This section delves into decisions made by the US Fish and Wildlife Service for demolition of historic structures on Midway Island. This move, aimed at prioritizing wildlife conservation and habitat restoration, has sparked a debate about the balance between preserving history and protecting the environment. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife have a legal mandate to preserve Midway’s rich history, yet they have opted to only maintain buildings they currently ‘use’, regardless of historical significance. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife also have a legal mandate to host visitors to the island, yet the visitor program remains closed with no plan to reopen. They have systematically demolished buildings and structures that would have supported a self-sustaining visitor program. The Photos, below, offer examples of buildings/structures that have been demolished or are currently planned to be demolished.
“Demolition by Neglect”
First a structure is totally ignored of any maintenance – until it becomes a Safety or Environmental Hazard – then millions are authorized for demolition via the CERCLA Superfund Program – regardless of Historic Significance
Per the 2016 GAO Report;
“FWS has demolished seven historic properties and completed another undertaking with adverse effects on historic properties that was not contemplated by the agreement without directly notifying parties who had previously expressed interest in historic preservation issues on Midway (hereafter referred to as key parties) and seeking their comments and input, and, in some cases, without providing public notification or opportunity for the public to express its views on resolving the adverse effects. In addition, FWS did not conduct consultations before approving three of the four undertakings even though, according to Advisory Council on Historic Preservation officials, the intent of consultation is to inform agency decision making.”
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The FWS stated they will NOT maintain buildings they do not use, regardless of their Historic Significance.
Sent by Rob Cook, on Father’s Day, June 19, 2016
“My father, Cmdr. Robert C. Cook-DDS carved the Gooney Bird that is now a disregarded pile of garbage. He also carved a very large ‘ALOHA’ sign that was installed at the airport. Not sure what became of that. But it just makes me sick to my stomach of what has become of what was a wonderful paradise. I mean this is CRIME!! It’s just absolutely horrible. I would hope that our nation’s leaders will step up and correct what is very obvious the murder of Midway Island. PLEASE!!”
Structures Demolished by USFWS
Historic Cable Buildings # 619, 623, 626 and 628 were Demolished in October of 2013
These historic structures were demolished without proper protocol and without consultation with the IMMF, as required by Public Law.
Cable House # 643 was saved and partially restored.
Historic Marine Barracks Buildings (#578 and #579) Demolished in September of 2013
These historic structures were demolished without proper protocol and without consultation with the IMMF, as required by Public Law.
SKI Warehouse Building #393 Demolished
October 2013
Fuel Farm Completely
Demolished September 2015
In a 2014 Congressional Oversight Hearing Chairman Fleming requested a pause of 10-years before demolition of The Midway Fuel Farm.
Cellular
Phone System
Demolished
Midway Phoenix Corp installed the island’s first Cellular Phone System. This system generated positive cash revenue, which helped pay for island expenses. The USFWS completely removed the Cell System. It was never replaced.
The AT&T / Transpacific
Cable Station
Demolished
October 2016
The Cable Station and the adjacent storage building were demolished in October of 2016.
Fire Truck
Demolished
It was reported that the Fire Truck was totally demolished, after a FWS employee took it for a joy ride. The Firetruck was transported, by barge, to an Oahu Scrapyard.
Water Tower
Totally Demolished
The Water Tower demolished on September 17, 2017. It was the only gravity fed water system on the island. The Water Tower also served as a Navigational Aid for ships at sea and for aircraft. The Water Tower was not maintained or replaced.
The Main Galley
Now Demolished
The Main Galley first noticed as being demolished via Google Satellite views, in June of 2023. The FWS restricts current photos, which show the status of Midway buildings.
BOQ Bravo
Now Demolished
BOQ Bravo first noticed as being demolished via Google Satellite views, in June of 2023. The FWS restricts current photos, which show the status of Midway buildings.
