Save the Historic Haʻikū Stairs aka Stairway to Heaven

Aloha!

ABOUT US:

We are the Friends of Haʻikū Stairs, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed in 1987 to protect the historic Haʻikū Stairs (aka the Stairway to Heaven) and the surrounding ʻāina for current and future generations. 

ABOUT THE STAIRS:

The Haʻikū Stairs were built in 1942 as part of a groundbreaking Navy communications endeavor that amplified radio signals using the steep topography of the surrounding valley. The radio station has since closed, but the stairs remain. For years, they have provided safe, but exhilarating access to one of the most breathtaking views on the planet. We hope that future generations will continue to have access to this incredible, one of a kind treasure. Hikers from all over the world dream of one day hiking to the top of the Stairway to Heaven.

THE PROBLEM:

This iconic World War II structure is critically endangered. In late 2021, despite testimony from thousands of residents (92% of which opposed removal), the City and County of Honolulu approved a $1 million budget to remove the Haʻikū Stairs (later increased to $2.6 million. The Council’s decision was based on the false claim that the Stairs are a dangerous liability. But the truth is there have been 0 deaths, 0 serious injuries, and 0 lawsuits in the 80+ year history of the Haʻikū Stairs.

Not only is the Council's decision based on incorrect data, it is a waste of taxpayer money. Further, the $2.6 million removal budget vastly underestimates the true costs of removal. We believe that money could be better spent elsewhere and find it ironic that the City's own economic studies showed that it would actually be cheaper to repair and reopen the Stairs under a managed access plan.

WHAT WE ARE DOING NOW:

We are fighting to save the Stairs through court and on-the-ground action. We have filed two separate lawsuits and an administrative appeal that have temporarily forced the City to stop work for now. However, we must continue to fight and convince City leaders that they are misguided and wrong to get an ultimate victory that will save the Stairs for good.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

We need your help right NOW to fund our fight to save this unique and irreplaceable icon. Funds will be used to pay for our multi-front litigation against the City and our efforts to prove that the Haʻikū Stairs should stay in place for their historical, recreational, cultural, and educational value.

If we win and the City allows us to reopen the Stairs for managed access, funds will then be used for repairs and operations. 

WHAT HAPPENS IF WE WIN:

If we save the Haʻikū Stairs, hikers will benefit by having access to the magnificent upper reaches of the Koʻolau Mountains, students will benefit with access to otherwise inaccessible ecological zones, the neighborhood will benefit from ending trespassing because hikers will finally have legal and non-intrusive access to the Haʻikū Stairs, all of Hawaiʻi will benefit with the preservation of an historic treasure and a boost to the economy as well, and people from all over the world will benefit from having safe access to one of the most breathtaking views in the entire world. 

Please kokua (help) us save this incredible one of a kind icon. This is our last chance.

SAVE THE STAIRS!

Visit us at https://www.friendsofhaikustairs.org

Find us on Instagram @friendsofhaikustairs