HONOLULU (KHON2) — Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi kicks off his annual town hall meetings with the public Thursday night, focusing on the west side of Oahu. Councilmembers say it’s no secret what their concerns are, and hope some progress is being made.
Crime, homelessness and the cleaning of public parks.
Those are the key issues councilmembers hope Mayor Blangiardi tackles in his first town hall of the year.
“So I know that some interaction was had about the crime but I do hope that we discuss that, because making sure that this is something that we’re addressing long term is what the community’s main concern is,” said councilmember Andria Tupola.
Blangiardi and other city leaders are meeting with the public to answer questions, and brief residents about upcoming projects in their neighborhoods.
The first meeting covers Ewa to Makaha. This is the third year in a row for these meetings. Councilmembers say the issues are well-known. And while they don’t expect answers overnight, they do hope there’s progress.
Both councilmembers Tulba and Tupola mention clean parks as a high priority to give families a safe place to play.
“That’s what I get excited about, is the fact that, you know, when you come out to the fields out in Ewa, it’s packed sometimes so much that, you know, we don’t have time to rehab our fields,” said councilmember Augie Tulba. “So the need to find more public spaces so that, you know, kids can thrive is so important.”
A new growing issue – e-bikes and safety for both riders and drivers. Tulba prefers not to make new laws, but make sure everyone understands the current ones.
“I’m big on education,” said Tulba. “I think we got to do more at educating the public, parents, right? If you’re going to allow your children to get on these moving vehicles, then that’s your responsibility to be aware of, you know.”
No matter the issue, councilmembers just want everyone to be on the same page.
“I am concerned that we need to have a united approach,” said Tupola. “So I do think that, you know, hopefully they’re also there to listen, because I know that we can’t have all the answers. So if we don’t have all the answers then I hope we’re there to listen and hear out the community.”
Thursday’s meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Kalanianaole beach park in Nanakuli.