Rick Blangiardi

The Honolulu City Council has reappointed Jim Ireland to head the Honolulu Emergency Services Department. This comes after some former employees testified against Ireland. HPR's Mark Ladao has more.

The Honolulu City Council will hold another hearing to reappoint Dr. Jim Ireland to lead the Honolulu Emergency Services Department — after postponing it following complaints from former employees.

The Honolulu Department of Environmental Services is proposing to bump up residents' sewer fees by more than 100% over the next decade to pay for wastewater upgrades. But on Tuesday the council suggested a modest 4% that applies only to next year.

The council is reviewing Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s budget for the next fiscal year and is looking to cut expenses — largely to pay for other projects like wastewater infrastructure.

During his State of the City address, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced that the second segment of the Skyline rail will open to the public on Oct. 1. The Conversation talked to HART Director and CEO Lori Kahikina, who was a bit surprised by the commitment.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s fifth State of the City address was filled with plans, announcements and highlights of his efforts to help Oʻahu residents and improve city services during his second four-year term. HPR's Mark Ladao has more.

The Honolulu City Council is urging Mayor Rick Blangiardi's administration to find ways to generate funds without forcing residents to shoulder most of that burden. Last week, Blangiardi proposed a $5.14 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, up more than $400 million over last year’s budget.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi has requested a bigger budget for the next fiscal year. The proposed operating budget is $3.9 billion – an over 8% increase from last year, and the capital improvement project budget is $1.2 billion — a nearly 16% increase. The budget focuses on affordable housing, homelessness and public safety.

Wahi Pana, which translates to sacred or legendary places, is a contemporary public installation on display for the public beginning in Honolulu.

Former employees have described a toxic work environment and leadership issues at the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, leading to the stalled confirmation of its current director.