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Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins the Northwest Demolition & Dismantling team for a demonstration of the Swedish-made Husqvarna DXR 305, a specialized, remotely operated demolition robot being used to dismantle 436 Ena Rd. in Waikīkī.
City showcases demolition robot as work begins at 436 Ena Road in Waikīkī
City and County of Honolulu Department of Housing and Land Management


Courtesy / Source: City and County of Honolulu Department of Housing and Land Management

HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu today showcased one of the specialized demolition robots being used to dismantle the former Ena Motoi building at 436 Ena Road in Waikīkī, marking a major step toward transforming the City-owned property into permanently affordable housing in the heart of one of Honolulu's most competitive housing markets.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Department of Housing and Land Management (DHLM) Director Kevin Auger, and Department of Community Services (DCS) Director Anton Krucky joined project partners Friday for a ceremonial demolition event featuring a demonstration of the remotely operated equipment that will be used throughout the project. With the robots now on Oʻahu and structural demolition underway, the event marked the beginning of a new chapter for the property and the City's long-term effort to preserve affordability in Waikīkī.

“Every piece of public land we have is an opportunity to make a difference, and in Waikīkī, where housing is increasingly out of reach for so many local families, that opportunity carries even greater importance,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “We are taking a property that has served our community in the past and investing in its future so it can serve even more Honolulu residents for generations to come. This is exactly the kind of long-term commitment we need to make if we are serious about creating and preserving affordable housing across Oʻahu.”

The demolition follows months of preparation at the site, including environmental abatement, permitting, scaffold installation, site fencing and the mobilization of specialized equipment. R.H.S. Lee, Inc., the City's demolition contractor, will begin structural demolition the week of November 2, using specialized, remotely operated demolition robots manufactured by Sweden-based Husqvarna. The machines are designed to carefully dismantle existing structures in confined spaces while allowing operators to work from a safer distance.

Demolition and site clearing are expected to continue through February 2027, with work occurring during standard construction hours and safety fencing remaining in place throughout the project.

“436 Ena Road presents a valuable opportunity to reinvest in City-owned land and preserve affordability in the heart of Waikīkī,” said DHLM Director Kevin Auger. “Demolition is an important milestone, but our focus is on what comes next — creating a high-quality development that maximizes long-term affordability, makes efficient use of this property and delivers lasting value to the Waikīkī community.”

The City acquired the eight-story, 33-unit property in 2018 using federal Community Development Block Grant funds to provide housing for low-income residents and people experiencing homelessness. The property was previously overseen by DCS and became the City's first housing project in Waikīkī to accept Housing First vouchers.

Located just off Kalākaua Avenue, the approximately 6,000-square-foot property includes the vacant eight-story building and a detached parking structure. The final unit count and affordability levels will be determined as the development plan and financing structure are finalized. The project will also undergo community engagement, environmental review and applicable land use approvals as redevelopment advances.

DHLM will continue coordinating with neighboring properties and the surrounding community as demolition progresses and will provide additional updates as the project moves forward.

—PAU—
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