An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

SVS fees increase

  • Published
  • By Wyoming Rossett
  • 15th Services Squadron
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  Several fee increases and operational adjustments will take place in 15th Services Squadron facilities Sunday. 

Increasing prices will help the 15th SVS provide quality programs despite fiscal year 2007 appropriated funding shortfalls. 

"In order to provide quality services, facilities and to capitally reinvest in our future, Services must make certain adjustments," said Col. J.J. Torres, 15th Airlift Wing commander. "Al though we are faced with some daunting financial challenges, I believe we've met them head on and minimized the impact to team Hickam. The services team
can do this without compromising their track record of excellent customer service." 

The Fitness and Sports Center will see three changes. There will now be a $2 fee for enhanced exercise classes such as yoga, spinning, kickboxing, power pump and other classes offered over and above the 15 weekly core classes required by Air Force Instructions. Also, starting Sunday, towel services will no longer be offered. The Fitness and Sports Center will also make significant adjustments to the intramural sports program.

Even with these new fees, the Hickam Fitness and Sports Center remains competitive with commercial fitness clubs on the Island. Dues at these facilities can range from $40 to $65 per month plus another $150 for initiation and processing fees. 

Midnight meals will no longer be served at the Hale Aina Dining Facility and carryout meals will only be available to on-duty meal card holders. 

The Base Library is also affected. The facility hours will be adjusted including closing on Sundays and Mondays. 

Our golf courses have been subjected to higher operating costs. According to Mr. Jim Wolfe, 15th Services Squadron Business Operations Flight Chief, the cost of maintaining a golf course has increased more than seven-percent per round over the last two years. 

The Golf Courses are beginning an extremely aggressive maintenance upgrade plan and one $1million in improvements will be made over the next five years. To offset these costs, the green fees will increase for the first time since January 2004. 

Even with the green fee increase, our courses will still remain the most affordable military golf course on O'ahu. For example, with the new fees at Mamala Bay, a round of golf will cost between $12 and $32. A survey of local public courses found prices ranging from $39 to $145. 

Youth Programs, Air Force Services' best program for 2006 and the winner of the 2006 Excellence in Youth Sports Award, is also subject to financial shortfalls. As a result of reduced funding, 15th Services Squadron must increase user fees to continue to provide world class programs. 

Lifeguards will only be on duty at the beaches Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. People will swim at their own risk Monday through Friday. Additionally, Pool 2 will only be open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. 

These adjustments and forthcoming increases in child care fees will provide a means for the 15th Services Squadron to continue quality programs and services that customers deserve.