When Kiaaina introduced the resolution in 2021 to dismantle the stairs, she cited the issues of trespassing, public safety and liability. The nine-member council voted in favor of the measure, which came with a $1 million budget, and it was sent to Mayor Blangiardi for approval.

Excellent question. The removal of the Haʻikū Stairs, commonly known as the “Stairway to Heaven,” is a complex issue rooted in safety, legal liability, cultural respect, and environmental protection.

Here’s a breakdown of the key reasons why the City and County of Honolulu decided to remove the structure:

1. Public Safety and Liability

This is the most immediate and cited reason. Extreme Hazard: The stairs are in a state of severe disrepair. Metal sections are rusted, bolts are loose, and wooden steps have rotted. The trail is steep, often wet and slippery, and situated on a narrow ridge with sheer drop-offs. Illegal Access: The stairs have been officially closed to the public since 1987. To reach them, thousands of trespassers each year cut through private residential neighborhoods in Haʻikū Valley, often in the pre-dawn darkness. This has led to: Numerous emergency rescues (costing taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars per incident). Injuries and even fatalities. Constant complaints from residents about noise, trespassing, litter, and property damage.

The city faced enormous liability for maintaining a known, attractive nuisance that was drawing people into dangerous, illegal activity.

2. Cultural and Historical Significance

For Native Hawaiians (Kānaka Maoli), the area is not just a scenic hike. Sacred Landscape: The ridgeline and valleys are part of the ahupuaʻa (land division) of Haʻikū. It is considered a sacred place (wahi pana) with deep cultural significance.