HONOLULU -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Honolulu District, in partnership with the Port Administration of American Samoa Government (PAAS) and U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD), is hosting a community meeting to provide updates on the Aunu‘u Small Boat Harbor wharf expansion project.
Event Details:
The event will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the Pago Plaza Port Administration Conference Room (1st Floor). The meeting will begin at 2:00 p.m. local time and be followed by an open house.
About the Project:
The Aunu‘u Small Boat Harbor Wharf expansion will replace the existing wharf with a modern, open-style concrete dock built on piles. This design was selected for its proven durability, minimal maintenance needs, and enhanced resilience to the region’s harsh marine and seismic conditions. The open structure allows wave and tsunami energy to pass through it, reducing the risk of major damage in extreme events. The boat ramp will also be upgraded to a stronger slab-on grade design that better resists erosion, providing more reliable, everyday access for boats and the community.
The new facility is designed to accommodate both inter-island passenger vessels (via the Alia) and cargo operations from the MV Talitiga. The estimated construction cost is $3.7 million, with a projected construction timeline of four months. This infrastructure modernization project will restore safe, reliable, and long-term maritime access to Aunu‘u Island, supporting the community’s well-being and daily operations for decades to come.
Visit Project Website:
More information and project documents can be found on the study website at: https://www.poh.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Civil-Works-Projects/Aunuu
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for delivering vital engineering solutions, in collaboration with our partners, to secure the nation, energize our economy, and reduce disaster risk. As the nation’s lead engineering and public works agency, we deliver quality projects, on time and within budget, - safely - for the American people.
Release no. 26-013