HONOLULU -- Real estate mogul and Japanese billionaire Genshiro Kawamoto is staying true to his word and moving forward with his new affordable housing plan.

Demolition crews were tearing down the walls that surround three of Kawamoto's Kahala mansions.

Kawamoto plans to rent nine of his homes to "native Hawaiians" for a cost of $150 to $200 per month.

Crews spent the week taking the walls down to give the homes a more open feeling.

Kawamoto said he wanted to diversify a neighborhood he feels is too exclusive.