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Wednesday, July 9, 2014 Contact:  Mayor Caldwell's Press Office, 768-5768       Halewai'olu Residences Request for Proposals released   Honolulu – Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced that the Department of Community Services and the Mayor's Office of Housing have released the Request for Proposals for Halewai'olu Residences located at 1331-1347 River Street, Honolulu, Hawaii, also identified as Tax Map Key: (1) 1-7-006:012, and commonly referred to as the "River Street property."   The Halewai'olu Residences project is intended to expand affordable housing opportunities for senior citizens and provide a new senior community center for group activities and programs. The development will increase the supply of much needed affordable housing units in the urban core as well as create community and commercial opportunities in the heart of Honolulu.   "Halewai'olu Residences will offer an opportunity for our kupuna to age in place and enjoy their golden years in a safe, vibrant community in one of urban Honolulu's most historic, and vibrant neighborhoods," said Mayor Caldwell.  "The redevelopment of the River Street property will provide greatly needed affordable senior housing while contributing to Chinatown's resurgence."   The name Halewai'olu, which means house of comforting or enriching waters in 'Ôlelo Hawai'i, was selected based on the property's River Street location and the historical significance of the waters that flow nearby.   Bidders must meet the minimum qualifications specified in the Request for Proposals, including, but not limited to: (1) ten years experience in the development, management and/or operation of affordable rental or ownership housing; (2) licensed to do business in the State of Hawaii; (3) current on all federal and state tax obligations; (4) current on all obligations owing to the City and County of Honolulu; (5) registered as a business in the United States of America, and in possession of a current Federal Tax Identification Number; and (6) not party to any pending litigation against the City and County of Honolulu.   Proposals will be evaluated based on: (1) meeting and/or exceeding Community Development Block Grant Program National Objectives; (2) the depth of affordability in the design of the Proposal; (3) the length of affordability for the designated affordable units in the Proposal; (4) the experience of the Bidder in the successful development, ownership, and management of affordable projects; (5) the contribution to Chinatown and the overall community; (6) the consideration of the creation of a senior center at the Project; and (7) the economic feasibility of the Proposal.   Interested parties may obtain a Request for Proposals packet free of charge at the Department of Community Services, 715 South King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii, between 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.   -END-