The internment of more than 120,000 Japanese-Americans and Japanese immigrants during World War II is a painful memory — yet one that we must not forget.

Old camps around the country, including one in Honouliuli Gulch, remind us of that tragic history.

To ensure that the past is not forgotten, our old internment camps must be preserved. But it will take a much-needed boost from a bill initiated by Sen. Daniel Inouye.

The senator's proposal creates a $38 million grant program in the National Park Service. It also increases the matching grant ratio from 25 percent to 50 percent. That increase is important to save Honouliuli, the largest camp of five on O'ahu, the Big Island, Maui and Kaua'i.

Between 1943 and 1945, some 1,440 men and women of Japanese, German and Italian ancestry were held at Honouliuli's 160 acres.

Today, the camp mostly consists of overgrown brush and concrete slabs, and is part of an 1,800-acre parcel that present owners — the Campbell Estate — have had on the market for some time.

To buy the land, preservation groups such as the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i, will need to rely on a great deal of community fundraising. But only in tandem with a 50 percent matching grant from Inouye's bill will the group have a fighting chance to save an important chapter of history.

Inouye's bill passed the Senate last week, but it needs House approval and the president's signature. To preserve this important memorial, the bill deserves quick approval.