Episode 38: Kokua for Maui

On this episode of the One O'ahu Podcast, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to discuss his trip to Maui to meet with Mayor Richard Bissen, details on the wildfire risk assessment group on O‘ahu, and “Movember,” a month dedicated to raising awareness for men’s health issues.

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Visit to Maui

On Monday, October 23, 2023, Mayor Rick Blangiardi, along with Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami and Hawai‘i County Mayor Mitch Roth, visited Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen in a unified show of support, as Maui recovers from the devastating wildfires that tore through Lahaina on August 8, 2023. Mayor Blangiardi talks about this visit on this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast.

Hawai’i’s four county mayors launched a collaborative effort in November called “Kokua for Maui — Shop & Show Aloha” Month. The campaign aims to boost Maui residents and businesses in the wake of the deadly fires. For more information, please visit https://www.mauinuifirst.com/kokua

O‘ahu’s Wildfire Risk Assessment Group

Mayor Blangiardi and Managing Director Michael Formby have assembled a risk assessment group made up of more than twenty City departments, along with Federal and State partners to ensure O‘ahu’s disaster preparedness plans incorporate current assessments, policies, and procedures for wildfire threats in light of increasing heat and drought predictions and trends.

The group includes but is not limited to members from the Mayor’s Office, Managing Director’s Office, Honolulu Fire Department, Honolulu Police Department, Department of Emergency Management, Board of Water Supply, State Department of Land and Natural Resources, and Hawaiian Electric.

Movember

November, or Movember, is an annual event during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide. In an effort to change the face of men’s health, many use the month to grow out moustaches. Growing a “Mo” during November has become a symbol for better men’s health and grabs the attention to start important conversations. On this episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Mayor Blangiardi talks about his own mental and physical health.