Revitalize Puna

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For more information on how to participate in Paint Pahoa Town, click here.

Events

Following each activation, RCAs and Action Teams will use the next 90 days to implement what’s been learned to build understanding, proficiency, and instill a sense of accomplishment. This iterative process elevates collective sentiment and encourages actions and collaborations.

Placemaking

This effort is supported by a $225,000 Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As a grant recipient, the County and its community partners will develop and implement a Strategic Placemaking Implementation Plan that “brings to life” the Kīlauea Recovery and Resilience Plan.

The SPIP process will be conducted in two phases: Year one builds capacity with a focus on strengthening human and social capitals; year two creates opportunities to demonstrate capacity and leadership through demonstration projects that enhance physical spaces and foster economic well-being.

A final SPIP will be published in Fall 2023, with community projects and technical assistance occurring throughout that process. Activities include development of a Community Readiness Inventory, Asset and Vulnerability Map, a Collective Art Project, and others.

Join us for our next Revitalize Puna Event July 13th, 2024

Our Most Recent Revitalize Puna Event: March 9th, 2024

This was our MOST SUCCESSFUL ACTIVATION YET! More than 500 people attended the activation and over 400 meals were given out along with over 1500 free food plant starters. The highlight of our most recent event was The Puna Food Summit, which focused on food sustainability and security. Participants joined interactive discussions with County, State, and Federal leaders, receiving updates on recovery efforts and insights into Puna's challenges. Updates on the Pohoiki Boat Ramp restoration were also provided by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources. Attendees stayed informed and engaged in the community's recovery efforts.

Residents visited Resilience Resource Row for pop-up displays by local nonprofits offering free resources related to agriculture, grants, mental health, and more. Resource row featured MAJOR giveaways with over 1500 plant starts given to attendees.

Attendees also explored progress updates from the Resilience Capacity Areas (RCAs), the driving force behind Puna's recovery. They learned about ongoing projects, collaboration, and innovation outlined in the Kilauea Recovery and Resilience Plan, covering Social, Cultural, Economic, Natural Environment, and Youth. They discovered how they could contribute to these efforts.

The March 9th event marked the tenth convening of the Revitalize Puna series, which was co-hosted by the Kīlauea Recovery Team and Council District 4. The primary objective of this activation was to promote regular interactions between the community and the County, fostering the sharing of information, perspectives, and building relationships that increased trust and collaboration. By bringing together various stakeholders, this event helped advance the community's efforts towards recovery and resilience.

Stay connected! Get event updates for our next event by following us on Facebook and Instagram @revitalizepuna & facebook.com/revitalizepuna.

Oct. 21, 2023 Ninth Activation Event Recap

Our latest Revitalize Puna event was held at the Billy Kenoi Pāhoa District Park Gym from 10am to 2pm on October 21st. Residents came to connect with government officials and community leaders working on eruption recovery and resilience projects in Puna.

County, State, and Federal leaders were there to update residents on ongoing eruption recovery efforts and share their insights on the challenges and opportunities in the Puna region. Plus, the State Department of Land and Natural Resources gave an update on the Pohoiki Boat Ramp restoration progress.

Our Resilience Capacity Areas (RCAs) also featured some excited activities and updates. These multi-sector groups are the driving force behind Puna's recovery efforts, and they were eager to share their progress with residents. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, the RCAs are implementing projects outlined in the Kilauea Recovery and Resilience Plan, which supports three key strategies: recovery, readiness, and resilience. Led by community and County co-chairs, the six RCAs cover a range of areas, including Social, Cultural, Economic, Natural Environment, and Youth.

We were also excited for Resilience Resource Row, which showcased a variety of pop-up displays from local nonprofit organizations that provided free resources and support for our community. Our Resource Row was designed to provide free resources and volunteer opportunities.

These activations continue to be free and are designed to connect government and residents with as many local resources as possible.

July 8, 2023 Eighth Activation Event Recap

July 8th, 2023 Event Recap

The County of Hawai‘i’s Disaster Recovery Division and County Council District 4 hosted the eighth quarterly Revitalize Puna community activation on Saturday, July 8th, 2023. The event was held in-person at Pāhoa District Park Gym.

The County and it's RCA partners were available to talk story with residents during this open-house style event. Updates from Mayor Mitch Roth and the County included infrastructure investments such as roads, water, parks, as well as a report back on Revitalize Pohoiki, a placemaking plan and roadmap for restoration and stewardship of Isaac Kepo‘okalani Hale Park. The State Department of Land and Natural Resources provided a status update on restoration of Pohoiki Boat Ramp.

Over 300 Puna residents were in attendance for this free event. The activation featured a Resource Row with information from local nonprofits and community-led resilience projects residents can get involved in, including Paint Pāhoa Town and emergency preparedness. Our Youth RCA also organized a "Mess to Masterpiece" event that turns art into healing.

Attendees also enjoyed free food from local vendors.

Feb. 4, 2023 Seventh Activation Event Recap

February 4th, 2023 Event Recap

The County of Hawai‘i’s Disaster Recovery Division and County Council District 4 hosted the seventh quarterly Revitalize Puna community activation on Saturday, February 4th, 2022. The event was held in-person at Pāhoa District Park Gym.

The County and it's RCA partners were available to talk story with residents during this open-house style event. Updates from the County included infrastructure investments such as roads, water, parks, as well as a report back on Revitalize Pohoiki, a placemaking plan and roadmap for restoration and stewardship of Isaac Kepo‘okalani Hale Park. The State Department of Land and Natural Resources provided a status update on restoration of Pohoiki Boat Ramp.

