Episode 173: Mayor Blangiardi on Hurricane Lowell, HPD leadership changes, and turning 80
On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to talk about the cleanup and recovery following Hurricane Lowell, the new deputy chiefs at the Honolulu Police Department, and celebrating his 80th birthday.
Hurricane Lowell
City and County of Honolulu offices reopened and services resumed on September 9, as cleanup continued across Oʻahu following Hurricane Lowell. City crews spent Tuesday assessing roadways, parks, facilities, and other infrastructure, clearing debris and addressing storm-related impacts across the island.
Residents should use periods of good weather to review and replenish emergency supplies, especially anything used during Lala or in preparation for Lowell.
Households should have enough food, water, medications, and other essential supplies to be self-sufficient following a major storm. Residents should make sure flashlights and backup batteries work, portable power banks are charged, and important documents are protected and easy to access.
Families should also talk about what they would do if their home became unsafe, how they would communicate if cellular service or power were disrupted, and how they would assist kūpuna, family members, neighbors, and pets who may need additional help.
New HPD Deputy Chiefs
On August 31, 2026, Honolulu Police Chief David Lazar announced the selection of Interim Deputy Chief Brandon Nakasato and Maj. Parker Bode to serve as the Honolulu Police Department’s permanent deputy chiefs.
“I think he did a great job,” said Mayor Blangiardi when talking about Chief Lazar’s selections. He goes on to say, “In all fairness, as the first chief of police in 90 years who was an outsider, he really did his due diligence.”
Nakasato has nearly 27 years of service with HPD and has held a broad range of patrol, investigative and administrative assignments. His experience spans field operations, criminal investigations and department administration.
Bode has 16 years of service with the department and at age 39, he is one of the youngest deputy chiefs in HPD history. He has extensive administrative and leadership experience, including significant service in the Human Resources Division, where he brought an innovative approach to personnel and workforce issues.
Happy 80th Birthday, Mayor Blangiardi
On September 15, 2026, Mayor Blangiardi will be celebrating his 80th birthday.
“I’m trying not to get too crazy but I have to admit, for the first time in my entire life, saying this number out loud, I’m aware of it,” laughed Mayor Blangiardi.
To celebrate his birthday, Mayor Blangiardi will be taking some time off to travel.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
