Resilience Stories

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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.

CDBG-DR Action Plan Substantial Amendment

Public comment accepted through July 1

Post Date:06/02/2021 2:55 PM

The County of Hawai‘i is accepting public comment on a draft Substantial Amendment to its Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Action Plan. The public comment period runs June 2 through July 1.

The Action Plan addresses how the County spends CDBG-DR grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist with recovery from the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. In October 2020, HUD accepted the County’s initial Action Plan, which identified a Voluntary Housing Buyout Program and Housing Relocation Services Program to be supported by an $83.84 million CDBG-DR grant.

This substantial amendment addresses a separate $23.72 million CDBG-DR grant that HUD allocated to the County in January 2021. The County proposes to use the additional funds to continue supporting the Voluntary Housing Buyout Program.

“The ongoing intake of housing buyout applications and data from our recent Kīlauea Recovery Housing Survey have shown that the need for the program and interest from the public will exceed the initial CDBG-DR grant,” said Douglas Le, the County’s Disaster Recovery Officer. “By allocating these additional resources, we will ensure that we assist as many impacted Puna residents as possible.”

The four-month-long eruption destroyed 612 residences, including 294 primary homes. Buyout program applications are currently being accepted for property owners whose primary residence was destroyed or impacted by the eruption. As of June 1, 243 applications had been received. Additionally, survey results showed 79% of respondents were interested in a housing buyout.

HUD requires CDBG-DR grantees to address unmet housing recovery needs before spending the funds on otherwise eligible uses, such as infrastructure or economic development.

To view the draft CDBG-DR Action Plan substantial amendment, visit https://recovery.hawaiicounty.gov/funding/cdbg-dr/action-plan.

Comments can be submitted by email to kilauearecovery@hawaiicounty.gov or by mail to 25 Aupuni St., Room 1301, Hilo, HI 96720.

Information on the Buyout program, including an application form, can be found at https://recovery.hawaiicounty.gov/resources/housing-buyout-program.

Survey results can be viewed at https://recovery.hawaiicounty.gov/resources/housing-buyout-program/housing-survey-results.

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