AGP Executive Report

Travel Health: Hawaiʻi’s 10th dengue case of 2026 was linked to travel in the Pacific; dengue is a year-round risk in American Samoa, so visitors should take steps to avoid mosquito bites. Regional Tourism: Tourism ministers from 15 Pacific countries met in Honiara to set regional priorities, including sustainable tourism that protects the islands’ natural environment. Local Visitor Draw: The Pago Pago American Samoa Temple will open for public tours in November ahead of its December dedication, giving visitors a new landmark to explore. Know Before You Go: American Samoa DHS warns travelers that marijuana products, including edibles and vape pens, are illegal to bring into the territory, regardless of their status elsewhere. Pacific Air Links: Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines plan year-round nonstop Seattle–Papeete flights next spring; the new route adds a connection to the region, but no American Samoa service was announced.

Travel Health: Hawaiʻi’s 10th dengue case this year followed travel to the Pacific, and health officials list American Samoa among places where dengue is a year-round risk. Travelers should use mosquito repellent and reduce standing water. New Local Attraction: The first Pago Pago American Samoa Temple is set to open for public tours in November, ahead of its December dedication. Ocean Conservation: Samoan chiefs and conservation groups have sued to stop a planned seabed-mining lease sale off American Samoa, citing risks to marine ecosystems and fishing grounds. Know Before You Go: American Samoa DHS warns visitors that marijuana products—including edibles and vape pens—are illegal to bring into the territory, even if legal where they bought them.

South Pacific Cruises: Summer sailings still offer beach, snorkeling and cultural excursions; travelers are urged to pack for wet shore trips, use reef-safe sunscreen and check for weather-related port cancellations. Travel Health: Hawaiʻi’s 10th dengue case of 2026 was linked to travel in the Pacific, where American Samoa is among the areas at year-round risk. Use mosquito repellent and take steps to avoid bites. New Local Attraction: The Pago Pago temple, the territory’s first, is set to open for public tours in November before its December dedication. Know Before You Go: American Samoa DHS warns travelers that marijuana products, including edibles and vape pens, are illegal to bring into the territory, even if permitted where they live.

South Pacific Cruises: Last-minute summer sailings offer beach, snorkeling and cultural stops; travelers should pack reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent and cash, and plan for possible weather-related port changes. Regional Air Links: Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines plan year-round Seattle–Papeete nonstop service next spring, adding another route into the South Pacific, though it does not serve American Samoa directly. Travel Health: Hawaiʻi’s 10th dengue case of 2026 followed travel to a Pacific Island region. Dengue is a year-round risk in American Samoa, so visitors should use mosquito precautions. Visitor Access: The new Pago Pago temple will open for public tours in November, ahead of its December dedication. Local Travel Rules: American Samoa DHS warns that all marijuana products, including edibles and vape pens, are illegal to bring into the territory. Tourism and Conservation: Pacific tourism ministers are meeting in Honiara to set regional priorities, including sustainable tourism. Meanwhile, Samoan chiefs and conservation groups are suing to halt a proposed seabed-mining lease sale off American Samoa, citing risks to marine life and local waters.

Travel Health: Hawaiʻi’s 10th dengue case of 2026 was linked to travel in the Pacific, where dengue is a year-round risk, including in American Samoa. Travelers should use mosquito protection and remove standing water around their accommodation. Temple Tours: The new Pago Pago American Samoa Temple is scheduled to open for public tours in November, ahead of its dedication in December. It is the territory’s first temple and a new point of interest for visitors. Seabed Mining: Samoan chiefs and conservation groups have sued to stop a planned November lease auction covering more than 31 million acres off American Samoa, citing risks to marine ecosystems and local fishing. Know Before You Go: American Samoa’s Homeland Security department warns visitors that marijuana products are illegal to bring into the territory, even if legally purchased elsewhere; possession can carry severe penalties.

Travel Health: Hawaiʻi’s 10th dengue case of 2026 was linked to travel in the Pacific, and health officials say all 10 cases involved Pacific destinations. Dengue is also a year-round risk in American Samoa, so visitors should take precautions against mosquito bites. Regional Tourism: Tourism ministers and representatives from 15 Pacific countries met in Honiara to set regional priorities, including sustainable tourism that protects the environment. Pago Pago Attraction: The territory’s first Latter-day Saint temple will open for public tours in November, ahead of its December dedication. Before You Travel: American Samoa DHS warns that marijuana products, including edibles and vape pens, are illegal to bring into the territory, even if legal where you bought them. Seabed Mining: Samoan chiefs and conservation groups are suing to block a proposed lease sale covering more than 31 million acres of ocean floor off American Samoa, citing risks to local waters and marine life.

Seabed Mining Challenge: A Samoan chiefs’ council and two conservation groups have sued to block a Nov. 19 seabed-mining lease sale off American Samoa, which covers more than 31 million acres. The lawsuit argues the federal government lacks authority to lease the ocean floor there and could also affect a planned sale near Guam. Travel Advisory: American Samoa’s Department of Homeland Security warns visitors that bringing in marijuana products—including edibles and THC vape pens—is illegal, even if they are legal where travelers live. Pacific Tourism: Tourism ministers and industry representatives from 15 Pacific nations are meeting in Honiara to set regional priorities, with sustainable tourism and environmental protection on the agenda. Air Links: Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines plan year-round nonstop Seattle–Papeete service next spring, subject to government approval, adding another connection to the Pacific.

