Appeals court grants injunction, pausing demolition of Haiku Stairs

By HNN Staff | July 3, 2024

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - An appeals court Wednesday granted an injunction pending appeal to the group, Friends of Haiku Stairs.

This means the city’s work to remove the stairway must stop at least until mid-September, when further arguments will be heard.

The ruling from the state’s Intermediate Court of Appeals said the city may remove about 60 stair modules from the Moanalua side of the trail and about 10 to 15 stair modules from the windward side.

These stairs were already detached by city contractors prior to the court’s ruling on June 20. In addition, the city must secure partially detached module to ensure safety. But otherwise, the city cannot touch the stairs pending the appeal.

In response to the ruling, the city released the following statement:

“The City and County of Honolulu acknowledges today’s swift court decision regarding the Haiku Stairs, and we commend the court for its rapid and decisive action. This ruling underscores the urgency of addressing public safety concerns while allowing us to proceed with necessary actions in a responsible manner.”

The city added that the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve (which is under state jurisdiction) and Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park (which is overseen by the city) will remain closed. Officials said trespassers will continue to face fines and arrests if they try to access these areas.

A city spokesperson added that they are actively exploring additional security measures, including increased patrols by the Honolulu Police Department in the coming days and weeks.

“Our goal is to prevent unauthorized access to these hazardous areas and ensure strict compliance with existing laws,” the city said.

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