Mayor Kirk Caldwell

Today the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium exists as a crumbling relic, a civic embarrassment that has endured in its dilapidated, state for a half century. Honolulu's Mayor has declared his intention to change that state of affairs.

The City began clearing homeless encampments along the Pearl Harbor Bike Trail today fronting Neal Blaisdell Park.  As HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports, it’s the latest action to restore public spaces for residents on O’ahu.    

The devastating fire at the Marco Polo Condominium left 3 residents dead and more than a dozen injured, Friday.  As HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports, residents and lawmakers are now looking at requiring automatic fire sprinkler systems in all high rise condominiums to prevent another tragedy.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell unveiled his 2018 budget today.  He is proposing to raise property taxes for investors and hotels, charge more for trash pickup and increase fuel and vehicle weight taxes.   He says there is no fat in the City’s budget and also took the opportunity to ask state lawmakers to fund the rail transit project.      

Some think he has the race all sewn up. And while Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell hopes that's true, whoever is declared Mayor on Nov 8 will still have to face the issues voters want fixed. This afternoon on Town Square an open line to Kirk Caldwell.

Honolulu City and Council officials are looking for the public’s feedback on a renovation plan to Ala Moana Beach Park.

A nine point plan announced last year has already made improvements to the park.  But last week the city released a draft plan that would redesign the 948 existing parking, switching to angled stalls near the McCoy Pavillion.

Honolulu’s Mayor unveiled plans today to construct temporary shelters for the chronically homeless on O’ahu.   As HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports, this project is a test that could be replicated throughout the island.

Waikiki Beach loses tons of sand each year and obtaining funding from the state legislature to replenish it takes at least a couple of years.  Today, two City and County ordinances were signed into law to enable surrounding businesses to contribute to maintaining the beach.   HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports.