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.

Kīlauea Recovery Roads Update

Post Date:10/12/2021 9:00 AM

The County of Hawai‘i has submitted plans for Highway 137 restoration and the lower Pohoiki Road realignment to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for review. Both projects are funded with the help of a FEMA Public Assistance grant due to the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.

“These projects will provide a significant public benefit following the eruption, and we’re pleased to announce the completion of these important milestones with our Federal partner,” said Douglas Le, the County’s Disaster Recovery Officer.

Restoration of sections of Highway 137 inundated by lava will follow FEMA completing an Environmental Assessment (EA), as required under the National Environmental Policy Act, and providing the County a Notice to Proceed.

FEMA has selected a contractor to conduct the EAs for Highway 137 and the three Pohoiki Road projects – realignment of lower Pohoiki Road, restoring inundated sections of upper Pohoiki Road, and potential water service restoration to Isaac Hale Beach Park.

FEMA accepted final design for the upper Pohoiki Road restoration in October 2020. The three Pohoiki Road projects are being reviewed together.

“The environmental reviews for Highway 137 and the Pohoiki Road projects will occur concurrently,” said Ikaika Rodenhurst, County Public Works Director. “We will continue to work with FEMA to ensure the process is done efficiently while satisfying federal regulations.”

Timelines are subject to change; however, the County currently anticipates restoration of Pohoiki Road and Highway 137 starting around spring/summer 2022 following the environmental reviews.

The EA process will ensure proper consultation with lineal descendants, and assessment and documentation of historic, archaeological and environmentally sensitive resources, including any impacts and mitigation actions.

FEMA approved a $61.5 million grant for impacted County roads and a $30 million grant for impacted water infrastructure due to the eruption. The grants are provided on a reimbursement basis and cover 75% of the costs that were estimated in a damage assessment.

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