HONOLULU, Hawaii -- 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), announces the release of the Draft Environmental Assessment for the Aunu‘u Small Boat Harbor wharf expansion project. The draft EA will be available for a 30-day public comment period from July 27 to August 26, 2026.
“We welcome the release of the Draft Environmental Assessment for the Aunu‘u project and appreciate the continued partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,” said PAAS Director Barney Sene.
The Aunu‘u Small Boat Harbor Wharf expansion will replace the existing wharf with a modern, open-style concrete dock built on piles. This selected design provides proven durability, reduced maintenance requirements, and increased resilience to the region’s harsh marine and seismic conditions. The open configuration allows wave and tsunami energy to pass through the structure, helping reduce the risk of damage during extreme events.
The project also includes an upgraded boat ramp using a stronger slab-on grade design to improve resistance to erosion and provide more reliable access for boats and the community.
“This marks an important milestone toward improving maritime infrastructure and transportation access for the people of Aunu‘u,” said Sene. “We encourage stakeholders and community members to review the draft and participate in the public comment process as we work together to advance a safe, sustainable, and resilient harbor for future generations.”
The new facility will 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 project will help ensure long-term maritime access to Aunu‘u Island, supporting the community’s well-being and daily operations for decades to come,” said Carri Hessman, Honolulu District Acting Chief of Civil Works. “Efforts like this are part of USACE’s core mission to assist our partners like PAAS maintain safe and reliable navigation channels and harbors that communities depend on.”
The public is invited to attend a virtual meeting Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Samoa Standard Time (SST) to ask questions and provide comments on the Draft EA. The meeting will be recorded and made available on the project website. A public viewing location will also be available at the Pago Plaza Port Administration Office, 1st Floor Conference Room.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://dod.teams.microsoft.us/meet/993810220943?p=m7EPFDPR94XVc5Dj9I
Meeting ID: 993 810 220 943
Passcode: Vq9nb7bn
Comments can be submitted by postal mail or email during the 30-day comment period.
E-Mail: CEPOH-Planning@usace.army.mil
Postal Mail:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District
ATTN: CEPOH-PPC (Aunu’u)
230 Otake St.
Fort Shafter, HI 96858-5440
The Draft Environmental Assessment is being prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and evaluates potential environmental effects of the proposed project. Information regarding sensitive ecological, biological, historic, and cultural resources is welcomed. USACE will use this information to support compliance with applicable environmental laws and requirements, including the Clean Water Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and National Historic Preservation Act.
Comments received during this review period will be incorporated into the environmental assessment of effects, and the administrative record.
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.