Seabed Mining Challenge: Samoan chiefs and conservation groups sued to block a Nov. 19 auction of two seabed leases covering more than 31 million acres off American Samoa, arguing the government lacks authority to sell the rights. The case raises concerns for marine ecosystems and fishing livelihoods. Pacific Tourism: Tourism ministers and officials from 15 island countries are meeting in Honiara to set regional priorities, including sustainable tourism and environmental protection. Air Links: Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines plan year-round Seattle–Papeete nonstop flights next spring, adding a new Pacific connection; American Samoa ranked among the three U.S. destinations with the highest average domestic airfares last year. Traveler Alert: American Samoa DHS warns that all marijuana products, including edibles and THC vapes, are illegal to bring into the territory—even if legal where you live.

Pacific Air Links: Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines plan to launch year-round Seattle–Papeete service next spring, adding a new route to French Polynesia and another Pacific travel option; no Pago Pago connection was announced. Regional Tourism: Tourism ministers from 15 Pacific countries are meeting in Honiara to set regional priorities, review SPTO plans and promote sustainable tourism. Traveler Alert: American Samoa DHS warns visitors that marijuana products, including edibles and vape pens, are illegal to bring into the territory, even if permitted where travelers live. Seabed Leasing: Community groups oppose a proposed lease auction covering about 32 million acres near American Samoa, citing risks to marine life and fishing; a lease would not itself authorize mining.

Pacific Tourism: Tourism ministers and representatives from 15 Pacific nations are meeting in Honiara this week to set regional priorities, including sustainable tourism and protection of the natural environment. Marine Environment: American Samoa groups are opposing a proposed November seabed-mineral lease auction covering about 32 million acres offshore, citing risks to marine life and fishing. A lease would not itself authorize mining, which would require further reviews. Travel Advisory: American Samoa’s Department of Homeland Security warns visitors that marijuana products—including edibles and vape pens—are illegal to bring into the territory, even if legal where they were purchased. Possession can carry serious criminal penalties.

Seabed Mining: American Samoa groups are opposing a proposed auction of leases covering about 32 million acres of nearby South Pacific seabed, warning of risks to marine life and the fishing economy. The auction could take place in November; winning bidders would gain 20-year development rights, but extraction would require further environmental and regulatory reviews. Travel Health: Hawaiʻi reported its ninth dengue case of 2026 in a traveler returning from a region where the virus is common. Dengue is also a risk in American Samoa and other Pacific islands; travelers can help limit mosquito breeding by emptying standing water.

Travel Health: Hawaiʻi has reported its ninth travel-related dengue case of 2026, linked to travel in the Pacific. Health officials say local transmission risk is low; visitors to American Samoa should still prevent mosquito bites and remove standing water, as dengue is a year-round risk in the territory. Time Changes: Daylight saving time ends across most of the United States on Nov. 1, but American Samoa does not observe the change. Travelers connecting through locations that do should check schedules and adjust plans.

Time Change: Most U.S. clocks fall back Nov. 1, but American Samoa does not observe daylight saving time, so local clocks stay unchanged. Travel Health: Hawaiʻi has reported its ninth dengue case of 2026, linked to travel; officials say the risk of local spread is low. Dengue is also a risk in American Samoa, so travelers should clear standing water and protect themselves from mosquito bites. Shipping: USPS delivery estimates for Priority Mail and Ground Advantage packages to and from American Samoa are now 10 days or more, with Ground Advantage shipments primarily moving by surface transport.

Travel Health: Hawaiʻi has reported its ninth travel-related dengue case of 2026, linked to travel in a region where the virus is common. Dengue occurs across several Pacific islands, including American Samoa; travelers can help limit mosquito breeding by emptying standing water. Mail & Shipping: USPS now estimates that some Priority Mail and Ground Advantage shipments to and from American Samoa and other non-mainland destinations may take 10 days or more. Time Changes: Most U.S. clocks go back on Nov. 1, but American Samoa does not observe daylight saving time.

Mail and Travel Logistics: USPS now expects some Priority Mail and Ground Advantage packages traveling to or from American Samoa to take 10 days or more, after shifting more shipments to surface transport; prices remain unchanged. Health and Overseas Travel: A proposed LBJ program to train local surgeons in prostate procedures could reduce referrals to New Zealand. Forty patients were sent there for care in 2026, with travel and lodging costs topping $400,000. Dengue Awareness: Hawaiʻi reported its ninth travel-related dengue case of the year and listed American Samoa among destinations where the virus is a year-round risk; officials said the risk of local spread in Hawaiʻi is low.

Regional Sports Travel: Cook Islands’ Oceania beach volleyball championship brought teams from across the Pacific, including American Samoa. A back injury ended the host men’s top pair’s run, while the Cook Islands women advanced to face Australia in the playoffs. Travel Health: Hawaiʻi reported its ninth travel-related dengue case of 2026. The infection was acquired abroad, and officials say local transmission risk is low; dengue remains a risk in American Samoa, so travelers should check health guidance and prevent mosquito bites. Mail and Travel Logistics: USPS now estimates 10 days or more for some packages to and from American Samoa and other noncontiguous locations, with Ground Advantage shipments primarily moving by surface. The revised timelines took effect Oct. 1.