Revitalize Puna Community Event Planned in January

Puna residents are invited to join the efforts to revitalize their community by attending the third quarterly Revitalize Puna event scheduled for January.

The Hawai‘i County Disaster Recovery Division and County Council District 4 will host the community event Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, at Sure Foundation, located at 16-1592 Pōhaku Circle in Kea‘au. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. and presentations begin at 4:30 p.m.

“We are pleased to be able to host this event in-person and gather with our community,” said Douglas Le, the county’s disaster recovery officer. “Six months have passed since our first Revitalize Puna activation, and we have much to share and discuss – from opportunities to shape the future of Isaac Hale Beach Park to the numerous projects being headed by community members through resilience capacity areas and action teams. Join us and be a part of empowering Puna.”

All residents are invited to this free event to bring the county and community together, empower people with information and provide space to learn from each other.

The theme of the third Revitalize Puna event is “Community Discovery” and it will feature:

• Updates about Kīlauea eruption recovery from the county.
• Updates about the Pohoiki boat ramp from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
• Updates from resilience capacity area co-chairs about community-led projects.
• Launch of a public planning process for Isaac Hale Beach Park investments.
• A “Resource Row” with information about financial, housing and mental health assistance.

Additionally, community members are welcome to participate in a collective art activity, keiki craft station and enjoy local food truck vendors.

“Revitalize Puna and the resilience capacity area framework is a demonstration of how government and community can come together – and get things done – in a meaningful way,” said Hawai‘i County Council member Ashley Kierkiewicz, who represents District 4. “This innovative process prioritizes strengthening relationships, enhancing skills and community empowerment so everyone involved can drive and deliver on projects identified in the Recovery and Resilience Plan. All Puna residents are invited to contribute.”

Each RCA addresses a resilience category – social, cultural, economic, built environment, natural environment and youth – as part of a framework that encourages collaboration between resilience areas and teams. RCA co-chairs include community and county representatives who assist action teams with technical guidance and support for their projects.

Resilience projects being worked on include a directory of health and wellness services, economic development survey, resilience hubs map, plan to paint Pāhoa Town and more!

Residents who want to attend are encouraged to register here.

For more information, click here.