The One Oʻahu Podcast with Mayor Rick Blangiardi

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).