The One Oʻahu Podcast with Mayor Rick Blangiardi

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to talk about the cleanup and recovery following Hurricane Lowell (0:31). Later, the Honolulu Police Department has two new Deputy Chiefs. The mayor reacts to those appointments (8:23). Finally, Mayor Blangiardi discusses turning 80 years old next week (15:02).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, the director for the City’s Department of Environmental Services, Roger Babcock, joins host Brandi Higa to talk about removing green waste following Tropical Storm Lala (1:27). Then, Director Babcock discusses a series of community meetings to guide the future of the City’s wastewater and storm water infrastructure (6:17). Finally, opportunities to reduce your sewer bill (14:45).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to talk about the cleanup and recovery following Tropical Storm Lala (0:37). Later, Honolulu is supporting eligible youth-led projects, up to $4999 each, across O’ahu that design, develop, and implement climate solutions. More on this project. (9:56). Finally, the Honolulu Liquor Commission voted to appoint Jason White as its next Administrator. Mayor discusses the selection. (18:12).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, the Chief for the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department (HOSD) Kurt Lager talks about the challenges of Tropical Storm Lala (0:42). Then, the latest when it comes to securing a new headquarters for HOSD (5:26). Finally, Team O'ahu recently won the Jr. Lifeguard State Championships. Chief Lager reacts to that recent success (8:26).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to talk about storm preps ahead of another system making its way towards our islands (0:33). Later, the City recently began demolition of the former Dee Lite Bakery, Mayor Blangiardi explains what this step means for his administration (4:01). Finally, with options and time not on our side, Mayor Blangiardi talks about options for a future landfill site (5:48).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, the Director for the City’s Department of Customer Services, Kim Hashiro, joins host Brandi Higa to talk about the new driver’s license and State ID design (0:40). Then, property tax payments have gone cashless, what you need to know (20:39). Finally, Director Hashiro discusses ways the City is working to improve the customer experience at Satellite City Halls (30:08).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, the Honolulu Police Department’s newest Chief of Police, Chief David Lazar joins host Brandi Higa to talk about taking on this new leadership position and what’s prepared him for this role (0:44). Later, Chief Lazar explains his strategy when it comes to preventing traffic deaths on O‘ahu (9:36). Then, the new Chief of Police addresses the staffing in the department (13:41).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to talk about the redevelopment of Iwilei (1:07). Then, Mayor Blangiardi reacts to the Honolulu City Council’s decision to cut funding and essentially eliminate the Mayor’s Office of Economic Revitalization (8:05). Finally, Mayor Blangiardi discusses the new design and security features for the Hawai‘i Driver’s License and State ID (15:59).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Honolulu Youth Commissioners Kalena Cooke Shea and Tanya Paia join host Brandi Higa to share about why they decided to get involved with the commission (0:33). Then, both commissioners talk about resolutions they’ve introduced and why (3:25). Later, we’re close to kicking off the Youth Climate Action Fund. Kalena and Tanya share why this program is important (14:30).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to discuss the swearing-in of David Lazar as Honolulu’s new Chief of Police and the challenges ahead (0:34). Later, the Department of Housing and Land Management recently celebrated its first anniversary. Mayor Blangiardi reflects on the progress made (9:05). Then, Mayor Blangiardi talks about Skyline celebrating its third year of operations, a significant milestone for the transit system (12:04). 

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, John Berry, new zoo director for the Honolulu Zoo joins host Brandi Higa to talk about taking on this new leadership position and what’s prepared him for this role (0:49). Later, Director Berry discusses the importance of protecting Hawai‘i’s native species (9:05). Finally, things to look forward to: projects Director Berry is excited to hit the ground running with in Waikīkī (24:40).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Dr. Kealoha Fox, executive director for the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency (CCSR) joins host Brandi Higa to talk about the annual sustainability report (0:45). Later, the City’s draft Oʻahu Food Systems plan is out for public comment now, how you can get involved (12:23). Then, Dr. Fox discusses Honolulu’s role in Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund (16:11).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Kauwila Mahi and Ka‘imina‘auao Kahikina join host Brandi Higa. Both are Native Hawaiian historians, researchers, and storytellers who talk about how they got involved in Wahi Pana: Storied Places, a temporary art program created by the City and County of Honolulu through a grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies (1:02). Then, they discuss the art installations throughout O‘ahu right now, stretching from Waikīkī to Kāneʻohe (3:38). Later, “In the Southern Sun” is open for guests in Waikīkī, how you can explore this immersive art exhibit (12:46).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to discuss the naming of David Lazar as Honolulu’s new Chief of Police (0:47). Later, Mayor Blangiardi talks about John Berry, the City’s new zoo director (3:20). Finally, the demolition of Aloha Stadium is well underway. The mayor reacts to this moment in Hawai‘i history (14:33).  

