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American Samoa Government - PR001-02242026
Posted: February 24, 2026
American Samoa Delegation Forges Strategic Pacific Partnerships and Digital Infrastructure Links at Honolulu Summit
HONOLULU, Hawaii — A high-level delegation from American Samoa, led by Governor Pulaali'i Nikolao Pula, is actively participating in the Pacific Agenda: Investment, Security, and Shared Prosperity Summit at the East-West Center. Co-hosted by Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau and Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, the forum is designed to translate regional policy into concrete economic outcomes through direct engagement with private sector investors. Governor Pulaali’i emphasized that the mission in Honolulu is to build the foundational trust necessary for high-impact investment, ensuring that by working alongside Pacific neighbors and the private sector, the administration secures a prosperous future for American Samoa and the broader region.
The delegation is focused on nine key roundtable areas aimed at strengthening American Samoa’s economic resilience and fostering new developments with neighboring Pacific Island Nations. Folasaitu Sorepa Fata Thomas, CEO of the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA), is leading the territory’s efforts in Telecommunications, AI & Digital Economy, as well as Infrastructure and Supply Chain resilience. A foundation of these discussions is the Google Le Vasa Cable project, which CEO Folasaitu is highlighting as a vital component of regional digital infrastructure to provide the critical redundancy required for a modern economy. Furthermore, the delegation is exploring shared economic developments with other Pacific Island Nations, such as the Cook Islands, to enhance collective bargaining power across the South Pacific.
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This regional cooperation was further solidified in a high-level meeting held yesterday between the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Governor Pulaali’i, Executive Financial Advisor Brett Butler, and Assistant Director Michael McDonald. To ensure comprehensive coverage of the territory's strategic interests, other key officials are spearheading specific sectors. Brett Butler is representing American Samoa in Energy Security and Banking & Financial Services, while Michael McDonald is leading discussions on Infrastructure and Critical Minerals, focusing on modernizing the territory's logistics and port hubs. Additionally, Taimalelagi Minnie Tuia, Executive Director for the Visitors Bureau, is engaging in the Tourism roundtable to promote cultural and eco-friendly growth.
​The Governor’s strategic reach for this summit also extends to Washington, D.C., where key cabinet members are conducting high-level meetings on behalf of the administration. Ali’imuamua Lina Petaia, Director of Commerce, remains in the nation's capital to meet with the U.S. Department of Commerce, while Barney Sene, Director of Port Administration, is meeting with the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
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These concurrent meetings ensure that while the delegation secures regional investment in Honolulu, the territory's federal priorities in commerce and transportation are simultaneously advanced. High-level bilateral engagements continue on the sidelines of the summit, including a scheduled meeting between Governor Pulaali’i, CEO Folasaitu, and Executive Financial Advisor Brett Butler with Matson General Manager (New Zealand) Michael Jones. Additionally, CEO Folasaitu will meet with Eric Handa, CEO of AP Telecom. As a global leader in telecom consultancy and fiber optic connectivity, AP Telecom plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between emerging markets and international digital corridors. This critical session with Mr. Handa and Indo-PACOM Director Interagency Coordination Group Shehzi Khan aims to finalize plans for an Indo-PACOM visit on behalf of the Department of War (DoW) to American Samoa next month, which will be jointly hosted by ASTCA and the Office of the Governor.
The summit’s "off-the-record" format allows for candid exchanges, ensuring that the specific needs of American Samoa ranging from supply chain stability to advanced telecommunications are heard directly by global investors and senior U.S. officials. This proactive engagement marks a significant step in aligning local priorities with international investment trends to benefit the people of American Samoa.
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