AGP Executive Report

Youth Online Safety: Meta reached a landmark multistate settlement with 47 states plus D.C. and U.S. territories, agreeing to pay up to $17.1–$18 billion over 10 years and make sweeping changes to Facebook and Instagram after claims the platforms were built to be addictive and harmed teens’ mental health. New Teen Rules: The deal would set a default two-hour daily limit across the apps, add overnight blocks (midnight/10 p.m. to early morning), reduce or disable school-hour notifications, strengthen age checks, and expand parental controls and protections against harmful content. Local Impact for American Samoa: The settlement includes American Samoa, with the terms requiring safety reforms for youth accounts. Still Pending: Meta denies wrongdoing and the agreement is subject to court approval, while other lawsuits against social media companies continue. Other Health-Adjacent News: Conservation groups also challenged a proposed deep-sea mining sale near American Samoa, arguing endangered species reviews were inadequate—an issue tied to long-term ocean health and community wellbeing.

School Health Prep: American Samoa’s Department of Education and Department of Health finished the Tautua Wellness Initiative, with teams inspecting, cleaning, painting, and making repairs so campuses are ready for the new school year. Food Safety Update: Governor Pulaali’i signed an executive order making the FDA Model Food Code the official retail food safety reference, with enforcement starting four months later after outreach and training for restaurants, markets, and food vendors. Medicaid Access: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata’s office met with CMS to discuss Medicaid services and priorities, highlighting recent federal improvements like a higher FMAP and urging continued support for local health care needs. Ocean Health & Risk: Earthjustice sued the U.S. government to stop deep-sea mining lease plans off American Samoa, arguing the process must follow federal environmental protections and not harm critical habitats. Dengue Watch (Regional): Hawaii reported another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu (total seven in 2026), reminding residents to remove standing water—especially after Tropical Cyclone Lala flooding—to reduce mosquito breeding. Local Safety (Police Reports): Police charged multiple people in separate domestic disturbance cases across Tutuila and Manu’a, including alleged assaults involving machetes and incidents involving intoxication, with defendants held without bail.

Health Services & Safety: American Samoa’s Department of Health is adopting the FDA Model Food Code as the official retail food safety reference, with an immediate start for the executive order and a four-month education period before enforcement begins—aimed at preventing foodborne illness and modernizing inspections. Local Health System: Samoa’s Moto’otua Hospital oxygen shortage that reportedly delayed surgeries (including cancer and kidney cases) was resolved after oxygen supplies arrived from American Samoa by patrol vessel, with officials saying the hospital is “OK” but previously had “not enough.” Public Health Alerts: Hawaiʻi DOH confirmed another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, bringing the state total to seven in 2026; officials say local transmission risk is low but urge residents to eliminate standing water, especially after Tropical Cyclone Lala flooding. Community Health & Care Access: A new primer explains how Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services for Older Adults can help people stay at home with needed support—highlighting barriers for low-income seniors and people facing discrimination. Policy & Oversight: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata’s office met CMS to discuss Medicaid services and travel-related needs, noting major FMAP gains but stressing ongoing access challenges tied to geography and population size. Environment Linked to Health: A federal lawsuit seeks to stop U.S. deep-sea mining lease plans around American Samoa, arguing the government must follow the Endangered Species Act and protect critical ocean habitats.

Food Safety Update: American Samoa Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula signed an executive order making the FDA Model Food Code the official retail food safety reference, with enforcement starting in about four months after a public outreach and business training period. Public Health Risk—Mosquitoes & Dengue: Hawaiʻi DOH reported another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, bringing the state total to seven in 2026; officials say local spread risk is low but urge residents to eliminate standing water, especially after Tropical Cyclone Lala flooding. Care Access—Oxygen Supply Fix: Samoa’s Moto’otua Hospital oxygen shortage that reportedly led to cancelled surgeries (including breast cancer and kidney procedures) was resolved after oxygen supplies arrived from American Samoa by patrol vessel. Medicaid & Services: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata’s office met with CMS to discuss Medicaid priorities for American Samoa, including travel and service needs, highlighting ongoing health care access challenges. Ocean Health & Community Concerns: Earthjustice sued the U.S. government to stop deep-sea mining lease plans around American Samoa, arguing federal agencies must follow the Endangered Species Act and protect critical habitats. Infrastructure for Health: EPA awarded $800,000 to American Samoa’s Department of Public Works to build a territory-wide stormwater asset inventory and GIS mapping to improve water quality and public health.

