HOME - Ke'ehi Lagoon Memorial

PARK HISTORY

In 1949, the Legislature of the Territory of Hawai’i established the Pacific War Memorial Commission to create memorials to those who had lost their lives in the Pacific Theatre during World War II.

In 1952, the Commission set aside 11 acres for the Ke’ehi Lagoon Memorial.

In 1961, the Memorial Master Plan was created and clearing of the once mangrove swamp commenced.

By 1965, construction of the Obelisk, a memorial hall, an access road and parking areas were completed.

The Alfred Los Banos Hall, John A. Burns Hall, Tommy Kakesako Hall, and the Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Hall would be added over the next 30 years.

Today, Ke’ehi Lagoon Memorial State Park continues to serve as living memorial dedicated to honoring all veterans with a special remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our Nation.

KE’EHI MEMORIAL ORGANIZATION

As a self-sustaining 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Ke’ehi Memorial Organization (“KMO”) provides professional management and maintenance of Ke’ehi Lagoon Memorial State Park while ensuring it meets its stated purpose to support disabled veterans and their families and the youth of our community. As a public trust, KMO is committed to fulfilling its mission for the benefit of all.

MISSION STATEMENT

To maintain the Ke’ehi Lagoon Memorial State Park (“KLM”) grounds and facilities as a special place to honor all veterans, especially the fallen; to provide a venue for activities that fulfill the KLM’s function as a Living Memorial; and to support the general community with a focus on at-risk youth and disabled veterans and their families.

VALUES STATEMENT

Ke’ehi Memorial Organization (KMO) values: the sacrifices of veterans, especially the fallen, and service to the youth and general community, disabled veterans and their families with integrity, respect and a high sense of duty

THE VETERAN'S CREED

I am an American Veteran.
I proudly served my country.
I live the values I learned in the military.
I continue to serve my community, my country, and my fellow veterans.
I maintain my physical and mental discipline.
I continue to lead and improve.
I make a difference.
I honor and remember my fallen comrades.

This creed is recognized and advanced by AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, HillVets, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Reserve Officers Association, Student Veterans of America, Team Rubicon Global, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Wounded Warrior Project.