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 Buyout Applications Accepted Again Nov. 1

Phase 2 addresses secondary homes, long-term rentals

Post Date:10/26/2021 4:05 PM

The County of Hawai‘i will begin accepting Phase 2 applications for the Voluntary Housing Buyout Program (VHBP) for Kīlauea Eruption Recovery on Monday, Nov. 1.

Eligible Phase 2 properties include secondary homes and long-term rentals that were impacted by the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. Full-time vacation rentals that operated exclusively as a business are not eligible under this program. The Phase 2 application period runs from Nov. 1, 2021, through Jan. 31, 2022.

“We are pleased to reopen the application period for the Voluntary Housing Buyout Program to continue providing this recovery solution for applicants,” said Douglas Le, County Disaster Recovery Officer. “We also invite owners of impacted primary residences that missed the Phase 1 application period to apply during Phase 2.”

The County’s VHBP staff are processing about 300 applications from Phase 1. Since the launch of the VHBP, 91 properties that could be served through this program as a second home or long-term rental have registered ahead of Phase 2. Registration assists the County with assessing demand and providing program updates to potential applicants but is not required to apply.

The County’s initial damage assessment identified 294 primary residences and 318 secondary residences that were inundated by lava. Properties can be eligible for the VHBP if they are inundated and isolated by lava or impacted by heat or steam.

“We are touched by the many stories applicants have shared with us about what this program means to them and their recovery,” said Julie Leialoha, Program Manager for the VHBP. “We know that many are still struggling after losing their home, and we look forward to begin closing on the first purchases around the new year.”

The VHBP is funded by $107 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery program.

Property purchase offers for eligible applicants are based on the 2017 pre-eruption appraised market value by the County’s Real Property Tax Division, up to $230,000. Seventy percent of the funds need to support applicants who are low- to moderate-income.

An application form will be available starting Nov. 1 at https://recovery.hawaiicounty.gov/resources/housing-buyout-program. Videos explaining the application process can also be found at that location.

Applicants may also use the form to apply for the County’s Housing Relocation Services Program. Applicants with long-term tenants currently or at the time of the eruption are required to identify them in case they need relocation assistance.

Acquired properties will be owned by the County and managed as open space to reduce risks from future eruptions.

For questions, call 808-961-8996 or email kilaueabuyout@hawaiicounty.gov.

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