The One Oʻahu Podcast with Mayor Rick Blangiardi

This week, Honolulu Zoo Director Linda Santos joins host Brandi Higa on the One O‘ahu Podcast to talk about the contest to get the Honolulu Zoo in USA Today’s 10Best zoos in the country (1:09). Later, the Honolulu Zoo’s accreditation is effective until March 2025, Santos explains what happens over the next year (6:10). Finally, in August of last year the Honolulu Zoo implemented an admission fee increase for the first time in over a decade. Santos explains why this price bump was needed (11:55).

This week, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa on the One O‘ahu Podcast to talk about a follow-up audit on the Department of Planning and Permitting (1:39). Then, the question of whether to stay in the islands or move to the mainland is becoming a more common one for local individuals and families, Mayor Blangiardi reacts to this reality (16:45). Finally, Mayor Blangiardi weighs in as we remember- a local TV legend in Emme Tomimbang Burns (30:21).

This week, the City’s new Homeless Coordinator, Sam Moku, joins host Brandi Higa on the One O’ahu Podcast to discuss his transition into this new role after serving most recently as the Mayor’s Chief of Staff (0:36). Later, Iwilei Center and additional properties are coming online soon to assist homeless individuals but what will that look like? Sam Moku explains (2:16). Finally, Moku talks about this year’s Point-In-Time Count in which data is being combed through now (13:12).

This week, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa on the One O’ahu Podcast to discuss working with the State on new facilities for homeless individuals on O’ahu (4:33). Later, Mayor Blangiardi and Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Lori Kahikina signed the Amended Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), securing $744 million dollars in federal money for the Honolulu rail transit project (9:45). Finally, the Mayor reacts to the Honolulu Zoo’s nomination for Best Zoo in America in 2024 by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards (21:47).

This week, Ka’ili Trask O’Connell, Executive Director for the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts, joins host Brandi Higa on the One O’ahu Podcast to discuss joining Mayor Blangiardi’s Administration and her vision for the office (1:30). Later, the City and County of Honolulu was selected by Bloomberg Philanthropies as a winning city in its Public Art Challenge, securing a generous grant of up to $1 million (7:41). Finally, O’Connell explains preparations ahead of the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture or FestPAC which will be held on O‘ahu this June (12:37).

This week, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa on the One O’ahu Podcast to discuss open communication to restore public trust (5:03). Then, Hula is returning to the Tom Moffat Waikīkī Shell. Mayor Blangiardi talks about this twist on the iconic Kodak Hula Show (13:00). Finally, another push for film production on O’ahu. Could this industry gain added support from state and local government in 2024 (15:23)?

This week, Captain Adrian Cravalho and Fire Fighter II Matt Ramsey of the Honolulu Fire Department join host Brandi Higa on the One O’ahu Podcast to discuss the rescue of Ian Snyder, the hiker who went missing for three days after falling nearly 1,000 feet near the Pali Notches trail last month (0:46). Fire Fighter Ramsey explains his very first interaction with Snyder when he was roped down to rescue him (5:58). Finally, Captain Cravalho provides some hiking safety tips to avoid a situation like Snyder’s (14:17).

This week, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa on the One O’ahu Podcast to announce his new Homelessness Coordinator in former Chief of Staff Sam Moku (4:35). Later, Mayor Blangiardi talks about the purchase of Iwilei Center, representing a $51.5 million dollar investment in affordable housing and Transit Oriented Development (16:58). Finally, Mayor Blangiardi provides details to this year’s State of the City Address, what to expect in this year’s speech plus the subsequent town hall tour for 2024 (25:31).

This week, Sal Petilos, Administrator for the Honolulu Liquor Commission, joins host Brandi Higa on the One O’ahu Podcast to discuss what it means to have five commissioners on the Honolulu Liquor Commission (7:38). Later, Administrator Petilos explains his goal to improve operations and streamline processes within his agency, and the request he has for applicants (8:47). Finally, effective January 1, 2024, Bill 28 (2023), CD1 requires NARCAN/Naloxone HCI, the opioid-reversal medication, to be carried at on-premises liquor-licensed establishments of certain classes under state law. How affected businesses can learn more or pick-up a free kit (24:49).

This week, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa on the One O’ahu Podcast to discuss Operation Blue Light Christmas, a program for keiki in West O’ahu (2:25). Plus, Alaska Airlines recently announced it plans to buy-out Hawaiian Airlines. Mayor Blangiardi reacts to that historic deal (9:04). Finally, Mayor Blangiardi talks about the blessing ceremony that was recently held at the Hawaii Film Studio for NCIS Season 3 (10:51). Bonus content: The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) announces its newest campaign: Happy HOLO Days! DTS Deputy Director Jon Nouchi explains this campaign (15:37).