We Are Puna Strong

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The 2018 Kīlauea eruption destroyed hundreds of homes, covered miles of roadways, and altered the landscape of lower Puna. But, through this adversity, the people of Puna have shown their resilience. The County is aiming to tell the stories that show how residents rose to the challenge and implemented community-driven actions, often with partnership from the County. Puna Strong is a grant program supported by the County of Hawai'i and Hawai'i Community Foundation that remains focused on disaster readiness and building community resilience for the Puna communities impacted by the 2018 Kīlauea eruption on the Island of Hawai‘i with an investment in nonprofit organizations and partnerships leading community-driven projects.

For more information on our Puna Strong grantees, click here.

Puna Strong Highlight Videos:

Presentations:

June 13, 2023:

If you missed our webinar with Hawai'i Tracker about the AI revolution, not to worry! Check out the video below:

April 19, 2023:

PART I + PART II of the Grants for Grassroots webinars including recordings, slides and additional resources.

PART I + PART II WEBINAR RESOURCES:

PART I - Grant Vocabulary + Narrative

Webinar Recording
Slide deck
Federal grants training series that includes information on the SAM.gov and DUNS numbers
More on de minimis rate
Additional grant vocabulary

PART II - Funder Landscape

On Friday February 24th, 2023, Puna Strong held two Technical Assistance presentations about non-profit board recruitment and board governance.

Session 1: Board Recruitment slide deck and accompanying audio:

Session 2: Board Governance slide deck and accompanying audio:

Pahoa Lava Museum

Website: www.pahoalavazonemuseum.com

The Pahoa Lava Zone Museum (PLZM) was envisioned in June of 2018 during the eruption to help Pahoa businesses. The Eruption devastated the local economy leaving local businesses and community organizations struggling.

The Jaggar Museum agreed to lend certain exhibits to the Mainstreet Pahoa Association (MPA) and volunteers removed the items in danger of being destroyed by the eruption. The items were moved to the heart of Pahoa and with the help of the community the museum opened December 1st 2018.

With volunteers, donations of geological specimens, local photographers, and fiscal sponsorship from MPA the museum hosted over 10,000 residents and visitors in its first year. The museum also held classes for local school and senior groups. PLZM became a 501 C3 with the IRS and was issued its nonprofit status in February of 2019. Its mission is to create a vibrant and sustainable community through the education of visitors and formation of partnerships that promote responsible stewardship of lower Punaʻs culturally and environmentally sensitive areas.

PLZM acted as fiduciary sponsor for three Kilauea Recovery Program grants to restore private roads that were destroyed by the 2018 eruption. The museum also secured funding to further develop the museum’s exhibits and website. Additional County funding was used for holiday events during the Pandemic and more recently a security camera system with over 30 cameras in the heart of old Pahoa.

During the museumʻs closure due to Covid, the museum was remodeled and substantially expanded. PLZM continues its mission and is drafting a business plan with help from the International Economic Development Council, The Hawaii Visitors Bureau, and other various consultants. The Economic Recovery Plan produced by the County’s consultant, the Institute for Sustainable Development, identified the PLZM as a key component in the economic recovery of Puna. The business plan will allow PLZM to expand to a larger venue in Pahoa Town and become a major employer to uplift the community and support local businesses such as farms, restaurants, local retail shops, and more.

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