Opinion
(The following is a letter to Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolau Pula from Puipui Measina a America Samoa, a community coalition, Puipui Measina a America Samoa, Motusa Tuileama To’atolu Nua, Chairman; Brian Peck, Vice Chairman; Dr. Malouamaua Tuiolosega, Rudolph Bartley, Natasha Tuato’o-Bartley, Vera Peck,...
Dear Editor,
As discussions continue about polymetallic nodules and American Samoa’s potential role as a transshipment hub, concerns about natural radioactivity have been raised. To address these directly and transparently, I conducted an interview with Thomas Lüttke, a geoscientist formerly...
There are moments in history when a people must decide what they value more: immediate economic promises or the protection of an inheritance that can never be replaced. For American Samoa, that moment has arrived.
The debate over deep-sea mining is not simply about science, technology, or economics...
The passing of Alo Dr. Paul Stevenson marks the loss of a remarkable leader whose life of service touched countless people throughout American Samoa.
Much has been written about Alo’s distinguished career as an educator, businessman, senator, community leader, and proud son of Fagasa and Pago Pago...
Supporters of deep-sea mining present it as an economic opportunity for American Samoa. They promise jobs, government revenues, and a new industry built around the extraction of polymetallic nodules from our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The federal government has its own reasons for supporting...
The debate over deep-sea mining is often framed as a choice between economic opportunity and environmental protection. But before we can make informed decisions about mining the ocean floor, we must confront a simple reality:
There is still far more we do not know than what we do know.
Scientists...
Dear Editor,
I read the letter to the editor from Tuifagaloa Dr. Afu Lefaoseu III and, while I do not intend to use this platform for ongoing discussions, I felt it necessary to respond to this request for clarification. Moving forward, I encourage anyone seeking clarification, information, or...
Deep-sea mining did not suddenly emerge in 2025, bringing us to the brink of federal leases being issued within American Samoa's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The developments unfolding today are the result of decades of federal policy, scientific research, technological advancement, and growing...
As a candidate to the U.S. Congress seeking to represent the independent voice and the enduring future of the people of American Samoa, I bring forward the deep-seated concerns of our local community regarding the federal government's rapid timeline to issue commercial deep-sea mineral leases in...
Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, in response to several questions from constituents, is providing the following update that continues her call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining near American Samoa, and her ongoing reasons for opposing.
“I want to emphasize several key points as the federal...