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The Honolulu City Council has voted to dismantle the Haiku Staircase and allocated $1 million in its budget to carry out the dismantling work. The final decision will be made by the Mayor in the near future.
The 'Stairway to Heaven', also known as the 'Haiku Stairs', is a spectacular staircase that begins in the Haiku Valley on Oahu Island and stretches along the slopes of Mount Koolau. These steps were constructed by the U.S. Navy during World War II to create a radio tower at the top for transmitting messages to American ships and submarines.
Since 1987, access to Haiku has been restricted due to concerns about vandalism and potential safety risks. In 2002, Honolulu spent $875,000 repairing damaged sections of the staircase, intending to officially reopen it to the public. The city maintains strict regulations to ensure safety and legality. Visitors who illegally trespass into the restricted area may be fined up to $1,000.
Relatively few people knew about the Haiku Stairs after they were abandoned in the 1950s; however, the power of media today has transformed it into a destination for adventure enthusiasts, attracting thousands of visitors each year. But concerns about the cost of security, maintenance, and legal liability if visitors are put in danger have led Honolulu authorities to consider removing the stairs.
In addition, local residents living at the foot of the stairs are also upset about the noise caused by tourists walking around and parking their cars early in the morning. Worse still, some people are trespassing on their private property, using water hoses in their yards without permission, littering on the street, and showing no respect for their neighborhood.
The decision was reportedly made in an effort to deter encroachment, reduce disruption to local residents in the neighborhood, enhance public safety, eliminate potential risks associated with the city's responsibilities, and protect the environment.
