On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to discuss what you can expect for Honolulu City Lights 2025, an update on Safe and Sound Wai‘anae, and changes at the Waikīkī pavilions.
Honolulu City Lights 2025
The Honolulu City Lights festivities begin on Nov. 29, with the Opening Night Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. in front of Honolulu Hale. As Mayor Blangiardi lights the City’s iconic holiday tree, Thomas Square Park will be illuminated at the same exact moment — marking the first time in Honolulu City Lights history that both parks will sparkle together. The emcee for this year’s ceremony will be Olympic gold medal winning surfer Carissa Moore.
“It’s just the best of the best,” said Mayor Blangiardi. “It’s going to be fun, that’s what this is all about – you know? People coming together.”
For more on Honolulu City Lights, please visit hnlcitylights.com
Safe & Sound Wai‘anae
Last week, Mayor Blangiardi, local law enforcement, education leaders, and community partners came together to unveil a new collaboration focused on lowering crime and strengthening ties across West O‘ahu. Safe & Sound Westside blends law-enforcement strategies with community-based prevention, intervention, and treatment programs to support the overall wellness in West O‘ahu.
“Safety has been a big issue out there,” added Mayor Blangiardi. “This is our effort. In addition to the fact (that) we’re going to invest about $4.5 million into a HONU program (Homeless Outreach and Navigation for Unsheltered Persons) specifically and only for the West Side. HONU allows us to provide transitional housing.”
This response to the crime in West O‘ahu began about a year ago and has shown progress across all categories.
Waikīkī Pavilions
A pavilion along Kalākaua Avenue in Waikīkī was cleared out recently. The City’s Department of Parks & Recreation removed the tables inside the pavilion to prevent illegal activities in the area.
“When I talk about getting functional control, we’re now getting on top of it,” explained Mayor Blangiardi. He goes on to say, “when talking about dealing with chronic, insubordinate homeless individuals, I can tell you, right now, police are not putting up with these guys.”
Safe & Sound Waikīkī is making significant strides. To learn more about this program, please visit https://waikikibid.org/safe-sound-waikiki/
