Episode 50: Homeless resources and the Amended Full Funding Grant Agreement

This week, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa on the One O’ahu Podcast to discuss working with the State on new programs to tackle homelessness, signing the Amended Full Funding Grant Agreement with the Federal Transit Administration, and the Honolulu Zoo’s nomination for Best Zoo in America by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

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Expanded resources for our homeless population

Mayor Blangiardi explains on this week's episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast that several meetings have taken place recently between the City and the State to open facilities for our homeless population on O‘ahu.

“For all the Governor talks about with respect to the building of kauhale, last week we took him and showed him what we already have ready,” said Mayor Blangiardi. He goes on to explain, “where the Governor and the State comes in is the Department of Health. “

Details on these expanded resources will be made available as additional facilities for homeless individuals come on line in the coming months.

Amended Full Funding Grant Agreement

On Feb. 1, 2024, Mayor Blangiardi and Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Lori Kahikina signed the Amended Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

“We’re going to get $744 million,” explained Mayor Blangiardi. “(The) first $125 million tranche is going to be soon delivered. So that’s a big difference.”

Finalizing the agreement marks a significant milestone in the City’s partnership with the FTA and paves the way for the completion of Skyline to the Civic Center Station in Kaka‘ako.

Vote for the Honolulu Zoo as America’s Best Zoo

For the first time, the Honolulu Zoo has been nominated as a candidate for Best Zoo in America in 2024 by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

A panel of industry experts and editors selected Honolulu as one of America’s top 20 zoos to be in the running for the Best Zoo in the country. A voting period of 28 days will determine which zoos will be named into the Top 10 best zoos. Starting on February 5, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. HST, the public will be able to vote once a day, every day until March 4 at 6:59 a.m. HST, when the voting period ends.

“For us to be up there, knowing full well that the road to get there wasn’t easy, and have something we can really celebrate, is a joyous thing,” added Mayor Blangiardi. “I’m very, very proud.”

To vote for the Honolulu Zoo as America’s Best Zoo, go to: https://www.honoluluzoo.org/