HONOLULU (KHON2) — 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.
Dozens of hikers were seen over the weekend headed to the Stairway to Heaven after the City announced the removal of the stairs that would begin this month.
Police officers warned that they would increase their presence near the stairs and the neighboring homes. On Tuesday, HPD said five people were arrested for criminal trespass in the second degree.
Attorney Megan Kau said those cited and arrested could face jail time if the case is prosecuted. Kau said, “It is a petty misdemeanor, a petty misdemeanor is punishable by up to a maximum of $1,000 and or 30 days in jail.”
As increased police presence continued throughout the week, the number of citations decreased.
Police issued 37 citations on Monday, on Tuesday they issued 11 citations and by Wednesday only five. Police said no further arrests.
HPD said both residents and visitors have been cited, prosecutors said visitors who leave the state and fail to appear at future court dates have a bench warrant issued for their arrest.
Kau said, “If the deputy prosecutor moves forward with the case, these defendants will have to appear in court.”
Kau a former prosecutor said the increased enforcement is likely serving as a deterrent, but typically these cases tend to be dismissed. She said, prosecuting criminal trespass in the second degree requires a written warning before a citation.
“Would have had to give the alleged trespasser a written warning within a one-year period of the date of the incident,” said Kau. “If the government cannot prove this, the case will be dismissed.”
The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s office said it will not comment on cases that have not yet been charged.
The City’s Department of Design and Construction Director Haku Milles said the Haiku Stairs is an active worksite Segments of the stairs are being unbolted and pieces hammered into the mountain will be cut off.
Milles said, “Essentially what we expect is the vegetation will come back and grow over to the point that hopefully you won’t even know that the stairs were there.”
Removal of the stairs by helicopter is expected to begin next week.