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OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR – American Samoa
PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release – November 16, 2007)
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 Governor Togiola opens new-and-improved
airport runway 8/26
(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today rededicated Runway 8-26 at PagoPago International Airport in Tafuna after the completion of renovation and air stripextension work.
In a ceremony near the runway, which is the left runway towards Industrial Park, Governor Togiola said the $6.8 million runway renewal project is to help for safe operations of local airlines and the safe transportation of passengers.
“This much-needed project places the importance of runway 8-26 to our airport because it assists in our efficiency as an airport. Better efficiency in every aspect of our airport operations will lead to increased productivity and a higher level of passenger satisfaction as we accommodate our current passenger air traffic,” said Governor Togiola. “By working closely with our airline partners, we can foster a mutually beneficial environment for everyone.”
Governor Togiola expressed his gratitude to Port Administration Director Matagi Ray Mailo McMoore and his department, and construction companies McConnell Dowell and Fulton Hogan for the completion of the runway rehabilitation project.
“I wish to say thank you to you all for your hard work and dedication in making the improvements on the runway for the safety of our passengers and all our airlines and aircrafts that will utilize Runway 8-26 for landing and as a taxiway,” said Governor Togiola. “We also thank God for his blessings in making this a reality and it my our hope that we will maintain it and care for it and continue its good use.”
Governor Togiola in his remarks reminisced about the old 8/26 runway, which was built in 1943 of hard-packed coral, and the role it played in the past to resist a formidable enemy.
“For over 60 years, Runway 8-26 has been part of our airport. And our airport is a historical airport. It was built to support the war efforts of our nation in the defense of the world against the advance of Japanese rule,” said Governor Togiola. “If anyone asks ‘what was American Samoa good for?’ We can proudly say we were good for a lot, and in response to those that challenge the strategic value of the Territory to the United States in the South Pacific.”
Governor Togiola reflected on the past use of the old runway where airplanes delivered cargo, provisions and machinery during World War II. He also said the rededication of the runway is an important historical event for American Samoa.
  “This airport runway is now renewed so that history is maintained and carried on and passed on to our future generations. Renewal work contains the spirit of the past and the efforts of the present so that this significant piece of history can live on in the future,” said Governor Togiola.
With the renewal of the old runway, Governor Togiola cited other renovations in American Samoa -- Government House on Maugaoali’i and H. Rex Lee Auditorium - Fale Laumei -- as examples of maintaining historical facilities.
“We have renewed the Territory’s historical mansion and recently completed renewal of that very important building where the inaugural South Pacific Conference was held. We’ve renewed it and added on to it so that we can maintain its historical importance. And now the rehabilitation of this historical runway of our airport,” said Governor Togiola. “May these assets be valuable assets for our government, and may they be historical assets so that the children of our children will look back and say that they have a piece of that history to enjoy and use for their air transportation needs.”
In hearing of stories from the construction crew about the frequent breakdown of heavy equipment during the six-month project, Governor Togiola said, perhaps these stories stem from the living spirit of those who originally built the runway.
“Culturally, their spirit may continue to live here and I know they must have objected, initially, on some basis, and at the end, they, too, enjoy these renewal efforts on this runway. This runway, after all, sits on the old part of the traditional alatutu’i. There is a lot of cultural history and political history here,” said Governor Togiola.
In 2003, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) engineering assessment of the runway concluded that the runway pavement required resurfacing and re-strengthening for the safety of aircraft use.
“Runway 8-26 required a bit of work due to it being very old and the many years of use,” said Director Matagi. “It had developed many surface cracks and poor surface drainage.”
FAA provided funding of $6.8 million for the rehabilitation project.
The old runway was 3,000 feet long and now has been extended 800 feet with a width of a 100 feet and 40 foot shoulders, and will be used, again, as taxiway for larger aircrafts, such as Hawaiian Air and military planes, that land on main Runway 5-23.
The rehabilitation work included installation of new edge lights, markings and signage, a new dense and grooved asphalt pavement to ensure better drainage on rainy days and also for better friction for the landing and take off of smaller aircrafts.
“May Runway 8-26 continue to be of help for safe operations of our airlines and the safe transportation of our people,” said Governor Togiola.
 First Lady Mary Ann Tulafono had the honors of cutting the ribbon to officially open the new runway.
Also in attendance at the ceremony was Rev. Ned Ripley of CCCAS - Fagatogo, who offered the opening and closing prayer, FAA Resident Director Leaoina Smitty Lutu, representatives of the construction companies, representatives of the local airlines, members of Cabinet – Tuiteleleapaga Peseta - Territorial Administration On Aging, Alaalamua L. Filoiali’i - Criminal Justice Planning Agency, Seui La’au - Procurement, Taeaotui Punaofo Tilei - Public Works, Mrs. Le’ala Pili - Council on Arts, Culture & Humanities, and staff of the Department of Port Administration.
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