EDITORIAL
Arizona facility needs funding — but whose?

It's unthinkable that the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, and its nearby visitor center and museum, might one day cease to serve as a suitable testimonial to a nation's spirit, not to mention a vital part of our tourism infrastructure.

The memorial itself, for the moment, is in good shape. But the visitor center, a short ferry ride across the water, is not. According to the Arizona Memorial Museum Association, the structure, which has long been inadequate for the heavy visitor traffic it receives, is cracking and settling into the harbor.

A suitable replacement, the association says, will cost $34 million, of which $7.5 million has already been raised. As part of this effort, the association is seeking $1 million from the city and $3 million from the state.

But we're a bit skeptical about the association's assertion that collecting public money is critical to persuading Mainland organizations to finance the effort. If these organizations believe in the project, they'll come aboard.

For local governments, the problem is more complicated. Lawmakers must assess the project's needs from the perspective of other public demands and decide if the visitor center is a prudent investment in this vital community asset.

If governments decide to contribute, they must ensure that the new facility is fitting to the memorial's somber purpose. Inappropriate commercial enterprises now housed in a large tent next to the visitor center have brought waves of protest.

The Arizona Memorial and supporting facilities are irreplaceable. But it's not clear what role city and state governments should play in supporting this landmark, which is run by the National Park Service and funded by nonprofit organizations. It's an issue that deserves full discussion.