Episode 42: BWS Rate Increases & Ala Wai Flood Risk Management
On this episode of the One O'ahu Podcast, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to discuss crime on O’ahu’s west coast, Board of Water Supply rate increases, and the latest plan for Ala Wai Flood Risk Mitigation.
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West O’ahu crime
On this week’s episode of the One O’ahu Podcast, Mayor Blangiardi talks about the recent stabbing in Wai‘anae that left two people injured.
He explains some of the efforts being made when it comes to supporting our Honolulu Police Department and the Administration's role in aiding neighborhood watch groups but that more can be done within the district to create safer communities.
“People have got to own some of the responsibilities in these communities for what goes on,” said Mayor Blangiardi. He went on to say, “that starts first and foremost with parenting. People are responsible for (their) kids, and not letting teenage kids out in the middle of the night.”
According to the Honolulu Police Department, the victims of this recent stabbing included a 16-year-old boy.
Board of Water Supply Rate Increases
On Monday, November 27, 2023 the Board of Water Supply voted to approve a new water rate schedule with higher rates phased in over the next five years.
Overall, monthly water bills are projected to increase by about 50% or more but Mayor Blangiardi wants the Board to revisit the issue.
"All we're doing is asking for us to be sensitive to the time that we're in," added Mayor Blangiardi.
The first rate increase of 10% will begin on February 1, 2024.
Ala Wai Flood Control Plan
On November 24, 2023, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Honolulu District, in partnership with the City, announced the release of the Ala Wai Flood Risk Management draft General Reevaluation Report and Integrated Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for review and 45-day public comment period.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi reacted to the latest plan on this week's episode of the One O'ahu Podcast, which included a much larger price tag than originally proposed by the USACE.
The USACE and the City will conduct two public meetings to accept verbal and/or written comments on the adequacy of the draft environmental document.
The in-person meeting on December 12, 2023 will be held in the Mission Memorial Auditorium (650 S. King Street) from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The virtual meeting on December 13, 2023 will also be from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Link for more info: https://www.honolulu.gov/alawai
