Image from a past Revitalize Puna activation in Pāhoa. (Photo Courtesy: Hawai‘i County)

Puna community members are invited this weekend to the next activation of Revitalize Puna — a community-driven initiative to support long-term recovery and resilience in Puna following the 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea volcano.

The 12th activation of Revitalize Puna will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 12 at William “Billy” Kenoi District Park Gym, located at 15-3022 Kauhale St., in Pāhoa.

This free event is hosted in collaboration between Hawai‘i County Civil Defense, Hawai‘i County Council District 4 and Hawai‘i County Disaster Recovery Division. It will feature:

Disaster preparedness resources and demonstrations from community organizations and Hawai‘i County Civil Defense.

Updates on recovery infrastructure projects, including roads, waterlines and Pohoiki boat ramp restoration.

Family activities, plant giveaways and meals for the community.

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“Revitalize Puna reflects our commitment to engage with the community through transparent and open communication with aloha,” said Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda in the county’s announcement about the upcoming activation. “By bringing Civil Defense, our Kīlauea Recovery team and local partners into the same space, we’re giving residents tools to be prepared and informed as we move forward together.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Alameda, Hawai‘i County District 4 Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz and other county officials, all of whom will be available to offer updates about progress on recovery efforts and listen to resident concerns.

“Revitalize Puna is about partnership, empowerment and action,” said Kierkiewicz in the announcement. “We’re showing up where the community is — to talk about the real issues, share updates and make sure Puna’s recovery reflects the needs and voices of our people.”

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Community members are invited to register in advance online.

Revitalize Puna since its launch in 2021 has brought together thousands of residents to build community connections and shape recovery from the ground up.

Highlights from past activations include distribution of more than 4,000 free plants and seeds, serving more than 1,900 meals from local vendors and facilitating direct engagement with county leaders through resilience-building workshops and listening sessions.

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Learn more about the Revitalize Puna program and past activations at the Hawai‘i County Kilauea Eruption Recovery website.