AGP Executive Report

Sports Spotlight: Guam is set to host the inaugural Oceania Volleyball Championships Aug. 3–9, with 16 national teams (including American Samoa) competing at the University of Guam. Community & Culture: American Samoa is welcoming the “Chasing Yesterday” endurance team for a two-marathon challenge, starting with laps at Veterans Memorial Stadium and inviting locals of all ages to join in. Arts for Youth: Boys & Girls Clubs of American Samoa wrapped up its Music Club DIY Ukulele Project, with kits funded through the American Samoa Visitors Bureau “Save the Music” program. Ocean Advocacy: A “Stand with the Moana” shoreline demonstration brought together youth, elders, educators, and fishermen to oppose proposed federal deep-sea mining leases. Local Governance & Safety: The Fagatogo Fire Station has reopened after a Department of Health shutdown over unsanitary conditions, with Tafuna covering the west side while staffing shortages remain a concern. Fashion Feature: CFDA’s “United Flags of Fashion” is reimagining state and territory flags for America’s 250th anniversary, with displays running through Sept. 4.

Local Arts & Community: Boys & Girls Clubs of American Samoa wrapped up its Music Club DIY Ukulele Project, with kits funded by the American Samoa Visitors Bureau’s “Save the Music” program—kids built, decorated, and learned music and craftsmanship, with organizers calling it a boost for creativity, teamwork, and confidence. Heritage & Culture: Manu’atele marked the 122nd Anniversary of the Manu’a Cession Day with church services, fa’afiafiaga, and an ‘ava ceremony at Avaloa Malaetele, featuring U.S., American Samoa, and Manu’a flag-raisings and a keynote from Gov. Pulaaliʻi Nikolao Pulaaliʻi. Sports & Fundraising: The “Chasing Yesterday” endurance team is set to arrive to run a marathon challenge that starts in Samoa and continues in American Samoa—community members can join laps at Veterans Memorial Stadium as the team raises awareness for children affected by alcohol addiction (NACOA). Environment & Activism: “Stand with the Moana” brought youth, elders, educators, and conservation advocates together along the Utulei shoreline to oppose proposed federal deep-sea mining leases, using a peaceful, Pacific-values approach. Public Safety: Fagatogo Fire Station reopened after a Department of Health closure tied to unsanitary conditions, with DSAR noting ongoing staffing shortages and plans for eastern vs. western island coverage. Remembering a Media Leader: Lewis Wolman, longtime publisher/editor of the Samoa News and a major figure in local communications and public service, passed away in Boulder, Colorado. Travel Advisory: Health officials issued guidance on importing food and medications from Samoa, including a strict 10 food-unit limit per traveler and rules requiring medications to be labeled and declared.

Fashion & Culture: The CFDA’s “United Flags of Fashion” is bringing a fresh look to U.S. state flags—including American Samoa—reimagined by American designers at Rockefeller Center, running through Sept. 4. Community Sports & Charity: “Chasing Yesterday” endurance runners are set to arrive in American Samoa to attempt a marathon challenge that crosses the International Date Line, with community members invited to join laps at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Music for Youth: Boys & Girls Clubs of American Samoa wrapped up its DIY Ukulele Project, supported by the American Samoa Visitors Bureau’s “Save the Music” program, giving kids kits to build and personalize instruments. Ocean Stewardship: A “Stand with the Moana” shoreline demonstration drew youth and elders to oppose proposed federal deep-sea mining leases, using Pacific values like flower offerings and a moment of silence. Local News: The Fagatogo Fire Station has reopened after health officials shut it down over unsanitary conditions, with DSAR noting staffing shortages. Travel Advisory: Health officials issued guidance on importing food and medications from Samoa, including a 10 food-unit limit per traveler and personal-use rules.

Robocall Crackdown: American Samoa’s AGs are urging the FCC to tighten “Know Your Customer” rules to stop scammers from getting onto U.S. phone networks and making illegal robocalls. Travel Rules: The Department of Health issued an advisory for travelers bringing food and medications from Samoa—food is limited to 10 personal-use units per person, and meds must be labeled and declared. Fire Safety Update: The Fagatogo Fire Station has reopened after a health shutdown over unsanitary conditions, with the eastern side now covered by Fagatogo and the western side by Tafuna. Ocean Protection & Culture: Youth and community members held a “Stand with the Moana” shoreline demonstration opposing proposed federal deep-sea mining leases in American Samoa waters. Sports & Community: American Samoa is set to welcome the “Chasing Yesterday” endurance team for a two-marathon challenge across the International Date Line, with community members invited to join the runners. Music for Kids: Boys & Girls Clubs of American Samoa wrapped up its DIY ukulele project through the AS Visitors Bureau’s “Save the Music” program, helping kids build instruments and learn creativity and teamwork.

