Jackson County Parks Department

Kyle Lewis, Deputy Parks Director

TO: Jackson County Board of Commissioners

FROM: Kyle Lewis, Deputy Parks Director

SUBJECT: USS Arizona Relic Request

DATE: January 25, 2020

Motion Requested Motion to permit Jackson County Parks to submit a formal request letter to obtain a relic from the USS Arizona to be displayed at Sparks Foundation County Park (Cascades Park).

I. Background The USS Arizona was a Pennsylvania-class battleship built for the United States Navy in the mid-1910s. Although commissioned in 1916, the ship remained stateside during World War I. In April 1940, the USS Arizona and the rest of the Pacific Fleet were transferred from California to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Arizona was attacked by torpedo bombers during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. After one of their bombs detonated in a magazine, the Arizona exploded violently and sank, with the loss of 1,177 officers and crewmen. The wreck still lies at the bottom of Pearl Harbor beneath the USS Arizona Memorial.

Current Situation Today, relics of the Arizona reside within the confines of a protected reservation within the Pearl Harbor Naval Complex. In accordance with federal law, and out of respect for the USS Arizona as a national memorial and the organizations closely associated with the memorial the Navy has been authorized to donate pieces of the Arizona to organizations such as veteran’s groups, historical organizations and educational institutions for display and memorial purposes. Those qualified to receive a piece of the Arizona must not trade, sell or raise funds to gain financial benefit from the piece. It must be displayed in a manner consistent with preserving the sanctity and historical significance of the USS Arizona. The pieces are provided at no cost to the Navy and are donated in an "as is" condition.

A local citizen, Stanley Mazur, learned about the above opportunities earlier this summer and inquired about displaying this relic alongside the existing 9-11 structural steel memorial, and victims of violent crime memorial, at Sparks Foundation County Park. Mazur has communicated with the United States Navy and they are requesting that a formal request be submitted with the intended usage of the relic. The relic is likely to be 4’ x 5’ in size, and would be displayed in a glass case, similar to the 9-11 memorial.

II. Analysis A. Financial – There is no financial impact to the County. Stan Mazur has received donation commitments for the glass and steel that would be used to construct the case. Stan has also committed to raising funds through local service clubs for any amenities associated with the memorial.

B. Policy/Legal – The formal request letter would be signed by the Jackson County Board of Commission Chairman, as well as the Jackson County Parks Board Chairman.

C. Timing – Once the formal request letter is submitted, it may take several months for it to be processed and approved.

III. Recommendation The Jackson County Park Board passed a motion to permit Jackson County Parks to submit a formal request letter to obtain a relic from the USS Arizona to be displayed at Sparks Foundation County Park (Cascades Park) at their February 5, 2020 meeting, and the Parks Board is recommending approval.

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