The Pacific Tsunami Museum, a cornerstone of tsunami education and remembrance in Hilo, Hawaii, has laid off its entire staff and is at risk of permanent closure. Founded nearly 30 years ago, the museum serves as an educational hub, providing critical information about tsunamis and memorializing the lives lost to these devastating natural disasters.
A Legacy Under Threat
Housed in a 100-year-old historic building, the museum has faced mounting financial challenges. Recent issues, including the breakdown of its air conditioning system and a leaking roof that caused mold damage, have drained its supplemental budget. Despite these setbacks, former staff members are volunteering their time to keep the museum open on a reduced schedule.
Walter Dudley, who co-founded the museum in 1994 with tsunami survivor Jeanne Johnston, highlighted the museum’s vital role in educating both residents and visitors:
“No one should die due to a tsunami.”
Struggling to Stay Afloat
The museum’s exhibits include photos, videos, and an extensive archive of interviews with tsunami survivors, making it an invaluable resource for the community. However, the cost of maintaining the historic building has become unsustainable.
“Unless we get some serious help for the issues we have, the worst-case scenario is that the museum could close completely,” Dudley stated.
A Call for Support
The museum’s potential closure would leave a significant gap in tsunami education in Hawaii, where such disasters have claimed more lives than any other natural calamity. The museum’s leadership is seeking financial assistance to address building repairs and ensure its mission can continue.
For nearly three decades, the Pacific Tsunami Museum has been a beacon of awareness and remembrance, and its survival is crucial for preserving the history and safety of Hawaii’s communities.
