engineers and architects of Hawaii (2023)
Position Statement: Haiku Stairs Managed Access
The engineers and architects of Hawaii (eaH) (Founded in 1902) is in support of Preserving the Historic Ha`iku Stairs for Honolulu’s citizens under a Managed Access plan as recommended in the 2020 Board of Water Supply prepared Final Environmental Impact Statement.
eaH believes Managed Access provides the best long-term solution for the City to reduce its liability and meet its responsibilities for Ha`iku ridge and Ha`iku Stairs and its civic duties to provide safe hiking access for Honolulu citizens and tourists.
Therefore, eaH asks the City to initiate preparation and release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) from qualified organizations for a Managed Access Plan for Ha`iku Stairs.
eaH advices the City hold in abeyance any action or expenditure of funds for planning or removal of the existing Ha`iku Stairs, until the feasibility of Managed Access is fairly assessed via a RFP evaluation process.
The following are minimum features eaH believes would be required to assure the feasibility for a successful Managed Access plan:
• All Access to and from the trailhead provided only by official shuttle vehicles loaded and unloaded away from Ha`iku neighborhoods.
• Shuttle vehicle access to the trailhead via the old Ha`iku Road or other access that avoids Ha`iku neighborhoods.
• 24/7 Security to prevent trespass through neighborhoods or other trails to reach the Ha`iku Stairs and Ha`iku ridge.
• A limitation on numbers of hikers per day.
• Hiker groups escorted by official trained guides, who can provide first aid and briefings on Ha`iku Stairs History, native and invasive plants, and hiker safety.
• Hiker guides shall have secure communication with the operations office and emergency services.
• Funds from Hikers Fee should cover all costs such that no funds are required from the City. These costs could include but not be limited to all operations and maintenance, operational and liability insurance, transport, rescue, annual structural inspection of the Stairs by a qualified structural engineer, and a reserve fund for emergency repairs.
End of Statement
To comment on this Position Statement, contact the engineers and architects of Hawaii at eahawaii@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1901, Honolulu, HI 96805-1901
Final Environmental Impact Statement in 6 Parts can be accessed here: Board of Water Supply
To better understand the Haiku Stairs Managed Access Plan by Friends of Haiku Stairs watch the Sept 24 2021 eaH Meeting and Q&A on the eaH YouTube Channel: (click here)
To learn more on Haiku Stairs watch Haiku Stairs History by Friends of Haiku Stairs on July 27, 2012 on the eaH YouTube Channel: (Click Here)