Answer the call and attend the 7th Revitalize Puna activation

The community calls. Will you answer?

The seventh Revitalize Puna activation is planned Feb. 4 at the gym at William “Billy” Kenoi District Park in Pāhoa. All residents are invited to drop by the open house style event anytime from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Do you want to talk to island decision-makers and government officials but never really had a chance to?” asked Ku‘uhiapo Jeong, Hawai‘i County Council District 4 aide, in a YouTube video previewing the event. “Well, this is your chance to get the latest updates on the Puna infrastructure and the Pohoiki boat ramp.”

Those who attend can speak with government and community leaders working on 2018 Kīlauea eruption recovery and resilience projects. County, state and federal officials will not only be in on hand to provide updates, they also will speak to challenges and opportunities for Puna.

The County will share how resident mana‘o has shaped decision-making and project plans, along with updates on infrastructure investments such as roads, water, and parks. The Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources will be on hand to provide the status update on the restoration of Pohoiki boat ramp.

The event will also feature booths where residents can connect with the various Resilience Capacity Areas and learn how they can contribute to various Resilience Commitment projects.

Revitalize Puna Resilience Capacity Areas, or RCAs, will provide updates about their recovery efforts and share opportunities for Puna residents to get involved. RCAs are multi-sector groups that work to implement projects identified in the Kīlauea Recovery and Resilience Plan supporting three strategies: recovery, readiness and resilience. Implementation of the plan is organized around collaboration between six RCAs: social, cultural, economic, natural environment and youth. Each RCA is led by co-chairs from the community and Hawai‘i County.

Attendees can also visit Resilience Resource Row, which will feature pop-ups from local nonprofits and volunteer opportunities to get involved in making a positive difference in Puna.

Keiki crafts and food trucks will be available onsite as well. Free meal vouchers will be available to participants while supplies last. The event will also feature live music and entertainment.

“Our seventh activation is going to be our best ever,” said District 4 County Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz. “Not only will we have updates on the latest infrastructure projects, but we’re going to have so many opportunities for residents to connect with each other and government officials.”

The activation is free to attend, and all residents interested in learning more about Puna’s recovery and contributing to its resilience are welcome. If you want to reserve your spot, click here.

The Revitalize Puna series is co-hosted by the Kīlauea Recovery Team and County Council District 4. The goal is to bring the community and Hawai‘i County together regularly to share information and perspectives, build relationships and increase trust and collaboration. Revitalize Puna activations provide space for conversation, but the emphasis is on action and empowering community members to get engaged and make an impact.

Get updates and sneak peaks at future activations and events by following Revitalize Puna on Facebook and Instagram @revitalizepuna. For more information, click here.