HONOLULU (HI Now) - In Iwilei Kapālama, the conversation is shifting from what this neighborhood was to what it can become next. With the continued growth of the Skyline, city leaders are looking at redevelopment that puts homes, streets, and services within walking distance of public transit, and closer to the energy of Chinatown and Downtown Honolulu.
The City and County of Honolulu recently acquired 519 Kaʻa ahi Street for $2.7 million, a move officials say helps consolidate public ownership in the future Kūwili Skyline station area. The city or state now owns more than 70 percent of the land there, which sets the stage for transit oriented development that can support housing and community centered spaces around the station.
Housing is the headline for many residents who know the pressure firsthand. Department of Housing and Land Management Director Kevin Auger said the area has the potential to deliver thousands of housing units within walking distance to historic downtown Chinatown and the downtown CBD. Honolulu City Council member Tyler Dos Santos Tam added that the need is obvious on the ground, and that real progress will require multiple pieces to align, including infrastructure, housing, and street improvements.
The city says it hopes to break ground with development partners within the next three years, making this a plan ahead moment for anyone watching how Oʻahu grows.
To learn more, visit the City and County of Honolulu website or follow their updates on Instagram.
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