It couldn’t have happened at a worse time. As the country rallies in celebration of those who have defended our country this Memorial Day weekend, the USS Arizona Memorial is closed indefinitely.
Damage to the Pearl Harbor memorial in Honolulu is worse than was expected according to officials.
Boat transportation was suspend for a time to the attraction on May 6th. One of the operators noticed a crack on the outside of the memorial, according to Hawaii News.
Cracks Reappeared Hours Later
But tourists were allowed to disembark at the memorial after crews completed interim repairs. Unfortunately, the cracks reappeared hours later, indicating a more serious issue.
“There is a brow or an edge where the visitor ramp meets the memorial, and at that point, there’s been some fissures located on the exterior,” said Jay Blount. He is a spokesman for the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. “After further investigation on the interior, it was determined that the structure is not supporting the loading ramp the way that we need.”
Team of Engineers Developing Long-Term Solution
There is a team of engineers who are working hard to develop a long-term solution.
“The amount of time needed to implement the repairs is unknown, but the (National Park Service) will continue to provide information to the public as our team of specialists works together to restore access as soon as possible,” memorial staff said Friday in a news release.
Other areas of the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center remain open.
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