Revitalize Puna Community Activation Event Set For October

The County of Hawai‘i’s Disaster Recovery Division and County Council District 4 will host the second quarterly Revitalize Puna community activation event virtually via Zoom from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12.

Participants can register via the County’s Kīlauea Eruption Recovery website – recovery.hawaiicounty.gov – or https://bit.ly/RevitalizePuna2021.

“These events are focused on supporting community action and encouraging collaboration between residents and the County,” said Douglas Le, the County’s Disaster Recovery Officer. “We encourage anyone interested in implementing projects to build community resilience to join and find ways they can get involved.”

These community activations kickoff 90-day action cycles involving Resilience Capacity Areas (RCAs) and Action Teams that are overseeing community-based actions as part of implementation of the Kīlauea Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Each RCA addresses a resilience category – social, cultural, economic, built environment, natural environment, and youth – as part of a framework that encourages collaboration across resilience areas and teams.

“Revitalize Puna in June was a defining moment, highlighting the value of County and community coming together for collective action,” said Ashley Kierkiewicz, Councilmember for District 4.

“As we continue to navigate the challenges brought by the eruption and pandemic, these quarterly activations will be a platform to share information, communicate progress, and implement projects that support recovery and increase resilience,” she continued. “Convening regularly in this way keeps everyone accountable and moving forward.”

RCA co-chairs include both community and County representatives who assist Action Teams with technical guidance and support for their projects. For a full list of RCA co-chairs and Action Team projects, or to get involved, visit recovery.hawaiicounty.gov.

At the virtual event, which is open to the public, RCA co-chairs and Action Team members will share what they’ve learned, accomplished, and plan to do going forward. Updates from the County Administration on various recovery initiatives and priorities will also be provided.

Through the registration form, participants also can sign up for community resource bags which include a meal kit, recipe card, and other support materials from local nonprofits. A limited number of bags are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pick-up for those confirmed to receive a bag will take place at 3 p.m. in Puna.

Puna Geothermal Venture donated meal kit ingredients.

Prior to the activation, the Zoom room will be open beginning at 3:30 p.m. and feature short presentations from local organizations on resources available to Puna residents including financial empowerment and emergency assistance for rent, mortgage, and utilities.

More than 100 residents attended the first Revitalize Puna in June held in Leilani Estates. Going forward, the quarterly events will be held on the second Tuesday of October, January, April, and July.