Mayor Caldwell meets with Mayor Elect Blangiardi to discuss transition plans

News Release from City and County of Honolulu, Nov 16, 2020

HONOLULU- Mayor Kirk Caldwell met with Mayor Elect Rick Blangiardi twice in the past two weeks to discuss plans for the upcoming transition to a Blangiardi administration. The meetings will continue to be held on a regular basis throughout the next month and a half.

“It is essential that Mayor Elect Blangiardi and his cabinet have all the information they need to make sure they’re fully prepared to govern on day one of his administration,” said Mayor Caldwell. “I look forward to continuing to work with the Mayor Elect and his team to provide the full picture of what’s being done to address the most pressing issues facing O‘ahu.”

“The meetings with Mayor Caldwell have been productive and I appreciate his time and candor with me on all the issues my team and I will face.” Mayor-Elect Blangiardi said. “We look forward to continued conversations with the Mayor as we all work together for a smooth transition between our administrations.”

Topics discussed in the meetings include the administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the plan to expend remaining CARES funds before December 31. Also discussed was the plan to fill political appointee positions. Each department will be preparing a briefing book, to be filled with appropriate information on departmental projects that will continue into the new administration.

In addition, Managing Director Roy Amemiya met with the presumptive Managing Director Appointee Michael Formby. The two will meet twice a week going forward, to discuss transition plans, and the upcoming fiscal year 2022 budget.

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Wes Frysztacki steps down as DTS Director

News Release from City and County of Honolulu, Nov 16, 2020

HONOLULU – Wes Frysztacki, the Director of the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Transportation Services (DTS) has decided to step down from his position on Wednesday, November 11th. With the administration coming to a close, Wes decided to move back to his home state of Washington, to spend more time with his family (especially his granddaughter).

“We appreciate all the dedication and hard work Wes has given to this administration and the people of the City and County of Honolulu”, said Mayor Kirk Caldwell. “He’s worked tirelessly on numerous multimodal transportation issues that will serve the people of this island for years to come.”

“I have never worked so closely with so many dedicated professionals who have accomplished so much,” said Frysztacki. “The list of projects and programs is lengthy, but the achievement that gives me the greatest gratification is to know that DTS has changed for the better. One of my major goals was to make DTS a better place to work and a better organization to be more prepared to address the many challenges faced by our department. Together, I feel confident we have done that”.

Following nearly four years as the Director of DTS under the Caldwell Administration, Wes has helped push the limits of transportation for Honolulu, including the implementation of protected bicycle lanes, TheBus and TheHandi-Van improvements, Rail Operation initiatives, and the opening of the Joint Traffic Management Center. His impact upon DTS will live on through staff members, who share the same vision on making Honolulu a safer and more sustainable city through transportation options.

Jon Nouchi, the Deputy Director for DTS, will be the Acting Director for DTS for the remainder of the administration.

—PAU—