Two Navy sailors arrested for throwing metal railing over edge of Haiku Stairs | News | kitv.com

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Jeremiah hails from West Oahu—raised in Waipahu and graduatedfrom Pearl City. He studied at Oregon State University then at theUniversity of Southern California for his master's. He returnedhome and joined KITV as a digital content producer in August2024.

A group of hikers trespassing at and vandalizing Stairway to Heaven on East Oahu.

KANEOHE, Hawaii (Island News) -- Two hikers, who were identified as U.S. Navy sailors, were arrested then released for trespassing and theft at Haiku Stairs.

A video surfaced earlier this week of a group of hikers vandalizing Haiku Stairs, also known as Stairway to Heaven. In addition to the two arrests made today, more hikers from that group are expected to be arrested.

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard identified them as the sailors Jared Gritters and Chase Hamel who will be questioned by HPD. Though this case is being settled by civil authorities, military authorities have the right to administer punishment. This can range from a formal admonishment to non-judicial punishment or separation from the service.

Two hikers were arrested for trespassing and theft at Haiku Stairs after a video surfaced of them throwing a metal railing off the edge of the hike.

The incident came as an alarming event for state officials, including Mayor Rick Blangiardi, due to issues that have always surrounded the illegal hike.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor and Naval Criminal Investigative Service assisted the Honolulu Police Department in this ongoing investigation. Anyone with information on this case can call HPD or CrimeStoppers at 808-955-8300.

More details will be provided on this developing story.

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Hawaii Island police arrested and charged a Puna man for allegedly hitting a pedestrian with his vehicle in the parking lot of a shopping center in Pahoa; officials state that the incident was intentional.

Digital Content Producer

Jeremiah hails from West Oahu—raised in Waipahu and graduatedfrom Pearl City. He studied at Oregon State University then at theUniversity of Southern California for his master's. He returnedhome and joined KITV as a digital content producer in August2024.