Over 5 Million people every year visit the Honolulu Memorial at the National Memorial Cemetary of the Pacific at Punchbowl. But, negotiating the 70-plus stairs up to the top is not easy, especially for those in a wheelchair.
"Actually they were stymied and it became an obstacle. Over the years we had shared with the American Battle Monuments Commission that we had complaints," says Gene Castagnetti, Director of Punchbowl Cemetary.
Those complaints have now been answered. $945,000 in federal funding has been set aside to build 4 chair lifts along the eastern edge of the monument. Keeping the same iconic image and existing sightline – while using matching stone and marble.
"It’s the right thing to do. Our veterans, their family and all visitors aren’t getting any younger, we honor them by allowing them to visit the entire Memorial on their own power," says Capt. Jeremiah Gipson, Army Corps of Engineers Honolulu District.
The project brings the Memorial in compliance with the American Disabilities Act.
"This will be the most visible construction that has been done in a number of years," says Castagnetti.
The Army Corps of Engineers is leading the effort and has hired local workers to do the job. The renovation will allow visitors to access all 5 levels of the Memorial where 28,778 names of Americans missing in action or lost and buried at sea are listed.
"it will be a platform that someone can enter into, there are button controls that they can access and control themselves, so they can raise and lower themselves to each level," says Sgt. Gipson.
In addition, $288,153 federal dollars has been given to clean the Memorials upper and lower plazas, chapel building, flagpoles, statue, fountain, stairs and handrails – so that the entire site is up to standard.
"It’s the right way to spend the tax payers dollars," says Castagnetti.
The million-dollar upgrade is slated to be finished by Veteran’s Day – this November.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
