Editorial
History of Ford Island must not be lost

Memories abound on Ford Island.

Buildings that show the scars of an aerial attack. Runways still chipped by Japanese bullets. Bomb splatter markings on the island.

In many ways, Ford Island is still in the time warp of 1941. It is a place where time has stood still and the future must be carefully monitored.

Now that Ford Island is easily accessible, the Navy is moving ahead with plans for housing, a marina and festival marketplace.

Two things are at play here: The Navy's undeniable need to restore and fix buildings in severe disrepair because of decades of neglect. And the public interest in preserving this crucially important part of history.

But as the pressure is on to develop and Congress has appropriated millions of dollars, preservationists worry that change will outweigh history.

The Navy says it must consider the operational needs of an active military base in weighing preservation goals against modernizing facilities.

The world must never forget what Ford Island represents — our place in America's entry into the Second World War.

More housing and a marina, even some commercial development, can all co-exist with the history of the island. But that is the crux of the issue — development must be in the context of — and in honor of — the incredible history of this place.

That means some commercial development may be out of place. If it is, we should tilt to the side of preservation and not development for the sake of development.

The Navy obviously appears to feel that "outsiders" should not be dictating requirements for an operational base. We have to believe the Navy, above all others, would be interested in maintaining a monument both to the horror of Dec. 7, 1941, and the valor of that day.

It is critical that a preservation plan be completed before any development plans move forward, even if deadlines are putting pressure on the Navy to plow ahead. Once we lose what we have, it will be gone forever.

The Navy should be commended that so much of 1941 Ford Island remains as it is. We now have a unique chance to preserve this for future generations, for the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the "Greatest Generation."

Once the "Greatest Generation" is gone, it is places like Ford Island that will be our tangible links to a watershed moment in history.

Don't let us forget. Don't let us lose our history. The Navy owes it to those who fought in World War II to maintain Ford Island so we never do forget.