U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, recently joined Carole Hayashino, the president and executive director of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, and Jacce Mikulanec, president of the Honolulu Japanese American Citizens League, to present Interior Department Secretary Sally Jewell with petitions from more than 6,000 Americans requesting the inclusion of Honouliuli Internment Camp in the national park system.
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, recently joined Carole Hayashino, the president and executive director of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, and Jacce Mikulanec, president of the Honolulu Japanese American Citizens League, to present Interior Department Secretary Sally Jewell with petitions from more than 6,000 Americans requesting the inclusion of Honouliuli Internment Camp in the national park system.
“The Honouliuli Internment Camp serves as a symbol of the constant need to protect the freedoms and rights of every American,” Schatz said. “I’m proud to stand with the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, the Japanese American Citizens League, and the thousands of Americans who support protection of this solemn site. I will continue to work with Secretary Jewell and President Obama to finally give Honouliuli the historic recognition it deserves.”
Last year, Schatz met with National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis to discuss the need to complete the special resource study, which was authorized by Congress in 2009 to review the site for potential inclusion in the national park system. Following the meeting, Schatz sent Jarvis a letter to reiterate his support for the Honouliuli Internment Camp’s inclusion in the national park system.
In September 2013, Jewell visited Honouliuli Gulch where she saw remnants of the confinement site that historic documents indicate once held 175 buildings, 14 guard towers and more than 400 tents at the 160-acre camp. Jewell also met with local leaders and members of several Japanese cultural organizations who are part of the growing chorus of voices who want to see this difficult chapter in the nation’s history preserved and interpreted for the benefit of generations to come.
In 1943, the Honouliuli Internment Camp was constructed on Oahu to intern citizens, resident aliens and prisoners of war. The camp held approximately 320 internees and became the largest prisoner-of-war camp in Hawaii. Honouliuli was the largest and longest-used World War II internment camp in Hawaii.
The NPS held a series of public meetings throughout Hawaii during May and June to present the draft study report, answer questions and accept comments. Following receipt and review of public comments, a final report, including a course of action recommended by the Secretary of the Interior, will be transmitted to Congress.
“JACL-Honolulu is pleased that Honouliuli Internment Camp is one step closer to receiving the recognition it deserves. It is a symbol of what can happen when fear and prejudice dictate policy in our country — and why we must counter racism and prejudice in any form,” said Jacce Mikulanec, president of JACL-Honolulu Chapter. “JACL has a long history of advocating for civil rights in Hawaii and nationally. We are honored to be part of this pivotal visit and look forward to the work ahead.”