[...] thanks to off-site exhibitions, visitors can still explore the endangered treasures of a vast ecosystem and a dark, little-discussed chapter of World War II.
On Aug. 26, President Obama quadrupled the size of this preserve, home to more than 7,000 marine species and millions of indigenous seabirds, as well as Native Hawaiian cultural sites and World War II battlegrounds, to 582,578 square miles — more than three times the size of California.
Only a few researchers, maintenance personnel and conservation volunteers live within the monument, most on Midway, where the only visitors program was discontinued in 2012 because of budget cuts.
[...] the free Mokupapapa Discovery Center in Hilo provides fascinating glimpses into the monument’s main isles, with a 3,500-gallon saltwater aquarium holding samples of its reef creatures, life-size models of other wildlife and interactive displays.
Monsanto has donated the land to the government, but archaeological surveys, road and trail improvement, and construction of interpretive facilities have to happen first.
Joined by 1,000 family members, some were eventually sent to mainland internment camps, while others lived in heavily guarded compounds like Honouliuli, nicknamed Hell Valley.
In the last 14 years, the cultural center has collected the names of island internees, and poignant artifacts such as jewelry made from snail shells and other ingenious omiyage, or souvenir gifts, that Honouliuli inmates made for family members.
