We, the people of the State of Hawai‘i, hereby petition the City & County of Honolulu to halt plans to remove the Ha‘ikū Stairs.

The City’s plan to spend $2.6 million to remove the Stairs is ill-considered and premature. The City should not spend taxpayer money to destroy this historic monument without further consideration of the implications and alternatives.

Ripping a staircase off the side of a steep, rain-soaked mountain is not a simple task. The true costs of removal will likely far exceed the budgeted amount. By contrast, left intact, the Stairs could generate substantial revenues without costing the City a single penny.

Removing the Stairs would also inflict serious environmental harms to a critical habitat. Doing so would jeopardize endangered species, trigger landslides that threaten lives and property, and spawn costly lawsuits that drain City resources and delay a final resolution. Moreover, the City’s current plan to remove the Stairs superstructure, leaving the foundation and platforms in place, would fail to solve the problem. The Stairs’ remnants would continue to pose an attractive nuisance that entices thrillseekers, risks lives, and disturbs homeowners.

The City’s rush for removal makes no sense. Instead, the City should allow valley stakeholders time to develop a responsible, managed access solution. Such a win-win solution would incorporate the Ha‘ikū Stairs into a holistic, sustainable plan for the entire Ha‘ikū valley. This approach would generate positive revenues for the City. It would fully protect taxpayers against liability and rescue costs. And it offers the best way to stop trespassing and disturbances to valley residents without burdening the City with needless security expenses.

The Haʻikū Stairs were part of a pioneering communications network built during the Second World War. They were repaired in 2002 at a cost to the city of $950,000 but have remained closed ever since. Despite this, the Stairs remain legendary to hikers and climbing enthusiasts from all over the world, offering panoramic views of Oʻahu and a valuable opportunity to study Hawaiian history, culture, as well as native plant and animal life.

Please sign this petition (using your signature and physical address for maximum impact) to show you support saving the Haʻikū Stairs. Together, let's urge the Mayor to work with stakeholders for a managed access plan that would mitigate any further costs to the city, solve illegal hiking problems, and save this world famous and unique piece of history for future generations.