Renewable Energy & Health Costs: A new UNSW Sydney study says fossil fuel imports are draining Pacific economies—costing 10–25% of output—and notes health spending averages about 6%, while switching from diesel could cut costs and fund the transition within a decade. Medicaid Access for Older Adults: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted recent CMS engagement and major Medicaid reforms that boosted American Samoa’s FMAP to 83%, pushing for services to reach people who need them most. Deep-Sea Mining Health & Ocean Risk: Earthjustice sued the U.S. to stop proposed seabed water auctions around American Samoa, arguing the process may violate federal protections and threaten habitats tied to food and community health. Dengue Prevention Reminder (Hawai‘i): Hawai‘i DOH reported another travel-related dengue case on O‘ahu (7 total in 2026) and urged residents to eliminate standing water, especially after Tropical Cyclone Lala flooding. Oxygen Supply Disruption (Samoa): Samoa’s Moto’otua Hospital faced low oxygen that reportedly delayed surgeries, but officials said supplies arrived from American Samoa and the issue was resolved. Local Safety & Public Health: An EPA grant will fund American Samoa’s first territory-wide stormwater asset inventory and GIS mapping to improve water quality and public health. Community Violence & Care Needs: Police reports detail multiple domestic disputes and assaults, including cases involving threats and alleged violence toward partners and family members.

Medicaid & Care Access: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata’s office met with U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services officials to discuss Medicaid services and travel needs for American Samoa, highlighting major federal funding boosts and urging CMS to keep closing gaps in care. Deep-Sea Mining Health & Environment: A legal challenge by Earthjustice asks a judge to stop U.S. plans to auction seabed areas around American Samoa for deep-sea mining, arguing the government must follow the Endangered Species Act and protect critical habitats. Local Health System Pressure: Samoa’s Moto’otua Hospital faced an oxygen shortage that reportedly delayed surgeries, including cancer and kidney procedures, but officials said supplies arrived from American Samoa and the situation was resolved. Mosquito-Borne Disease Watch: Hawaiʻi reported another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu (its 7th in 2026), with health teams inspecting mosquito control and urging residents to remove standing water. Public Health Infrastructure: The U.S. EPA awarded $800,000 to American Samoa’s Department of Public Works to build a territory-wide stormwater inventory and planning tools to protect public health and water quality. Community Safety & Violence: Local police reports include domestic dispute and alleged assault cases, with suspects held without bail.

Medicaid & Aging Care: A new primer explains why many older adults can’t choose to live at home—citing disability rates, functional limits, and how low income and discrimination can block access to home and community-based services. Medicaid Oversight: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata says her office met CMS to push for Medicaid support reaching people on the ground, highlighting past funding boosts and ongoing service gaps. Dengue Watch (Hawaiʻi): Hawaiʻi DOH confirmed another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, bringing 2026 totals to seven; officials urge residents to cut standing water, especially after Tropical Cyclone Lala flooding. Hospital Oxygen Strain (Samoa): Reports say Moto’otua Hospital faced low oxygen that delayed surgeries, including cancer and kidney procedures, before supplies arrived from American Samoa. Deep-Sea Mining & Health Risks: Earthjustice sued the U.S. to stop plans to auction seabed areas around American Samoa for mining, arguing federal agencies must follow the Endangered Species Act and protect habitats; local faith and political leaders also renewed opposition. Public Health Infrastructure: EPA awarded $800,000 to American Samoa DPW for a territory-wide stormwater asset inventory and planning tools aimed at protecting public health and water quality.

Medicaid & Aging Care: A new primer explains why many older adults can’t choose to “age in place” even when they want to, pointing to gaps in home and community-based services (HCBS) and the extra barriers faced by people with disabilities, low income, and marginalized communities. Deep-Sea Mining Health & Environment: Earthjustice sued the U.S. government to stop plans to auction large areas of water around American Samoa for deep-sea mining, arguing the process must follow the Endangered Species Act and protect critical ocean habitats. Oxygen Supply Disruption (Neighboring Samoa): Samoa’s hospital oxygen shortage that reportedly delayed surgeries, including cancer and kidney procedures, was said to be resolved after oxygen arrived from American Samoa. Dengue Watch (Hawai‘i): Hawai‘i DOH reported another travel-related dengue case on O‘ahu, bringing 2026 totals to seven, and urged residents to eliminate standing water—especially after Tropical Cyclone Lala flooding. Public Health Infrastructure: EPA awarded $800,000 to American Samoa DPW to build a territory-wide stormwater asset inventory and mapping system to improve water quality and public health.

