Rick Blangiardi

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has signed a resolution creating a new Ocean Safety Department. In his March state of the city address, Blangiardi said he wanted to separate ocean safety services from ambulance services. Both were housed in the Honolulu Emergency Services Department.

The Honolulu City Council has approved a measure to establish a separate Ocean Safety department for Oʻahu. Prior to this, ocean safety services currently fall within the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, along with ambulance services.

According to this year's Point in Time Count, the amount of people experiencing homelessness increased by about 12%. For those unsheltered, the increase was higher at 17%. Throughout one day in January, volunteers surveyed Oʻahu's homeless population. HPR's Ashley Mizuo reports on the latest data.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi is formally asking to create a standalone Department of Ocean Safety on Oʻahu. The council has been moving along its own measure that would ask voters this year if they wanted an ocean safety department with its own oversight commission.

Honolulu officials have started the process of removing the Haʻikū Stairs from the Koʻolau Mountains. The popular illegal hike, also known as the "Stairway to Heaven," has about 4,000 stairs. Debate has surrounded the removal for decades, heightened by neighborhood complaints of trespassing and noise. HPR's Ashley Mizuo reports.

The Conversation talked to the mayor Monday morning about some of his top priorities in the upcoming year, such as improving the police officer shortage and the Department of Planning and Permitting.

Honolulu Mayor Blangiardi discusses public safety on Oʻahu and other top priorities; NAMI Hawaii shares what people can do to avoid reaching their breaking point; Pacific Biodiesel talks about expanding to Kauaʻi; and HPR's Cassie Ordonio shares what FestPAC 2024 means to Pacific island communities

Each Hawaiʻi mayor gives an annual State of the County address in March. Housing, infrastructure, jobs, education and tourism consistently remain top of mind for the local leaders. HPR reporters have been tuning into this year's speeches on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island to learn the latest.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi's State of the City address on Thursday largely focused on housing, public safety, and fixing the building permitting system. HPR's Ashley Mizuo has more.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's proposed budget includes a $3.63 billion operating budget and a $919 million capital improvement program. The largest chunk of the capital improvement budget was taken up by $445 million in wastewater projects. HPR's Ashley Mizuo reports.