BEQ Charlie
Now Demolished
BEQ Charlie first noticed as being demolished via Google Satellite views, in June of 2023. The FWS restricts current photos, which show the status of Midway buildings.
BEQ Delta
Now Demolished
BEQ Delta first noticed as being demolished via Google Satellite views, in June of 2023. The FWS restricts current photos, which show the status of Midway buildings.
Historic SAR Hangar
Collapsed
On January 13, 2022
This Historic Icon was not maintained for more than 20 years.
On January 13, 2022, the entire building collapsed during a storm.
NAF Hangar now Gutted and Scheduled for Complete
Demolition
The NAF Hangar has not been maintained for more than 20 years. The USFWS has clearly stated they will not maintain buildings that are not being used, regardless of historic significance.
The NAF Hangar served as Office Space for Midway Phoenix Corp., when they operated the island, in support of their Visitor Program. A near identical Hangar is located at Barbers Point Hawaii and currently in use by the Coast Guard. The difference between these two hangars is that one has been maintained and one has not.
Click here to view recent photos of the NAF Hangar being prepped for demolition by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
I was stationed on Midway from mid 1972 to late 1973. I was a Quartermaster and worked in the Harbor Control Tower and took care of the Tsunami alert system, along with various other duties. Midway was the best kept secret of the Navy. I thoroughly enjoyed my tour of duty on Midway. It’s sad that it is no longer a place to visit or keep maintained. I cherish my memories of this place.
I have never served in the US military, and I have never been to Midway Atoll. But I am an American and I treasure the heritage of what our brave soldiers have accomplished throughout our history to give us the freedoms we now enjoy. The FWS employees currently on Midway are there because warriors fought and died to keep us free–free for some folks to devote their lives to the preservation of albatrosses. And that’s fine. But what has been done to this island is a national tragedy. Once history is demolished, you never get it back.
When the Navy left, there was plenty of room on the islands to actually GROW the infrastructure, stabilize the existing buildings, and build some new structures that would have made Midway a truly great place to visit. Tourists could have:
1) Enjoyed the historic buildings and military history.
2) Enjoyed the added modern amenities.
3) Enjoyed the scenic beauty, the looney birds and other wildlife.
All these things would have been compatible without sacrificing either the history or the birds.
But now its too late. Who would travel to this island just to see the birds alone? Now that the infrastructure has been largely destroyed, along with the horrific decision to chop down the mature trees exposing the sand to erosion, the place is a wasteland–which is what I think they wanted, just to keep tourists out.
I live near another former historic military site, Fort Monroe, in Hampton, VA. Its only been about 10 years since the many buildings have been abandoned. But already I can see deterioration. It is being managed in part by the National Park Service. But unless something is done, I can see a future wrecking-ball toppling many of the structures.
Thank you to all who served our country on Midway.
Who exactly is the IMBECILE responsible for the illegal demolitions??!!
I was stationed on Midway Is. for 6 months in 1968. I was a heavy equipment operator In the Sea Bees, EOH 3, I had completed 2 tours in Vietnam, but couldn’t go for the third tour because I didn’t have enough time left, so they sent me to Midway to run the cranes. I enjoyed my time there.
Given the situation in Ukraine, I believe it is necessary to bring Midway back to it’s 1965 condition. We must maintain a perimeter around the US. Midway, Adak, and Guam defense. Now.
100% agree
FWS has the primary goal of managing fish and wildlife. It is expected that is foremost what they want to manage. I would really put the blame on those who handed it to them. They are I’ll equipped to handle preservation of structures etc. Their primary objective is wildlife management thereby creating a major conflict of interest in the proper management of both resources. They would see the larger numbers of visitors as an impediment to wildlife management. There is no reason that both cannot be satisfied with the right leadership and over site on both objectives in my opinion.
Absolutely tragic this is allowed to happen. Beyond words.
Wonder what kind of upkeep budget FWS gets every year from Federal Government?
All good memories, thank you.