Medicaid & care access: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata met CMS officials to discuss Medicaid services and travel needs for American Samoa, highlighting a major boost in federal Medicaid dollars and FMAP, while urging continued support so improvements reach people who need care most. Deep-sea mining health & environment risk: Earthjustice sued the U.S. government to stop planned seabed mining lease auctions around American Samoa, arguing the process must follow the Endangered Species Act and protect critical habitats; faith and community leaders also renewed opposition to industrial ocean extraction. Oxygen supply disruption (regional health): Samoa’s main hospital faced low oxygen that reportedly delayed surgeries, including cancer and kidney procedures, but officials said supplies arrived from American Samoa and operations could resume. Dengue watch (regional public health): Hawai‘i DOH reported another travel-related dengue case on O‘ahu (7 total in 2026), reminding residents to cut standing water and support mosquito control, especially after flooding. Local safety & health impacts: Police charged suspects in two separate domestic-violence incidents, including one involving a 14-year-old who called 911 after alleged threats toward his mother. Infrastructure for safer streets: A Senate hearing continued over raised crosswalks and road signs, with a senator questioning whether the installations meet legal traffic-control requirements. Stormwater & water quality funding: EPA awarded DPW $800,000 to build a territory-wide stormwater inventory and planning tools to improve water quality and public health.

Medicaid & care access: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata met CMS officials to push for stronger Medicaid services in American Samoa, citing a major boost in federal funding and FMAP while warning that results must reach people who need care most. Deep-sea mining health & ocean risk: Earthjustice sued the U.S. government to stop plans to auction seabed areas around American Samoa for potential mining, arguing the process must follow the Endangered Species Act and protect habitats; local faith and community leaders also voiced opposition, saying the ocean is tied to food, livelihoods, and wellbeing. Oxygen supply disruption (Samoa): Samoa’s Moto’otua Hospital faced low oxygen that reportedly led to cancelled surgeries, including cancer and kidney procedures; the issue was later resolved after oxygen arrived from American Samoa. Dengue alert (Hawai‘i): Hawai‘i DOH reported another travel-related dengue case on O‘ahu (7 total in 2026), urging residents to remove standing water, especially after Tropical Cyclone Lala flooding. Public health infrastructure: EPA awarded DPW $800,000 for American Samoa’s first territory-wide stormwater asset inventory and mapping to improve water quality and public health resilience. Community safety cases: Local police reported domestic-violence-related arrests, including a dispute that escalated into assault and another case where a teen called 911 after threats toward his mother.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Earthjustice sued the U.S. government to stop Trump-era plans to auction seabed areas around American Samoa for potential deep-sea mining, arguing the process violates federal law and could harm critical ocean habitats. Oxygen Supply Glitch: Samoa’s Moto’otua Hospital faced low oxygen that reportedly led to canceled surgeries, but Samoa’s Health Ministry says supplies arrived from American Samoa and the issue is resolved. Dengue Watch in the Region: Hawaiʻi DOH confirmed another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, bringing 2026 totals to seven; officials urged residents to remove standing water, especially after Tropical Cyclone Lala flooding. Local Health & Infrastructure Support: The U.S. EPA awarded $800,000 to American Samoa’s Department of Public Works to build a territory-wide stormwater inventory and planning tools aimed at improving water quality and public health. Community Health Education: Leo o Aiga Health Information Center highlighted resources for families supporting people with developmental disabilities, including body safety and reporting inappropriate sexual behavior. Public Safety & Health Services: A Manu’a Store fire in Tafuna destroyed the building; officials reported no confirmed injuries and the cause is still under review.

Deep-Sea Mining Legal Fight: Earthjustice sued the U.S. government to stop Trump-era plans to auction deep-sea mining leases tied to waters around American Samoa, arguing the process violates federal law and could harm critical ocean habitat. Oxygen Supply at Samoa Hospital: Samoa’s Health Ministry says an oxygen shortage at Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital was resolved after supplies arrived from American Samoa, after reports of surgery cancellations raised patient concerns. Local Court Case: Two men were held without bail after members of Vailoa aumaga allegedly assaulted people during a village curfew dispute, with charges including assault and public peace disturbance. Manu‘a Land Meeting Delayed: An Atu‘u land trusteeship meeting was moved to September after too few matai attended, with officials saying key orators must be present for decisions to move forward. Dengue Alert in Hawai‘i: Hawai‘i DOH reported another travel-related dengue case on O‘ahu and urged residents to remove standing water, especially after Tropical Cyclone Lala flooding. Public Health & Infrastructure Funding: EPA awarded DPW $800,000 to build American Samoa’s first territory-wide stormwater asset inventory and GIS mapping to improve water quality and public health. Community Health Education: Leo o Aiga Health Information Center highlighted resources for families supporting people with developmental disabilities, including body safety and reporting inappropriate sexual behavior. Wellness in Schools: The DOE’s Tautua Wellness Program is preparing classrooms and campuses for the new school year, citing repairs and cleanups tied to health department findings.

