Spotlight Now: Honolulu’s mayor, and parks and recreation deputy director

On this episode of Spotlight Now, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi says he’s still pushing forward with a proposed landfill in Central Oahu. He also addresses affordable housing, Honolulu’s rail project, and staffing challenges at the city. As for the University of Hawaii’s search for a new athletics director, Blangardi says it's a job he would seek himself, if he were not mayor.

Up next, we’re joined by Ted Hayden, deputy director of the city Department of Parks and Recreation. He says the city’s public spaces are a priority for residents, and the department is focusing on creating equity across the island. Vandalism is an issue at public park facilities, and costs the city between $300,000 and $400,000 a year, not including fires or severe destruction, he said.

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Got questions for everyone from Hawaii’s governor to business leaders to community organizers? Get them answered on HNN’s new weekly interview show, “Spotlight Now,” which includes live engagement with viewers on social media.

The program is hosted by interviewers Yunji de Nies and Ryan Kalei Tsuji, who go in-depth on critical topics impacting the islands.