Local Health Advisory: The Department of Health’s Environmental Health Services Division issued a traveler notice on importing food and medications from Samoa, limiting each person to a maximum of 10 total food units (counted by package/container/bottle/jar/can or single individually wrapped item). Items over the limit will be confiscated at the border, and all medications must be labeled and declared for personal use only. Public Safety & Community Services: The Fagatogo Fire Station has reopened after a Department of Health shutdown over unsanitary conditions; it will cover the island’s eastern side while Tafuna handles the west, though officials say staffing shortages could still affect response times. Arts & Youth Music: Boys & Girls Clubs of American Samoa wrapped up its Music Club DIY Ukulele Project through the American Samoa Visitors Bureau “Save the Music” Program, with kids building and personalizing their own instruments while learning creativity and teamwork. Sports & Community Welcome: American Samoa is set to welcome the “Chasing Yesterday” endurance team for a world-first marathon challenge that runs from Samoa into American Samoa, with community members invited to join the runners at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Environment & Culture: A “Stand with the Moana” shoreline demonstration drew youth and community leaders to oppose proposed federal deep-sea mining leases, framing the ocean as home, food, culture, and future.

Tsunami Watch: A 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit southern Japan, triggering a tsunami alert for parts of the region, though officials say there’s no tsunami threat to Hawaii or American Samoa. Fire Safety & Services: The Fagatogo Fire Station has reopened after a Department of Health shutdown over unsanitary conditions, with the station set to cover the island’s east while Tafuna handles the west—though staffing shortages remain a concern. Ocean Protection vs. Deep-Sea Mining: A “Stand with the Moana” shoreline demonstration brought youth, elders, educators, and conservation advocates together to urge federal leaders to stop proposed deep-sea mining leases in American Samoa waters. Community Sports & Awareness: The UK “Chasing Yesterday” endurance team is set to arrive in American Samoa to run a second marathon “back in time” across the International Date Line, raising awareness for children affected by alcohol addiction. Music & Making: Boys & Girls Clubs of American Samoa wrapped up its DIY Ukulele Project through the AS Visitors Bureau’s “Save the Music” program, giving kids kits to build and personalize their own instruments. Heritage Spotlight: Manu’atele marked the 122nd anniversary of Manu’a Cession Day with church services, cultural performances, and official ceremonies.

Space & History: The Spirit revisits the moon landing climax of the space race, highlighting Apollo 11’s dramatic success after a near-miss for the Soviets and the moment Armstrong and Aldrin stepped onto the lunar surface. Community Sports & Charity: American Samoa is set to welcome the “Chasing Yesterday” endurance team for a world-first marathon challenge across the International Date Line to raise awareness for children affected by alcohol addiction, with runners heading straight to Veterans Memorial Stadium for laps and community participation. Ocean Protection (Youth-Led): “Stand with the Moana” drew nearly 80 residents to the Utulei shoreline to oppose proposed federal deep-sea mining leases, using Pacific values—blue attire, flowers for the ocean, and a moment of silence—to center cultural ties to the sea. Arts & Culture: Boys & Girls Clubs of American Samoa wrapped up its “Save the Music” DIY ukulele project, giving kids kits to build and personalize instruments while learning creativity and teamwork. Local Service Update: The Fagatogo Fire Station has reopened after earlier health and safety shutdowns, with DSAR working on an MOU with ASPA to improve fire response and hydrant management.

Space & History: The Spirit revisits the moon landing’s biggest moment, spotlighting Apollo 11’s landing and Armstrong and Aldrin’s first steps on the lunar surface. Human Stories & Safety: A Tonga-linked case of women allegedly taken to China for arranged marriages is now under police investigation, with victims describing being “bought and sold.” Community Sports & Fundraising: American Samoa is set to welcome the “Chasing Yesterday” endurance team for a two-marathon challenge across the International Date Line to raise awareness for children affected by alcohol addiction. Ocean Protection: “Stand with the Moana” drew youth and community leaders to oppose proposed federal deep-sea mining leases, using Pacific values like flowers for the sea and a moment of silence. Arts & Youth Music: Boys & Girls Clubs of American Samoa wrapped up its “Save the Music” DIY ukulele project, giving kids kits to build and personalize instruments. Local Services: Firefighters responded to a blaze behind Pago Pago Elementary School; the Fagatogo Fire Station has reopened after earlier health and safety shutdowns.

