Open the Stairway to Heaven Hike
The Stairway to Heaven is an amazing trail that leads to the top of the Koolau Mountain Range. Originally built for the U.S. Coast Guard, the trail consists of a metal stairway that was made to access the LORAN radio antenna and the now out of commission OMEGA Station. It fell into disrepair and was closed to the public in 1987. Since then it has undergone major repairs in the hopes of being re-opened, but is still closed, mainly due to small but vocal opposition from the people in the town of Haiku. Illegal hikers are the cause of this opposition. They have parked their cars on private property and behaved disrespectfully. Currently the hike is under armed guard, but hikers still manage to sneak in. Opening the trail would allow everyone to appreciate the amazing beauty of this unusual and extremely beautiful hike. I strongly believe that the best way to learn to appreciate nature is to go out and experience it firsthand. Not only is this site importantly historically, it is an extremely important cultural site to the native people of Hawai'i and to hikers world wide.
We the undersigned are writing to voice oursupport of opening the Haiku Stairs trail. It is a beautiful part of Oahu that is historically and culturally important. Opening the stairs would allow hikers to gain a better appreciation and respect for the amazing flora and fauna of Oahu, and encourage efforts to preserve and maintain it. Dismantling the stairs would waste thousands of dollars that could be spent on better causes. The stairs have already been completely renovated, and there are several reasonable options for opening a trailhead without disturbing the residents of Haiku. Opening the trail would end the conflicts occurring in Haiku and reestablish peace in that area. Currently the disrespectful hikers that are attracted to that area are not the law abiding citizens that would make use of a legal trail. Opening the trail will attract hikers that will be respectful of the people of Haiku. I%u2019m sure that myself and other dedicated hikers would happily make a donation to be able to access this beautiful trail if necessary. This trail is a priceless part of Oahu that we cannot afford to lose.
