The Stairway to Heaven hike in Oahu is one of the most popular hikes on the islands. Right now there is no date as to when the Stairs could start to be dismantled, but its likely at least several months away. Now, a new addition to the hike is making quite an impression on Instagram: a makeshift swing that looks like a really bad idea, to be quite honest. On a single summer night during pre-pandemic times, Barboza hosted a stakeout with community members to count the number of illegal trespassers. Officials in Hawaii want the "Stairway to Heaven" to go to hell. According to the board, it cost more than $200,000 a year to pay for 24-hour security to keep hikers from accessing the stairs. Currently, there is a maximum $1,000 fine for people caught. HIKING THE STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN! Eventually, the Board of Water Supply took control of the stairs until July 2020 when the board unanimously voted to transfer the land back to the city. The city council voted unanimously to permanently remove the staircase, citing nearly $1m in taxpayer funds already spent to remodel the stairs, as part of a project to establish a cultural and recreational park in the area, and thousands of dollars in security expenses. Haiku Stairs, built into the Ko'olau mountain range, face being permanently removed. Already on private property and having passed multiple no-trespassing signs we were understandably quite nervous. stairway to heaven oahu. Similar questions. The Honolulu City Council last Wednesday voted unanimously to remove the Haiku Stairs. We apologized and put our heads down and followed his orders to take the gate out. "Fundamentally, it is inappropriate to have a high-use tourist attraction entering through this residential neighborhood, which lacks in the capacity to provide appropriate facilities or parking. Kiaaina said she expects a final decision from the Blangiardi administration within the next 60 days, but assures all community members that they will have an opportunity to voice their opinions before then. I felt a huge relief as we began our ascent up the stairs as it is commonly known that the guards and police dont usually climb the stairs to confront people. We spent about 1.5 hrs at the top just chilling waiting for the clouds to move. Charge tourists/out-of-state visitors $50-100 to hike the stairs while the hike remains free for residents of Hawaii. So, for the photographers out there, you can get all of the angles and shots you have dreamed about legally. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). 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A grueling 3,922 stairs lead up the imposing mountain ridge, often at an almost vertical incline, with only a handrail to catch you from falling into the valley below. A Facebook group called Search for Moke Pua was created by Puas sister-in-law to connect and update those searching for the missing teen. Both sides are lobbying hard. First, the proposal lays out the problems: Nakamotos plan includes fronting the money to fix and manage the stairs, having 24-hour security, transporting hikers from an offsite location, requiring certified guides on every hike, and capping the number of daily hikers. And still, when a meeting comes up, people come up with the same objections they came up with 35 years ago, he said. ", Despite warnings and hefty potential fines, A photo posted by Angelo Neto (@angelovianabjj), would be removed by a contractor within the next few weeks, taking steps toward demolishing the stairs altogether, proposed a plan to repair, maintain and manage the hike, To remove the stairs would be so shortsighted, If theyre swinging out over an open area, then potentially if they fell off, it could be fatal, A photo posted by Caressa Pitt (@caressame). Illegal hiking of Hawaii's Stairway to Heaven has become such a problem that the city of Honolulu has long since begun imposing a $1000 fine on anyone that is caught trying to hike the stairs. Hiker Nearly Falls Off Illegal Swing on Hawaii's Famous Stairway to Heaven. You may be wondering why the stairs are even there, right? It will be your own decision to take a couple more steps onto the stairs.. Startled by the old man walking towards us we quickly shuffled away to the main entrance only to find someone jumping out beaming a flashlight at us. On that land sits a waterfall and a small swimming hole. The 8,050 feet long stairs reach a dramatic mountain peak through the clouds and many locals and tourists have billed the site as boasting the best view in all of Hawaii. We could see the guards red truck parked at the foot of the stairs where it was in the morning but we decided to take the risk. This route also does a good job of not waking up the neighbors as you jump fences and sneak around at 3 am. The Honolulu City Council last Wednesday voted unanimously to remove the Haiku