HiP 095 _ Don’t Be Like These Tourist – No Ack Hūpō

Podcast Script: February 1 – February 7, 2025
Aloha and e komo mai… thats welcome bak to my dear listeners malahini, kama’aina, oka’aina and kana’ka mauoli and all my friends and freeloaders – where ever you might be on this blue marble we call earth!! Welcome to this week’s episode I’m your virtual tour guide and host of Hawaii Posts, Hawaii’s best podcast which is Tourist Tested and Local-approved, where we’ll explore the latest weather, surf, and celestial forecasts for our beautiful islands.
This week, we’ll strap on our hiking boots and take a walk through the intriguing history of Oahu’s Haiku Stairs, the infamous “Stairway to Heaven,” and the recent case of modern-day adventurers who couldn’t resist its allure and went alll the way up to the top of the mountain – not to look around and take in the beauty and majesty of god’s creation, NO these knuckel head tourist decided to desecrate the place and several hundred feet of virgin forest….so the could get a few likes on in the social ghettos. With the story of Haiku stair being the theme… Let’s climb right in!
OLELO HAWAII
HIP Hawaiian Words of the Week
This may qualify as credits toward your continuing education, please check with your Advisor or HR department
Stupid = Hūpō. Also: waʻawaʻa,
Anila Nalu A Me Polani =weather surf and night sky
Weather Summary
This week, Mother Nature is serving us a delightful platter of sunshine and gentle breezes. Here’s a quick snapshot:
•Warmest Day: Wednesday, February 5, with a high of 81°F (27°C).
•Coolest Day: Tuesday, February 4, dipping to a low of 65°F (18°C).
•Windiest Day: Sunday, February 2, featuring brisk morning breezes.
•Driest Day: Saturday, February 1, with no significant precipitation expected.
•Wettest Day: Friday, February 7, as cloud cover increases, bringing a slight chance of showers.
• Sunrise: 7:05 am
• Sunset: 7:25 pm (7h 20m)
Surf Report
Surfers, grab your boards! Here’s the latest wave action:
•North-Facing Shores: Moderate swells of 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters) expected midweek, ideal for seasoned surfers.
•South-Facing Shores: Gentle waves around 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters), perfect for beginners and longboarders.
•East-Facing Shores: Choppy conditions with 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters) waves, courtesy of the trade winds.
•West-Facing Shores: Generally calm seas, with occasional sets reaching 3 feet (0.9 meters).
Dive Conditions: Favorable visibility on south and west shores; exercise caution on north and east shores due to surf and currents.
Marine Warnings: No advisories in effect at this time.
Upcoming Surf Competitions:
Volcom Pipeline Pro | Banzai Pipeline | 1/26 – 2/7 |
Night Sky
Stargazers, here’s what to look for this week:
Moon Phase:
•February 1: Waxing Gibbous 16% illumination (rise and set) 930a – 10p
•February 5: 88% illumination (rise and set) 1p – 3a
Next Full Moon: Feb 12 K
Planetary Visibility:
•Venus: Shining brightly in the western sky after sunset, setting around 9:00 PM HST.
•Mars: Visible in the evening sky, setting 6:00 am
•Jupiter: Dominating the southern sky post-sunset, setting around 3:00 AM HST.
•Saturn: Low in the southwestern sky after sunset, setting by 9:00 PM HST.
Astronomical Highlight: On February 12, the Full Moon will illuminate the night, offering a perfect opportunity to appreciate its beauty. Known as the Snow Moon Usually, the heaviest snows fall in this month. Hunting became very difficult, and hence to some tribes, this was the Full Hunger Moon or Hungry Moon.
Alternative names for the February full moon include the Bear Moon (Ojibwe), Bald Eagle Moon (Cree), and Month of the Bony Moon (Cherokee) to name but a few, according to the Farmer’s Almanac.
Local News!!
