Community invited to learn about how lawmakers plan to revitalize Downtown Pāhoa

The Puna community is invited to learn and share their thoughts on draft legislation designed to create economic opportunities and revitalize Downtown Pāhoa.

The proposed legislative package builds on existing community-driven plans, including the Puna Community Development Plan, Kīlauea Recovery & Resilience Plan, and Eruption Economic Recovery Plan, and Revitalize Puna, to provide an option for property owners and small businesses to expand permitted uses in the Pāhoa area, according to a news release from the Office of Hawai‘i County Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz.

There will be two opportunities to learn about this package on Wednesday. Residents can participate in person at the Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility, located at 15-3022 Kauhale St., from 9 to 10:30 a.m. or a Zoom virtual session will take place from noon to 1 p.m.

“These bills are action-oriented, not another long planning process,” Kierkiewicz said. “They add flexibility and opportunity for property owners and small businesses, while keeping Pāhoa’s plantation-town character front and center. This is about moving forward on the vision our community has already created together.”

Community members are encouraged to attend in person or register online to learn about the proposal, ask questions, and share feedback ahead of bill introduction later this fall.

Register for a Zoom link at tinyurl.com/pahoaturnaround.