FEBRUARY 2024

Aloha mai kākou,

Recognizing that February is a short month (perhaps not as short this year due to Leap Year), the days seemed to have passed by quickly – but not uneventfully! I hope this message finds you well and that you continue to thrive into the New Year as we welcome the start of the City and County of Honolulu’s 2025 budget season.

March 1 is the official day when Mayor Blangiardi announces the completion of his Administration’s proposed capital and operating budgets, and sends each department’s budget request to the Council for review, discussion, and eventual approval sometime in the summer. This year, Budget Committee Chair Radiant Cordero has set March 9 – 14 for budget briefings involving all City departments.

I’m always amazed to see how much work and detail goes into creating the City Administration’s annual proposed budgets, which fuel the work of over 8,500 City employees across O‘ahu. And I’m very appreciative of their effort because as Councilmembers, we have an abiding kuleana to ensure that we are utilizing the resources of this City appropriately, so that we can collectively deliver the highest levels of services to the community. As in past years, the Council will be focused on ensuring that this budget prioritizes, among other things, our long-term need for affordable housing, increased public safety, and measures that address ever-increasing climate impacts and ensure that we continue to malama i ka 'āina.

But I would be remiss if I didn’t emphasize how important your input is in the budget process. If there are areas in City government you’d like to see changed or improved, now is the time to make your mana‘o heard so that our direction of City funding – much like our process of lawmaking – represents valuable insights from everyone in our community. For additional information on the budget and budget cycle, please visit www.honolulucitycouncil.org/budget. All meeting agendas, live streams, and recordings can be viewed on www.honolulucitycouncil.org.

Tommy Waters

Honolulu City Council Chair

Celebrating ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i Month

Mahalo to Kamuela Yim for giving a powerful Message of Aloha at the Full Council meeting on Wednesday in honor of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Month. Mr. Yim is a farmer, cultural practitioner, and has been actively involved in the ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi community, including as a kumu, for over 20 years. His message passionately advocates for a deeper appreciation and understanding of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi among all residents of Hawaiʻi. He emphasizes that embracing the Hawaiian language is essential for truly comprehending the unique cultural and historical landscape of the islands. Moreover, he underscores the vital link between the language and the preservation of Hawaiian culture, suggesting that without ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, the essence of Hawaiian heritage could be lost. For an in-depth recap of the January Full Council meeting, please view our media release on our website at honolulucitycouncil.org/mediareleases/fullcouncilfeb28.

Climate Ready O‘ahu adopted

In February, the Honolulu City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 24-016. a climate adaptation strategy that assesses O’ahu’s climate risks and outlines 12 strategies containing 57 actions for the City and its partners to implement to increase O‘ahu's ability to adapt to those risks and a changing climate.

“In adopting Climate Ready O‘ahu as our guiding climate adaptation strategy, we are taking a significant step toward securing a sustainable and resilient future for our island home, said Councilmember Matt Weyer, Chair of the Housing, Sustainability and Health committee. “Together, we are charting a course that not only prepares us for the impacts of climate change but also honors our commitment to protecting our ‘āina, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for future generations.”

The big announcement was made at a press conference held at Makalapa Neighborhood Park, where City leaders together with members of the community participated in a tree-planning ceremony to symbolize the launch of Climate Ready O‘ahu. For more information or to read Climate Ready O‘ahu, go to: https://hnldoc.ehawaii.gov/hnldoc/document-download?id=19970

Honolulu Votes for Our Zoo!

For the first time ever, the Honolulu Zoo was recognized by USA Today as one of the twenty best zoos in the country. These zoos were given the opportunity to compete for recognition as the 2024 Readers’ Choice Best Zoo through community polling. Throughout the voting process which began with a kickoff press conference headed by Council Chair Tommy Waters and Mayor Rick Blangiardi in February, the Honolulu Zoo received strong support from our community, remaining in the top four for the bulk of the voting process. Voting ended on March 4, and the results of this campaign will be announced on March 15.

"We are proud of our Honolulu Zoo, which is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and ensures the highest standard in animal care and welfare," said Councilmember Augie Tulba, who is Chair of the Parks, Enterprise Services and Culture and the Arts committee. “If you haven't been to the Honolulu Zoo lately, come and visit! The Zoo provides a fun and educational experience for all ages, while focusing on conservation efforts and protecting the environment.”

To learn more about the Honolulu Zoo’s nomination and the unique experience our Zoo offers, read more here: Honolulu Zoo Nominated for USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Zoo

Mahalo for your support of our Zoo, which will be number one on our list regardless of the outcome!

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