City seeks development partner for transformative Iwilei Center redevelopment
Published on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 by HOU Staff
In a continued effort to utilize public lands for affordable housing, the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Land Management, in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Housing (HOU), has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the redevelopment of the Iwilei Center.
The City seeks a development partner to create a transformative, mixed-use, transit-oriented project that integrates affordable housing with commercial, retail, institutional, educational, and governmental services in a dynamic, world-class development.
“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. “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 O‘ahu residents.
- Develop a vibrant, mixed-use, walkable community with seamless integration of affordable housing and transit access.
- Stimulate economic development by introducing commercial and retail opportunities.
The City is seeking a qualified development partner to redevelop the Iwilei Center through a public-private partnership. The selected developer will oversee master planning, environmental clearance, architectural design, entitlement, financing, construction, lease-up, and operations. In return, the developer will receive a development contract and a 75-year ground lease. Interested developers must demonstrate experience in mixed-use urban redevelopment, financial capability, and a commitment to community engagement. Key dates include:
| Non-Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference: | Friday, March 21, 2025, at 3:00 PM HST |
| Deadline for Written Requests for Clarifications: | Friday, March 28, 2025, by 3:00 PM HST |
| Final Amendment Deadline: | Friday, April 4, 2025, by 3:00 PM HST |
| RFQ Submission Deadline: | Wednesday, April 30, 2025, by 1:00 PM HST |
About the Iwilei Center Redevelopment
The Iwilei Center redevelopment is a key component of Honolulu’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) initiative, leveraging the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s Skyline rail system to create high-density, mixed-use communities with accessible housing, economic opportunities, and multimodal transportation options.
Issuing the Iwilei Center RFQ marks the next major step in the City’s efforts to revitalize Iwilei. This initiative builds upon the City’s acquisition of the Iwilei Center and the nearby 445 North King Street property, furthering the community’s vision for a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood. This vision, outlined in the Downtown Neighborhood TOD Plan—adopted by the Honolulu City Council in 2017 and revised in 2020—was shaped through nearly a decade of extensive community engagement and input.
Interested parties can view the full RFQ document and submission requirements at:https://hands.ehawaii.gov/hands/opportunities/opportunity-details/25411