A portion of a forest reserve in Hawaii has been closed to facilitate the removal of the Ha‘ikū Stairs, according to a news release from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). The area affected by the closure is bounded by the Kulanaʻahane Trail to the north, the Kamananui Valley Road and an unofficial trail known as Waolani to the south, and the Koolau summit ridgeline to the east.
DLNR Chair Dawn Chang authorized the closure under Hawai‘i Administrative Rules (HAR) for several reasons. These include protection of biological resources; public health, safety and welfare; protection of property; and for management activities.
The City and County of Honolulu have jurisdiction over the stairs. Since announcing their plans to dismantle them, there has been an increase in hiker traffic on Middle Ridge. This ridgeline is not an official state-maintained trail. It has become eroded and dangerous due to increased hiker traffic in recent years.
DLNR officials are taking these actions to prevent people from getting injured while attempting to access the stairs from this hazardous ridgeline. Foresters are also concerned about ecological damage caused by hikers in this sensitive native forest.
The forest reserve houses irreplaceable cultural and natural resources that are being damaged by increased activity. Due to recent citations and arrests of trespassers by Honolulu Police Dept. officers at the base of the stairs on the windward side of Koolau, people have resorted to using Middle Ridge Area as an alternative route. This has led to an unprecedented increase in traffic in this sensitive watershed.
When removal operations begin, there will be increased construction activity, including helicopter use, which will further heighten risks and dangers in this area. Individuals caught using trails during closure could face citations. The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) has posted closure signs along impacted trails.
While the Kulanaʻahane Trail and Kamananui Valley Road will remain open, DLNR encourages hikers to use designated Nā Ala Hele trails. They also urge individuals to be mindful of their impact on nature when recreating in sensitive areas.