AGP Executive Report

Territory Voting Rights: A new report highlights how about 3.6 million people in U.S. territories—including American Samoa—can vote in presidential primaries but not the general election, a legacy tied to the Insular Cases. Hawai‘i Screen Success: University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant’s “Voice of the Sea” set a record with 10 Telly Awards, including a Gold Telly for an episode with the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project. AAPI Stories on HBO: HBO Max’s documentary “The A List: 15 Stories from Asian Pacific Diasporas” spotlights Asian American and Pacific Islander experiences, with screenings at major film festivals. American Samoa Spotlight: A local pageant moment made news as Miss American Samoa and the 2026 Bluesky MASI contestants were welcomed at Rock Bottom Steakhouse with live music and a community dinner. Sports & Identity: Tennis player Destanee Aiava switched nationality from Australia to New Zealand, with her American Samoa roots noted. Ocean Protection vs Fishing: Trump’s proclamation opens parts of Papahānaumokuākea and Rose Atoll to commercial fishing, drawing sharp criticism from conservation groups.

Awards & Media: Hawaiʻi Sea Grant’s TV series “Voice of the Sea” just set a record with 10 Telly Awards, including a Gold Telly for its Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project episode. Local Pageantry: Rock Bottom Steakhouse hosted the welcome dinner for Miss American Samoa and the 2026 Bluesky MASI contestants, kicking off the pageant season with live music and good company. Sports Spotlight: American Samoa Softball reappointed Leaupepetele Viliafi Fa’apouli as Head Coach of the U15 Women’s National Softball Team after the team’s strong 10th-place finish at the 2023 WBSC U15 World Cup. Community & Culture: A Samoa Observer report says police in Samoa say they’re not aware of a wanted Sydney murder suspect allegedly hiding in Samoa. Ocean & Environment: Greenpeace USA criticized a Trump proclamation reopening parts of Pacific marine monuments—including Rose Atoll near American Samoa—to commercial fishing, warning it could trigger more legal fights.

AAPI Spotlight: HBO Max’s new doc series The A List: 15 Stories from Asian Pacific Diasporas is now streaming, spotlighting lived experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander figures, with Sandra Oh and Kumail Nanjiani among the voices. Local Sports & Youth: American Samoa Softball reappointed Leaupepetele Viliafi Fa’apouli as U15 Women’s National Softball Head Coach after a strong 10th-place finish at the 2023 WBSC U15 World Cup. Pageantry & Community: Rock Bottom Steakhouse hosted the welcome dinner for Miss American Samoa and the 2026 Bluesky MASI contestants, kicking off the season with food, music, and local support. Ocean Conservation vs. Fishing: U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation reopening parts of the Papahānaumokuākea, Mariana Trench, and Rose Atoll marine monuments to commercial fishing—prompting renewed backlash from conservation groups. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Legal experts warn proposed U.S. deep-sea mining rules are outdated and lack key oversight, as lease activity is eyed for American Samoa and beyond. Regional Media: Hawaiʻi Sea Grant’s Voice of the Sea won 10 Telly Awards, including a Gold Telly for the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project.

World Cup Fever in Vancouver: FIFA’s 2026 rollout is turning the city into a soccer showcase, from Science World’s “soccer ball” transformation to street changes and questions about whether the tournament will leave lasting support for youth soccer. Fa’afafine Tribute: Reports of the suspicious death of Leia Trysiss Ali, a 35-year-old from American Samoa, have sparked attention on her life, her Fa’afafine identity, and her pageant and community ties. Hawaiʻi Sea Grant Wins Big: “Voice of the Sea” earned a record 10 Telly Awards, including a Gold Telly for the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project. Pacific Fishing Rights Clash: President Trump signed a proclamation reopening parts of Papahānaumokuākea, the Mariana Trench, and Rose Atoll to commercial fishing—prompting strong criticism from conservation groups and renewed debate for Pacific communities, including American Samoa. American Samoa Sports & Talent: Leaupepetele Viliafi Fa’apouli was reappointed U15 women’s softball head coach, while Cairah Curran was selected for the American Samoa National Women’s Team aiming for the 2028 Olympics. Pageant Buzz: Rock Bottom Steakhouse hosted the welcome dinner for Miss American Samoa and the 2026 Bluesky MASI contestants.