Haiku Stairs Spotlight
The Haiku Stairs, affectionately known as the “Stairway to Heaven,” were constructed during World War II to provide access to a secret naval radio station nestled in Haiku Valley. This nearly 4,000-step marvel ascends the Ko’olau mountain range, offering breathtaking vistas. However, due to safety and liability concerns, the stairs have been officially closed to the public since 1987.
Despite numerous warnings and barriers, the allure of the stairs has led many thrill-seekers to trespass, often documenting their escapades on social media—essentially leaving digital fingerprints at the scene of the climb. In recent years, authorities have increased enforcement, leading to multiple arrests and citations. In one instance, 14 individuals were arrested for attempting the prohibited hike.
These actions not only endanger the trespassers but also place a burden on local communities and emergency services. As a result, the city has initiated the removal of the stairs, a project that began in April 2024.
History:
The Haʻikū Stairs, also known as the “Stairway to Heaven,” are a historic structure on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, with origins dating back to World War II. In 1942, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. Navy initiated the construction of a top-secret radio station in Haʻikū Valley. The valley’s unique amphitheater-like topography, with steep mountain walls rising over 2,000 feet, made it an ideal location for this facility. To install and maintain the necessary antenna system, which spanned the valley, the Navy built a wooden ladder ascending the ridge; this structure was initially known as the “Haiku Ladder.” In the 1950s, the original wooden steps were replaced with over 3,000 metal steps and ramps, resulting in the Haʻikū Stairs as they are known today.
The radio station played a crucial role during the war, transmitting signals to U.S. Navy ships across the Pacific. After World War II, the facility continued operations under the U.S. Coast Guard as part of the OMEGA Navigation System until its decommissioning. Despite being closed to the public in 1987 due to safety and liability concerns, the stairs remained a popular, albeit illegal, hiking destination. In 2003, the city invested $875,000 in repairs, but public access was not restored, leading to ongoing issues with trespassing and community disturbances.
In August 2021, the Honolulu City Council voted to demolish the Haʻikū Stairs, citing liability and neighborhood concerns. This decision was made despite significant public opposition, with over 5,000 comments submitted in favor of preservation. A professional public opinion poll in April 2022 confirmed that a majority of Oʻahu residents preferred saving the stairs. The Friends of Haʻikū Stairs, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving this historic landmark, filed a lawsuit against the City & County of Honolulu in August 2023 to prevent the demolition. They continue to advocate for the stairs’ preservation, emphasizing their historical significance and the unique hiking experience they offer.
As of April 2024, the city announced plans to proceed with the removal of the Haʻikū Stairs, allocating nearly $2.6 million for the project. The removal process was scheduled to begin at the end of that month. Despite these developments, efforts to preserve the stairs persist, highlighting the ongoing debate between public safety, historical preservation, and community impact.
Sot 1 First report of the trespassing and vandalism video post online
Sot 2 My friend for KHON now at KITV Jai Cinningham updates us about the arrest of some of the hikers.
Tough guy rick, mr. your on the bus or off the bus, also know locally as the little man with a big hammer because during his unconstitutional extended lockdown, he threatened the non vx nonmask citizens “I hold the Hamer” now this fat retired football coach who is breaking FCC laws by owning more than one TV station one municipality, but he is friends with Biden Powell the head of the FCC so no cronyism here. Makes another Epic decision just like he’s done his whole life. Oh the stairs are too danger, we don’t want all the traffic well those stairs were there before every single one of those homeowners they moved there knowing the stairs were there. The city and county knows the stairs are famous and people are good. Going to go climb them. Why don’t we invest in those stairs instead of the homeless population? He decided to shut down because he couldn’t afford the hefty repairs and now the Friends Of haiku Stairs are suing him to stop the destruction of the stairs, which is costing the city more than probably more than it would’ve cost in the first place to repaire pair in the first place so here we have absolute mismanagement by the mayor who shoving up billion dollar rail system down our throat. I think people are starting to wake up for a long time. Nobody paid attention to politics, but now that we’re running out of freedom people are starting to pay attention to who takes away those freedoms and it’s the dirty rotten politicians like Rick.
