NOAA Daniel K. Inouye Regional Center (IRC)

On 04 March 2014, ITIC moved offices from downtown Honolulu to the Daniel K. Inouye Regional Center (IRC) on Ford Island. Built on a national historic landmark site, the main facility repurposes two World War II-era aircraft hangars and links them with a newly constructed third edifice to create a single 310,000 square foot building.

The ground floor of the main entrance boasts a three-story high central atrium containing a comprehensive exhibit area with pictures, videos, signage and artifacts depicting various NOAA programs, as well as a library, auditorium, media room and cafeteria. ITIC and PTWC are located on the third floor of the IRC.

The facility’s design, inspired by Hawaiʻi’s climate and culture to feature wind, water and sun, utilizes natural lighting, the absence of mechanical fans, and passive cooling and ventilation systems supported by a seawater well. It also captures renewable energy through solar photovoltaic and solar thermal systems. NOAA’s Science on a Sphere projection system hangs seemingly in midair in the lobby of the main building, (bottom right image). The facility is Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) Gold Certified.

In January 2013, the center was named in honor of Senator Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaiʻi), the nation's longest-serving senator and a decorated World War II combat veteran who died in December 2012, in recognition of his significant contribution to ocean and environmental issues and his steadfast support for the construction of the campus. On December 16, 2013, an official blessing ceremony was held to dedicate the facility.

Download IRC brochure, click here. (501kb)

Visit IRC website, click here.

Directions to ITIC and IRC, click here.