Honolulu's Iwilei Center Plans for Redevelopment Into Mixed-Use Space

Desiring to utilize public land for affordable housing, the city of Honolulu plans to transform its Iwilei Center into a mixed-use, multi-purpose space.

According to Spectrum News, the upcoming Iwilei redevelopment plan is 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 ..."

The objectives of the project include:

• Producing hundreds of housing units and expanding affordable living options for Oahu residents.
• Creating a mixed-use environment which seamlessly offers affordable housing, transit access, and neighborhood walkability.
• Promoting economic advancement by introducing various commercial, recreational, and retail opportunities.

As an integrative initiative, this new redevelopment project centralizes on incorporating affordable housing with communal connections and accessible transportation. Spectrum News further explains that "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."    

Rick Blangiardi, the Mayor of Honolulu, expresses great significance behind these new redevelopment plans: “Housing is not just about constructing units — it’s about creating thriving, walkable, and connected communities where people can truly live, work and thrive ... 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.”

In conjunction with the Mayor’s Office of Housing, the city’s Department of Land Management has issued a Request for Qualifications, eagerly seeking a professional development partner to begin revitalizing the Iwilei Center and surrounding community.