The Haiku Stairs in Hawaii in the USA have long been a favorite destination for tushists.
The staircase is disused, and is located in a remote part of the island of Oahu. Now videos and photos abound on social media, showing people walking the stairs, which is forbidden.
Arousing attention abroad
People who have been by the stairs have posted guides on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok in the wake of the illegal act, leading even more visitors there.
CNN is reporting on the case.
Police in full swing
The authorities in Hawaii decided to remove the stairwell in 2021, but the work only began on April 22 this year.
Despite the fact that the stairs are in the process of being removed, many thrill-seeking tourists have moved through private property to get there, and this has led to several problems with the law.
Alarming findings: – Children particularly vulnerable
When the local authorities announced that the demolition would begin on April 22, far more people began to arrive on the steps who wanted to climb the stairs “before it was too late”.
On April 23, five people were arrested and charged with traveling illegally, according to CNN.
On the weekend of 20 and 21 April, the police in Hawaii stated that they handed out 60 warnings to walkers, had eight incidents where people were turned away, and that they issued 25 parking fines in the area.
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– In addition to the fact that it is an illegal ground, it is also an active workplace, says Randall Platt, Honolulu police district commander, to CNN.
– There is powerful machinery there. The helicopter works back and forth, so it is dangerous for people to be up there. It’s a closed area, Platt continues.
Horrified by the reaction
– We are disappointed and horrified to learn that so many individuals appear to have recklessly ignored clear warnings that the project to dismantle the Haiku Stairs has begun. They are putting themselves and potentially others at risk, says a spokeswoman for the Honolulu City Council in a statement.
Taking drastic action in holiday paradise
The process of removing the stairs will cost the city 2.5 million dollars, which is approximately NOK 27.5 million.
It has not yet been decided where the steps will be moved after being removed. A local tourist attraction, Kualoa Ranch, has expressed interest in purchasing them.
Built during World War II
The stairs were built during World War II by the US Navy. In the aftermath of the war, it has become a tourist destination for people, despite being officially closed to visitors since 1987.
The stairs are nicknamed the “Stairway to Heaven” as they sometimes seem to disappear into the clouds at the top of the 850m peak.
