The One Oʻahu Podcast with Mayor Rick Blangiardi

Mayor Blangiardi and Honolulu Fire Chief Hao on the devastating Lahaina fire

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).

Dita Holifield on her decision to join the City and upcoming opportunities for DES to support the Maui relief efforts

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). 

Mayor Blangiardi on Chinatown cameras and college football conference alignments

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).

Anton Krucky on the Affordable Housing Fund and free feeding programs

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 on feeding the homeless in Waikiki and making Narcan more accessible

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).

Gene Albano on his decision to join the City and his priorities for the Dept. of Facility Maintenance

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).

Mayor Blangiardi on Skyline and the passing of former Police Chief Lee Donohue

On this episode of the One O’ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi and host Brandi Higa discuss the first week of operations for Skyline, Honolulu’s Rail System (0:27). Later, Mayor Blangiardi offers his thoughts on the passing of former Honolulu Police Chief Lee Donohue (5:12). Finally, Mayor Blangiardi talks about the importance of federal funding after the City and County of Honolulu was selected earlier this month to receive $1M through the Inflation Reduction Act for climate action planning (21:25).

Hiro Toiya on the 2023 Hurricane Season, refuge areas, and the COVID-19 pandemic

On this episode of the One O'ahu Podcast, Department of Emergency Management (DEM) Director Hiro Toiya joins host Brandi Higa to discuss the NOAA Hurricane Season Outlook for 2023 and ways to get prepared (2:12). Later, Director Toiya talks about his experience leading the City and County of Honolulu through the COVID-19 pandemic (35:24). Finally, with so many facilities not designed to withstand powerful storms here on O'ahu, the DEM Director explains the options on the table when it comes to Hurricane refuge areas (43:49).

Mayor Blangiardi on gun violence and improving safety in Waikīkī

Mayor Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa on the One O‘ahu Podcast this week to discuss gun violence on O ‘ahu following the recent shootings in West O'ahu (9:45). Later in the episode, Mayor Blangiardi discusses crime reduction efforts in Waikīkī, which included the addition of Honolulu Police officers and private security (12:45). Finally, the Mayor talks about key leadership announcements and commission nominees and his expectations for their roles (17:10).

Cat Taschner on Transit Oriented Development and Affordable Housing

This week, Department of Land Management (DLM) Acting Director Catherine Taschner joins host Brandi Higa on the One O‘ahu Podcast to discuss a key leadership hire in DLM Deputy Director Keith Suzuka (1:56). Later, Taschner explains DLM's role in Transit Oriented Development as we close-in on opening day for Honolulu's Rail System (2:40). And finally, Acting Director Taschner talks about the City's role in providing affordable housing for residents throughout the City and County of Honolulu (5:03).