KHJ News received queries from the public concerning the use of the Airport hangar quarantine facility as an accommodation for Malaga, or traveling groups, government guests, relatives from Manu’a or Samoa, for faalavelave and sports teams.
When the facility was opened, it was promoted as a Department of Education Remote Learning Resource Center.
Federal funds for education from the American Rescue Plan Act funded the facility.
A press release from the Governor’s Office when the facility was opened in February of last year said it’s to serve as a safe and nurturing quarantine environment for students to participate in enriching activities during a school-wide pandemic spread, minimizing learning loss.
It was to be used as a quarantine facility to accommodate passengers with comfortable settings during their quarantine periods, especially for families with young children spending extended isolation periods at the Department of Health’s Alternate Care Facilities in Tafuna.
After COVID, the facility has hosted engineers for the cannery, VIP guests, malaga for faalavelave, and sports teams.
School related groups, such as students from Manu’a attending competitions and workshops in Tutuila, have also made use of the accommodations.
The airport hangar facility is under the Department of Health (DOH).
Director Motusa Tuileama Nua said requests to use the facility go to him and also the Governor’s Chief of Staff.
He said its free of charge but DOH has to pay maintenance costs and also a lease, since the facility is on airport property.
