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It was business as usual for most federally funded tourist attractions in
Hawaii Wednesday despite the partial government shutdown continuing for the 12th day.
Most national museums and memorials on Oahu seem to be faring better than some in the nation’s capital. The Smithsonian museums and National Zoo in Washington D.C. announced Wednesday they will be closed until the “situation is resolved.”
Since getting a pledge for $126,000 from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the Arizona Memorial visitor center has been operating normally with hundreds of visitors flocking to the popular attraction.
Other local museums, like the Tropic Lightning Museum, continue to have their doors open to the public.
The U.S.S. Bowfin Submarine Museum is open “for now,” according to an employee, as they are one of the three non-profits that are helping to fund the Arizona Memorial during the shutdown so that it can stay open.
The U.S. Army Museum at Fort DeRussy is operating normally because it is funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, which is not affected by the shutdown.
Another venue not affected by the shutdown is the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, a grave site for veterans located in Punchbowl Crater.
Gene Maestas, public affairs specialist for the cemetery, says the cemetery is funded by the National Cemetery Administration, which is a part of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs that’s already fully funded.
However, Kealia Pond Wildlife Refuge on Maui Island is closed from the shutdown.
“Due to the lapse in federal appropriations, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services are unable fully to staff the property under its management,” the refuge’s phone message stated. “Therefore the refuge, visitor center, and Kealia Coastal Boardwalk are closed currently and not accessible to the public until further notice.”
The Honolulu Star-
Advertiser reached out to the Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge on Kauai, but did not receive a comment.
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