Sports & Community Spotlight: American Samoa is set to welcome the “Chasing Yesterday” endurance team for a world-first marathon challenge, with runners heading straight from Pago Pago International Airport to Veterans Memorial Stadium to start laps and inspire support for NACOA. Ocean Protection & Youth Activism: “Stand with the Moana” brought nearly 80 community members to the Utulei shoreline to oppose proposed federal deep-sea mining leases, with youth, elders, educators, and fishermen leading a peaceful, Pacific-values demonstration. Arts & Culture for Kids: Boys & Girls Clubs of American Samoa wrapped up its “Save the Music” DIY ukulele project, giving members kits to build and personalize instruments while learning creativity and teamwork. Heritage in Manu’a: The Manu’atele community marked the 122nd Anniversary of Manu’a Cession Day with church services, an ‘ava ceremony, and cultural performances. Local Public Safety: Firefighters responded to an abandoned house fire behind Pago Pago Elementary School, and the Fagatogo Fire Station has reopened after earlier health and safety shutdowns. Policy & Citizenship Debate: Rep. Morgan Griffith pushed an “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories” bill, arguing Congress can act for U.S. territories after the Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship ruling.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: A proposed Trump-era lease sale for deep-sea mining in federal waters off American Samoa is drawing sharp pushback from local environmental advocates, who warn the ocean is tied to culture, food, and livelihoods. Community & Culture: Manu’atele marked the 122nd Anniversary of Manu’a Cession Day with church services, choirs, an ‘ava ceremony, and heritage performances across Manu’a. Music for Kids: Boys & Girls Clubs of American Samoa wrapped up its “Save the Music” DIY Ukulele Project, handing out kits so members could build, decorate, and learn music and Pacific craft skills. Sports & Charity: American Samoa is set to welcome the “Chasing Yesterday” endurance team for a two-marathon challenge spanning Samoa and American Samoa to raise awareness for children affected by alcohol addiction. Local Safety Update: Firefighters responded to an abandoned house fire near Pago Pago Elementary School, and the Fagatogo Fire Station has reopened after earlier health and safety shutdowns. Policy Spotlight: A U.S. House push to keep daylight saving time year-round is moving to the Senate, with health concerns raised about “springing ahead.”

Moon Landing Throwback: The Spirit revisits the Apollo 11 climax, when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon, raised the U.S. flag, and reported back from “Tranquility Base.” Local Sports & Community: American Samoa is set to welcome the “Chasing Yesterday” endurance team for a two-marathon, International Date Line challenge to support NACOA, with runners heading straight from Pago Pago Airport to Veterans Memorial Stadium for laps and community participation. Ocean Protection in Action: “Stand with the Moana” brought youth, elders, educators, fishermen, and conservation advocates together along the Utulei shoreline to oppose proposed federal deep-sea mining leases. Music & Youth Creativity: Boys & Girls Clubs of American Samoa wrapped up its “Save the Music” DIY ukulele project, giving members kits to build, decorate, and learn music and teamwork. Fire Safety Update: Firefighters responded to a blaze behind Pago Pago Elementary School, and the Fagatogo Fire Station has reopened after earlier health and safety shutdowns. Heritage Spotlight: Manu’atele marked the 122nd Anniversary of Manu’a Cession Day with church services, fa’afiafiaga, and official ceremonies.

Endurance & Community Spotlight: American Samoa is set to welcome the UK-based “Chasing Yesterday” team as they run a marathon in Samoa, then fly to Pago Pago to start a second race “yesterday” at Veterans Memorial Stadium—part of a push to raise awareness for children affected by alcohol addiction (NACOA) and to show visitors the islands’ hospitality. Ocean Protection Push: Youth and community members gathered along the Utulei shoreline for “Stand with the Moana,” a peaceful demonstration urging the U.S. to stop proposed federal deep-sea mining leases, with organizers saying the ocean is tied to culture, food, and future wellbeing. Music & Hands-On Creativity: Boys & Girls Clubs of American Samoa wrapped up its Music Club DIY Ukulele Project through the AS Visitors Bureau’s “Save the Music” program, giving kids kits to build, decorate, and learn music and teamwork. Local Service Update: Firefighters responded to a blaze behind Pago Pago Elementary School; crews contained it before it reached the ECE building, and the Fagatogo Fire Station has reopened after earlier health and safety closure. Heritage in Manu’a: The Manu’atele community marked the 122nd Anniversary of Manu’a Cession Day with church services, choirs, an ‘ava ceremony, and cultural performances. Global Culture Flashback: “As It Appeared in The Spirit” revisits the moon landing, highlighting Apollo 11’s historic touchdown and the moment Armstrong and Aldrin stepped onto the lunar surface.

