The One Oʻahu Podcast with Mayor Rick Blangiardi

Jon Nouchi on roadway safety, e-bikes, and courtesy reminders on TheBus and Skyline

This week, Department of Transportation Services (DTS) Deputy Director Jon Nouchi joins host Brandi Higa on the One O‘ahu Podcast to discuss roadway safety in light of a recent crash in Ewa that killed two bicyclists (3:28). Then, with the popularity of e-bikes, the laws DTS is looking to amend and a few reminders to make riding these devices safer (7:55). Finally, Deputy Director Nouchi discusses courtesy when riding TheBus and Skyline (18:29).

Mayor Blangiardi on kicking off the 2024 Town Hall Tour

This week, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa on the One O‘ahu Podcast to discuss the start of his 2024 Town Hall Tour. It was at the first meeting in Kapolei, Mayor Blangiardi was asked to provide an update on the search for a new landfill site (3:02). Water safety was also a common theme at the first set of meetings with drinking water brought up in Kapolei and recreational bodies of water in Kailua (5:38). Finally, the mayor talks about safety in light of two bicyclists who were recently struck and killed by a vehicle along Fort Weaver Road (11:45).

Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logan on recruitment

This week, Honolulu Police Department Chief of Police Joe Logan joins host Brandi Higa on the One O‘ahu Podcast to talk about recruitment and the efforts underway to get more people to join HPD (0:41). Then, the Chief explains his strategy when it comes to addressing issues with our homeless population (21:36). Finally, Chief Logan discusses ways he’s trying to guide his department when it comes to open communication (26:38).

Mayor Blangiardi on HPD recruit bonuses and the Dept. of Housing and Land Management

This week, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa on the One O‘ahu Podcast to talk about the bonuses announced during this year’s State of the City Address for HPD recruits (1:04). Later, Mayor Blangiardi explains the merging of the Department of Land Management and the City Office of Housing (3:52). Finally, Mayor Blangiardi discusses unfilled positions that are accounted for in this year’s proposed budget which was submitted to the Honolulu City Council on March 1, 2024 (12:54).

2024 State of the City Address

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi delivered the 2024 State of the City Address on Thursday, March 14th, from the Mission Memorial Auditorium in Honolulu.

New Chief of Staff Andy Sugg

This week, Mayor Blangiardi’s new Chief of Staff Andy Sugg joins host Brandi Higa on the One O‘ahu Podcast to talk about transitioning into this new role (0:36). Then, because the duties of this position are wide-ranging and fluid, Andy Sugg discusses his priorities and what he hopes to achieve as Chief of Staff (6:47). Finally, it’s always important to stand for something and the new Chief of Staff talks about a charity he’s been supportive of for years, even running marathons and raising money for this specific cause (19:10).

Honolulu Zoo Director Linda Santos on a national contest for Best Zoo and accreditation

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).

Mayor Blangiardi on progress at DPP and Outmigration

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).

Sam Moku, the City's new Homeless Coordinator

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).

Mayor Blangiardi on facilities for our homeless population and the Amended Full Funding Grant Agreement

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).