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Project Information
<br />* 47. Project Title EXHIBIT A
<br />Fern Acres Community Resource and Emergency Operations Center
<br />48. Project Start Date
<br />10/01/2025
<br />49. Project End Date
<br />06/30/2026
<br />50. Please select all areas of Hawaii Island where the project will be administered, delivered, and implemented.
<br />Puna
<br />51. Please select the district of the Council Member from which you would like to apply for Contingency Relief
<br />Funds.
<br />Council District 5
<br />*52. In 2,000 characters or less, describe the project.
<br />This project supports the Fern Acres Community's effort to develop a Community Resource and Emergency Operations
<br />Center (EOC) for Upper Puna. The goal is to expand services for underserved families, provide a central gathering place,
<br />and operate as a fully functioning EOC during disasters. Volunteer -driven services are being developed, including the Food
<br />Basket distribution program, Neighborhood Watch, Volunteer Fire Department, Community Emergency Response Team
<br />(CERT), Certified Sawyers Team, a farm produce exchange, agricultural support, and the monthly Kupuna Lunch Program.
<br />The community has also begun developing the Fern Acres Emergency Plan to provide coordinated disaster support for
<br />Fern Acres and nearby areas. Once equipped, the Emergency Hub will distribute water, food, and cold -stored medications;
<br />deploy trained teams for first aid, search and rescue, evacuation, road clearing, and animal rescue; and offer basic medical
<br />and social support. The site is connected with Civil Defense and recognized as a resource distribution center. All activities
<br />are based at the Hub, located next to the Fern Acres Community Center at 11-3602 Lehua Street in Mountain View. The
<br />site includes Hale Halawai, a 37' x 42' pavilion for events and operations, two covered containers for emergency and
<br />community storage, and a paved area with drive -through access for distributions. One container is being outfitted as an
<br />EOC with CERT supplies, office space, and a ham radio, while the second supports Food Basket operations, Neighborhood
<br />Watch, and event storage. The project also expands programs such as the farm produce exchange, agricultural workshops
<br />including hoop houses, hiigelkultur, aquaculture, and bonsai, as well as green waste chipping and composting. Through
<br />Puna Makaukau and strong community engagement, Fern Acres is building a more resilient, connected community. A large
<br />portion of the project budget supports the EOC build -out and Food Basket program.
<br />*53. 501(c)(3) Mission Statement
<br />Building resilient communities through education, preparedness, and connection. Puna Makaukau strengthens the greater
<br />Puna community by building readiness and resilience through education, resource coordination, and community
<br />empowerment. The organization supports families, community groups, and emergency response efforts in preparing for
<br />and recovering from natural and human -made disasters, thereby fostering strong, connected, and self-reliant communities.
<br />* 54. In 1,000 characters or less, explain how the 501(c)(3) is connected to the project.
<br />Puna Makaukau was founded in 2018 by Fern Acres residents in response to the growing need for emergency
<br />preparedness and community resilience in Upper Puna. Based in Fern Acres and working with the Fern Acres Community
<br />Association, the organization's mission serves all of Upper Puna —a rural, underserved region facing economic, social, and
<br />infrastructure challenges. After Hurricane Iselle, communities in the region experienced deep isolation —physically,
<br />electronically, and socially —making a grassroots, community -led response essential. Puna Makaukau emerged to help
<br />households and associations prepare for emergencies, strengthen connections, and build resilience. Since then, the
<br />organization has built a strong volunteer network, established its operations center, and expanded outreach through
<br />neighborhood -based programs. With support from an active community association, Puna Makaukau now operates a
<br />central, welcoming site —featuring Hale Halawai and its Emergency Operations Center.
<br />* 55. Please upload a completed CRF Grant Budget Form.
<br />CRF Budget Form (Excel Version)_(2).xlsx
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