This week, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa on the One O‘ahu Podcast to discuss the recent gun violence in Wai‘anae and how the City plans to increase presence in the area plus, with a second term secured, what the priorities are for the Blangiardi Administration over the next four years.
Gun violence in Wai‘anae
On Aug. 16, Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Governor Josh Green, M.D., U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda, state Representatives Cedric Gates and Darius Kila, Honolulu City Councilmember Andria Tupola and Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logan came together in a joint press conference to discuss the unified effort to respond to increased lethal gun violence along the Leeward Coast of Oʻahu. There have been two shootings in the area in the past week, the most recent leaving two teenagers seriously injured.
“Where we go from here is really appealing to the community and appealing to parents, first and foremost, because we need that internal help,” said Mayor Blangiardi. He goes on to ask parents to know where their children are and to have a dialogue with them about keeping these neighborhoods safe for all.
West O‘ahu residents can expect increased police presence near the Wai‘anae Small Boat Harbor, and areas throughout the district, over the next few weeks.
Second term priorities
With a second term in office secured, Mayor Blangiardi talks about his priorities for the next four years and what changes need to be made.
“We’re not going to deviate from our game plan. We’re going to pick up the pace,” replied Mayor Blangiardi.
He goes on to explain that affordable housing, improving services in the Department of Planning and Permitting, and keeping local families safe continue to be his focus. Areas where the mayor wants to see improvement include boosting staffing levels in the City and expanding the services of the Office of Economic Revitalization (OER). His vision for OER includes helping local entrepreneurs and making O’ahu affordable for more local families.
UH Football season opener
The University of Hawai‘i football team opens its 2024 season against Delaware State on Aug. 24. Mayor Blangiardi is a former coach and long-time season ticket holder.
“If they have a winning season, it’ll be good for everybody. I’m hoping that people will side with me to come out and support the team,” said Mayor Blangiardi. “When that’s going well, it permeates everything.”
Kick-off between the Hornets and Rainbow Warriors Saturday at the Clarence T. C. Ching Complex is set for 6 p.m.
