HONOLULU (KHON2) — After nearly two years of condemnation proceedings, an apartment building along Ala Wai Blvd. in Waikiki is now under ownership of the City and County of Honolulu after being abandoned for over 20 years.
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The three-story building was known to attract squatters, graffiti taggers and other vandals, but officials look to transform “the property into much-needed affordable housing.”
“This was, simply put, an unacceptable situation in a highly-desired location at a time when our island’s housing needs cannot, and should not, be overstated,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi.
In 2021, the Waikiki Neighborhood Board and the Honolulu City Council saw the state of the neglected building and were approved to acquire the building through eminent domain.
“In working with the Waikiki community, we believe that finalizing the condemnation was the right thing to do for the public in the use of the City’s powers and we look forward to transforming the property into affordable housing very soon,” Mayor Blangiardi continued.