HONOLULU -- Mayor Mufi Hannemann said he wants to keep the city out of court and work toward a mediated settlement to purchase Waimea Valley.

Honolulu City Council members Wednesday unanimously rejected an offer by Christian Wolffer, the owner of Waimea, to subdivide the valley into homes and an eco-lodge for tourists in return for selling the city part of the valley for $5.1 million.

Now, the city is headed toward a court date for the week of Feb. 13, but the mayor hopes to reach agreement with Wolffer on a price.

"I am going to try everything. I am going to put everything on the table. I will work my hardest to make sure to meet the deadlines," Hannemann said.

Wolffer's attorney, Bill McCorriston, said he's skeptical about settling out of court, but he's willing to listen.

The mayor said he will gather all parties interested in helping the city buy the valley to get firm commitments on how much money they can contribute.