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To honor the anniversary of the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, we're holding space for a series to acknowledge the eruption, provide resources, and highlight the work being done in the community that moves us towards a more resilient Puna. Mahalo nui to every interviewee for sharing your manaʻo and reflections with us.
Pi’ilani Ka’awaloa: Remembering the 5th Anniversary of the Eruption
As we pause to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, we are reminded of the deep impact it had on our community. The loss of homes, businesses, and cherished landscapes still weighs heavily on our hearts.
To honor this occasion, we sat down with Pi’ilani Ka’awaloa to listen to her memories of the event and reflect on how our community has grown and changed since that fateful day. Through her words, we are reminded of the resilience and strength that emerged in the aftermath of the eruption.
Susie Osborne: Cofounder and Development Director of Kua O Ka Lā
Canadian transplant Susie Osborne has made it her life's mission to serve the culture and people of Hawaii through founding and maintaining the public charter school Kua O Ka Lā. This school, which was inundated by the 2018 eruption and then reestablished, combines traditional education with Hawaiian language and culture preservation at top-of-mind.
Iopa Maunakea: Executive Director of Men of Pa'a
Iopa Maunakea has been a pillar of the Puna community for years. His group, Men of Pa'a, is a service-based reintegration program for men and women caught up in the justice system who struggle with alcohol and substance abuse.
Leilani DeMello: Resilience Capacity Member
Leilani Demello shares her experiences after the eruption and watching the community band together to take care of each other and the island as a whole.
Amy Kaawaloa: Housing Recovery Specialist
Pahoa native Amy Kaawaloa shares her memories of the impacts of multiple eruptions during her life her on Big Island.
"Revitalize Puna" Event Scheduled for June 9
The County of Hawai‘i’s Disaster Recovery Division and the County Council District 4 office will host the first quarterly “Revitalize Puna” event from 3:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 9 at the Leilani Estates Pavilion and Community Center.
This community activation event is focused on building community resilience following the 2018 Kīlauea eruption and is an opportunity for residents to get updated recovery information, be engaged, and find ways they can contribute to recovery via Resilience Action Teams. These teams, identified in the Kīlauea Recovery and Resilience Plan as recovery working groups, will encourage community-based actions that receive County support where needed.
“Revitalize Puna is an opportunity to bring County and community members together to increase trust, collaboration, and to foster collective action,” said Councilmember Ashley Kierkiewicz, District 4. “By activating Resilience Action Teams, we align resources and actions that will drive our community forward.”
To accommodate Covid-19 protocols, including social distancing, participants are asked to register for one of three time slots beginning at 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
The event is organized around five resilience categories – social, cultural, economic, natural environment, and built environment – with a station dedicated to each. These stations will feature a series of projects that residents can learn more about and plug into. Participation in each station will take one hour.
“Recovering from a natural disaster and building community resilience takes everyone,” said Douglas Le, County disaster recovery officer. “We encourage Puna residents to join us at this event, learn more about recovery and resilience activities, and become part of building a stronger Puna.”
As they complete the event, participants will be asked to contribute to a “Reflection Wall” addressing how they can contribute to Puna’s resilience. Additionally, there will be financial and housing support services available, keiki activities, and food trucks.
Click here to register or call (808) 961-8026.
For more information, visit the event page. The community center is located at 13-3441 Moku St. in Leilani Estates.
Resilience Station Overview
Social Resilience
Vision: To promote social connectedness and cohesion. Ensure the effectiveness of key social support functions.
Topics: resilience hubs and disaster preparedness; food sustainability and access; mental health support.
Cultural Resilience
Vision: Sustain our cultural values, places, institutions, and practices. Nurture our identity as islanders – our roots and our culture. Preserve and promote our history and diverse heritage.
Topics: mālama iwi kūpuna and wahi pana; talk story on Hawaiian knowledge and scientific thought on Kīlauea volcanism; placemaking.
Economic Resilience
Vision: Develop local economic networks. Strengthen ‘ohana self-sufficiency and sustainable local economies.
Topics: economic development strategies; Paint Pāhoa Town; business planning and entrepreneurial development support.
Resilience of the Natural Environment
Vision: Sustainable land use and management of natural resources. Steward our indigenous ecosystems and biodiversity. Improve understanding of how hazards impact the environment and how the environment protects us from natural hazards. Adapt toward long-term climate resilience.
Topics: invasive species mitigation; native ecosystem/forest protection and restoration efforts; climate resilience.
Resilience of the Built Environment (informational only)
Vision: Promote resilience of critical infrastructure and buildings. Enhance effectiveness in planning, engineering, and construction. Protect our physical capital amidst rapid environmental changes.
Topics: roads; mass transit; water; waste; boat ramp.