Hawaii's famous Haiku Stairs will likely be removed

Hawaii's famous Haiku Stairs, sometimes called the Stairway to Heaven, and are likely to be removed next year following a Honolulu City Council meeting to discuss ongoing issues with the site.

 

 

The Honolulu City Council voted to remove the famous Haiku Stairs, sometimes called the Stairway to Heaven.

 

 

The stairs are a steep, steel step structure that provided pedestrian access to former U.S. Navy communication facilities on the island of Oʻahu, Hawaii. The more than 3,000 steps span along Oahu's Ko'olau mountain range. The pathway has been used as a hiking trail at various times but is not open to the public.

 

"Due to rampant illegal trespassing, Haiku Stairs is a significant liability and expense for the city, and impacts the quality of life for nearby residents," councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina told CNN affiliate Hawaii News Now. Kiaʻāina, whose district includes Kaneohe, authored Resolution 21-154, the proposal to remove the stairs.

 

"The city has already spent nearly $1 million in taxpayer dollars to remodel the stairs and hundreds of thousands of dollars in security costs," council member Brandon Elefante told Hawaii News Now.

Currently, there is a maximum $1,000 fine for people caught trespassing at the Haiku Stairs.