A little late, but always pertinent.

On November 11, 2018, the World War One Centennial Task Force celebrated the end of WWI 100 years ago at the Waikiki WWI Natatorium War Memorial.  History has stated that the Armistice to end the Great War occurred on the 11th month, the 11th day and the 11th hour of 1918. This is why Veterans Day is always held on the 11th of November. Although Hawaii was just a Territory at the time, Hawaii’s per capita rate for volunteer enlistment was the highest in the Nation.  Native Hawaiians as well as immigrant Chinese, Japanese and Filipino men stepped forward to serve. On the civilian side, support came from the Red Cross nurses, bond rallies, etc. The Natatorium Memorial was conceived in 1919, built as a memorial salt water swimming pool and opened on August 24, 1927 as a living memorial to honor Hawaii’s military and civilian contributors who made the ultimate sacrifice. 

Hawaii Historic Arms Association presented a 4 table display with examples  military rifles (1 rack of U.S. rifles and a 2nd rack of foreign rifles) used by U.S. troops in Europe, uniforms, bayonets, knives and web canvas equipment. Guest, Manny Manchester added a 1 table display of WWI trench art on the 5th table.
 

It's too bad that the Natatorium has deteriorated to the point where the main pool is pretty much unsalvagable.  I worked on a study on the Natatorium for city in the 2004-2005 timeframe.  We did a report on the existing condition and were tasked with developing recommendations for repair.  This was after the Natatorium had been "renovated", but was really a patch and paint job.  I've seen many photos of the Natatorium being used back in the day as well as personal accounts from many uncles who used to go there often.  Very sad. 

From the outside, the Natatorium looks like it could be restored relatively easily.  From the inside, especially in the pool area, it's a disaster.  I'm surprised the walls haven't completely fallen into the ocean.  Actually, restoration of the pool would have been relatively easy from an engineering standpoint, but the environmental and historic preservation issues made them very difficult.  Not impossible, but given the length of time restoration was put off, made it worse and worse. 

I am thankful that I worked on that project as I learned a lot about the Natatorium, it's history from speaking to many folks who used to use the facility, etc.