The One Oʻahu Podcast with Mayor Rick Blangiardi

HFD Fire Chief Kalani Hao and Deputy Fire Chief Jason Samala on the 175th anniversary of the department

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Honolulu Fire Department Fire Chief Kalani Hao and Deputy Fire Chief Jason Samala join host Brandi Higa to discuss the 175th anniversary ceremony for the department held on Jan. 11, 2026 (3:06). Then, both men talk about how far the department has come since its early days as a volunteer fire department (15:03). Later, Chief Hao and Deputy Chief Samala explain advancements in technology and safety for the department going forward (17:44).

Mayor Blangiardi on fireworks enforcement, a sewer rate increase, and balancing the budget

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to discuss fireworks enforcement on New Year’s Eve (0:46). Then, Mayor Blangiardi talks about the 6% rate hike O‘ahu residents and businesses will see in their sewer bills beginning this month (15:31). Later, Mayor Blangiardi shares about the budget process and balancing the budget for the next fiscal year (19:53).

HESD Director Jim Ireland on firework-related calls, traffic fatalities, and a bump in flu cases

This week on the One O‘ahu Podcast, Dr. James Ireland, director for the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, joins host Brandi Higa, to discuss the firework-related incidents his team responded to on New Year’s Eve (1:13). Then, just one-week into the new year, and Director Ireland addresses the traffic fatalities we’ve seen so far on O‘ahu (6:31). Later, Flu-related 911 calls and ER visits have seen a bump, the good and the bad news on this front (11:16).

Near-drowning survivor Sherisse Domingo reunited with rescuers

This week on the One O‘ahu Podcast, near-drowning survivor Sherisse Domingo, joins host Brandi Higa, along with Honolulu Ocean Safety lieutenant Ryan Moniz, his 4-year-old son, Hunter, and Honolulu EMT, Mica Sundine – all rescuers who saved the 30-year-old’s life. Domingo recalls what she remembers that day at the Kāneʻohe sandbar (1:47). Then, Moniz, who was off-duty at the time, describes how teamwork from strangers and good Samaritans resulted in a miracle that day (2:43). Finally, after completely recovering with no neurological deficits, Domingo’s message to her rescuers (16:26).

HPD Interim Chief of Police Rade Vanic on illegal fireworks as we approach New Year's Eve

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Honolulu Police Dept. Interim Chief of Police Rade Vanic joins host Brandi Higa to reflect on the anniversary of a fireworks tragedy in Aliamanu (2:27). Then, what is the law when it comes to fireworks reporting and violations (4:06). Finally, how to safely dispose of illegal fireworks (11:01).

Mayor Blangiardi on the holiday season, HNL 311, and the 2025 Hawai'i Bowl

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to discuss an emotional Thanksgiving 2025 (1:19). Then, Mayor Blangiardi talks about HNL 311 and how the City and County of Honolulu is using technology to move O‘ahu forward (11:09). Later, as we approach the anniversary of a fireworks tragedy in Aliamanu, Mayor Blangiardi shares his message ahead of the New Year’s Eve holiday (25:44). Finally, Mayor Blangiardi shares what he is looking forward to most when it comes to this year's Hawai'i Bowl (30:24).

HFD Captain Kevin Calleon is the 2025 City Employee of the Year

This week on the One O‘ahu Podcast, the 2025 City Employee of the Year, Kevin Calleon, a captain with the Honolulu Fire Department, joins host Brandi Higa to reflect on winning this year’s honor (1:56). Then, Captain Calleon talks about his work with the department’s occupational health and safety programs (2:21). Later, Calleon discusses the role of the Peer Support Group (3:24).

Mayor Blangiardi on Honolulu City Lights opening night and the Safe & Sound program on O'ahu

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to discuss what you can expect for Honolulu City Lights 2025 (3:25). Then, Mayor Blangiardi talks about the Safe & Sound program in Wai‘anae (14:30). Later, how clearing out some tables in Waikīkī has led to safer conditions (19:10).

DTS Chief Planner Christopher Clark is the 2025 City Manager of the Year

This week on the One O‘ahu Podcast, the 2025 City Manager of the Year, Christopher Clark, joins host Brandi Higa to reflect on winning this honor and the team at the Department of Transportation Services that helped him get here (1:39). Then, Clark talks about managing the City’s federal transportation funds (4:04). Later, getting to this point of the Ala Pono Bridge project has not happened without a lot of community input, Clark explains what happens next (18:05).

DPR Deputy Director Kēhaulani Pu‘u on Kapolei City Lights and other City parks programs

This week on the One O‘ahu Podcast, Kēhaulani Pu‘u, deputy director for the City’s Department of Parks and Recreation, joins host Brandi Higa to talk about what to expect this year at Kapolei City Lights (4:28). Then, deputy director Pu‘u reflects on the recent Mayor’s Arbor Day Ceremony at Pu‘u O Hulu Community Park (10:40). Later, she provides an update on the replanting effort after many trees on O‘ahu’s West Coast were devasted by the coconut rhinoceros beetle (13:22).