This is a view from the Haiku Stairs, about
1,500 feet above H-3 in this 1997 photo.
Council OKs
Haiku Stairs as park,
but transfer delayed
The Coast Guard command in
By Gordon Y.K. Pang
Alameda, Calif., is questioning
what its obligation is
Star-BulletinThe transfer of Haiku Stairs to the city is being stalled by a Coast Guard office on the mainland, according to city officials.
The City Council's Planning Committee yesterday passed a bill amending the Koolaupoko Development Plan map to include a park symbol for the site.
The Council recently approved $100,000 to plan and design a cultural and historical center at the Omega Station, near the foot of the stairs. The money is in addition to $350,000 appropriated a year ago.
But despite the city's hopes to get underway refurbishing the historic "Stairway to Heaven" for public use, city Parks Director Bill Balfour told committee members that "we've got a long way to go."
Local Coast Guard official have been eager to restore the stairs, and have recommended the property be transferred to the city.
But the Coast Guard's Maintenance and Logistics Command Pacific in Alameda, Calif., is questioning whether it is responsible for all of the renovation, estimated to cost $300,000, city officials said.
"The attorneys from Alameda are the hang-up," Windward Councilman Steve Holmes said. "Suddenly the game plan appears to be changing."
"They've decided there are some questions over what their obligation is," Balfour said after the meeting.
Mayor Jeremy Harris and the city are firm on their position, Balfour said.
"We need them to clean it up before we take it over."
Cmdr. Rick Beseler, Hawaii district planning officer, said he would not characterize the situation as a delay.
"Whenever a federal agency declares a piece of property excess, a very detailed title search is conducted to make sure the property is clearly identified for conveyance to new owner, whoever that is," Beseler said.
The Coast Guard would like to dispose of the property in an expedient and proper manner, and at the same time meet "the desire of the community," he said.
He noted the process involves the Coast Guard turning over the "excess property" to the federal Government Services Administration for disposal.
That agency, city officials said, must then hand over title to the National Park Service's Federal Lands to Parks Program, which would then give it to the city.
The Haiku Stairs -- 3,922 steel steps along the wall of Haiku Valley -- was a popular hiking trail but was closed in 1987 due to disrepair.
