Photo Courtesy of County of Hawaii

The County of Hawai‘i’s Disaster Recovery Division and County Council District 4 will host the third quarterly Revitalize Puna community activation on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022 at Sure Foundation in Puna.

All residents are invited to this free event to bring the County and community together, empower people with information, and provide space for us to learn from each other. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. and presentations begin at 4:30 p.m. The activation will conclude at 7:30 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.”

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

• Updates on Kīlauea eruption recovery from the County.
• Updates on the Pohoiki Boat Ramp from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
• Updates from Resilience Capacity Area (RCA) co-chairs on community-led projects.
• Launch of public planning process for Isaac Hale Beach Park investments.
• A “Resource Row” with information on financial, housing, and mental health assistance.

Additionally, participants are welcome to participate in a collective art activity, keiki craft station, and enjoy some of our 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 Councilmember Ashley Kierkiewicz, 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 & 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 across resilience areas and teams. RCA co-chairs include both 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!

Participants are encouraged to register at https://bit.ly/RPJan11.

Sure Foundation is located at 16-1592 Pohaku Circle.

For more information, visit recovery.hawaiicounty.gov/revitalizepuna.