The famed stairs that are now closed. Photo: Friends of Haiku Stairs
In spite of the numerous arrests and citations shelled out for those trespassing the closed Stairway to Heaven on Oahu, hikers continue to push their luck on the iconic trail. Most recently, unfazed by being filmed on the illegal hike, two brazen men threw a metal barricade off the side of the mountain. The two perpetrators involved in the vandalism were later identified and arrested, while authorities also arrested five other hikers present at the incident who turned themselves in at a later date.
The men who appear in the vandalism video were U.S. Navy sailors, 26-year-old Jared Gritters and 24-year-old Chase Hamel. They were arrested on charges of trespassing and theft and released on the afternoon of Friday, January 31. The other five hikers arrested, which included four adults and a minor, were released after posting a $50 bond. Authorities are still searching for other suspects involved in the incident.
“When I see this kind of action it’s really disturbing,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “We’ve already had enough death lately over ridiculous accidents that should have never occurred. We don’t want anything like this to happen.”
The 3,922-step, WWII-era staircase, also known as Haiku Stairs, was set to be dismantled in April of last year as per orders by the City and County of Honolulu. The reasons cited were “to stop trespassing, reduce disturbances to local neighborhoods, increase public safety, remove potential liability to the city, and protect the environment.” However, in July a court ordered that the destruction be paused until arguments could be heard in a lawsuit filed by the organization Friends of Haiku Stairs. While the fate of the stairs hangs in the balance, they are still deemed closed and illegal to climb.
“I’m concerned and I’m angry at people doing that kind of vandalism,” Mayor Blangiardi added. “I’m also frustrated. The courts created unnecessary big costs that we didn’t plan on – just to provide security. I know it’s beautiful. I’ve had friends who’ve climbed it. We’re not trying to take anything away from anybody. But the safety of this is of paramount importance.”
Even though the hike has been illegal since 1987, it’s become a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. But amid the decision to dismantle the staircase – making it even more dangerous – authorities have been handing out a flurry of citations and conducting arrests. In the weeks before the dismantling, seven hikers were arrested, 56 were cited, and 60 were given warnings. Trespassing hikers can be subject to fines of $1,000.
