Hawaiʻi Museum Announces Complete Staff Layoffs
**The Struggles and Importance of the Pacific Tsunami Museum**
The Pacific Tsunami Museum (PTM) in Hilo, Hawai‘i, is at a crossroads. A crucial institution preserving the memory, science, and safety lessons of tsunamis, it faces the threat of closure due to mounting financial troubles. The museum has made significant contributions to public safety and historical preservation, but dwindling funds, declining visitor numbers, and aging infrastructure have left its future uncertain.
### A Critical Reminder of Nature’s Power
Strategically located along Hilo’s bayfront—an area that bore the brunt of several devastating tsunamis during the 20th century—the PTM is not just a museum. It is a repository of lived experiences, scientific explanations, and safety advice. Through oral histories from survivors, exhibitions, and interactive displays, the museum educates locals and visitors on the importance of tsunami preparedness and hazard mitigation.
Despite its importance, the museum has struggled to maintain its operations, laying off its entire 10-member team and cutting back hours. PTM President Cindi Preller has stepped in as both a volunteer and leader, even forgoing her salary to prioritize preserving the institution. The museum now depends entirely on weekend volunteers to stay open.
Preller articulated the significance of oral histories collected by the museum, noting, “It’s because of the survivor interviews that we know what those [tsunami] warning signs are. The survivor stories are teaching us exactly what is happening at the time. We can’t set up instrumentation to measure what’s going on during the event because it all gets destroyed.”
### Financial Challenges and Aging Infrastructure
A combination of factors has led to the PTM’s financial struggles. Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic drastically reduced tourism in Hawai‘i, impacting admissions significantly. Carol Walker, the chairperson of PTM, explained that while the museum had once thrived, the absence of recent tsunamis has contributed to fading memories among the public, leading to a decline in donor interest. Furthermore, key donors have either passed away or shifted their focus to other causes.
The PTM is housed in Hilo’s historic Kamehameha Branch building, gifted by the First Hawaiian Bank in 1997. However, as the building approaches its centennial year, it requires extensive repairs, including fixing a leaking roof, replacing a broken air conditioning system, and addressing mildew issues. Renovations could cost up to $1 million, and the museum has had to rely on both private and public funding sources to address these needs.
One notable recent contribution came from the Olsen Trust, a Hawai‘i-based nonprofit, which donated $200,000 to the museum. Olsen Trust representatives have also called on local businesses to step up and support the PTM. While this donation was a step in the right direction, more funding will be needed to ensure the museum can fully address its repair needs and continue operating without interruptions.
### A Treasure Trove of Survivor Stories
The museum’s most unique asset may be its collection of oral histories from those who have lived through tsunamis in Hawai‘i. Co-founder Jeanne Branch Johnston, herself a survivor of the devastating 1946 tsunami, conducted hundreds of interviews over the years. These interviews—rich with insights on how to recognize early warning signs and what to expect in the moments before a tsunami hits—are critical educational tools for tsunami preparedness.
As Preller notes, archivists are needed to digitize these invaluable oral histories and preserve them for future generations. Digitization would not only safeguard these records but also make them more accessible to researchers and the public worldwide, ensuring that the lessons of the past are never forgotten.
### The Fight to Stay Open
In addition to seeking long-term funding, PTM leaders have emphasized outreach and collaboration. They hope to draw attention to the museum’s critical role in preserving Hawai‘i’s tsunami history and safeguarding communities through education. The museum also works to bridge the gap between historical narratives and scientific understanding, offering clear, tangible lessons in tsunami hazard mitigation.
Walker outlined three essential components of the museum’s mission that make it worth saving:
1. **Historical Importance**: The museum memorializes past tragedies, serving as a reminder of how unpreparedness can exacerbate the impact of natural disasters.
2. **Scientific Understanding**: Through engaging exhibits, the museum breaks down the science behind tsunamis for visitors, providing actionable knowledge for communities prone to such disasters.
3. **Community Safety and Education**: By teaching residents and visitors how to recognize warning signs and respond to tsunami threats, the PTM is a lifesaving resource.
### A Plea to the Public
If the Pacific Tsunami Museum is to survive, it will require sustained support from the public, private donors, and possibly state and national funding sources. In addition to outright donations, the museum could benefit from increased tourism and corporate sponsorships. Community-wide fundraising efforts—ranging from grant applications to volunteer