O’ahu’s escalating 8.3 billion dollar rail transit project is in deep financial trouble. Now, lawmakers controlling the City’s budget are weighing-in. HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports.
Wayne Yoshioka is an award-winning journalist who has worked in television, print and radio in Hawaiʻi. He also has been on both sides of politics as a state departmental appointee and political/government reporter. He covered Hurricane Iwa (1982) as a TV reporter; was the State Department of Defense/Civil Defense spokesperson for Hurricane Iniki (1992); and, commanded a public affairs detachment in Afghanistan (2006). He has a master's degree in Communication from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and is a decorated combat veteran (Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and 22 other commendation/service medals). He resides in Honolulu.
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.
This year's ballot could ask voters about separating ocean safety services from the Honolulu Department of Emergency Services. Lifeguards would have a new department similar to those for police and firefighters. The chief of ocean safety estimated about 10 new administrative positions would be needed. HPR's Mark Ladao has more.