Endurance & Community: American Samoa is set to welcome the “Chasing Yesterday” team of five runners, who will attempt a world-first marathon challenge across the International Date Line—running a marathon in Samoa, then “back in time” to run a second marathon on the previous day—starting with laps at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Utulei, with locals invited to join in and show off island hospitality. Ocean Protection Protest: “Stand with the Moana” brought nearly 80 community members to the Utulei shoreline to oppose proposed federal deep-sea mining leases, with youth, elders, educators, fishermen, and government staff offering flowers to the ocean and calling for federal leaders to listen to Samoan voices. Music & Youth Creativity: Boys & Girls Clubs of American Samoa wrapped up its Music Club DIY Ukulele Project through the ASVB “Save the Music” Program, giving members kits to build, decorate, and personalize instruments while learning teamwork and creativity. Heritage Spotlight: Manu’atele marked the 122nd Anniversary of Manu’a Cession Day with church services, choirs, an ‘ava ceremony, and cultural performances in Ta’ū. Policy Backdrop: A proposed deep-sea mining lease sale for federal waters off American Samoa is drawing sharp criticism from environmental advocates and scientists.

Deep-Sea Mining: The Trump administration is moving toward the world’s first deep-sea mining lease sale, with a proposed auction for 20 years of mining rights in federal waters off American Samoa—sparking strong pushback from local environmental advocates who warn of irreversible harm to the ocean and Samoan livelihoods. Music & Youth Arts: Boys & Girls Clubs of American Samoa wrapped up its “Save the Music” DIY Ukulele Project, handing out build-and-decorate kits to members and highlighting the program’s focus on creativity, teamwork, and Pacific cultural connection. Manu’a Heritage: Manu’atele marked the 122nd Anniversary of Manu’a Cession Day with church choirs, an ‘ava ceremony, and a full community program honoring the historic signing that shapes American Samoa’s identity. Sports Spotlight: American Samoa native Isaac Sopoaga is featured in a Hawaii News Now profile, reflecting on his path from rugby to the NFL and his Super Bowl experience. Citizenship Politics: Rep. Morgan Griffith renewed the push to end birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, arguing Congress can act differently for territories than for states.

Biotech & Health Spotlight: YD Bio and EG BioMed wrapped up their BIO Asia-Taiwan 2026 showcase in Taiwan, highlighting ophthalmology products and DNA methylation-based cancer detection, plus U.S. market entry support for life science partners. Local Arts & Heritage: The American Samoa Council on Arts, Culture and Humanities is featuring “America 250,” a special exhibition tracing American Samoa’s journey with the U.S., and revisiting the origins of the Jean P. Haydon Museum. Music & Community Events: Hawai‘i’s Finest is bringing Polyfest Kona to the Big Island with Sammy J and Aaradhna on July 24 at KBXtreme, with ticket details and strict venue rules for entry and items. Sports Spotlight: American Samoa native Isaac Sopoaga shared his NFL journey in a HawaiiNewsNow feature, from rugby roots to a Super Bowl and a record-setting NFL Combine showing. Pacific Education & Scholarships: Tower’s 2026 Bachelor of Climate Change scholarships include Samoan recipient Lagi Talalupe, who plans to return home to help tackle climate challenges. Policy Talk (DST): U.S. lawmakers advanced the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent, though American Samoa already observes standard time year-round.

Arts & Culture: The American Samoa Council on Arts, Culture and Humanities is spotlighting “America 250” at the Jean P. Haydon Museum, tracing the territory’s journey with the United States and revisiting the museum’s origins and milestones—from the 1969 gifts display to the 1970 public opening and later renaming in 1974. Local Youth & Education: Tower’s 2026 Bachelor of Climate Change scholarships are backing Pacific students, including Samoa’s Lagi Talalupe, who says limited local resources make climate action harder—and that she wants to return home to help nurture solutions for her community. Sports Spotlight: American Samoa native Isaac Sopoaga is featured in a Hawaii News Now profile, reflecting on his path from rugby to the NFL, his Super Bowl experience, and a record-setting NFL Combine showing. Entertainment Events (Region): Hawai‘i’s Finest is set for Polyfest Kona with Sammy J and Aaradhna at KBXtreme on July 24, with advance and VIP ticket options and strict venue entry rules. Travel & Lifestyle (Region): A wider U.S. debate over making daylight saving time permanent is back in focus, with lawmakers weighing health and travel impacts as the clock-change fight continues.