TV Executive Blangiardi Weighing Running For Honolulu Mayor

The longtime general manager will leave his Hawaii News Now post Jan. 15.
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The race to succeed Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell took a new turn Thursday when an unlikely possible candidate expressed interest in the race.

Rick Blangiardi, a veteran of Honolulu’s broadcasting industry, announced his candidacy, according to Hawaii News Now.

Blangiardi did not to respond immediately to a request for comment, but the station confirmed the news. He will leave his post as HNN’s general manager Jan. 15.

Rick Blangiardi at a Bytemarks lunch in 2009. Flickr: Bytemarks

“This has come after a lot of soul-searching,” Blangiardi told members of his staff, according to HNN. “I think I have a lot to give. I think I am ready for that challenge.”

The 2020 election to succeed Caldwell, who is term-limited, has already drawn the interest of former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, businessman and sports aficionado Keith Amemiya and Honolulu City Councilmembers Kymberly Pine and Ron Menor.

Former state legislator John Carroll is also in the hunt for the nonpartisan seat.

Although mentioned in some circles as a possible candidate for political office over the years, he has never formally run.

As of Thursday, Blangiardi, 73, had not filed organizational paperwork with the state Campaign Spending Commission.

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