Hawaii County, HI Recovery Site

FAQs

• How is the County planning for recovery?

  There are three main documents that were produced to guide recovery following the 2018 Kīlauea eruption: a Recovery and Resilience Plan, Volcanic Risk Assessment, and an Economic Recovery Plan. The documents incorporate broad-based community engagement and technical data that will help Puna and the island as a whole become more resilient to natural hazards. 

  What do the plans do?

  The Recovery and Resilience Plan facilitates recovery in the short and long term, and identify recovery strategies and projects that support impacted areas while mitigating risks from volcanic hazards.

  The Volcanic Risk Assessment takes a look at all volcanic hazards across Hawai‘i Island and identifies recommendations for mitigation. The risk assessment helps inform the recovery plan.

  The Economic Recovery Plan looks at economic damages caused by the 2018 eruption and Hurricane Lane and provides recommendations for improving the economy of Puna and the island as a whole.

   

• How are recovery decisions made?

  The process for decisions related to legal authorities of the County includes reaching consensus among County departments and the administration about key decisions after gathering and incorporating community input and technical data. The County is also supporting community-led recovery initiatives and projects as a partner. 

  For more information on the planning process, visit the planning page. 

   

   

• How long does recovery take?

  Recovery is a long-term, iterative process – meaning that recovery takes place in multiple phases, with each phase informing activities in subsequent phases. Recovery can take anywhere from 5-10 years, depending on the scale and duration of the disaster. 

  The 2018 Kīlauea Eruption in the Lower East Rift Zone was unprecedented in scale and speed, resulting in extensive displacement of families and businesses, and the disruption of businesses throughout the Island of Hawaiʻi. 

  Recovery began in June 2018 and will involve continuing efforts to meet immediate and near-term needs, as well as long-term planning and implementation. 

  Events and impacts of this magnitude result in a "new normal" and present an opportunity to refresh and renew families, communities, and the environment.