Demolition Update – 1615 Ala Wai Boulevard
The City and County of Honolulu is moving forward with plans to redevelop the former apartment building at 1615 Ala Wai Boulevard into new affordable housing for Waikīkī.
On June 3, 2025, the City received building permit approval (BP #923300), officially clearing the way for demolition. Our contractor, R.H.S. Lee, Inc., is now working with City staff to finalize the construction schedule and complete all required pre-demolition steps in coordination with the Department of Planning and Permitting and other regulatory agencies.
What to Expect
The building at 1615 Ala Wai has remained vacant for over 20 years and has raised long-standing concerns about safety, vandalism, and deterioration. Demolition represents an important step toward addressing these issues and preparing the site for future redevelopment that serves the community.
Demolition activities are now underway and will proceed according to the following schedule:
- Week of June 16, 2025 – Removal of interior debris
- Week of June 23, 2025 through approximately July 18, 2025 – Remediation work by Unitek Insulation
- Week of July 21, 2025 through the end of August 2025 – Full demolition of the building structure
Please note that all work will occur during standard construction hours and in compliance with applicable safety and environmental regulations.
Safety Measures
- Safety fencing will be installed throughout the duration of the work.
- Equipment and materials will be staged in the rear lot, accessed via Hawaiiana Gardens.
- Work will follow standard construction hours and comply with all regulatory requirements
What’s Next
This site is part of a larger City-led effort to deliver permanently affordable housing on Oʻahu. In February 2025, the City released a Request for Qualifications to identify a private developer. Once selected, the developer will partner with the City and community to design a project that reflects neighborhood needs and supports long-term affordability. We anticipate hosting a Neighborhood Board meeting in the coming weeks to introduce the selected development team and begin the planning dialogue with residents.
Mahalo for your patience and support as we take this important step toward improving the safety, appearance, and future of 1615 Ala Wai Boulevard.