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, the City’s director of homeless solutions, Roy Miyahira joins host Brandi Higa to discuss an area along the water behind Kahauiki Village that looks a lot different these days (0:39). Later, Miyahira explains what an MH-3 is and the effect these actions have had on getting people off the streets and into the help they need (7:12). Finally, we hear of other states sending homeless individuals here to Hawai‘i, we ask Miyahira if that’s actually the case and what’s being done (9:04).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Allison Grosche and Alex Narrajos from the City’s Office of Economic Revitalization join host Brandi Higa to discuss resources for farmers impacted by the recent Kona Low storms (1:36). Then, information for those interested in applying for low-interest disaster loans for small businesses (2:54).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Department of Facility Maintenance Deputy Director Warren Mamizuka joins host Brandi Higa to discuss the department’s response during the recent Kona low storms (1:02). Then, Deputy Director Mamizuka talks about the collaboration between City, State, and Federal partners in the days following Kona low 2 (8:34). Finally, Warren Mamizuka explains what it meant to him to see community members coming out to help their neighbors in need (10:27).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to talk about his recent trip to China (0:28). Later, Mayor Blangiardi addresses the transition that happens now that his managing director Mike Formby is leaving the City and County of Honolulu (7:57). Then, the mayor talks about the transformation of an area behind Kahauiki Village (14:52).  

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Honolulu Emergency Services Department (HESD) Director, Jim Ireland, and Deputy Director, Ian Santee, join host Brandi Higa to discuss the department’s response during the recent Kona low storms (0:46). Then, with so many rescue calls going on, particularly when the Kona low 2 system hit O'ahu, HESD’s leadership team talk about the heroism of their personnel (13:32). Later, both men talk about the resources HESD utilized during the storm response and recovery (22:20).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Honolulu Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Jason Samala joins host Brandi Higa to discuss the department’s response during the recent severe Kona Low storms (3:40). Then, Chief Samala provides an update on the Waialua Fire Station that sustained flood damage (6:15). Finally, Chief Samala provides some lessons learned and advice for residents ahead of the next major disaster (9:45).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, host Brandi Higa sits down with members of the incident management teams (IMT) from the New York Fire Department (FDNY) and South Carolina State Fire. FDNY IMT Incident Commander Mike Burke talks about how the FDNY IMT came to be and what kind of events have prepared them to assist with the flooding on O’ahu (2:02). Later, Chief Matt Rhoton and Chief Jonathan Jones of South Carolina State Fire talk about the unique challenges we face here in the City and County of Honolulu (14:04). Then, their advice for residents as we prepare for future disasters (16:07).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to discuss the recent severe Kona Low storms (0:37). Later, Mayor Blangiardi addresses the steps we’re taking here at the City and County of Honolulu as communities recover (4:22). Then, the mayor talks about the decision to use Central O‘ahu Regional Park as a temporary debris field following the damaging floods (17:30).  

This week on the One O‘ahu Podcast, Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Major Clifford Ramson, commander of the Major Events Division (MED) joins host Brandi Higa, to talk about the role MED plays during large-scale emergencies like a Kona Low (0:32). Then, Major Ramson shares some messages for the public ahead of the next expected batch of severe weather (2:35). Later, Major Ramson is also a resident of Wahiawā, an area impacted by the last Kona Low. He explains what it was like for him to see his community come together, neighbors helping neighbors, to clean-up after a major disaster (7:53).

This week on the One O‘ahu Podcast, Molly Pierce, public information officer for the City’s Department of Emergency Management (DEM) joins host Brandi Higa, to talk about the role DEM plays following major disasters (0:45). Then, Molly Pierce discusses the City’s relaunched website, oneoahu.org, which is dedicated to Kona low disaster relief (1:54). Finally, so many have reached out looking for ways to help our flood impacted communities, we talk about the best ways to do so (8:04).

This week on the One O‘ahu Podcast, Amy Miller, president and CEO at the Hawaii Foodbank joins host Brandi Higa, to talk about this year’s “State of Food Insecurity in Hawaii” report (1:52). Then, the City’s annual Food Drive is going on now, how you can get involved (16:36). Finally, Amy Miller talks about volunteer opportunities at the Hawaii Foodbank if folks aren’t able to donate food or funds (20:44).

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi delivered his sixth State of the City address on Wednesday evening, outlining the City’s affordable housing accomplishments, permitting improvements and efforts across all City departments to tackle Oʻahu’s affordability crisis and prevent more of our island’s residents from being priced out of paradise.

This week on the One O‘ahu Podcast, Andy Kawano, director for City’s Department of Budget and Fiscal Services joins host Brandi Higa, to discuss the Mayor’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027. Director Kawano talks about how the administration was able to submit a budget that is $133.6 million less than the adopted FY 2026 budget (4:54). Then, Director Kawano talks about ways this proposed budget reflects Mayor Blangiardi’s priorities when it comes to technology, housing, and homelessness (19:14). Later, what happens next? Director Kawano explains the process that happens now that the proposed budget has been submitted to the Honolulu City Council (20:52).

This week on the One O‘ahu Podcast, Jimmy Barros, Deputy Chief for the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department (HOSD) joins host Brandi Higa, to explain the evolution of the use of jet skis in ocean safety (3:25). Later, Deputy Director Barros discusses taking on a new leadership role at HOSD (6:37). Finally, Barros talks about his vison for creating a higher base pay for personnel and upward mobility within the department (11:01).

