The Koko Crater Stairs trail in Hawaii Kai remains closed three days after an 8-year-old boy at one of the summit bunkers, suffering critical injuries.
The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation today said the trail, also known as Koko Crater Tramway, will remain closed until city crews can effectively seal all access points to all bunkers at the summit.
“Upon further surveying, City crews observed three access points to the former military bunkers, placing caution tape and some restrictive barriers on those areas, ” said DPR in a news release.
The World War II era bunkers and other structures at the summit are remnants of a former radar station for the U.S. military.
The tramway—built by the U.S. Army in the early 1940s to transport supplies and personnel from base camp to summit—was decommissioned and turned over to the City and County of Honolulu in 1966.
It has since become a popular hiking trail to the summit of Koko Crater, or Kohelepelepe, which offers panoramic views.
The city in 2021 began “a variety of safety mitigation efforts ” as part of a phased improvement project at Koko Crater.
The first phase included the removal of debris from tunnels and shafts ; sealing shafts, vents, and tunnels, and installing signs at the summit, steel platform, and tramway trestle to warn visitors of the conditions.
In the summer of 2023, the city spent more than $425, 000 to remove a dilapidated, metal grate at the summit used by many hikers as a viewing platform and with a smaller one surrounded by railing.
The city’s nonprofit partner, the Kokonut Koalition, worked separately to repair—and continues to maintain—the more than 1, 000 former railyway ties that serve as steps to the summit.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of the Koalition and avid hikers while we work to mitigate these safety concerns, ” said DPR in the release, “and hope for a complete and speedy recovery of the young boy who sustained injuries atop Koko Crater.”
0 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our.
Having trouble with comments ? .