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 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 cel...

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 gro...

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...

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 instal...

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 o...

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...

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...

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 o...

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 Chie...

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 damagin...

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 residen...

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 wa...

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...

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 budge...

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 wi...

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...

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...

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...

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 hi...

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 Sam...