In partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Housing, the city’s Department of Land Management has issued a Request for Qualifications with the aim to redevelop Iwilei Center.

What You Need To Know

  • The city is looking for a qualified development partner in a public-private partnership to redevelop Iwilei Center

  • The developer will be tasked with overseeing master planning, environmental clearance, architectural design, entitlement, financing, construction, lease-up and operations

  • Building on the city’s acquisition of Iwilei Center and nearby 445 North King Street property, the RFQ marks the next major step in the city’s effort to revitalize Iwilei

In an effort to utilize public land for affordable housing, the city is looking for a development partner to transform the center into a mixed-use, transit-oriented project that integrates affordable housing with commercial, retail, institutional, education, recreational and governmental services with a focus on affordability, quality of life and options for transit, according to a release.

“Housing is not just about constructing units — it’s about creating thriving, walkable, and connected communities where people can truly live, work and thrive,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi in the release. “This transformative project is a pivotal step in reimagining Iwilei as a thoughtfully designed, transit-oriented neighborhood that puts affordability, sustainability and quality of life at the forefront.”

Project objectives:

  • Deliver hundreds of housing units to expand housing options for Oahu residents
  • Develop a vibrant mixed-use and walkable community with seamless integration of affordable housing and transit access
  • Stimulate economic development by introducing commercial, recreational and retail opportunities

The qualified developer, in a public-private partnership with the city, will be tasked with overseeing master planning, environmental clearance, architectural design, entitlement, financing, construction, lease-up and operations. Interested developers must demonstrate experience in mixed-use urban redevelopment, financial capability and a commitment to community engagement.

Important dates:

  • March 21, 3 p.m. HST - Non-mandatory pre-proposal conference
  • March 28 by 3 p.m. HST - Deadline for written requests for clarifications
  • April 4 by 3 p.m. HST - Final amendment deadline
  • April 30 by 1 p.m. HST - RFQ submission deadline

The redevelopment of Iwilei Center is an important part of the city’s Transit-Oriented Development initiative that leverages the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s Skyline rail system to create high-density, mixed-use communities.

Building on the city’s acquisition of Iwilei Center and nearby 445 North King Street property, the RFQ marks the next major step in the city’s effort to revitalize Iwilei.

Interested parties can view the full RFQ document and submission requirements.