Starting this month, Hawaii’s dangerous and controversial Stairway to Heaven trail on Oahu, consisting of slick steel steps winding through the Koolau Mountain Range, will be dismantled. The trail has been illegal to hike since 1987, but its popularity grew through social media despite the $1,000 citation for trespassing. The removal process, expected to take six months, will begin with over 600 stair modules being taken down. The project aims to address concerns about public safety, community disturbance, and preservation of natural beauty. The decision to remove the stairs was made to respect both the land and the history of the Haiku community.
The City and County of Honolulu unanimously passed a resolution in 2021 in response to decades of complaints from residents living near the stairs regarding disturbances by hikers. The trail’s dangerous conditions have led to numerous helicopter rescues over the years, with taxpayers footing the bill. The project to dismantle the stairs also includes restoration of native plants and preservation of certain structures for historical significance.
Honolulu officials emphasized that the trail will become even more hazardous during construction and pose a safety threat to anyone attempting a final hike. The removal of the Stairway to Heaven trail marks a new chapter for Haiku Valley, with the goal of improving the quality of life for residents, enhancing public safety, and protecting the environment.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com
