Opened in 1927, the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial is a public saltwater swimming pool and monument built to commemorate the 10,000 Hawaiians who served in World War I. One of the first 'living memorials' built in the United States, it was designed to have a lasting use to the people of Hawaii instead of existing as a static monument. The memorial was closed in 1979 due to neglect and has since been the subject of debate as propositions have been made to tear down the memorial.