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Governor says fees for use of Lee Auditorium necessary
Governor Togiola Tulafono says that fees implemented for the use of the Governor H. Rex Lee Auditorium in Utulei are not being imposed to fatten the government’s bank account but instead, necessary in order to maintain the Fale Laumei which recently underwent a multi-million-dollar facelift.
The usage fees were implemented by the local Department of Commerce - which oversees the Lee Auditorium – and applies to everyone, both government and private, who use the facilities.
The fees are calculated based on a four-hour minimum basis.
Togiola explained that the fees can be negotiated to accommodate the budgets of smaller organizations who wish to use the Lee Auditorium, and he urges such groups not to be intimidated by the set rates but instead, seek and ask for assistance.
The recent renovation to the Lee Auditorium saw the installation of state of the art sound and lighting systems, a new roof, more modern office spaces and restrooms, as well as an improved parking area.
The only thing left to do is complete the ongoing renovation of the final section, the part of building that faces the Department of Education’s main office. This particular section is the ‘head of the turtle’ and was once occupied by the DOE. The work costs an estimated $500,000 and is being funded by the government’s $2-million-dollar loan from the ASG Employees’ Retirement Fund.
Once completed, this section of the Lee Auditorium will be used as a conference room/meeting place for small events.
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