Stairs or "Stairway to Heaven" located in the town of Kaneohe on the island of Oahu. The debate on the stairway itself is ongoing, but the swing is something the Friends of Haiku Stairs and the Board of Water Supply agree on. Offer subject to change without notice. It may sound dramatic but at times that is . Daylenn Pua came Waianae to visit his grandmom, Daylenn Pua disappeared from the Sairway to Heaven, Present condition of the Stairway to Heaven. Of those arrested was an individual known to guide hikers up the stairs.. is an attempt to stop trespassing, reduce disturbances to local neighborhoods, increase public safety, remove potential liability to the city, and protect the environment., 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 Ester Kiaaina said, according to. Though it has been closed to the public since 1987, Stairway to Heaven is a popular hike on Oahu. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. The Hawaiian Stairway To Heaven Trail In any case, just be aware that fines of up to $1,000 are sometimes given to people caught climbing stairs. That was the decision from the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday, June 1, when they approved the budget for Fiscal Year 2023. The steel structure made up of nearly 4,000 steps spans along Oahus Koolau mountain range. With no other choice, we hurried down the street to a small lane that led up a hill. History of Haiku Stairs. Occasionally, trespassers cool off after their hike up the stairs. 4.5. I didnt want to miss the unique opportunity of experiencing the Haiku Stairs and taking my own photos of this unbelievably scenic hike before I left Hawaii, despite knowing it would be breaking the law. He was last seen boarding a bus in Waianae . Immigrants, artisans, economics, and the Catholic Church all played a role. I would catch these guys doing these private tours, and taking people up there, getting paid for it, but then using our place as like part of their tour, he said. Making our way towards the final gate, we spilled into the neighborhood and saw no signs of any police or angry neighbors. The mayor ordered the removal of the stairs last week. Despite HPD saying that there is no legal access, HNN reached out to guides through popular booking sites like Airbnb Experiences and Trip Advisor who promise legal access to the stairs. Though that search was suspended on that afternoon, Hawaii News reported, Puas relatives and local volunteers continued to comb the mountains for any sign of him. As time passed, the instances of the $600 fines being handed out seemed to have become more commonplace. As you know, Ive said repeatedly, that initially I thought it was a good idea to keep them. Fortunately, its time will be short-lived. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The trailhead area below the stairs is patrolled by a security guard around the clock, and sometimes the Honolulu police are called. The Moanalua Trail, is a 6-mile route down that would help you avoid the guards but you would also miss the views of the stairway on the way down and it would take 3-4 times as long. Haiku Stairs, a staircase that spans nearly 4,000 steps, will be removed permanently. Recently someone managed to install a treacherous swing atop one of the peaks that allowed people to arc out over a 2,700 foot drop. It's one of the most breathtaking views on all of Oahu, so photos of the hike are frequently shared on social media, drawing locals and tourists alike to the precarious climb. This heightened our sense of adventure and fear considerably. From August 2017 to March 2020, police patrolling the area turned away more than 11,400 people trying to access the stairs. America is changing faster than ever! Classic bureaucracy at play as that makes zero sense. Shih is a board member with Friends of Haiku Stairs, which is also planning a conference for the summer to bring all parties back to the table. The current state of the Haiku stairs is not safe as the stairs have not been maintained for years (loose steps and railings, lots of vegetation on the steps). From a selfish point of view, Barboza said the preservation of native species keeps Hawaiis drinking water pristine and from an ecological stance, invasive species jeopardize Hawaiis unique habitat. Friends of Haiku Stairs has pledged to fight the removal and says it has developed a plan to reopen the stairs with managed access that would address safety and trespassing concerns and could be operated at no cost to taxpayers. Here are my hiking essentials. To explore her adopted hometown, Laura Zurowski took things step by step on the hilly city's historic routes. During that time, civilians were allowed to sign a waiver at the station and climb the stairs. Honolulu mayor seeks $1M to dismantle Hawaii's infamous 'Stairway to Heaven' April 23, 2021. 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