Then those hikers. Stupid Hūpō hikers. Also: waʻawaʻa,Shame on them. How dare they not only trespass and broadcast it but they come and toss a king-size bed metal railing and toss it off the cliff to watch it tumble. wrecking tones of native growth scaring the mountainside and leaving it less beautiful than when you found it. Every one of those people in the video they posted are guilty by association and should be mad an example of at the airport baggage claim monitors. Their actions have aggitated the current situation that gives locals reason to complain that it should be shut down increasing goverment oversit and security and gives other reasons to advocate for greater security and privacy either way it will cost the taxpayers more. THANKS HUPO MALAHINI
thats my 2¢
now with a local take
Sot 3 Instagram post of what could be a tick toker “justsmallkine” things gives a local perspective with a little grounding in history as to why we should respect the aina, (land).
Remember, while the temptation of adventure calls, it’s essential to respect closures and preserve the ’aina for all
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TOP TEN
Events, festivals, and concerts happening across the Hawaiian Islands from February 1 to February 7, 2025:
1.32nd Annual Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival
•Date: February 1, 2025
•Location: Waimea Town, Hawaiʻi Island
•Details: Celebrate the blooming cherry blossoms with Japanese and multi-cultural activities, including mochi pounding, tea ceremonies, and traditional performances.
•More Info: 365 Hawaii Living
2.Plant People Road Show
•Date: February 1, 2025
•Location: Makaʻeʻo Pavilion at Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area, Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi Island
•Details: Explore a variety of plants from local nurseries, perfect for gardening enthusiasts.
•More Info: 365 Hawaii Living
3.Keshi: REQUIEM TOUR
•Date: February 1, 2025
•Location: Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, Oʻahu
•Details: Experience the soulful sounds of Keshi on his REQUIEM TOUR.
•More Info: Waikiki Beach Stays
4.All-4-One at Blue Note Hawaii
•Date: February 1, 2025
•Location: Blue Note Hawaii, Honolulu, Oʻahu
•Details: Enjoy a night of R&B hits with All-4-One.
•More Info: Waikiki Beach Stays
5.World Surf League: Lexus Pipe Pro
•Date: February 1–7, 2025
•Location: Banzai Pipeline, North Shore, Oʻahu
•Details: Watch top surfers compete in one of the most prestigious surfing events.
•More Info: Waikiki Beach Stays
6.Josh Tatofi & Friends
•Date: February 7, 2025
•Location: Naniloa Crown Room, Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island
•Details: Enjoy the smooth voice of Josh Tatofi and friends.
•More Info: 365 Hawaii Living
7.Kapalua Concert Series featuring Ryan Innes
•Date: February 7, 2025
•Location: The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, Maui
•Details: An intimate evening concert with soulful singer Ryan Innes.
•More Info: Marriott Events
8.Beethoven Festival: Eroica – Symphony No. 1 & 3
•Date: February 6, 2025
•Location: Honolulu, Oʻahu
•Details: Experience Beethoven’s masterpieces performed live.
•More Info: Waikiki Beach Stays
9.Masterclass at Diamond Head Theatre
•Date: February 1–7, 2025
•Location: Diamond Head Theatre, Honolulu, Oʻahu
•Details: A captivating performance at Hawaii’s Broadway of the Pacific.
•More Info: Waikiki Beach Stays
10.MFA/BFA Dance Concert
•Date: February 1–2, 2025
•Location: Honolulu, Oʻahu
•Details: Showcasing the talents of graduate and undergraduate dance students.
•More Info: Waikiki Beach Stays
Conclusion
That wraps up this week’s update. Remember, while adventure beckons, always prioritize safety and respect for our island’s natural wonders. Stay informed, stay safe, and until next time, aloha!