The One Oʻahu Podcast with Mayor Rick Blangiardi

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).

Ka'ili Trask O'Connell on joining the City and FestPAC 2024

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).

Mayor Blangiardi on open communication to restore public trust

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)?