Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Community members were invited to attend Mo Lo Tatou Lumana'i: Stand with the Moana, a community ocean forum and solidarity gathering scheduled for June 19 at the Multipurpose Center (MPC) from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Organized by Finafinau, the event was developed in response to growing community interest in understanding issues affecting American Samoa's ocean, including deep-sea mining (DSM), proposed port developments, fisheries sustainability, and ocean conservation. Organizers say the forum was created to answer repeated requests from residents seeking more information, opportunities to ask questions, and a clearer understanding of how these issues may impact the territory.

ANSWERING THE COMMUNITY’S CALL

"In recent months, we've heard from students, families, fishermen, village leaders, and community members who want to better understand what is happening in our waters," said Dr. Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka, founder of Finafinau. "This forum is our effort to create a space where information is shared openly, questions can be asked respectfully, and community members can engage directly with experts and decision-makers."

With limited funding and personnel capacity, organizers intentionally designed the event to maximize community engagement through presentations, panel discussions, information booths, and educational materials. Attendance was free and was aimed to give space to the community to become more informed and get answers to the many questions seen on social media platforms. 

The event began with a keynote address by Ariel Villanueva Jr., the outgoingVice President of the Samoana High School Finafinau Chapter, highlighting the importance of youth leadership and ocean stewardship. Organizers noted that selecting a youth keynote speaker was intentional and reflected the event's commitment to intergenerational dialogue and future-focused decision-making.

A presentation and community discussion on deep-sea mining and the federal leasing process was shared by Dr. Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka, who currently leads territorial efforts opposing DSM. The session provided updates on current federal processes, community concerns, public participation opportunities, and recent developments related to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).

The forum also featured a presentation by Barney Sene, Director of Port Administration, who discussed the Airport and Seaport Vision 2030 initiative and answered community questions regarding proposed port developments and infrastructure projects.

Both topics of deep sea mining and port development, particularly transshipment of DSM minerals, brought forth numerous concerns and questions from the audience. One theme that emerged from the crowd was that they would like to see more transparency and communication from the ASG Executive Branch, specifically Governor Nikolao Pula, and from Congresswoman Amata Radewagen. For this, Dr. Suluai-Mahuka encouraged the community to reach out directly to all of their elected officials for those concerns, as she could not speak on their behalf. 

Next, an Ocean Conservation Panel brought together a diverse group of local and regional voices, including:

• •          Sierra M. Fata, moderator
• •          Daleyssah Mageo-Umi, outgoing President of the Finafinau Samoana High School Chapter 
• •          Rudolph J. Bartley, engineer and community leader
• •          Kelley Anderson Tagarino, University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant Extension Agent
• •          Becca Loomis, Staff Attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)

Panelists discussed the changing ocean landscape  in American Samoa's ocean and what those changes mean for local communities, with conversation focused on fisheries sustainability, deep-sea mining concerns, port development, cultural impacts, community participation, and the future of ocean stewardship.

In addition to presentations and panel discussions, attendees had the opportunity to visit community information booths hosted by organizations and initiatives including Puipui Measina, NRDC, Coastal Resilience partners Ferraro Choi and Studio Kipuka, and Protecting Our Blue Pacific. These booths provided educational materials, opportunities for discussion, and ways for community members to become involved in ongoing stewardship efforts.

Organizers emphasized that the event was not intended to be a protest, but rather a community-centered space for learning, dialogue, and participation.

"We may not all agree on every issue, but we all care about the future of American Samoa," was shared by Denis Sene Jr. who served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies. The event was designed to encourage respectful discussion while reinforcing the importance of transparency, stewardship, and informed civic engagement.

As the forum concluded, organizers are asking the community to take action in two specific ways.

First, residents are encouraged to visit the newly launched addition on the Finafinau.org/deepseamining website, which serves as a public resource hub on deep-sea mining. To move reliance from social media platforms, the site includes educational materials, case studies, fact sheets, reports, and resources that community members can use to better understand DSM and facilitate conversations within their own villages, churches, schools, and organizations. Organizers hope these resources will empower communities to host their own village discussions and town halls so that information reaches beyond a single event.

Second, the public is invited to participate in Stand with the Moana on July 16, a peaceful community solidarity action that will coincide with similar activities taking place throughout the Pacific region. Organizers describe the event as part of a growing "Pacific Wave of Solidarity" in which communities gather to celebrate their relationship with the ocean while expressing concern over deep-sea mining and advocating for stronger ocean protections.

According to organizers, pledges of participation have already been received from Pacific Islanders, diaspora communities, and allies across Oceania and the continental United States.

"American Samoa is not alone in this conversation," shared by Finafinau Board Member Uisaina Collins. "Communities across the Pacific are asking the same questions and standing together for the future of the ocean. We hope our community will show up, participate, and help demonstrate that stewardship of the moana remains a shared responsibility."

Registration information and event updates can be found through Finafinau's social media pages and at Finafinau.org/deepseamining.