In case you’ve by no means hiked the Ha‘ikū Stairs path on the Hawaiian island of O’ahu, you in all probability by no means will, as a result of the steps face demolition. It has been unlawful to hike this path, typically known as “the Stairway to Heaven,” for years, however folks do it anyway. And that’s one motive the Honolulu authorities is taking the steps down.
Final week, the town of Honolulu introduced preparatory work on the Ha‘ikū Stairs elimination venture is formally underway. Employees will take away “greater than 600 stair modules” comprising of three,922 metal steps this month, in keeping with a press launch.
The U.S. army constructed the slender metallic stair construction, which ascends 2,820 toes alongside the ridge line of the Koolau Mountains, throughout World Battle II. The steps lead as much as a radio tower the army used in the course of the struggle to speak with Navy ships working within the Pacific.
The mountain climbing path has been closed to the general public since 1987, however guests have continued to climb up the steep, unmaintained path, which is fairly sketchy in some locations. A native information report suggests the Honolulu Hearth Division has rescued 118 individuals who turned caught or injured on the trail within the final 12 years.
These days, there’s typically a guard on the trailhead, and hikers face a hefty payment in the event that they’re caught climbing the steps. However the hazard, the fines, and the pink tape don’t deter hikers who wish to expertise the well-known hike for themselves—or who wish to get that coveted photograph for his or her Instagram feed.
The Highway to Ha‘ikū Stairs Demolition
Since different techniques haven’t labored, the Honolulu authorities determined to take issues to the following degree. In 2021, officers voted to take away the steps, not solely due to security issues but additionally as a result of trespassers disturb the neighbors who need peace. It’s almost time for the venture to get underway.
“The elimination venture prioritizes public security, seeks to cease unlawful trespassing on the steps and close by neighbors who’ve handled many years of disruptions and disturbances, addresses vital legal responsibility for the town, preserves the pure magnificence and situation of the realm and improves the standard of life for neighborhood residents within the space,” states a press launch from the mayor’s workplace.
The $2.5 million elimination venture will take not less than six months to finish. The corporate contracted for the elimination venture may even spearhead efforts to re-vegetate impacted areas with native crops after the steps and different infrastructure is down.
Ought to the Ha‘ikū Stairs come down, or is there one other resolution that will guarantee public security whereas additionally respecting the land and folks?
