Student Life Center at UH Hilo to be unveiled by October 1

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
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Posted: Aug 29, 2008

As the end of construction nears and final inspections are taking place, the University of Hawaii at Hilo is set to unveil its Student Life Center by October 1, 2008.

"The benefits of this new facility are astounding and will extend far beyond its social and recreational value," said Student Life Center Director Tim Moore.

The facility will provide students with a wide range of health, fitness and recreational activities. The 22,600-foot structure adjacent to the Athletics complex includes a fitness room, aerobics, martial arts, human performance testing, a 50-meter outdoor pool, an open covered deck, classrooms, lockers and shower facilities, a weight room, and an indoor café.

"Our primary focus for the first year will be on our students," noted Dr. Luoluo Hong, vice chancellor for student affairs. "The Student Life Center was built first and foremost for our students and we will concentrate on it being a gathering place for them.

"We will also later explore the potential use by faculty, staff, and the public."

Effective this fall semester, students were assessed a student fee of $78 to go toward the operating expenses of the Center — fees which cover less than half of the Center‘s operating budget.

"While usage of the facility and programs are free to students, we do have operating costs such as utilities, equipment, salaries, maintenance, and supplies," explained Moore. "All of these items incur costs regardless of use.

"When the Center is fully operational, our students will be the envy of others," he added. "This is an extremely exciting time for our students and something we should all be proud of. We have a number of unique programs and activities lined up sure to be a hit."