LIHU‘E — It is a moment both to prevention and preparation and, significantly, to perpetually honor island veterans. The dual-purpose Kaua‘i Veterans Eternal Memorial and Missile Defense Viewing Site was officially opened and dedicated Tuesday morning at the U.S. Navy’s
LIHU‘E — It is a moment both to prevention and preparation and, significantly, to perpetually honor island veterans.
The dual-purpose Kaua‘i Veterans Eternal Memorial and Missile Defense Viewing Site was officially opened and dedicated Tuesday morning at the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands, near Kekaha.
United States Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, D-Hawai‘i, who is a combat-wounded veteran and was instrumental in securing will and funding for the project, said it is “appropriate to dedicate this great memorial at a site working to prevent wars,” referring to PMRF’s “testing of systems that can serve as a most effective deterrent.”
Inouye said the dedication a day after Memorial Day allows all participants to remember those no longer here.
“On behalf of Congress and especially the Senate, I express our appreciation. We count on you to prevent war.”
Inouye also acknowledged the team effort of PMRF, contractors, veterans organizations and the Native Hawaiian community working together to create the memorial and viewing site.
“I’m so happy to see the military and the community get together. This is not just a military effort” he said.
Captain Aaron Cudnohufsky, outgoing PMRF commanding officer, also offered remarks, as did Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance President Riki Ellison.
Cudnohufsky expressed his appreciation to all involved, and thanked Ellison and Inouye for their drive and inspiration, and “Aunty” Aletha Kaohi for her cultural guidance prior to her dedication of the site and unveiling of the stone centerpiece.
“The Kaua‘i Veterans Eternal Memorial and Missile Defense Viewing Site is our way to memorialize those that gave the ultimate sacrifice to our nation for freedom,” said Ellison.
“The pohaku is a testament of time and has weathered the storms of generations, to stand before you solid, with spirit that will remain here throughout time,” said Ellison.
Hawaiian protocols were then delivered by Kaohi.
“This pohaku serves as the focal point of this memorial. It represents the three elements symbolic of the structure,” referring to the lava that “created the islands and attracted the plants, birds and people; the water that flows out from beneath we cannot survive without, and the air (of the open memorial) that is essential for us to live,” she said.
“This is a symbol of peace,” naming the centerpiece “Wai O Pohaku Kapu,” or “Water of the Sacred Stone,” she added.
Following are some PMRF facts:
— PMRF conducts launch missions of national and international importance, yet there have been no established outdoor-viewing areas for invited guests, employees or family members to observe this important work;
— From this need arose the concept for the Kaua‘i Veterans Eternal Memorial and Missile Defense Viewing Site, a facility to both honor Kaua‘i’s veterans and serve as a suitable site to observe missile-launch operations;
— The project was managed by PMRF and Manu Kai, PMRF’s prime contractor, with concept and consultation by architect Bobby Woods of Arizona and members of the Native Hawaiian community of West Kaua‘i including Kaohi, Kunane Aipoalani, Vida Mossman and Thomas Nizo. Further consult was requested and received by a number of prominent Kaua‘i veterans;
— The memorial features a 60-foot-diameter circle ringed by a low lava-rock wall suitable for seating, with a large pohaku, or stone, with water flowing from underneath, as the centerpiece;
— The site will be used as a viewing area for launch missions, and will also become a regular stop for base tours and visitors.
