Moananuiākea Voyage Update: The Polynesian Voyaging Society says it will add one year to the Western Pacific portion of the Moananuiākea Voyage after NOAA forecasts elevated El Niño risks through Spring 2027, including a very strong event in late 2026—raising the chance of rough weather and typhoons. Regional Security & Law Enforcement: American Samoa Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula reaffirmed a formal request for a permanent U.S. Coast Guard station at Pago Pago, citing public concern over narcotics trafficking and transnational crime, and calling for cutters, patrol capacity, and stronger search-and-rescue. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A U.S.-linked proposal to explore deep-sea minerals in international waters between Kiribati, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia is open for public comment until 3 August, prompting PICAN to urge Pacific-wide submissions and question a unilateral licensing approach while international rules are still being negotiated. Local Governance & Environment: SWAP2 progress updates show regional momentum on waste and pollution, with French Polynesia among nine territories supported by SPREP and AFD funding to improve waste systems and track marine litter. Nuclear Oceania / Security Discourse: A new analysis revisits how 1950s–60s nuclear testing across Oceania shaped the region’s security landscape, including French sites in French Polynesia.