Despite its planned removal due to excessive tourism, tourists still frequent Hawaii's Haiku Stairs.
The staircase, constructed by the US Navy during World War II, has been a popular tourist destination, even though it's been closed to visitors since 1987.
Recently, five people were taken into custody and accused of first-degree trespassing, as reported by CNN affiliate Hawaii News Now.
One weekend in April, police issued 60 warnings to hikers, eight citations for second-degree trespassing, and 25 parking-related actions. Second-degree trespassing is considered a misdemeanor.
The breathtaking vistas thrown open to those daring enough to reach the pinnacle of this 2,800-foot mountain have been well-rewarding to travelers who manage to navigate the notorious "Stairway to Heaven."
The lack of official paths, however, has forced many adventurers to cross private land to reach their destination. Some individuals have published guides on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, thus attracting even more viewers to the locale.
The hike's rising popularity and accompanying inappropriate conduct were the primary reasons for Honolulu's city council's decision to take down the stairs in 2021.
Two weeks ago, local authorities announced that demolition would commence on April 22. This news drew a horde of hikers looking to pay a final visit.
Maj. Randall Platt of the Honolulu PD warned that being in the area was both illegal and risky, with construction equipment and helicopters working in close proximity. He highlighted the site's closed status and the hazardous nature of the environment.
In their statement, a spokeswoman for the city government noted their displeasure at the disregard for warnings about the project's commencement and the potential dangers.
The Haiku Stairs' removal will involve the dismantling of one 700-foot portion at a time, to be carried off by helicopter. The project is estimated to cost the city $2.5 million.
It is unclear as to where the stairs will be relocated once they have been removed. Kualoa Ranch, a tourist spot, has expressed interest in purchasing and storing them.
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Source: edition.cnn.com
