Progress Update: Abatement Work Underway at 1615 Ala Wai
Abatement work is now in progress at 1615 Ala Wai Boulevard as the City prepares the site for demolition and future redevelopment. This work marks a key step forward in addressing longstanding safety and maintenance concerns at the property, which was vacant for more than 20 years prior to the City’s condemnation in 2024.
Since receiving building permit approval on June 3, 2025, the City’s contractor, R.H.S. Lee, Inc., has mobilized to begin interior debris removal and equipment staging. Licensed subcontractor Unitek Insulation began hazardous materials abatement in late June, with full demolition of the building structure scheduled to begin in late July and continue through August 2025.
The City is committed to providing timely updates and maintaining a safe, well-managed worksite throughout this process. Take a look at some of the recent photos showing the ongoing abatement efforts at 1615 Ala Wai:
This demolition project is part of a broader City-led effort to bring new affordable housing opportunities to Waikīkī. Following demolition, the City will continue working to identify a qualified development partner through a competitive process and engage the community in shaping the future of the site.
Stay tuned for more updates as work progresses.