In his March 3 letter to the editor (“Haiku Stairs safer than many trails,” Star-Advertiser), Vernon Ansdell stated: “no rescues have been required from Haiku Stairs as a result of hikers being lost or injured … (but) involve trespassing hikers who become lost or injured trying to access the Stairs.”

Mr. Ansdell is splitting hairs. The hike is illegal whether it’s a hiker or trespassing hiker. And regardless of the reason for the rescue, such rescues do occur on a very frequent basis.

As I live by one of the access points that is used by the illegally trespassers, I witness the helicopters picking them off the mountain AND the fire trucks parked by my house to respond to the rescues. So I am very aware that these rescues occur.

As Ansdell does not live in my community, he is not affected by these trespassing hikers or first responders blocking his driveway to park the fire truck to go up and do their job — even though I have invited them to sit in my yard to experience my quality of life.

Rae Leong

Kaneohe

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