USS Arizona Memorial
On February 16, 2010, an opening ceremony was held at Pearl Harbor for the first phase of the new USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center, which opened to the public on February 17, 2010. The project has been divided into two phases. Phase two is set to open on December 7, 2010 on the 69th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Background of the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center
The original visitor center opened to the public in 1980. The center was built on soil that had been dredged to expand the Halawa Basin. Since its opening, the center has sunk nearly 30 inches and the concrete structures have eroded as a result.
The original center was designed and built to accommodate approximately 2,000 visitors; however, since its opening, the center has grown to become one of Hawaii’s largest tourist attractions with over 4,000 visitors a day.
What You Can Look Forward to at the New Visitor Center
The new visitor center has a bookstore that is twice the size of the old one. It also contains administrative offices, a snack bar, an education and research center, and a central ticketing operation that will allow visitors to easily view other attractions such as the USS Bowfin Museum, the USS Arizona Memorial (renamed the Word War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument), the Pacific Aviation Museum, and the USS Missouri Memorial.
Herb Weatherwax, a survivor of the attacks on Pearl Harbor who attended the opening ceremony on February 16, 2010, stated that the new visitor center was “outstanding.” Mr. Weatherwax was glad to see that larger bathroom facilities were available, as visitors of the older center were often forced to wait in long lines to use the bathroom facilities. In addition, the center now has lots of shaded and seating areas for guests.
Phase Two – The Final Stage
Construction on phase two of the visitor center will begin immediately on the grounds of the old center and is estimated to cost a total of $58 million. The second phase will include exhibits that will go beyond the actual Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor. Some exhibits will focus on the events leading up to the war and the results and aftermath of the attacks.
When phase two is complete, the visitor center will have grown nearly twice in size and will sit on an additional six acres, increasing to a total area of 17.4 acres. The center is expected to open in time for the annual anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The annual ceremony has been held at Kilo Pier; however, this year, the ceremony will return to the back lawn of the visitor center that will be three times larger than the original lawn.
Galiher DeRobertis Ono Continues to Support Navy Veterans
For over 30 years, Galiher DeRobertis Ono has represented U.S. Navy veterans and civilian workers who worked at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard during World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War.
Many of our clients were exposed to deadly asbestos while working on ships during overhauls or routine maintenance. As a result, our clients developed asbestos-related illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Through our work, we have had the pleasure of meeting many U.S. veterans who have bravely served our country. We have listened to their stories and have been moved by their dedication and sacrifice. We are so delighted to see the renewed energy and efforts being poured into this historic center that will surely continue to keep the memory of our brave veterans alive.