Hospital Care: Samoa’s main Moto’otua Hospital said an oxygen supply problem that led to cancelled surgeries (including breast cancer and kidney procedures) has been resolved after more oxygen arrived from American Samoa. Public Health Alerts: Hawaiʻi DOH reported a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, bringing 2026 totals to seven; officials urged residents to cut standing water, especially after Tropical Cyclone Lala flooding. Ocean Health & Safety: A U.S. legal challenge filed by Earthjustice seeks to stop Trump administration plans to auction large areas of water around American Samoa for deep-sea mining, arguing federal reviews didn’t properly protect critical habitat and endangered species. Local Health Infrastructure: American Samoa DPW received an $800,000 EPA grant to build the territory’s first stormwater asset inventory and GIS mapping to improve water quality and public health. Community Wellness: American Samoa’s Veterans Team, Toa o Samoa, returned with nine medals from the National Golden Age Games, highlighting fitness and wellness for older veterans.

Oxygen Supply Fix: Samoa’s main Moto’otua Hospital (Tupua Tamasese Meaole) had to cancel critical surgeries after running low on oxygen, but the Health Ministry says supplies arrived from American Samoa and the issue is resolved. Dengue Alert (Hawaii): Hawaii DOH confirmed another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, bringing 2026 totals to seven; officials urged residents to remove standing water, especially after Tropical Cyclone Lala flooding. Deep-Sea Mining vs Health & Oceans: Earthjustice sued the U.S. government to stop plans to auction seabed areas around American Samoa for deep-sea mining, arguing federal agencies must better protect habitats and endangered species. Stormwater for Public Health: EPA awarded DPW $800,000 to build American Samoa’s first territory-wide stormwater asset inventory and GIS mapping to improve water quality and resilience. Community Health & Safety: A major fire destroyed the Manu’a Store building in Tafuna; no injuries were confirmed and the cause is still under review.

Hospital Care: Samoa’s main Moto’otua Hospital faced a temporary oxygen shortage that reportedly led to cancelled surgeries, including cancer and kidney procedures, but the Health Ministry says the issue is resolved after oxygen supplies arrived from American Samoa. Public Health: Hawaiʻi DOH confirmed another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, bringing the state total to seven in 2026; officials stress mosquito control and removing standing water, especially after Tropical Cyclone Lala flooding. Ocean Health & Safety: A U.S. legal challenge is underway to stop plans to auction large areas of water around American Samoa for deep-sea mining, with Earthjustice asking the court to require compliance with federal protections for habitats and endangered species. Water Quality & Infrastructure: EPA awarded DPW $800,000 to build American Samoa’s first territory-wide stormwater asset inventory and GIS mapping to improve stormwater planning and protect public health. Community Health & Prevention: A new Leo o Aiga Health Information Center focuses on safeguarding children and supporting families of people with developmental disabilities, including guidance on boundaries and reporting abuse. School Wellness: American Samoa’s DOE Tautua Wellness Program is preparing classrooms and campuses for the Aug. 24 school year, including repairs and cleanup tied to prior Department of Health findings.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: A U.S. lawsuit by Earthjustice asks a judge to stop Trump-era plans to auction seabed areas around American Samoa for potential deep-sea mining, arguing the government must follow the Endangered Species Act and protect critical habitats. Ocean Stewardship Push: A new video highlights the deep-sea mining crisis in U.S. Pacific territories and features voices from American Samoa, calling it “resource colonialism” and urging real community consent. Dengue Alert (Neighboring Hawaii): Hawaii DOH reported a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, bringing 2026 totals to seven; officials say local transmission risk is low but urge residents to remove standing water, especially after Tropical Cyclone Lala flooding. Stormwater Funding: American Samoa’s Department of Public Works received an $800,000 EPA grant to build a territory-wide stormwater inventory and planning tools to improve water quality and public health. Community Health & Safety: A major fire destroyed the Manu’a Store building in Tafuna; no injuries were confirmed and the cause is still under review. Public Health Workforce: EPIC’s AmeriCorps VISTA program was approved to add three members supporting workforce development and community capacity across American Samoa. Health Education Spotlight: A local student won first place at the HOSA-Future Health Professionals competition, bringing attention to health career pathways.