The One Oʻahu Podcast with Mayor Rick Blangiardi

On this episode of the One O'ahu Podcast, Department of Customer Services (CSD) Director Kim Hashiro joins host Brandi Higa to discuss CSD’s website overhaul featuring easy to navigate features (15:10). Later, Director Hashiro explains the extension of its feral chicken removal service to private-property owners (17:54). Finally, after initial reports the Rainbow license plate would be retired in 2024, Kim Hashiro provides the the latest on the iconic license plate design (44:08).

On this episode of the One O'ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to discuss the one-year anniversary of the Safe and Sound program in Waikīkī (3:08). Later, Mayor Blangiardi talks about Parkway Village at Kapolei, a mixed-use development that will create 405 affordable rental units and two on-site preschools on City land (18:04). Finally, Honolulu Liquor Commission Board Chair Seth Buckley will be resigning later this year. Mayor Blangiardi explains what this means for the Board moving forward (23:28).

On this episode of the One O'ahu Podcast, Department of Emergency Management (DEM) Deputy Director Jennifer Walter joins host Brandi Higa to discuss the City and County of Honolulu’s role in the recovery efforts following the devastating fires in Lahaina (2:13). Later, there are many ways to assist the survivors of these fires but Deputy Director Walter talks about some of the long-term ways to help (10:01). Finally, Jennifer Walter explains when and how our City and County of Honolulu Emergency Operation Center is activated for disasters on O‘ahu (17:47).

This episode of the One O'ahu Podcast was recorded on Maui, to hear from agencies responding to the devastating fire in Lahaina. The State of Hawaii's Department of Defense Public Affairs Director, Jeff Hickman, joins host Brandi Higa to discuss recovery efforts in the Lahaina disaster zone (1:46). Later, Hickman talks about some of the questions coming in from affected residents (6:28). Finally, John Heggie of the California Department of Forestry explains his department's role on the Valley Isle right now and the next phase of recovery in Lahaina (13:12).

On this episode of the One O'ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi and Honolulu Fire Department Chief Kalani Hao, join host Brandi Higa to discuss the devastating Lahaina fire (0:37). Later, Mayor Blangiardi and Chief Hao explain the City and County of Honolulu’s role in the relief efforts (3:25). Finally, both men talk about how we move forward from this tragedy (24:58).

On this episode of the One O'ahu Podcast, new Department of Enterprise Services (DES) Director designate Dita Holifield joins host Brandi Higa to discuss her decision to join the City and County of Honolulu (3:24). Later, Dita Holifield talks about the upcoming opportunities for DES to support the relief efforts for Maui fire victims in a very major way (5:46). Finally, Holifield talks about the research she did, prior to joining the City, to learn more about DES’ services and facilities (15:53). 

On this episode of the One O'ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to discuss his support for the Honolulu Liquor Commission’s new Administrator, Sal Petilos (6:32). Later, five new cameras were recently installed in Chinatown, a district the Blangiardi Administration has prioritized since he entered office. He explains what these cameras are capable of and what is next (10:12). Plus, with the exodus of college football teams from the PAC-12 Conference, Mayor Blangiardi talks about his concerns for the University of Hawai‘i and what is at stake (28:46).

On this episode of the One O'ahu Podcast, Department of Community Services (DCS) Director Anton Krucky joins host Brandi Higa to explain the City’s Affordable Housing Fund; where that money comes from and where it is now going (6:41). Later, there are many services to help those living on the streets and in their cars, but not every individual is willing to accept help. Director Krucky talks about two approaches to this situation (19:48). Finally, the DCS Director discusses a couple approaches to free feeding programs on O‘ahu and how relationship-building is key to finding a solution (25:50).

Mayor Blangiardi and host Brandi Higa begin the episode with a discussion on key hiring announcements for the Department of Enterprise Services and the Mayor’s Office of Housing (1:13). Later, Mayor Blangiardi discusses how his administration is trying to respond to complaints regarding homeless individuals along ʻŌhua Avenue in Waikīkī (13:47). This week, Mayor Blangiardi held a ceremonial signing for Bill 28 (2023), CD1 relating to naloxone. He describes the importance of this ordinance at this point in time and how it will promote public health and safety in our communities (29:58).

On this episode of the One O'ahu Podcast, new Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) Director Gene Albano joins host Brandi Higa to discuss his decision to join the City and County of Honolulu (4:16). Later, Director Albano talks about his strategy for keeping our streams maintained not just ahead of storms but all year long (9:59). Finally, the new DFM Director talks about ways to promote energy conservation in City buildings as well as ideas on how to maintain our roads (12:40).