Pacific Fishing Policy: President Trump signed a proclamation reopening about 500,000 square miles of Pacific marine national monument waters to commercial fishing, including areas near Hawai‘i, American Samoa’s Rose Atoll, and the Mariana Trench monument—an economic push backed by NOAA, but criticized by conservation advocates. Local Sports Spotlight: American Samoa’s softball pipeline keeps growing: Cairah Curran was named to the national women’s team aiming for the 2028 Olympics, and the territory was also awarded the WBSC Oceania 15U Women’s Softball World Cup Qualifier in Tafuna (July 21–24). Football & Film Fun: With the FIFA World Cup 2026 underway, entertainment coverage highlights soccer movies to watch, including Next Goal Wins—the American Samoa team story—and other crowd favorites. Community & Culture: Miss American Samoa and the 2026 Bluesky MASI contestants kicked off the pageant season with a welcome dinner at Rock Bottom Steakhouse, featuring live music and local support. Ocean Futures: A new intern from American Samoa, Jhen Allison Paguiligan Seguiwan, will join Ocean Exploration Trust’s Nautilus expedition to map seafloor between Hawai‘i and Guam.

Pacific Politics & Tourism: President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. hosted Taiwan’s VP Hsiao Bi-khim in Palau, where she kayaked and swam and warned Taiwan is being “weaponized” through tourism. Conservation Dive: Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine took a rare National Geographic Pristine Seas submersible descent off Majuro to spotlight deep-sea ecosystems. Fishing Policy: President Trump restored commercial fishing access to parts of Papahānaumokuākea, the Mariana Trench and Rose Atoll, expanding access to about 500,000 square miles—Rose Atoll includes American Samoa. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: As the U.S. moves toward seabed lease sales (with an August sale slated for American Samoa), experts say rules are outdated and oversight is thin, while local voices demand clearer public transparency. Local Sports & Community: Miss American Samoa and the 2026 Bluesky MASI contestants kicked off with a welcome dinner; plus American Samoa was awarded the WBSC Oceania 15U Women’s Softball World Cup Qualifier in Tafuna (July 21–24). Ocean Justice: More than 400 advocates met in Washington for Upwell 2026, centering territorial experiences from Guam, CNMI, American Samoa and Puerto Rico.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Legal experts warn the U.S. rules for launching commercial deep-sea mining are “bare bones” and could weaken environmental oversight as lease sales are planned, with the first slated for August in American Samoa—while local leaders push for clearer, documented answers on impacts and transparency. Local Sports & Community: The American Samoa National Football Federation hosted an informational dinner to grow international flag football and map a path toward Olympic qualification. Softball Rising Stars: Cairah Curran was selected for the American Samoa National Women’s Team as the territory targets Olympic spots, with the Canada Cup in July 2026. Youth Football: The OFC U19 Men’s Championship qualifiers kick off in Rarotonga with teams including the Cook Islands, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea, all chasing a spot in Samoa this September. World Cup Film Picks: If you’re gearing up for the 2026 World Cup, football movie lists are making the rounds—mixing classics and crowd-pleasers for matchday mood. Coast Guard Update: The Coast Guard’s Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after Operation Blue Pacific, including a port call in American Samoa. Surf Forecast: Expect mixed conditions with showers and evolving south swell energy through the week, with potential for higher surf later.

World Cup Movie Picks: Looking for football vibes ahead of the tournament? A new roundup spotlights 11 soccer films, from Bend It Like Beckham to Shaolin Soccer and Escape to Victory, with a note that documentaries are a whole separate (and excellent) category. Pageant Spotlight: Rock Bottom Steakhouse hosted the welcome dinner for Miss American Samoa and the 2026 Bluesky MASI contestants, kicking off the season with a four-course meal and live music. Local Sports Rising: Cairah Curran was selected for the American Samoa National Women’s Team as it chases Olympic qualification, with the Canada Cup Women’s International Softball Championship next on the calendar. Softball Hosting Win: American Samoa was awarded host country status for the WBSC Oceania 15Under Women’s Softball World Cup Qualifier (July 21–24) at Tony Solaita Field in Tafuna. Football Development: The American Samoa National Football Federation held a dinner promoting international flag football and Olympic pathway planning, featuring keynote speaker Galu Tagovailoa. Coast Guard Return: Coast Guard Cutter Hollyhock wrapped up its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, returning after 42 days and a 7,500-nautical-mile run that included a port call in American Samoa. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Local voices are pushing for clarity and stronger oversight as the U.S. moves toward commercial deep-sea mineral leases, with critics calling current rules “bare bones” for the fast-moving industry.

Sports & Community: American Samoa is set to host the WBSC Oceania 15U Women’s Softball World Cup Qualifier July 21–24 at Tony Solaita Field in Tafuna, a first for the territory and a boost after last year’s strong U15 showing. Youth Football: The ASNFF held an informational dinner to grow international flag football and map a path toward national teams and Olympic qualification. Local Talent Spotlight: Cairah Curran, a Santa Clara standout, was selected for the American Samoa National Women’s Team as it chases Olympic spots, starting with the Canada Cup in July 2026. Regional Football: The OFC U19 Men’s Championship qualifiers kick off in Rarotonga with Cook Islands, Tonga and Papua New Guinea battling for a place in Samoa this September. Ocean & Environment: Deep-sea mining rules are under fire as experts warn U.S. oversight may be outdated, while local voices are asking for clear, documented answers on impacts and transparency ahead of August leasing plans. Coast Guard: The Coast Guard Cutter Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after Operation Blue Pacific, making port calls including American Samoa. Politics & Rights: A debate continues over whether U.S. territories should have full democratic representation, with renewed attention on the Insular Cases and voting limits. Culture & Memory: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata honors Henry Saaga in D-Day and the Battle of Midway commemorations. Weather/Surf: South swell is building with models pointing to elevated surf late week into the weekend, and a larger swell may peak Sunday into Monday.

