Hawaii State Transportation Airports Division Ordered The Closure, Removal Of Exhibits

Citing concerns over "general liability coverage" and "fluid spill violations" at Kalaeloa Airport, the Hawaii State Transportation Airports Division has issued a revocation notice to the Naval Air Museum, and ordered them to vacate the premises.

Hawaii News Now reports that museum director Brad Hayes feels the eviction is not justified, and has vowed to fight the move.

Hayes said that he has provided proof of insurance and a report from the EPA clearing the museum, but the state says its too little, too late. Transportation Department spokesman Tim Sakahara said that the documents were provided after the revocation order was issued, so it will stand.

The museum has paid rant to the state on a 30-day revocable permit at Kalaeloa Airport since August 2000, according to the report. Hayes said forcing the museum to move would be a bad decision for the airport, the state and the taxpayers of Hawaii or "anyone else involved in this whole mess."

The state says that the museum has expanded its footprint well beyond the 2,423 square feet it was authorized to use. However, museum historian Brad Sekigawa said the museum would be willing to downsize to stay on the field. He said the footprint could be reduced by re-parking the aircraft on display, but the state will not allow them to make those changes.

Hayes said he plans to fight the eviction "all the way", and hopes to be able to reach a compromise with the state. If the airplanes are removed from the museum, some may be reduced to scrap metal, he said.

In a message posted on Facebook the museum said it was presented with a Revocation of Lease letter and Notice to Vacate based on two contentions: 1 - Lack of General Liability Insurance; and 2 - Failure to comply with Environmental Issues of oils leaks/spills.

"We have provided (multiple times) proof of insurance and we have complied with EPA and have received an inspection Closure Report to prove compliance. These documents were presented (again) today (November 7) to the Airport Manager, who in turn took it to his boss and it was ignored. The Airport Manager informed us tonight that DOT-A is not rescinding it's revocation letter and is moving forward full force ahead to evict (with no explanation as to why after proving compliance). They blatantly ignored our proof of compliance in both respects. Because of DOTA-A and their unfair, corrupt practices, our Veterans, schools and community will suffer.

"We need the public's help in stopping this wrongful eviction. More info to follow on how to help. Right now, we need your support. Our historical aircraft, equipment, artifacts, memorabilia, photos, etc. are subject to loss due to the State of Hawaii, DOTA-A's unwillingness to do what is right and acknowledge our proof of compliance and rescind the wrongful eviction process.

"We do not want to throw away the history that is so precious to all of us. We need the public to contact our state legislatures, the media, etc. to help us with this process. We are now having to turn away Veteran's, students and the general public with no reason to give other than DOTA-A wants to use it's power to end a legacy here at Barbers Point. No longer will our Veterans be able to revisit a place so dear to so many. No longer will families of lost service members be able to return to a place of comfort and closure. No longer will we be able to teach the students about Naval Aviation History in Hawaii."

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report