This week on the One O‘ahu Podcast, Hong Li, Deputy Director for the City’s Dept. of Transportation Services, joins host Brandi Higa, to discuss taking on a new leadership role (13:18). Then, coming off a deadly year on O‘ahu roads, Deputy Director Li talks about ways to make our streets safer for all (15:30). Finally, his thoughts on the future for driverless technology in the City and County of Honolulu (17:36).

This week on the One O‘ahu Podcast, Danielle Wills, founder of the Hawai‘i Black Chamber of Commerce, joins host Brandi Higa, to discuss Mayor Blangiardi’s proclamation ceremony celebrating Black History Month in the City and County of Honolulu (0:47). Later, Danielle Wills talks about the stories and historical figures who have influenced Black History in Hawai‘i (2:29). Finally, the work of the Hawai‘i Black Chamber of Commerce and how you can support black-owned businesses during the month of February and beyond (7:56).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to discuss the recent severe weather (5:41). Later, Mayor Blangiardi addresses the delay in work to remove the Haʻikū Stairs (9:05). Finally, this year’s Point in Time Count happened recently, Mayor Blangiardi talks about what he’s looking for in this year’s data (12:21).

This week on the One O‘ahu Podcast, Kurt Lager, Chief for the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department, joins host Brandi Higa, to react to becoming the department’s first chief (0:43). Then, he talks about the man sworn-in in as his deputy chief, Jimmy Barros and their vision for the department (2:49). Later, Chief Lager outlines plans to support and retain his personnel by positioning ocean safety as a sustainable, long-term career path (5:08).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to discuss the search for the next Chief of Police for the Honolulu Police Department (8:14). Then, Mayor Blangiardi talks about his frustration when it comes to improving the Chinatown Cultural Plaza (14:08). Later, Mayor Blangiardi provides an update on Skyline ridership, which recently reached a new high (29:30).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).  

This week on the One O‘ahu Podcast, Dept. of Facility Maintenance (DFM) Deputy Director Warren Mamizuka and DFM Public Information Officer Chassity Santiago join host Brandi Higa to talk about expanding Honolulu City Lights to Thomas Square this year (1:27). Then, what to expect during Honolulu City Lights on the Fasi Civic Grounds (3:16). Later, dates, times, and details to plan your trip to the state’s most popular holiday display (5:51).

Honolulu Police Department Sergeant Cameron Tuitele joins host Brandi Higa on this week's episode of the One O'ahu Podcast to share a story about the HPD training academy in Waipahu (2:00) and a young officer's experience on the Pali Highway (7:18). Then, Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Captain Gerald Pacheco recalls strange happenings in Kaka'ako (20:44) and Station 40 Kapolei (21:36). Later, John Pacheco, a management analysis for the Honolulu Fire Department, talks about his experience while working at HFD Headquarters (23:58)

This week on the One O‘ahu Podcast, HART executive director and CEO, Lori Kahikina joins host Brandi Higa to talk about Skyline’s segment II opening and what it took to get to this point (0:40). Then, Kahikina talks about Phase III of this project and how you can have a say in some design elements of the stations (9:10). Later, Bill 60 is making its way through Honolulu City Council which provides an opportunity for Skyline to expand. Kahikina explains what this Bill would do for HART and the support the measure is receiving (18:48).

Skyline, Honolulu’s rail system, opens it second segment to the public on Thursday, Oct. 16. Segment two extends the line from East Kapolei to Middle Street, and adds four stations. This week, we bring you audio from the historic opening ceremony for segment two held on Oct. 15, 2025. Mayor Blangiardi delivers remarks on the journey it took to get to this point (1:25). Then, Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation CEO Lori Kahikina describes the different agencies and individuals who made this phase possible (19:22). Later, Honolulu Department of Transportation Services Director Roger Morton talks about what this segment means for the residents and visitors of O‘ahu (28:47).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to talk about the second Skyline segment between Hālawa (Aloha Stadium) and Middle Street (4:28). Then, Mayor Blangiardi discusses the new Food Hubs at Skyline Stations initiative, a pilot project funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies (13:56). Finally, a farewell to Aloha Stadium, the mayor reacts to his time playing and coaching in Hālawa (25:21).

This week on the One O‘ahu Podcast, Kevin Auger, director-designate for the City’s Department of Housing and Land Management, joins host Brandi Higa to talk about progress as it relates to combining Housing and Land Management into one unified department (0:49). Later, Director Auger discusses the solicitations for City properties and what this means for O‘ahu residents (4:30). Finally, the projects in the pipeline over the next few months (15:51).

This week on the One O‘ahu Podcast, Deborah Zysman, the new Deputy Director for the Office of Economic Revitalization, joins host Brandi Higa to talk about why she chose to join the City and County of Honolulu (0:46). Then, Zysman talks about ways her office is working to move Innovation and Technology forward in our community (12:07). Finally, preserving the home we know and love; Zysman talks about regenerative tourism and enacting the goals of Oʻahu’s Destination Management Action Plan (14:43).