Deep-Sea Mining Rules Under Fire: As the U.S. moves toward auctioning seabed leases, experts say proposed regulations are outdated and could weaken environmental review and public input. Coast Guard Returns: The crew of Cutter Hollyhock wrapped up Operation Blue Pacific after 42 days and 7,500 nautical miles, making port calls including American Samoa. Music & Rights in the Spotlight: Samoan-Argentine producer Jarom Su’a says his beat was used in Drake’s “Make Them Cry” without credit or payment, calling out how often producers get ripped off. Softball on the Rise: Cairah Curran was selected for the American Samoa National Women’s Team as the territory chases Olympic qualification, with a key Canada Cup event ahead. Local Sports Development: The American Samoa National Football Federation hosted a dinner to push flag football growth and outline a path toward international and Olympic-level competition. Commemoration & Community: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata honored Henry Saaga ahead of D-Day and the Battle of Midway, spotlighting his service and musical legacy. Ocean Exploration Opportunity: American Samoa student Jhen Paguiligan Seguiwan was chosen for a seafloor mapping internship aboard E/V Nautilus. Independence Day Plans: American Samoa’s July 4 celebration is set with cricket, rugby sevens, the Fautasi race, and a Stan Walker-led concert plus fireworks and drones.

Deep-Sea Mining Rules: As the U.S. moves toward commercial deep-sea mineral leases, experts warn proposed federal regulations are outdated and could weaken environmental review and public input. Coast Guard & Pacific Service: The Coast Guard Cutter Hollyhock wrapped up its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, returning to Honolulu after 42 days and more than 7,500 nautical miles, with port calls including American Samoa. Local Sports Pathways: American Samoa’s National Football Federation hosted a dinner to push flag football development and map a route toward international competition and Olympic qualification. Softball Spotlight: Cairah Curran was selected for the American Samoa National Women’s Team as the territory targets Olympic qualification, with the Canada Cup next on the calendar. Baseball/Softball Hosting: American Samoa was awarded the WBSC Oceania 15U Women’s World Cup Qualifier (July 21–24) at Tony Solaita Field in Tafuna. Independence Entertainment: ASTCA and partners announced a big July 4 lineup: women’s cricket, fautasi racing, international 7s rugby, a Stan Walker concert, plus fireworks and a drone show. Music Industry Talk: Samoan-Argentine producer Jarom Su’a says his beat was used by Drake without credit or payment, calling out unfair practices in modern music. Ocean Learning: Local student Jhen Allison Paguiligan Seguiwan was chosen for a seafloor mapping internship aboard E/V Nautilus, mapping new areas between Hawaiʻi and Guam.

Sports & Youth Spotlight: Cairah Curran has been selected for the American Samoa National Women’s Softball Team, putting the territory on the international stage as it chases 2028 Olympic qualification, with Canada Cup action next. Local Football Development: The American Samoa National Football Federation hosted an informational dinner to grow international flag football and map out Olympic pathways, featuring leadership talks from Galu Tagovailoa. International Hosting: American Samoa was awarded the WBSC Oceania 15U Women’s Softball World Cup Qualifier (July 21–24 at Tony Solaita Field), building on recent youth success. Independence Entertainment: ASTCA and partners announced a big July 4 lineup: women’s cricket, the Fautasi race, international 7s rugby, a Stan Walker concert, plus fireworks and a drone show. Community & Culture: A student from American Samoa was selected for a seafloor mapping internship aboard E/V Nautilus, and a local producer story highlights how music credits and payments can get messy. Civic/Policy Watch: A letter urges clarification on proposed commercial deep-sea minerals leases in American Samoa waters, as leaders also push for stronger decolonisation support at the UN.

