Request To Halt Haiku Stairs’ Dismantling Denied By Judge
Friends of Haiku Stairs argued during a court hearing Friday that the city didn’t follow proper historic preservation procedures for dismantling the stairs.
The City and County of Honolulu can proceed with its dismantling of Haiku Stairs, Judge Lisa Cataldo ruled Monday.
Haiku Stairs is a military installation from World War II that climbs a scenic ridge in the Koolau mountains. The city decided in 2021 to remove the dilapidated stairs because of legal liability and complaints about hikers from residents.
In April, Friends of Haiku Stairs filed a lawsuit arguing that the city’s effort to dismantle the stairs didn’t follow proper historic preservation procedures, and asked Cataldo to halt the city’s actions during a court hearing last week.
Cataldo ruled Monday afternoon against the preliminary injunction, saying that the plaintiffs “have not established a substantial likelihood of success on the merits or irreparable harm.”
This is the second time Friends of Haiku Stairs filed an unsuccessful lawsuit in its attempt to prevent the stairs’ dismantling. In August the group filed a lawsuit on environmental grounds. A judge rejected their lawsuit in January, and the group appealed the decision in February but no hearing has been scheduled.
In a press release, city spokesperson Ian Scheuring said the stairs’ dismantling will continue soon.
“The City appreciates the Court鈥檚 significant efforts to address this lawsuit quickly, and we will proceed with the removal of the Haiku Stairs as planned,” he said.
