On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to talk about a recent town hall meeting in Hale‘iwa, the importance of two bills he recently signed into law, and Honolulu’s Cartwright Neighborhood Park being proclaimed the oldest active baseball field in America.
Hale‘iwa Town Hall meeting
On April 10th, Mayor Rick Blangiardi held the second of 7 town hall meetings in 2025 at the Historic Hale‘iwa Gym on the North Shore.
“The crowd was really good, they were very enthusiastic,” said Mayor Blangiardi on this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast. “I think the Sharks Cove event is something that they’re very excited about because it is transformative in a lot of ways compared to their concerns that they had about development, etc., and things that we plan to do for our first responders.”
The next town hall meeting is scheduled for April 24, 2025 at Mililani High School at 7 p.m. The meeting is an opportunity for the mayor and senior administration officials to listen to concerns directly from residents of Mililani, Wahiawā , Waipahu, and Waipi‘o.
Recent bill signings
Mayor Blangiardi recently signed Bill 50 into law, refining regulations for street festivals and parades in Waikīkī to reduce traffic congestion while encouraging more festivals in neighborhoods across O‘ahu.
“It should be something when you do it, it should be the exception and not the norm, and not with that kind of frequency that was that disruptive,” replied Mayor Blangiardi regarding events in Waikīkī.
Mayor Blangiardi also signed Bill 1 (2025) into law, ensuring that the City’s Outdoor Dining Services Program becomes a permanent fixture in Honolulu. The program, which began as a pilot under Ordinance 22-19, has proven to be a valuable asset in supporting local restaurants, enhancing the city’s vibrancy, and improving public spaces.
Cartwright Neighborhood Park
Honolulu’s Cartwright Field in Makiki is named in honor of Alexander Joy Cartwright Jr., who is widely recognized as one of the founders of modern baseball. Cartwright Field’s recent designation as the longest continuously active baseball field in America is a remarkable distinction that reflects Honolulu’s deep and enduring ties to the game of baseball.
“I think the fact that we can make that claim is incredible, and I’m really proud,” said Mayor Blangiardi.
Beyond his contributions to America’s pastime, Cartwright was also a key figure in our local history, serving as the first fire chief of the Honolulu Fire Department.
