Koko Crater Stairs closed until bunker is secured

Yahoo

17 hours ago

The Koko Head Tramway – better known as Koko Crater Stairs in Hawaii Kai—will remain closed indefinitely after a critical injury over the weekend.
The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation closed the trail after an 8-year-old boy fell about 20 feet at the bunker at the summit on Saturday evening.
DPR said the trail remains closed today, and will remain closed until a crew can secure the area where the child accessed the bunker.
The Honolulu Fire Department received a 911 call at about 5 :24 p.m. Saturday for the injured boy, who was said to be hiking with his parents when he fell.
The first unit arrived within 15 minutes, and ascended the stairs by foot. Rescuers were able to reach the boy's side to extricate him from the space at 5 :57 p.m.
Honolulu Emergency Medical Services took the boy, who suffered multiple injuries, to a hospital in critical condition.
Two years ago, DPR removed a deteriorating, metal grate used by many hikers as a viewing platform at the summit, and with a smaller one made of steel and surrounded by railing to improve safety.
The tramway at Koko Crater was originally built by the U.S. Army in the 1940s to transport supplies and equipment from a base camp to the summit.
The more than 1, 000 steps to the summit have since become a popular hike for tourists and residents alike.
The city's nonprofit partner, the Kokonut Koalition, raises funds and volunteers thousands of hours to rehabilitate the steps.
'We are aware of the recent incident that took place at Koko Crater Stairs on July 5th, involving a young hiker, ' said the Kokonut Koalition in an Instagram post this morning. 'The Koalition would like to extend our heartfelt wishes for a swift recovery to the young man and his ohana.'
The Koalition said its agreement with the city is to rehabilitate and revitalize the steps on the trail, and that safety assessments and maintenance to surrounding areas and structures are conducted and contracted out by the city.
'Warning signs are posted throughout the park, parking lot, trail head, and summit, ' said the Koalition in the post. 'We encourage everyone to heed all warning signs and take every precaution seriously while enjoying the beautiful trails, beaches, and parks of Hawaii.'
HFD recommends that parents keep children within sight at all times during hikes, and that they not play out-of-sight games like hide-and-seek or tag.
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