For nearly 30 years, the Pacific Tsunami museum has been a beacon of education and remembrance, chronicling the devastating tsunamis that have shaped Hawaii's history and offering crucial lessons about preparedness. But now, it’s in need of help.

HILO, Hawaii (Island News) -- A cornerstone of Hawaii’s history and resilience is in jeopardy. The Pacific Tsunami Museum in Hilo, dedicated to preserving stories of survival and educating about tsunami preparedness, is facing financial challenges that threaten its future.

A cornerstone of Hawaii’s history and resilience is in jeopardy. The Pacific Tsunami Museum in Hilo, dedicated to preserving stories of survival and educating about tsunami preparedness, is facing financial challenges that threaten its future.

The Pacific Tsunami Museum has been a beacon of education and remembrance for nearly three decades. But now, its very survival is at risk, as rising operational costs have taken a toll. Nestled in the heart of Hilo, the Museum stands as a tribute to those who lost their lives and a resource to prepare future generations. The exhibits tell powerful stories of resilience, but keeping these stories alive comes at a cost.

Walter Dudley is a co-founder of the Pacific Tsunami Museum and says, "Our building is nearly 100 years old. The building that was donated to us by the bank, and it's got a lot of serious maintenance issues. The roof sprung a leak, and then mildew, of course, spread everywhere. The air conditioner, which is also ancient, it's dead and will cost. It would cost a fortune to replace it. So basically, our entire emergency fund went to cleaning up the the mold and the mildews to make it safe for both, you know, guests and the staff."

The museum’s financial challenges aren’t just about keeping the lights on, it’s about maintaining a vital resource for tsunami education and preparedness. Each exhibit, from historical photographs to survivor testimonials, plays a crucial role in teaching residents and visitors about the risks and how to stay safe.

The Pacific Tsunami Museum has been a beacon of education and remembrance for nearly three decades. But now, its very survival is at risk, as rising operational costs have taken a toll.

and parents who have lost their children really have trouble even speaking about and it literally had them washed out of their arms while they were trying to save them."

The Olson Trust recently donated $200,000 to the nonprofit museum.

Walter Dudley says if the museum can raise $300 -Thousand-Dollars more - that would help in keeping its doors open. The museum's struggles are not just about preserving history, they're about ensuring future generations understand the importance of being prepared for a disaster.

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