RES 428 Draft 01 2024-2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Resilience: The ability to respond, adapt to, and overcome. The people of Puna have long been resilient in adapting to and living alongside challenges presented by nature. This capacity to navigate difficult times and support one another has also been showcased in the immediate response to, ongoing recovery, and long-term healing from the 2018 Kilauea volcanic eruption. The 2018 eruption would ultimately cover approximately 8,448 acres of land, isolate nearly 3,983 acres, and displace roughly 3,000 residents. Infrastructure damaged by r1lauea was significant. Approximately 12.5 miles of public roads, 20 miles of private roads, and 14.5 miles of water lines were damaged, totaling $236 million in public infrastructure damage. A public charter school, Kua O Ka La, was completely destroyed. Treasured public spaces were lost during the eruption event. The Ahalanui Warm Ponds were completely inundated and Isaac Kepo'okalani Hale Beach Park was partially covered. Popular surf spots accessed from this area, including Secrets, Bowls, and Shacks, were completely overrun by lava. The State's Pohoiki Boat Ramp, the third most productive across the islands, was covered in sand and debris, blocking ocean entry for local fishermen. Work by County and State departments is ongoing to restore infrastructure as well as park and recreational facilities, all of which are key to advancing Puna's recovery and fostering long-term resilience. Revitalize Pohoiki is a plan to restore Isaac Kepo'okalani Hale Beach Park and steward the greater Pohoiki region. This plan has been developed by the County with guidance and mana'o from Pohoiki area 'ohana, Puna residents, and the community -at -large. This initiative presented an opportunity to invest in assets that bring residents together, while protecting natural resources and culturally significant areas so that future generations may experience this precious space.