US EditionHaiku Stairs Organization Files Lawsuit Against Decision to Demolish the Historic Landmark
HONOLULU COUNTY, HAWAII, JUN 17 – Friends of Haiku Stairs allege the State Historic Preservation Division reversed its position illegally without required surveys or public notice, challenging demolition plans citing safety and liability issues.
- On June 12, 2024, the Friends of Haiku Stairs submitted an appeal in first circuit court aiming to prevent the planned demolition of the historic Haiku Stairs in Honolulu.
- The suit arose after the State Historic Preservation Division approved the city's demolition plan on April 9, 2024, despite initially favoring preservation and restoration.
- The Friends contend that SHPD did not properly carry out comprehensive historical and archaeological evaluations and unexpectedly reversed its position without providing justification, leading them to pursue a permanent injunction.
- On July 3, 2024, a temporary injunction halted the $2.6 million demolition, with SHPD's approval challenged amid concerns over safety, trespassing, and liability from the city.
- The legal dispute has delayed demolition scheduled for completion by October 2024, reflecting ongoing tensions between preservation efforts and city safety priorities.
13 Articles
13 Articles
The Garden Island
World NewsGroup files ‘next step’ appeal to save Haiku Stairs
To save a World War II-era mountainside staircase marked for removal by the City and County of Honolulu, the Friends of Haiku Stairs has brought an appeal to overturn a 2024 State Historic Preservation Division approval that allowed the city’s demolition plan to proceed. SHPD, an office under the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, became part of the city’s years-long process to seek removal of the 664 steel stair modules that compri…
Group files ‘next step’ appeal to save Haiku Stairs | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
To save a World War II-era mountainside staircase marked for removal by the City and County of Honolulu, the Friends of Haiku Stairs has brought an appeal to overturn a 2024 State Historic Preservation Division approval that allowed the city’s demolition plan to proceed.
The Batesville Daily Guard
Lawsuit asks court to halt Haiku Stairs demolition, citing Hawaii agency flip-flop
A Hawaiian court is being asked to reverse a decision made by the State Historic Preservation Division backing plans to demolish the Haiku Stairs, also known as the “Stairway to Heaven." The hiking trail popular for its scenic views has…
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