September 18, 2026 — Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula has submitted his formal comments to the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) regarding the proposed PACM-1 offshore mineral lease sale.
The Governor’s comments were informed by public comments submitted to his office, the work of the Deep-Sea Minerals Steering Committee, input from territorial agencies and subject-matter experts, and the views, concerns, and perspectives on deep-sea minerals that members of the community have shared publicly over the past year.
Governor Pulaali‘i thanks the many members of the community who took the time to submit comments, ask questions, share information, and express their concerns and perspectives. He also recognizes the members of the Steering Committee, territorial agencies, and subject-matter experts whose contributions helped inform his final comments.
“Our people care deeply about our ocean and what we leave for future generations,” he said. “I have listened carefully to the concerns being raised, particularly about our fisheries and marine environment. Those concerns matter, and they are reflected in the position I have submitted to the Federal Government.”