The One Oʻahu Podcast with Mayor Rick Blangiardi

Hiro Toiya on the 2024 Hurricane Season and HECO's PSPS

This week, Department of Emergency Management (DEM) Director Hiro Toiya joins host Brandi Higa on the One O‘ahu Podcast to discuss the 2024 Hurricane Season Outlook (00:38). Then, Starting July 1, Hawaiian Electric is launching its Public Safety Power Shutoff program to reduce the risk of wildfire. Director Toiya talks about the City’s role in this program (3:03). Finally, a quick look back at the recent full activation of the EOC for a recent Kona Low system (16:20).

Mayor Blangiardi on the new Ocean Safety Department, Ha‘ikū Stairs, and the 2024 Point-in-Time Count

This week, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa on the One O‘ahu Podcast to discuss his recent signing of Resolution 24-103 to create a standalone Ocean Safety Department (14:48). Then, Mayor Blangiardi talks about a topic that he wasn’t expecting at the Koko Head Town Hall meeting: the removal of Ha‘ikū Stairs, which are located in Windward O‘ahu (17:12). Finally, Mayor Blangiardi explains the data points that he’s paying attention to from this year’s Point-in-Time Count (20:10).

Clarke Bright, bandmaster of the Royal Hawaiian Band

This week, Clarke Bright, bandmaster for the Royal Hawaiian Band, joins host Brandi Higa on the One O‘ahu Podcast to discuss the band’s new home at the Waikīkī Vista following the band’s first full rehearsal (5:38). Later, how to request the Royal Hawaiian Band at your event (15:17) Finally, Clarke Bright talks about what it takes to be in the Royal Hawaiian Band, the only full-time municipal band in the country (20:02).

Mayor Blangiardi on Homelessness, Crime, and becoming a "Purple Heart City"

This week, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa on the One O‘ahu Podcast to discuss his recent trip to Washington D.C. and his request to congress when it comes to addressing homelessness on O‘ahu (0:31). Then, Mayor Blangiardi talks about a passionate exchange with a constituent regarding crime, which took place at a recent Nanakuli town hall meeting (11:13). Finally, Mayor Blangiardi explains the significance of signing Bill 7, declaring the City and County of Honolulu as a “Purple Heart City” (24:17).

Dept. of Parks & Rec: Waipi'o Soccer Complex renovations, Summer Fun, and Memorial Day

This week, Nate Serota the Public Information Officer for the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) joins host Brandi Higa on the One O‘ahu Podcast to discuss the closure of facilities at the Waipi‘o Soccer Complex for maintenance and renovation efforts (0:49) and how you can help with this year's Sew-a-lei event (4:07). Then, Marci Kono Recreation Support Services Superintendent joins in to talk about the City’s wildly popular Summer Fun Program and the positions DPR is still hiring for (7:44). Later, Bret Fisher, Park Manager for Kapiolani Regional Park, reacts to yet another monk seal pup born at Kaimana Beach (11:46) and where to get your pickleball on (12:21).

Jordana Ferreira, the City’s new Early Childhood Resource Coordinator

This week, Jordana Ferreira, the City’s new Early Childhood Resource Coordinator, join host Brandi Higa on the One O‘ahu Podcast to discuss her new role in the City and County of Honolulu and what she hopes to accomplish (00:40). Later, she talks about her previous position with the State and what navigating that relationship looks like for a successful partnership (5:31). Finally, her “why”. What drove Jordana into this field and what fuels her passion to help others (10:26).

Dept. of Design and Construction on Ha‘ikū Stairs and the Natatorium

This week, Director for the Department of Design and Construction Haku Milles and his Deputy Director Bryan Gallagher, join host Brandi Higa on the One O‘ahu Podcast to discuss the removal of the Ha‘ikū Stairs (6:25). Later, DDC Director Haku Milles talks about plans to restore the Natatorium in Waikīkī (24:04). Finally, as we wrap up Earth Month, the DDC leadership team explains ways the City is taking big steps towards a more sustainable future (28:14).

Mayor Blangiardi on recent town hall meetings, a future landfill site, and the passing of Akebono

This week, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa on the One O‘ahu Podcast to discuss his takeaways from the last two townhall meetings in Salt Lake and Wahiawa (0:47). Then, Mayor Blangiardi responds to a major announcement made by the Navy this week, removing Waipi‘o from the list of potential future landfill sites (17:10). Finally, honoring a legend. Mayor Blangiardi talks about the passing of Akebono, a pioneer and sumo icon (19:40).

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).