HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.R. NO. |
90 |
TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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SUPPORTING THE KANEOHE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD'S PROPOSAL AND EFFORTS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF THE USE OF HAIKU STAIRS.
WHEREAS, the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board recognizes the historical significance and recreational potential offered by Haiku Valley and the area surrounding it, including the old H-3 service road, the former Coast Guard Omega Station, and its antenna maintenance ladders, which are popularly known as the "Haiku Stairs" or the "Stairway to Heaven" (Stairs); and
WHEREAS, the aforementioned area has many miles of hiking trails, paved roadways, and a scenic climb to a lookout on the Koolau Mountains, and many sites of historical, cultural and archeological significance; and
WHEREAS, the area has not been officially opened to the public since 1987; and
WHEREAS, trespassing became a significant problem for the surrounding residential community in 2002 when word began to spread that the City and County of Honolulu had completed its $875,000 renovation project on the Stairs; and
WHEREAS, the Stairs remained closed due to liability and access issues, City officials continued to make announcements that the opening of the Stairs would be imminent; and
WHEREAS, hundreds of people continued to seek access to the Stairs and entered onto residential property uninvited, leaving their trash, taking up scarce neighborhood parking, and disturbing residents during the early morning hours on weekends; and
WHEREAS, the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board formed a special task force in an attempt to address the competing concerns of residents seeking to keep the Haiku Stairs closed and those residents and other users who seek to open the area for public use; and
WHEREAS, the task force recommendations were accepted by the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board and a majority of the community; and
WHEREAS, the recommendations include the use of an alternative access route through the Windward Community College and the Hawaii State Hospital, which would connect directly with an H-3 service road at a point close to the base of the Stairs, would not require additional land acquisition, would direct vehicular traffic away from residential areas, includes convenient amenities such as restroom facilities and refreshment areas, and includes parking away from residential areas; and
WHEREAS, the recommendations also include the repair and reinforcement of existing fencing along the old H-3 service road, the conspicuous posting of "No Trespassing" signs, and the temporary posting of security guards in an effort to stem and deter the trespassing problem that plagues some area residents; and
WHEREAS, the final recommendation includes contracting with a qualified and experienced non-profit organization to manage the entire area and holding them accountable for implementing the aforementioned services and improvements, allowing them to sell and collect tickets, conduct escorted tours of the area, and to take reservations; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2004, that the House of Representatives supports the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board's proposal and efforts to address the issue of the use of the Haiku Stairs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, each member of the City Council for the City and County of Honolulu, the Director of the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, the Governor, and the Chairman of the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board.
OFFERED BY: |
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Report Title:
Haiku Stairs Task Force