Today, as we face rising costs, shrinking space, and climate change, sustainable housing offers a path forward that honors our past while building a resilient future for the lāhui.
Housing isn’t just about shelter; it’s about sustaining our way of life for generations to come. We’re seeing bold steps toward that vision.
For too long, housing in Hawaiʻi has felt out of reach for our people. The median price of a home on Oʻahu hit $1,075,000 in February 2025, pushing kamaʻāina farther from the places we call home. Mayor Blangiardi and the city’s Department of Land Management’s redevelopment of Iwilei plan, unveiled in March 2025, is a piece of that puzzle.
With the city’s acquisition of nearly 5 acres, including the Iwilei Center and the former First Hawaiian Bank building, this transit-oriented development (TOD) near the Kūwili Skyline station aims to deliver 1,500 to 2,000 housing units. It’s a chance to create a mixed-use community where people can live, work, and connect.
Castle & Cooke has also put forth a master plan for the Iwilei area, which envisions a dynamic, pedestrian-friendly community that integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Their plan includes modernizing infrastructure, improving walkability, and increasing green spaces to enhance the quality of life for residents. With both public and private stakeholders investing in Iwilei’s future, there is a unique opportunity to create a model urban neighborhood that balances growth with sustainability.
With these two projects in the works, it’s an opportunity for multiple state agencies, including OHA, DHHL, and other companies, to collaborate. OHA can play a crucial role in ensuring that Native Hawaiian voices are at the forefront of the decision-making process, advocating for culturally rooted, sustainable, and community-driven development.
Iwilei aligns with our OHA Mana i Mauli Ola Strategic Plan for Housing, emphasizing the need for equitable and affordable housing solutions. By leveraging its resources, OHA can support initiatives such as culturally appropriate architectural designs, Native Hawaiian homeownership opportunities, and economic empowerment programs. Solar panels, rainwater catchment, and native plants can tie every home to the ʻāina, fostering environmental stewardship. We will pave the way to embrace modern advancements while staying grounded in Native Hawaiian values and ensure that these projects truly serve our lāhui.
A key aspect of the Iwilei redevelopment is the integration of public transportation with housing and commerce. The proximity of the Skyline rail station allows for a shift away from car dependency, offering residents easy access to employment hubs, shopping centers, and cultural landmarks.
The inclusion of affordable housing units within the master plan ensures that long-time residents, including Native Hawaiian beneficiaries, could have the opportunity to remain in their communities rather than being displaced by rising costs.
As trustees of this legacy, we must push for more. The state’s $1.6 billion vision for 28,000 homes around Iwilei and Kapālama shows ambition. However, ensuring that these developments prioritize affordability and cultural preservation is critical. Partnerships with DHHL, nonprofits, and developers who see profit in community, not displacement, are essential to achieving this goal. By working together, we can ensure that Iwilei becomes a thriving, inclusive neighborhood that embodies the principles of sustainable living.
Our kūpuna taught us to mālama ʻāina. Pono living through sustainable housing: affordable, efficient, and tied to the land we love. With strategic planning, community input, cultural sensitivity, and responsible development, Iwilei can demonstrate how urban revitalization can honor both the past and the future.
