The state is asking for proposals as it seeks to lease the site of the old Stadium Bowl-O-Drome in Mo'ili'ili.

The 1.89-acre site, at 820 Isenberg St., has been an eyesore for years, and residents are looking forward to something new on the property. But they also worry about the types of businesses that could move into the area.

Ron Lockwood, chairman of the McCully/Mo'ili'ili Neighborhood Board, said residents are concerned about new developments generating noise and traffic congestion in the largely residential community. They would like to see something retail, Lockwood said, but it's still unclear what sort of business would want the property.

The old Bowl-O-Drome has serious maintenance problems, and may have asbestos and lead paint, Lockwood pointed out. The state also noted in a request for proposals that the capacity of the sewer line at the site is limited.

The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands owns the property and wants to lease it for 25 to 65 years. The minimum lease rent for the first 10 years is $1.2 million per year. After that, the minimum rent increases in increments up to $2.3 million a year in the 20th year. The lease rent after 25 years will be based on property assessments.

Bids for the site are due March 24.

Lloyd Yonenaka, spokesman for DHHL, said no bids have been received.

The request for proposals was issued Feb. 8.

Yonenaka said development plans could include renovating the existing building on the site or tearing it down.

He said DHHL is not yet ruling out any type of development for the property.

The site is zoned for mixed use.

The Bowl-O-Drome — next to Stadium Park and residences — opened in 1955 and has been an iconic building in Mo'ili'ili ever since. But the pink bowling alley closed in 2000, and has since fallen into disrepair.

Other than a towing company that leases a parking lot at the site on a month-to-month basis, the property has been vacant for the past eight years. The building at the property is covered in graffiti and is missing windows.

"I think everybody wants to see something there," Yonenaka said.

Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com.