AGP Executive Report

Dengue Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH says a wastewater sample from Hilo tested positive for dengue virus, with a follow-up sample pending and no active cases currently tracked—an early warning that can prompt more monitoring. Local Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced the American Samoa Department of Health received a CDC preventive health block grant for one year (about $87,718) to strengthen public health infrastructure and workforce. Youth Online Safety: A landmark $17.1B multistate settlement with Meta requires new protections for children on Instagram and Facebook, including daily usage limits and nighttime access blocks; American Samoa is listed among participating jurisdictions. Community Prevention Through STEAM: The Foeoletini Foundation’s PITA Jr. Summer Bootcamp wrapped up after three weeks of STEAM learning for ages 10–12, supported in part by ASDOH Behavioral Health. Health & Safety Alerts: DSAR-Fire Department urged residents and businesses to be extra vigilant after two major fires in Nuʻuuli, reminding people to watch cooking, check smoke alarms, and reduce fire hazards around homes and buildings. Health Leadership Loss: The territory mourns Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, longtime LBJ Tropical Medical Center doctor and a pioneer in U.S.-certified medical training for American Samoa. Policy & Preparedness: NWS warns a strengthening El Niño could raise heat, water stress, tropical cyclone risk, and coral bleaching—urging residents to conserve water, stay hydrated, and prepare disaster kits.

Mosquito-borne disease watch: Florida health officials say locally acquired dengue cases are rising, with mosquito-control agencies stepping up surveillance, inspections, and spraying as Tampa Bay and statewide numbers climb. Public health surveillance: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in a Hilo wastewater sample; officials stressed it’s an early warning signal and not proof of active community spread, with no active cases currently tracked. Youth online safety: A landmark $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement over Instagram/Facebook harms requires new child protections like daily time limits, nighttime access blocks, and stronger age verification—American Samoa is included in the agreement. Local health funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced an $87,718 CDC preventive health grant for the American Samoa Department of Health for one year. Community wellness & prevention: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped up its PITA Jr. STEAM bootcamp, built as a prevention strategy to steer youth toward positive, tech-based goals. Health leadership loss: American Samoa mourns Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, longtime LBJ Tropical Medical Center doctor and a pioneering US-certified physician. Food assistance: ASNAP participants will receive a one-time $110 EOY benefit on Sept. 1, due to USDA approval, with benefits expiring Sept. 30.

Mosquito-borne disease watch: Hawaiʻi DOH says a wastewater sample from Hilo tested positive for dengue virus, collected Aug. 24 and reported Aug. 31, with follow-up results pending; officials stress it doesn’t confirm illness or community spread and note all 2026 cases reported so far are travel-related. Local health funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced ASDOH received a one-year CDC preventive health and health services block grant for $87,718 to strengthen public health infrastructure and workforce. Youth online safety settlement: American Samoa is included in a landmark $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement over Instagram/Facebook youth harms; Meta must add child protections like daily usage limits, “productive pauses,” and nighttime access blocks, with American Samoa’s share listed at $1.1 million. Community health education: The Christopher James Foeoletini Ledoux Foundation wrapped its PITA Jr. Summer STEAM Bootcamp, a three-week program aimed at ages 10–12 and tied to behavioral health prevention efforts. Public health climate risk: The National Weather Service warns a strengthening El Niño through early 2027 could bring heat, water shortages, crop and fishery stress, and higher tropical cyclone risk, urging residents to conserve water and prepare emergency plans. Health leadership loss: The territory mourns Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, LBJ Tropical Medical Center’s longest-serving doctor, who died in Honolulu at 80 after a July stroke.

Preventive Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced the American Samoa Department of Health received a one-year CDC preventive health and health services block grant worth $87,718 to strengthen public health infrastructure and workforce. Youth Safety Online: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde says American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from Meta’s landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement over Instagram and Facebook youth harms, with new limits like daily time caps, “Productive Pauses,” and nighttime blocks for children. Dengue Watch via Wastewater: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in a Hilo wastewater sample collected Aug. 24; officials say there are no active cases currently tracked and the result is an early warning to boost awareness and mosquito prevention. Food Assistance Update: DHSS/ASNAP announced USDA approval for a one-time end-of-year $110 benefit per participant, loaded to EBT on Sept. 1, expiring Sept. 30. Community Health & Safety: Search and Rescue’s Fire Department urged residents and businesses to prevent fires after two major blazes in Nuʻuuli, recommending safer cooking habits, smoke-alarm checks, and clearing dry brush. Local Health Leadership Loss: The territory mourns Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, 80, longtime LBJ Tropical Medical Center doctor and a pioneer in U.S.-certified medical training for American Samoa.

