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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 12:45 p.m., Friday, April 10, 2009

MARITIME CENTER CLOSED
Bishop Museum cutting hours, laying off and furloughing staff

Advertiser Staff

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

The Hawaii Maritime Center will cease operations under a cost-cutting plan announced today by Bishop Museum. Reduced hours for the museum and staff layoffs and furloughs also were announced.

GREGORY YAMAMOTO | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Bishop Museum announced today it will reduce public hours and cut personnel expenses because of continuing adverse economic conditions.

The cuts go into effect May 1 and include:

— Closing Bishop Museum to the public each Tuesday.

— Temporarily ceasing public operations at its Hawaii Maritime Center.

— A combination of personnel expense cuts that will include layoffs and furlough of staff in an effort to reduce the institution's operating expenses.

"This decision was and remains very difficult," President and CEO Timothy Johns said in a statement.

"With recent cuts in state funding, loss of income from investments, and a continued decline in non-resident visitors, the Museum must adjust to reduce its operating expenses.

"Although the economic climate creates many uncertainties, we are committed to continuing to serve the community and provide world-class programs, research, and exhibits."

Bishop Museum is the State Museum of Natural and Cultural History and holds 24 million cataloged objects.