On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to talk about the need to raise sewer fees for the first time since 2016 and the signing of Bill 32. Plus, City Clerk Glen Takahashi joins us with some General Election reminders.
Sewer Fee Increases
Last week, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joined the Department of Environmental Services to announce the first sewer fee increases since 2016. The increases, which will be applied beginning July 1, 2025 and stretch over a 10-year period, are essential to fund critical improvements to the city’s wastewater infrastructure, ensure operations continue to meet requirements, and protect both public health and the environment.
“We put it off as long as we could,” explained Mayor Blangiardi. “We’ve introduced it with the sensitivity everybody hoped we would have with respect to our aging kupuna, the fact that we had been living in an inflationary cycle, the fact that we know a lot of people on fixed incomes and housing costs are already exorbitant.”
The rate increases start with a 9% annual adjustment for the first six years, followed by smaller increases of 8%, 7%, 6%, and 5% over the final four years.
Bill 32
On Oct. 30, 2024, Mayor Blangiardi signed Bill 32 into law, which bolsters and clarifies the City’s policy against discrimination for employment or for the provision of City programs and services.
“These give us much broader range of protecting people from anything that could possibly be, or they could possibly be discriminated against,” added Mayor Blangiardi.
Before the passing of Bill 32, the City and County of Honolulu had an existing NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY. This policy applies to the employment and hiring of City employees, and to vendors who do business with the City. workplace with a non-discrimination policy fosters inclusivity by ensuring that all employees feel valued, respected, and treated fairly, regardless of their background. This environment encourages diversity, leading to a broader range of perspectives and improved morale, which impacts hiring and retention.
2024 General Election
General Election Day is quickly approaching. This year’s election falls on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. All properly registered voters were mailed ballot packets on Oct. 15 and 16, 2024.
“Make sure you look at both sides because there are both the candidate contests and on the reverse side there are some ballot questions by the State and the County,” reminded City Clerk Glen Takahashi. “I also want to tell voters, make sure you sign the ballot envelope in returning it.”
Glen Takahashi goes on to advise voters to utilize county drop boxes rather than the U.S. Postal Service with election day just a few days away.
For more information on where to find a drop box, how to register for BallotTrax, and much more, visit https://www8.honolulu.gov/elections/
