People hiked Haiku Stairs for years without issue, following the path. Steel steps and handrails provided a safe, stable platform while protecting the aina from erosion until the stairs closed after taxpayer-funded repairs. Security continued to divert hikers making their way up, which bothered local residents. Still, the Kaneohe neighborhood board did door-to-door surveys in Haiku Valley, which showed that a majority supports saving the stairs. Some people grew up enjoying it in their backyard.

Then came politically-connected people who had an issue with the stairs. City Council members support fellow members’ objectives to avoid making waves and gain support for their own causes. A new mayor put political dollars over taxpayers’ recreational pursuits and gave our stairs away. Facts were avoided, lies abound.

Richard Marshall

Pearl City

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