Over 200 Puna residents were in attendance for this free event. The activation featured a Resource Row with information from local nonprofits and community-led resilience projects residents can get involved in, including Paint Pāhoa Town and emergency preparedness. Another popular feature was the keiki craft station, where works of art were made. Attendees enjoyed free food from local vendors and makahiki games via our Youth RCA.

Videos

Recap Video:

Oct. 11, 2022 Sixth Activation Event Recap

October 11, 2022 Event Recap

The County of Hawai‘i’s Disaster Recovery Division and County Council District 4 hosted the quarterly Revitalize Puna community activation on Tuesday, October 11, 2022. The event was held in-person at Pāhoa District Park Gym.

The County shared how resident mana'o has shaped decision-making and project plans. Presentations included County updates on infrastructure investments such as roads, water, parks, as well as a report back on Revitalize Pohoiki, a placemaking plan and roadmap for restoration and stewardship of Isaac Kepo‘okalani Hale Park. The State Department of Land and Natural Resources provided a status update on restoration of Pohoiki Boat Ramp.

Almost 200 Puna residents were in attendance for this free event. The activation featured a Resource Row with information from local nonprofits and community-led resilience projects residents can get involved in, including Paint Pāhoa Town and emergency preparedness. Another popular feature was the keiki craft station, where works of art were made. Local food trucks were also on-hand feeding residents for free.

Videos:

Event Recap:

Important Updates from the event:

July 12, 2022 Fifth ActivationEvent Recap

July 12, 2022 Event Recap

The County of Hawai‘i’s Disaster Recovery Division and County Council District 4 hosted the quarterly Revitalize Puna community activation on Tuesday, July 12, 2022. The event was held in-person at Pāhoa District Park Gym.

In line with the theme of “Growing Together”, the County shared how resident mana'o has shaped decision-making and project plans. Presentations included County updates on infrastructure investments such as roads, water, parks, as well as a report back on Revitalize Pohoiki, a placemaking plan and roadmap for restoration and stewardship of Isaac Kepo‘okalani Hale Park. The State Department of Land and Natural Resources provided a status update on restoration of Pohoiki Boat Ramp.

Over 150 Puna residents were in attendance for this free event. The activation featured a Resource Row with information from local nonprofits and community-led resilience projects residents can get involved in, including Paint Pāhoa Town and emergency preparedness. Another popular feature was the keiki craft station, where works of art were made. Local food trucks were also on-hand feeding residents for free.

Videos

Event Recap:

Full Event Video:

April 11, 2022 Fourth Activation Event Recap

April 11, 2022 Event Recap

The County of Hawai‘i’s Disaster Recovery Division and County Council District 4 hosted the quarterly Revitalize Puna community activation on Monday, April 11, 2022. The event was held in-person at Sure Foundation Church in Puna.

In line with the theme of “Seeing is Believing”, the County shared how resident mana'o has shaped decision-making and project plans. Presentations included County updates on infrastructure investments such as roads, water, parks, as well as a report back on Revitalize Pohoiki, a placemaking plan and roadmap for restoration and stewardship of Isaac Kepo‘okalani Hale Park. The State Department of Land and Natural Resources provided a status update on restoration of Pohoiki Boat Ramp.

Over 150 Puna residents were in attendance for this free event. The activation featured a Resource Row with information from local nonprofits and community-led resilience projects residents can get involved in, including Paint Pāhoa Town and emergency preparedness. Another popular feature was the keiki craft station, where works of art were made. Local food trucks Pancho’s Tacos, Baliz Food Wagon, and Puna rebels were in attendance.

Resources & Forms

Slide Deck

Full County x State Recovery Update Video

Videos

Jan. 11, 2022 Third Activation Event Recap

The County of Hawai‘i updated the community on Kīlauea eruption recovery efforts and unveiled an online engagement tool to help guide the future of Isaac Kepo‘okalani Hale Beach Park in Pohoiki during the third quarterly Revitalize Puna community activation on Jan. 11, 2022.

About 100 people participated in the event held virtually via Zoom.

Resources & Forms

Slide Deck

View Event Recap Article

Videos

Oct. 12, 2021 Second Activation Event Recap

The County of Hawai‘i’s Disaster Recovery Division and Council District 4 hosted the second quarterly Revitalize Puna community activation on Oct. 12, 2021 with a focus on “setting the table” for Community and County collaboration and action.

About 100 people, including Puna residents and County officials, participated in the online event via Zoom that included updates on Kīlauea recovery infrastructure projects, updates from Resilience Capacity Areas (RCAs) and Action Teams as part of implementation of the Kīlauea Recovery and Resilience Plan, a “resource hour” with local nonprofits, and a drive-thru meal kit and resource bag pickup at Maku‘u Farmer’s Market. Please take time to view these resources and forms, and provide feedback on recovery.

Resources & Forms

Slide Deck

Reaffirm/Refine Vision & Guiding Principles

Community Readiness Inventory

Join Resilience Capacity Areas/Action Teams

Reflection & Feedback -- Infrastructure Investments

To learn more about infrastructure investments, view the infrastructure video below or visit the Road Access, Water Infrastructure, and Parks & Recreation pages.

Videos

Part 1 -- Resilience Capacity Areas/Action Teams & more!

Part 2 -- Infrastructure

Resource Happy Hour

June 9, 2021 First Activation Event Recap

More than 100 residents attended the first quarterly Revitalize Puna event, organized by the County's Disaster Recovery Division and County Council District 4, on June 9, 2021, in Leilani Estates.

Mahalo to everyone who helped make it happen!

This event was organized around five resilience categories – social, cultural, economic, natural environment and built environment – to help facilitate community-based actions. Resilience Action Teams will be formed around these resilience categories to help implement the Kīlauea Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Check out videos of the event and photos below.

Event Recap

Revitalize Puna

Updated on 11/02/2023 2:09 PM

Photos from our various Revitalize Puna events