The public is invited to comment on Hawai‘i County’s draft Action Plan addressing the use of $83.84 million in Federal grants provided for housing recovery following the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. Comments are accepted from July 20 through Aug. 18.
The draft plan demonstrates how the County will apply the funds, provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to address unmet housing needs for disaster victims. The money is provided through HUD’s Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery program.
The four-month-long eruption destroyed 723 structures, including 612 homes. Of the destroyed homes, 294 were primary residences.
As demonstrated in the draft plan, the County will primarily use the grants to support a voluntary buyout program for affected properties in order to assist displaced residents and reduce risks from future eruptions on Kīlauea’s lower East Rift Zone. This program is anticipated to begin in April 2021 and to be completed by June 2026. Housing relocation services also will be provided.
The draft plan can be viewed online at https://recovery.hawaiicounty.gov/planning/recovery-funding/cdbg-dr/action-plan. Copies of the document are available for review at 25 Aupuni St., Suite 1301, Hilo, HI 96720. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on holidays.
Comments can be submitted:
- By email to kilauearecovery@hawaiicounty.gov.
- In-person at 25 Aupuni St., Suite 1301, Hilo, HI 96720.
- Sent by U.S. mail to 25 Aupuni St., Suite 1301, Hilo, HI 96720.