Preventive Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced the American Samoa Department of Health received a $87,718 CDC preventive health and health services block grant for one year, supporting local public health infrastructure and workforce. Youth Safety Online: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde says American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from a landmark $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement over Instagram/Facebook youth harms, with new limits like daily time caps, “Productive Pauses,” and nighttime blocks for children. Dengue Watch (Regional): Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in a Hilo wastewater sample; officials say there are no active cases currently tracked and the result is an early warning for monitoring. Food Assistance: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year benefit loaded to EBT cards on Sept. 1, expiring Sept. 30—urging families to prioritize healthy purchases. Local Health Leadership Loss: The territory mourns Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, LBJ Tropical Medical Center’s longest-serving doctor, who died in Honolulu after a July stroke. Climate & Health Prep: The National Weather Service warns a strengthening El Niño could raise heat stress, water shortages, and tropical cyclone risk, urging residents to conserve water, stay hydrated, and prepare disaster plans. Community Safety (Fires): Search & Rescue issued an urgent reminder after two major fires in Nuʻuuli, urging safer cooking habits, smoke alarm checks, and clearing brush and exits.

CDC Funding Boost: Congresswoman Aumua Amata says the American Samoa Department of Health received a $87,718 CDC preventive health and health services block grant for one year, supporting local public health capacity. School Safety & Health: Police arrested two ASCC students after an on-campus fight; no visible injuries were reported and both declined medical help at the scene. Youth Online Safety: AG Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from a landmark $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement, with new limits on teen Instagram/Facebook use and added child-safety features. Dengue Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases currently tracked; officials stress mosquito-bite prevention and early symptom awareness. Local Food Support: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year EBT top-up on Sept. 1, expiring Sept. 30—encouraging healthy food purchases. Fire Prevention Push: Search & Rescue and Fire Department urged residents and businesses to step up safety after two major fires, including smoke-alarm checks, safer cooking habits, and clearing brush and electrical hazards. Community Health Legacy: The territory mourns Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, LBJ Tropical Medical Center’s longest-serving doctor, who died in Honolulu at 80.

CDC Grant for DOH: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata says the American Samoa Department of Health received an $87,718 one-year preventive health and health services block grant through the CDC, aimed at strengthening public health infrastructure and workforce. Youth Safety Online: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate settlement over Instagram and Facebook features alleged to harm children; Meta must add limits like daily time caps and “productive pauses,” plus nighttime access blocks. Dengue Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases currently tracked; officials say wastewater can act as an early warning, and travelers should protect against mosquito bites. Local Health & Food Support: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year EBT top-up on Sept. 1, funded by unspent federal funds, with benefits expiring Sept. 30. Community Health Education: Intersections, Inc. completed ACCESS, a consent and safety program for students needing special education support, delivered with DOH Maternal and Child Health and education partners. Public Safety: DSAR urged fire prevention after two major Nuʻuuli fires, reminding residents to watch cooking, clear exits, and keep smoke alarms working.

CDC Grant for DOH: Congresswoman Aumua Amata says the American Samoa Department of Health received a $87,718 CDC preventive health and health services block grant for one year, supporting the territory’s public health infrastructure and workforce. Dengue Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in a Hilo wastewater sample collected Aug. 24; officials say there are no active cases being tracked and the result is an early warning for monitoring, with dengue risk also noted for Pacific islands including American Samoa. Meta Youth Safety Money: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate settlement over Instagram/Facebook harms to children, with required safety changes like daily time limits and nighttime blocks. Food Assistance Update: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year benefit on Sept. 1 via EBT, but all benefits must be used by Sept. 30. Community Health Education: Intersections, Inc. finished the ACCESS program on consent and personal safety for 26 special-needs students, delivered with DOH Maternal and Child Health and school partners. Local Safety Alerts: DSAR urged residents and businesses to prevent fires after two major blazes in Nuʻuuli, stressing smoke-alarm checks, safe cooking, and clearing dry brush. Health Leadership Loss: The territory mourns Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, LBJ Tropical Medical Center’s longest-serving doctor, who died in Honolulu at age 80.

