City showcases demolition robot as work begins at 436 Ena Road in Waikīkī
(Formerly known as the Ena Motoi Building, 436 Ena Rd was home to the multi-storey 'Empire Relaxation' from 2013 until 2015. Eleven years later, the City is still wasting $millions on this site.)
News Release from Department of Housing and Land Management, Oct 30, 2026
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.
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Demolition activities underway at 436 Ena Road
The existing structure at 436 Ena Road in Waikīkī is being prepared for demolition ahead of the property’s future redevelopment for affordable housing.
News Release from City and County of Honolulu Department of Housing and Land Management, October 6, 2026
The City and County of Honolulu Department of Housing and Land Management (DHLM) is preparing for the demolition of the existing structure at 436 Ena Road in Waikīkī. The project is part of a broader City effort to create permanently affordable housing, with the property intended for future redevelopment following demolition.
(FUN FACTOID: Formerly known as the Ena Motoi Building, 436 Ena Rd was home to the multi-storey 'Empire Relaxation' from 2013 until 2015. NSFW LINK: 219-page online discussion and reminiscences by satisfied customers. Eleven years later, the City is still wasting $millions on this site.)
Demolition contractor R.H.S. Lee, Inc. has mobilized and initiated work in coordination with the City and regulatory agencies. Demolition activities are proceeding according to the following schedule:
Week of September 21, 2026: Scaffolding installation and site fencing
Week of October 2, 2026: Mobilization of demolition equipment
Week of October 26, 2026 through the end of February 2027: Full demolition of the building structure
The site will remain secured with safety fencing throughout all phases of work. All work will occur during standard construction hours and in accordance with applicable safety and environmental regulations.
DHLM will continue to provide updates as work progresses. Questions or concerns related to the project, demolition activities, access or anticipated construction impacts may be directed to DHLM at (808) 768-4277 or [email protected].