“I can assure you that this was not a decision made on a whim” Honolulu Mayor Rick Blagiardi said in a statement quoted by CNN.
Problems with tourists at the Haiku Steps have increased significantly in recent years. The reason for this type of situation was the increasingly dynamic development of social media. Although the attraction had been officially closed to tourists since 1987, it was visited every month by a large group of YouTubers, TikTokers and adrenaline-seeking travelers.
“Stairway to heaven” were built during World War II by American soldiers. In total, they have as many as 3,992 steps, which are located on a winding mountain trail over 850 meters long. The Honolulu City Council made a unanimous decision to tear down the stairs in 2021. Demolition works will start from the end of April and will last at least half a year. The estimated cost to remove the Haiku Stairs will be $2.5 million.
“Due to rampant illegal encroachments, the Haiku Stairs pose a significant burden and expense to the city and impact the quality of life of local residents.” – Councilor Ester Kiaaina justified the city council's decision in an interview with Hawaii News Now.
“To date, the city has spent $1 million of taxpayer money remodeling the stairs and hundreds of thousands more on security costs” – adds councilor Brandon Elefante.
Although the vote to tear down the stairs was unanimous, four council members had some reservations about the matter. Ultimately, the decision was made by the mayor.
“This decision was made based on our respect for the people who live near the entrance to the stairs, our respect for our land and sea, and our respect for both the future and the past of the Haiku community's culture” – Mayor Blagiardi concludes the topic.