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 Honolulu Police Chief David Lazar’s decision to move 100 officers back to patrol (1:50). Then, a groundbreaking ceremony was recently held for the first phase of a major redevelopment project at Mayor Wright Housing; Mayor Blangiardi reflects on the importance of this project (4:22). Finally, students from Kapolei High School with the City’s student shadow program join the pod to ask some of their questions for the Mayor (6:08).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, the City’s Director of Housing Policy, Gavin Thornton, joins host Brandi Higa to talk about some of the Charter Amendment questions on the ballot this year. Gavin Thornton explains what a “Yes” vote would mean for question 9 which would eliminate some redundancies when it comes to public hearings for City property transactions (6:33). Then, question 10 establishes a functional housing plan, but how does that differ from the strategic housing plan that already exists (8:39)? Finally, questions 8 and 12 relate to the Affordable Housing Plan; Thornton breaks down the difference between these two questions (10:18).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to talk about the growing need for truly affordable housing (1:35). Later, Skyline segment 2 celebrates it’s one-year anniversary this week. Mayor Blangiardi discusses why this is significant (8:54). Finally, Mayor Blangiardi discusses the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act and what’s at stake on O‘ahu (10:56).

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 an earlier than usual setup for Honolulu City Lights (HCL) this year and why (0:43). Then, get ready to bust out your boots, cowboy hats, belt buckles, and palaka prints, as this year’s theme for Honolulu City Lights is “Christmas in the Country” (5:33). Finally, what to expect during HCL opening night on Dec. 5, 2026 (6:12).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Dereck Kaneshiro, Donor Recruitment account manager from the Blood Bank of Hawaii, joins host Brandi Higa to talk about the need for blood right now following events like hurricanes and tropical storms. (3:39). Later, everything from travel to tattoos, Kaneshiro answers some frequently asked questions we hear from first time donors (7:04). Finally, we discuss ways to help the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i even if you’re unable to donate blood (10:25).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Davis Pitner, Public Information Officer for the City’s Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), joins host Brandi Higa to talk about damage assessments and emergency repairs following a series of storms that have impacted O‘ahu residents and businesses (2:49). Later, Davis Pitner talks about how to avoid scammers following emergency events, a problem that has become more and more common (10:20). Finally, Pitner has what you need to know about CivCheck, a new AI-guided permit preparation software (12:10).

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Ticannaf "Big Braddah Teak" joins host Brandi Higa to talk about the cleanup and recovery following Hurricane Lowell on Kaua'i (2:24). Later, Teak talks about leaving his family to go to work, in the Kaua'i Emergency Operation Center, not knowing what he would be coming home to (4:16). Finally, Kaua'i County Mayor Derek Kawakami has sought to provide steady, reassuring leadership through this event. We try to breakdown the secret to his calming presence (13:12).

Note: The One O'ahu Podcast was recorded from Kaua'i this week, where members of Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi's communications team were asked to help with recovery messaging.

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).