Demolition of Hawaii's Haiku Stairs, officially closed to the public for 35 years, will begin by the end of April. Built during the Second World War, this route allowed the American navy to access a radio station.
In total, the cost of the demolition is more than $2.5 million. According to local Honolulu authorities, removing this road is the necessary solution to stop illegal trespassing and disruption to nearby private properties. This dismantling also aims to preserve the environment and the natural beauty of the place by limiting the number of visitors. But despite the risks involved, the perilous route continues to attract unconscious tourists, including Tiktokers looking for the most beautiful landscapes. In the U.S., more than 118 people had to be evacuated from the hiking trail between 2010 and 2022, according to the American daily USA Today. The site was chosen for its height, which was optimal for installing an antenna, and has been prohibited from access since 1987, and any intrusion is punishable by a fine of 1000 dollars.