The Haiku Stairs, also known as the Stairway to Heaven, is a steep hiking trail located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. It consists of a series of approximately 3,922 steps that ascend the steep Ko'olau mountain range. Originally built in 1942 as a military access route during World War II, the stairs now attract hikers and adventurers seeking breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The trail was closed to the public in 1987 due to safety concerns and its deteriorating condition. However, it remains a popular destination for thrill-seekers willing to take the risk of trespassing to ascend the stairs and experience the panoramic views from the summit. Despite efforts to reopen or officially manage the trail, access to the Haiku Stairs remains restricted, and trespassing can result in fines or legal consequences.
Five hikers arrested for trespassing at Haiku Stairs
The Honolulu Police Department is cracking down on those illegally trespassing on private property to reach the Haiku Stairs, the increased enforcement has led to at least five arrests.
recklessly, misdemeanor, dismayed, removal, landmark, warnings, demolition, hikers, disused, trails, thrill-seekers, fog, nicknamed, trespassing, citations
2. Read the article and complete the passage with the words given:
recklessly, misdemeanor, dismayed, removal, landmark, warnings, demolition, hikers, disused, trails, thrill-seekers, fog, nicknamed, trespassing, citations
Tourists continue to visit Hawaii’s Haiku Stairs even as it gets removed for overtourism
The soap opera surrounding the Haiku Stairs, a 1. ___________ staircase in a remote part of eastern Oahu that has become popular on social media, continues even as the local government has begun removing the famed 2. ___________.
The staircase, which was built during World War II by the US Navy, has remained a tourist site despite being officially closed to visitors since 1987.
On April 23, five people were arrested and charged with first-degree 3. ___________. In addition, police say that they gave out 60 warnings to hikers, eight 4. ___________ for second-degree trespass and 25 parking enforcement actions over the weekend of April 20 and 21. Second-degree trespassing is a 5. ___________.
Travelers who can make it to the site, 6. ___________ the Stairway to Heaven for the way the stairs sometimes seem to disappear into the 7. ___________ atop a 2,800-foot mountain, are rewarded with incredible views of the island.
However, as there are no official 8. ___________, many 9. ___________ have had to cut through private property to get there. Some posted guides on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, leading even more visitors there.
This increase in tourism – and the bad behavior that came with it – was among the reasons cited when Honolulu’s city council voted to remove the stairs in 2021.
Earlier this month, local authorities announced that 10. ___________ would begin on April 22, leading to the flood of 11. ___________ taking “one last chance” to visit the site in recent days.
“On top of (access) being illegal, it’s an active worksite,” Honolulu PD District Maj. Randall Platt told Hawaii News Now. “There’s heavy machinery. The helicopter is working back and forth so it’s dangerous for people to be up there in the first place. It’s a closed site. It’s a work environment.”
“The city was disappointed and 12.___________ to learn that so many individuals appear to have 13.___________ disregarded clear 14.___________ that the project to dismantle the Haiku Stairs has begun, putting themselves – and, potentially, first responders – in harm’s way,” a Honolulu city government spokeswoman said in a statement.
The 15. ___________ will require one 700-foot section at a time being taken away by helicopter, a process that will cost the city $2.5 million.
It has not yet been decided where the stairs will go after being removed. One local tourist attraction, Kualoa Ranch, has expressed interest in buying and housing them.
3. Listen to the song 'Stairway to Heaven' by Led Zeppelin and then do the following activity:
"Stairway to Heaven" is a song by English rock band Led Zeppelin, released in late 1971 by Atlantic Records. It was composed by the band's guitarist Jimmy Page with lyrics written by lead singer Robert Plant for the band's untitled fourth studio album (commonly known as Led Zeppelin IV). The song is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.