Community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, now in permitting and moving into 65% design with geotechnical work; residents stressed safety after June 2026 extreme tides and urged eastern wave absorber repairs. Climate Law Angle: A Pacific-led International Court of Justice climate ruling is being framed as a new tool for communities to push climate action through national courts. Local Tech/Health Spotlight: Yale Ph.D. Dr. Mata’uitafā Temukisa Solomona Fai’ai is highlighted for chronic disease epidemiology research focused on cardiometabolic health among American Samoa adolescents. DST Deadline: Daylight saving time still ends Nov. 1, 2026 at 2 a.m., with clocks “falling back” one hour—Senate action to make it permanent is still pending.