Big Tech & Youth Safety: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced a landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta over alleged harms to children on Instagram and Facebook; American Samoa will receive $1.1 million, and Meta must add child-focused protections including hard daily time limits with “Productive Pauses,” nighttime blocks from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m., and limits on school-time access. Public Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in a wastewater sample from Hilo collected Aug. 24; officials say there are no active dengue cases being tracked in Hawaiʻi County and stress wastewater results don’t confirm illness or community spread, but can act as an early warning. Climate & Preparedness: The National Weather Service warned a strong El Niño is likely to strengthen through late 2026 into early 2027, urging residents to conserve water, stay hydrated, update emergency plans, and watch for heat and storm impacts. Local Health Services: Samoa’s health ministry suspended two Assistant Chief Executive Officers and a senior official over allegations involving the sale of oxygen gas cylinders to emergency services, amid concerns about hospital oxygen shortages. Food Assistance: DHSS said ASNAP participants will receive a one-time $110 end-of-year benefit loaded to EBT on Sept. 1, expiring Sept. 30.

Dengue Alert: Hawaiʻi DOH says a wastewater sample from Hilo tested positive for dengue virus, collected Aug. 24 and reported Aug. 31, with a follow-up sample pending; officials stress it doesn’t confirm illness or community spread and note dengue cases reported in Hawaiʻi this year are travel-related, with the virus a year-round risk across parts of the tropics including Pacific islands such as American Samoa. Youth Online Safety: American Samoa is included in a landmark $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement over alleged harms to children on Instagram and Facebook; the territory will receive $1.1 million and Meta must add safety features like daily time limits and “Productive Pauses.” Food Assistance Update: DHSS says USDA approved a one-time end-of-year ASNAP payment—an extra $110 per participant loaded onto EBT on Sept. 1—usable before Sept. 30. Local Health Leadership Loss: American Samoa mourns Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, LBJ Tropical Medical Center’s longest-serving doctor, who died in Honolulu after a July stroke. Fire Safety Push: Search & Rescue urged residents to take proactive steps after multiple major fires in Nuʻuuli, including checking smoke alarms and reducing fire hazards around homes and businesses.

Dengue Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH says a wastewater sample from Hilo tested positive for dengue virus, collected Aug. 24 and reported Aug. 31, with a follow-up sample pending; officials say there are no active dengue cases being tracked and all known cases this year are travel-related, but the result is meant as an early warning to boost mosquito-bite prevention. Youth Online Safety: American Samoa is included in a landmark $17.1B multistate Meta settlement over alleged harms to children; the territory will receive $1.1M and Meta must add new limits and safety features for Instagram and Facebook. Food Assistance: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year benefit loaded on EBT on Sept. 1, expiring Sept. 30—so families are urged to use benefits for healthier food choices before midnight. Maternal & Child Health Education: Intersections, Inc. completed the first ACCESS program for special needs students, teaching consent, boundaries, safety, and decision-making with support from DHSS and the Department of Education. Fire Safety Reminder: DSAR-Fire Department issued an urgent call for residents and businesses to prevent fires after multiple major blazes in Nuʻuuli, urging safer cooking habits, smoke-alarm checks, clear exits, and removing dry brush. Community Health Legacy: American Samoa mourns Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, described as the territory’s first US-certified doctor and a longtime LBJ Tropical Medical Center physician.

Dengue Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH says a wastewater sample from Hilo tested positive for dengue virus, collected Aug. 24 and reported Aug. 31, with a follow-up sample pending; DOH notes it doesn’t confirm illness or community spread and says cases so far are travel-related, urging mosquito-bite prevention by removing standing water. Youth Online Safety: American Samoa is included in a landmark $17.1B multistate Meta settlement over alleged teen social media harms; the deal requires new limits and safety features for Instagram and Facebook, with American Samoa set to receive $1.1 million. Maternal Health Funding: American Samoa’s DOH received a $295,000 CDC grant to prevent maternal mortality and strengthen maternal health systems. Food Assistance Update: DHSS/ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year benefit loaded to EBT on Sept. 1, expiring Sept. 30—use it by midnight. Local Health Leadership Loss: The territory mourns Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, LBJ Tropical Medical Center’s longest-serving doctor, who died at age 80 after a July stroke. Climate Risk Prep: The National Weather Service warns a strengthening El Niño could bring heat, water shortages, crop and fishery stress, and higher tropical cyclone risk, urging residents to conserve water and prepare emergency plans.

