The One Oʻahu Podcast with Mayor Rick Blangiardi

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DPR's Nate Serota on Kapolei City Lights, improvements at McCully District Park, and a busy storm season Nov 05, 2026

Show notes

On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Nate Serota, public information officer for the City’s Department of Parks and Recreation joins host Brandi Higa to talk about Kapolei City Lights (0:39). Then, Serota talks about a project to improve the popular McCully District Park (5:26). Finally, it’s been busy hurricane season so far, Serota reflects on the hard-work of DPR’s staff to keep O‘ahu’s residents and visitors safe (7:40).

Mayor Blangiardi on adding more HPD officers to patrol and fielding questions from Kapolei HS students Oct 29, 2026

Show notes

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).

Director of Housing Policy, Gavin Thornton, breaks down some of the Charter Amendment ballot questions Oct 22, 2026

Show notes

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).

Mayor Blangiardi on affordable housing, Skyline, and bringing film productions back to O'ahu Oct 15, 2026

Show notes

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).

Warren Mamizuka and Chassity Santiago on Honolulu City Lights 2026 Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

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).

Dereck Kaneshiro from the Blood Bank of Hawai'i on the need for blood right now Oct 01, 2026

Show notes

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).

DPP’s Davis Pitner on storm damage, avoiding scammers, and the success of CivCheck Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

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 the Road: This week's episode comes to you from Kaua'i as O'ahu helps with storm recovery Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

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.

Mayor Blangiardi on Hurricane Lowell, new deputy chiefs at HPD, and turning 80 years old Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

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).

ENV Director Roger Babcock on getting rid of green waste and public input on O'ahu's water systems Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

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).

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