Episode 11: West Oʻahu Gun Violence
Mayor Rick Blangiardi and host Brandi Higa begin the episode with a discussion on gun control following the recent shooting in Mā`ili that left two dead and three more injured. The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) identified one of two suspects involved in the incident on Monday afternoon. The two suspects turned themselves in to HPD a few hours later.
“Anything that we can possibly do to curtail the use of weapons or even people carrying them or taking the places, we want to do,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi.
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Chinatown Improvements
Later, Mayor Blangiardi discusses how his administration is working to solve some longstanding problems in Chinatown while at the same time revitalizing and increasing the City’s affordable housing inventory in the area (3:45).
“This is the beginning of a long awaited four and a half million dollar capital plan,” added Mayor Blangiardi. “That mall is so active with so many merchants and people who come there and it’s just rich in flavor. If you walk into those shops, it’s almost sometimes like going into a different world and we want to celebrate that. And so it’s needed this kind of TLC in the hardscape, if you will, and it’s been long overdue.”
A project at Kekaulike Mall began this week. The project scope includes pedestrian upgrades through lighting and pavement improvements, and the planting of new trees.
On nearby River Street, the Halewaiolu Senior Residences are nearing completion with the lottery open now. More information can be found at www.liveathsr.com
“It’s 155 units, which means it’s going to house quite a few people and they’re going to be kupuna and they’re going to be in an area where keeping it safe, where they can walk and shop and and take advantage of that whole location,” added Mayor Blangiardi “So I’m very pleased about that. But then on top of it, the building was really well constructed and I went in and visited two units, both a one bedroom and a two bedroom, and they’re spacious.”
Rail opening in July
The interim opening of the Rail system is set to open in July with service from East Kapolei to Aloha Stadium. At the Mayor’s most recent town hall meeting at Kalani High School he was challenged on that opening date.
“I can understand,” replied Mayor Blangiardi. “There’s been years of promises and everything else has been associated with the rail. Unfortunately, most of it negative. We’ve tried to turn the corner… We certainly have come a long way with the FTA that back at the table with us as a construction partner. The construction itself is going really well right now as we start to come down, the Dillingham corridor. I’m excited about starting it, you know, just literally weeks away.”
Cirque de Soleil coming to Waikiki
Mayor Rick Blangiardi alongside Outrigger officials announced last week that Cirque de Soleil is taking over the 20,000-square-foot theatre at the Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger.
“I’ve never once left the show, and thought it was not worth the money and was certainly well worth the time and (I was) fascinated by the experience, you know?,” emphasized Mayor Blangiardi. “So to have something like that on an ongoing basis for our local people as well as tourists coming into town to provide that, I think it will be terrific.”
Town Hall meeting at Kalani High School
Last week marked the 5th of 11 town hall meetings the Mayor is holding across the island with his entire cabinet. The Mayor takes some time on this episode to recap his takeaways and some of the issues from the most recent town hall meeting at Kalani High School (13:42). Some of the topics Mayor Blangiardi touches on during this episode include City recreation areas like tennis courts, pickle ball courts, the Hawaii Kai inline skating facility, and the Ha`ikū Stairs.
