City and County of Honolulu

The City and County of Honolulu is the local government entity responsible for providing a wide array of services to the residents and visitors of Honolulu, Hawaii. As the capital city of the Hawaiian Islands, Honolulu serves as a major hub for business, finance, hospitality, and military defense in both the state and Oceania.

Government Structure and Services

Honolulu's government operates under a mayor-council system, with the Mayor serving as the chief executive officer and the City Council acting as the legislative branch. The Mayor's mission is to fulfill the responsibility of the City and County of Honolulu by providing core city services to its residents and visitors.

This includes ensuring safe, accessible, and well-maintained public facilities, exceptional customer service, fiscal stewardship of tax dollars, and quality, comprehensive programs for all.

Key Departments and Services

• Department of Community Services: Offers a range of programs enhancing the well-being of Oahu's residents, including aging and disability resources, grants, housing and rental assistance, workforce training, and youth services.
• Department of Customer Services: Handles issuance of driver's licenses, motor vehicle registrations, business licenses, disability parking placards, moped registrations, and bicycle licenses. Also provides printing, archives city records, and public relations support for city services.
• Elderly Affairs Division: As the local Area Agency on Aging, it plans, supports, and advocates for programs promoting older adults’ and caregivers’ well-being. Services include home and community-based programs, outreach, education, and a telephone helpline for consultation and referrals.
• Honolulu Fire Department: Established in 1850, provides fire protection and first responder emergency medical services to Oahu. It is one of the few nationally accredited fire departments in the nation.
• TheBus: Managed by the Department of Transportation Services, operates 115 routes on Oahu, including rapid transit and limited express routes, serving a significant portion of the island's population.
• Honolulu Botanical Gardens: Consists of five gardens operated by the county, focusing on the conservation, botany, horticulture, education, and recreation through tropical plant collections maintained in aesthetic settings.
• Honolulu Zoo: Located in Queen Kapiʻolani Park, the zoo is the only one in the United States established by sovereign monarch grants. It houses over 1,230 animals and attracts more than 750,000 visitors annually.

Community Engagement

Honolulu's Neighborhood Board System, established in 1973, is the only government-supported civic engagement system in Hawaii. It encourages community participation in government decision-making processes by involving communities directly in decisions affecting them.

Through these diverse departments and services, the City and County of Honolulu aims to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable community.

Location

• Honolulu, HI, USA