HCDA Issues Final RFP for Hawaii’s Tallest Building

By Liviu Oltean, Associate Editor

The Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) will soon issue the final Request For Proposals (RFP) for the development of the mixed-use transit-oriented development project at 690 Pohukaina in Kakaako.

The Pohukaina project entails the development of two sky rises: a tower with 300 affordable units and one with 500 market-priced units. Upon completion, the latter will be Hawaii’s tallest building.

In addition, the project includes the development of 25,000 square feet of civic space intended for state office and library facilities; 10,000 square feet of community space; 30,000 square feet of commercial space and 30,000 square feet dedicated to a high-tech business incubator and innovation space.

The site of the project encompasses about 2.17 acres, and is in the “Pauahi Zone” subject to the Kakaako Community Development District Rules and Mauka Area Plan. In October, the HCDA had approved recommendations to develop a TOD (Transit Oriented Development), which is a high-density development in the proximity of a transit stop that encourages the use of mass transit.

According to the Pacific Business News, HCDA released a draft RFP in December. The draft has been modified in response to community input on the future development. Deepak Neupane, HCDA director of planning and development, said that in the final RFP, HCDA has decided to change the minimum requirement of housing units to a tentative target. Neupane added that prospective developers must submit a “Notice of Intent to Offer’ letter by Feb. 29. The HCDA hopes to choose the developer by the end of 2012.

Groundbreaking of the two towers has been set for 2015 or 2016, after the completion of the Halekauwila rentals. On Feb. 21, HCDA will organize a conference, where it will answer questions related to the final RFP.