Meta Youth Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1 billion in a multistate deal over claims Instagram and Facebook were designed to be addictive and harmed children’s mental health; American Samoa is set to receive $1.1 million, and Meta must add new safeguards like hard daily time limits, “Productive Pauses,” nighttime blocks, stronger age checks, and tighter age-appropriate content controls. Maternal Health Funding: The American Samoa Department of Health received a $295,000 CDC grant to help prevent maternal mortality and strengthen maternal and infant health services. Food Assistance Update: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year benefit loaded to EBT cards on Sept. 1, expiring Sept. 30—residents are urged to use benefits on healthy foods before the deadline. Oxygen Shortage Allegations: Samoa’s health ministry suspended two Health ACEOs over allegations they sold oxygen cylinders to FESA, which officials say may have contributed to hospital oxygen shortages. Disaster Preparedness: The National Weather Service warns a strengthening El Niño could bring heat, water stress, crop and fish impacts, higher cyclone risk, and coral bleaching—residents are urged to conserve water and update emergency plans. Fire Safety: Search & Rescue urged proactive steps after multiple fires in Nu’uuli, including safer cooking habits, smoke-alarm checks, clear exits, and reducing dry brush around homes and businesses.

Meta Youth-Safety Settlement: American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from Meta’s landmark $17.1 billion multistate deal, with new rules for Instagram and Facebook aimed at reducing teen addiction and mental harms, including daily time limits, “Productive Pauses,” nighttime blocks, and stronger age checks. Maternal Health Funding: American Samoa’s Department of Health received a $295,000 CDC grant to help prevent maternal mortality and strengthen maternal and infant health systems. Oxygen Shortage Probe: Two Assistant Chief Executive Officers and a senior health official were suspended over allegations they sold oxygen gas cylinders to the Fire & Emergency Services Authority, which officials say contributed to hospital oxygen shortages. Food Assistance Update: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year benefit loaded onto EBT cards on Sept. 1, expiring Sept. 30. Fire Safety Push: Search & Rescue and Fire Department urged residents and businesses to prevent more fires after a spate of incidents in Nu’uuli, including safer cooking habits, smoke-alarm checks, and clearing exits and brush. Sexual Risk Education: Intersections completed the first ACCESS program for special needs students, teaching consent, boundaries, safety, and decision-making with parent participation. Violence Report: A man was arrested after allegedly assaulting his wife with punches and a plastic chair, with charges including assault and private peace disturbance.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from Meta’s landmark $17.1 billion multistate deal, with new rules aimed at reducing Instagram and Facebook harms to children—like daily time limits, “Productive Pauses,” nighttime blocks, tighter age checks, and stronger parental controls. Local Health Administration: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year benefit loaded on EBT cards on Sept. 1, but all benefits must be used by Sept. 30. Hospital Oxygen Crisis: Two Health ACEOs were suspended over alleged theft of oxygen gas cylinders sold to FESA, which officials say contributed to oxygen shortages at the national hospital. Injury Prevention & Safety: Search and Rescue urged residents after a spate of fires in Nu’uuli, warning about cooking safety, smoke alarms, unplugging appliances, and clearing exits and brush around buildings. Maternal Health Funding: Congresswoman Amata announced a $295,000 CDC grant to support efforts to prevent maternal mortality and strengthen maternal health services in American Samoa. Community Education: Intersections completed the first ACCESS program for special-needs students, teaching consent, boundaries, safety, and healthy relationships with parent involvement. Fire Update: A Nu’uuli house fire sent one person to hospital and marked the fourth major fire in the territory this month.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: American Samoa will receive $1.1 million from a landmark $17.1 billion multistate deal, with Meta required to add major safeguards on Instagram and Facebook for kids and teens, including daily time limits and “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, stronger age checks, and tighter controls on harmful content. Maternal Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced a $295,000 CDC grant to the American Samoa Department of Health to prevent maternal mortality and strengthen maternal health services. Oxygen Shortage Probe: Two Health ACEOs were suspended amid allegations they sold oxygen gas cylinders to the Fire & Emergency Services Authority, with officials linking the issue to hospital oxygen shortages while a Public Service Commission investigation continues. Fire Safety Push: After multiple fires in Nuʻuuli, Search & Rescue urged residents and businesses to prevent accidents—watch cooking, check smoke alarms monthly, keep exits clear, avoid overloaded circuits, and remove dry brush. Local Fire Incident: A house fire in Nu’uuli sent one person to the hospital and marked the fourth major fire in American Samoa this month. ACCESS Program for Special Needs Students: Intersections completed its first ACCESS program, teaching consent, boundaries, safety, and decision-making to 26 special needs students with parent involvement. Food Assistance Update: DHSS says ASNAP participants will get a one-time $110 end-of-year benefit on Sept. 1 via EBT, expiring Sept. 30, and urges families to use benefits for healthier foods.