The Honolulu City Council voted to remove the Haiku Stairs and set aside $1 million in the budget to do the work. The final decision will be made by the Mayor at a later date.
The 'Stairway to Heaven', also known as the 'Haiku Stairs', is a spectacular staircase that starts in Haiku Valley on the island of Oahu and stretches along the slopes of Mount Koolau. The stairs were built by the US Navy during World War II to create a radio tower at the top to transmit messages to US ships and submarines.
Since 1987, Haiku has been off-limits due to concerns that it would be vandalized and unsafe for the public. In 2002, Honolulu spent $875,000 to repair damaged sections of the staircase, with the intention of officially reopening it to the public. The city still has strict regulations to ensure safety and legality. Visitors who illegally enter the restricted area can be fined up to $1,000.
Relatively little known about the Haiku Stairs after they were abandoned in the 1950s, the power of the media has now turned them into a destination for thrill-seekers and attracts thousands of visitors each year. But concerns about security costs, maintenance costs, and liability if visitors are put in danger have led Honolulu to consider removing the stairs.
In addition, local residents living at the foot of the stairs are also upset about tourists walking and parking, making noise in the early morning. Worse still, there are people who trespass on their private property, use the water hose in their yard without permission, litter on the street and disrespect their neighborhood.
The decision was passed in an effort to prevent trespassing, reduce disruption to local neighborhoods, increase public safety, eliminate potential risks related to city liability, and protect the environment.
