The One Oʻahu Podcast with Mayor Rick Blangiardi

Hawai'i Foodbank's Amy Miller on the annual City Employee Food Drive

This week, Amy Miller, President and CEO of the Hawai‘i Foodbank, joins host Brandi Higa on the One O‘ahu Podcast to talk about the incredible need for donations right now (0:33). Then, details on a campaign wrapping up this week with the City and State to raise 515,000 meals for Hawai‘i’s families in need and how you can help (2:47). Later, how federal cuts across the country are affecting the Hawaii Foodbank and its programs (4:54).

Korky Gallagher on Makiki’s Cartwright Field being named the oldest active baseball field in America

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Korky Gallagher, a spokesman for the Friends of Alexander Joy Cartwright joins host Brandi Higa to talk about the recent recognition of Cartwright Field as the ‘The Oldest Active Baseball Field in America’ (8:50 ). Then, what is next in the mission to spread this historic news about this historic neighborhood park in Makiki (14:00). Later, Korky explains who Alexander Joy Cartwright was and the lasting mark he made on Honolulu beyond the baseball field (20:16).

Connie Mitchell and Christopher Thomas discuss the call to action by Mayor Blangiardi for Guardians Ad Litem

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Executive Director for the Institute for Human Services (IHS), Connie Mitchell, and Attorney Christopher Thomas join host Brandi Higa to discuss the call to action by Mayor Blangiardi and other leaders to serve as advocates for homeless individuals as Guardians Ad Litem (2:10). Then, how Assisted Community Treatment (ACT) works at helping individuals with severe mental illness (4:17). Finally, Mitchell and Thomas both explain why this work is critically important (9:56).

Mayor Blangiardi on his recent Hale'iwa Town Hall meeting and the oldest active baseball field in America

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to talk about a recent town hall meeting in Hale‘iwa (2:30). Later, Mayor Blangiardi discusses the importance of two bills he recently signed into law, Bill 1 and Bill 50 (17:30). Finally, reaction to Honolulu’s Cartwright Neighborhood Park being proclaimed the oldest active baseball field in America (22:14).

Jennifer Walter on HNL Alert, the City's new mass notification system

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Department of Emergency Management Acting Director Jennifer Walter joins host Brandi Higa to talk about the City’s new mass notification system, HNL Alert (0:36). Then, she explains the two ways to sign up for HNL Alerts (8:26). Later, preparation tips for you and your ‘ohana as we approach the drier summer months and Hurricane Season (24:05).

Mayor Blangiardi on a task force to look into merging HFD and EMS, plus a town hall meeting in Nānākuli

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to talk about standing up a task force to determine whether the Honolulu Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services would be better off as a single, integrated department (0:57). Then, Mayor Blangiardi discusses the start of passenger operations for the second segment of Skyline, the City’s rail transit system, by Oct. 1, 2025 (14:09). Later, takeaways from Mayor Blangiardi’s recent town hall meeting in Nānākuli, the first of seven this year (16:09).

CCSR's Sarah Harris and Madeline Krueger on updated FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Sarah Harris and Madeline Krueger of the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency’s (CCSR) Mitigation and Long-Term Disaster Recovery Program, join host Brandi Higa to discuss the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for O‘ahu (1:01). Later, they discuss the 90-day public appeal and comment period where the community is able to provide feedback to FEMA for possible incorporation into the final FIRMS (6:02). Finally, some of the resources that are available for O ‘ahu residents and tips to make your home more flood ready (8:20).

2025 State of the City Address

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi delivered the 2025 State of the City address on Tuesday, March 18th from the Mission Memorial Auditorium in Honolulu.

2024 City Employee of the Year Rebecca Choquette, a zookeeper at the Honolulu Zoo

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Rebecca Choquette, a zookeeper at the Honolulu Zoo and this year's City and County of Honolulu Employee of the Year, joins host Brandi Higa to reflect on her award (0:59). Then, Choquette talks about why she wanted to go into this field of work and what she loves most (3:30). Finally, some interesting stories about the animals she works with each and every day (5:42).

Mayor Blangiardi and Budget Director Andy Kawano on the FY26 Proposed Budget

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi and Budget and Fiscal Services Director Andy Kawano join host Brandi Higa to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposals submitted to the Honolulu City Council (1:06). Later, both men talk about key infrastructure and public service projects included in this year’s budget (4:49). Finally, where to find this year’s proposed budget and how to weigh in before the final budget is passed (21:17).