The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in collaboration with the American Samoa Government and the Department of Public Works, is conducting the Tafuna Flood Risk Management Study to address persistent flooding issues in the Tafuna floodplain. The Corps has announced a public meeting to be held on Friday at 5 p.m., inviting residents to learn more about the study and participate in the discussion.
The study aims to assess and develop potential solutions for flood management in affected areas, including Mapusaga, Faleniu, Mesepa, Malaeimi, Tafuna, and Nu’uuli. The goal is to finalize a recommended flood risk management plan that could receive congressional authorization and funding for future construction.
“The public meeting will provide an overview of the study and highlight key data collection efforts that require community support,” said Eva Liusala, a senior planner and cultural liaison with the Army Corps of Engineers’ Pacific Ocean Division. “We encourage residents to attend and share their input.”
One critical aspect of the study is a structure inventory survey scheduled between February 8 and February 13, which involves collecting data on buildings within the floodplain. This survey will include details such as construction quality, materials, building type, and elevation. The Army Corps of Engineers assures residents that this will be a non-invasive, street-level assessment and that all data collected will be used solely for the study without tying it to personal information.
Additionally, a geotechnical survey will be conducted later in the summer to analyze soil conditions along the various streams. The Corps, in coordination with the Office of Samoan Affairs and the Department of Public Works, will be reaching out to village mayors and landowners for permission to conduct this survey.
“This is an opportunity for the community to better understand how flood risks are evaluated and how we can work together to develop effective mitigation strategies,” said Nick Emilio, lead planner for the study. “We are committed to ensuring transparency and collaboration throughout the process.”
The Corps encourages all interested individuals, particularly residents of flood-prone areas, to attend the meeting. Residents who prefer not to have their properties included in the survey may opt out by informing the project team during the meeting or when surveyors are in their neighborhoods.
For more information, the public can visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Honolulu District website and social media pages or check announcements from the Office of Disaster and Petroleum Management.