Olympic Softball Spotlight: Cairah Curran has been selected for the American Samoa National Women’s Team, putting the territory on the international stage as it chases 2028 Olympic spots through events starting in July 2026 in Canada. Youth Sports Momentum: American Samoa has also been named host for the WBSC Oceania 15U Women’s Softball World Cup Qualifier (July 21–24 at Tony Solaita Field), a big step after the U15 team’s strong world showing. Local Football Development: The American Samoa National Football Federation held a dinner to push international flag football and outline a pathway toward global competition and Olympic qualification. Community Independence Energy: ASTCA and partners are gearing up for America’s 250th Independence Day (July 4) with women’s cricket, the Fautasi race, international 7s rugby, and a Stan Walker concert plus fireworks and drones. Ocean & STEAM for the Next Generation: OceaniaCDN’s STEAM Fest 2026 brought hands-on learning, solar challenges, and career booths to families across American Samoa. Heritage & Remembrance: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata honored Henry Saaga in D-Day and Battle of Midway commemorations, spotlighting his service and musical legacy. Music Industry Reality Check: Samoan-Argentine producer Jarom Su’a spoke out about alleged uncredited use of his beat in Drake’s music, calling out how producers can get ripped off.

Softball Spotlight: Cairah Curran has been selected for the American Samoa National Women’s Team, putting the territory on the international stage as the squad chases 2028 Olympic qualification through events starting in July 2026 in Canada. Youth Sports & Hosting: American Samoa has been awarded the WBSC Oceania 15U Women’s Softball World Cup Qualifier (July 21–24 at Tony Solaita Field), a first for the territory and a boost after last year’s strong U15 showing. Flag Football Pathway: The American Samoa National Football Federation hosted a dinner to launch its flag football program, outlining how local athletes can build toward international competition and Olympic qualification. Local Football Development: The American Samoa National Football Federation also held an ASNFF dinner promoting international flag football and a long-term pathway for global play. Ocean STEAM Opportunity: A local student, Jhen Allison Paguiligan Seguiwan, was chosen for an Ocean Exploration Trust internship aboard E/V Nautilus to map seafloor between Hawaiʻi and Guam. Independence Entertainment: ASTCA and partners are lining up a big July 4 celebration with women’s cricket, the Fautasi race, international 7s rugby, and a Stan Walker concert plus fireworks and a drone show. Music Industry Talk: Samoan-Argentine producer Jarom Su’a says his beat was used by Drake without credit or payment, highlighting ongoing issues in music rights. Pacific Church News: Elder Gary E. Stevenson ministered across Australia, New Caledonia, Samoa and American Samoa, sharing a message of God’s love across different communities.

Softball Spotlight: Cairah Curran has been selected for the American Samoa National Women’s Team, putting the territory on the international stage as it chases Olympic qualification for Los Angeles 2028. Flag Football Focus: The American Samoa National Football Federation hosted a dinner to map out a new flag football pathway, with Olympic-style development goals and business/community sponsorship opportunities. Independence Sports & Entertainment: ASTCA and partners are gearing up for America’s 250th Independence Day on July 4 with a packed lineup—women’s cricket, the Fautasi race, international 7s rugby, and a live concert headlined by Stan Walker—ending with a fireworks and drone show. Ocean & STEAM Learning: American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 brought hands-on science and arts activities, while a local student was chosen for an Ocean Exploration Trust expedition aboard E/V Nautilus to map seafloor between Hawaiʻi and Guam. Football on the Horizon: The OFC U19 Men’s Championship qualifiers kick off in Rarotonga, with Cook Islands hosting Tonga and Papua New Guinea as all three chase a spot in Samoa this September. Music Industry Talk: Samoan-Argentine producer Jarom Su’a says his beat was used by Drake without credit or paperwork, highlighting ongoing disputes over recognition and pay in pop music.

Local Sports Spotlight: Cairah Curran has been selected for the American Samoa National Women’s Softball Team as the territory chases 2028 Olympic qualification, with Canada Cup action ahead and Curran’s strong WCC season putting her on the international radar. Youth Football Pathway: The OFC U19 Men’s Championship qualifiers kick off in Rarotonga with Cook Islands hosting Tonga and Papua New Guinea, all chasing a spot in Samoa this September. American Samoa Flag Football Push: The American Samoa National Football Federation held an informational dinner to map out an international flag football pathway, with leadership and athlete development at the center and business partners invited to sponsor the next steps. Softball Hosting Milestone: American Samoa has been awarded the WBSC Oceania 15U Women’s Softball World Cup Qualifier (July 21–24 at Tony Solaita Field), building on recent youth success and facility upgrades. Independence Day Entertainment: ASTCA and partners are lining up a big July 4th celebration with women’s cricket, the Fautasi race, international 7s rugby, and a Stan Walker-led concert plus fireworks and a drone show. Ocean & STEAM for Families: American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 brought hands-on science and art activities, solar challenges, and career exploration to help spark learning and innovation. Music Industry Watch: A Samoan-Argentine producer says his beat was used by Drake without credit or pay, highlighting ongoing disputes over recognition in modern music. Community & Culture: A D-Day and Battle of Midway commemoration honored Henry Saaga, a Utulei-born musician and decorated WWII veteran.