HONOLULU (Island News) -- Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced big plans and big projects, along with efforts to streamline county government in his State of the City Address.

Dealing with homelessness and Oahu's housing shortage were some of the key starting points of the mayor's speech.

"Our goal in the next calendar year is to help at least 1,000 people, who are experiencing homelessness, get treatment and get off the street," stated Blangiardi.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi addressed Honolulu’s most pressing issues such as homelessness, housing shortages and developments for the rail in his fifth speech to the city.

That means building new facilities for homeless residents and also more affordable housing to keep people off the streets.

The mayor also wants to cut down on the red tape that comes with development, while also looking at new ways to finance those projects.

"We cannot build new housing units if we cannot make the projects pencil out. So we are determined to introduce creative financing options that can be implemented on city developments using city properties with city infrastructure," added Blangiardi.

But the city won't be able to do it all by itself. It will need some help from the State Legislature regarding rule changes on zoning to move forward with certain projects.

"I'm not sure why the Legislature would withhold that approval. All we are seeking is the counties to have the same development rights as the State Development Corporation. I don't understand why there would be two differences," said Honolulu Office of Housing Executive Director Kevin Auger.

Blangiardi is now looking to transform 10 underutilized city properties into additional affordable housing.

He also wants to increase development along the rail route which is expanding.

"It's time to bring Skyline all the way into Kalihi. So we're announcing that the second segment of rail operations, from Aloha Stadium to Middle Street, will open on October 1," said Blangiardi.

Trial operations for the new segment are expected to start up in July. Then once it opens, the city expected a boost to rail ridership.

"We are adding rail where there are a lot of jobs at the airport and Pearl Harbor. So I am confident we are going to see a great increase in ridership," said Roger Morton, Department of Transportation Services Director.

The mayor's additional development plans include hiring more city personnel and adding a new North Shore ocean safety headquarters.

"We are announcing our intent to purchase a highly coveted piece of land across the street from Shark's Cove, for the creation of a world class first responder hub," stated Blangiardi.

"It is going to house all the administration as well as the rescue units. They are going to have all the tools and resources to serve the community on the North Shore," added Ocean Safety Director Kurt Lager.

There were ambitious plans revealed in the mayor's speech, although even he admitted there are uncertainties, including the possibility of cuts to federal funds.

Because of that, Blangiardi is setting aside millions in case the federal money doesn't materialize.

The mayor also remains optimistic and determined to make a difference in his fifth year at Honolulu's helm.

"Our local residents need housing. Our most vulnerable need help. Our sick need medical care and our people need protecting. These are challenges that we are running toward, not running from and there is clear evidence that our efforts are paying off," added Blangiardi.