$20M available for ongoing Kilauea recovery

The long recovery from the 2018 Kilauea eruption continues, with applications available for some of $20 million in new state funding for private projects ranging from roof repairs to rebuilding private roads.

“Just because the eruption stopped doesn’t mean the need has gone away,” said Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz, who represents the hard-hit Puna area where lava first burst from the ground in Leilani Estates in May 2018, eventually destroying 723 structures, including an estimated 200 primary residences, before ceasing four months later.

Kierkiewicz called the ongoing recovery “a years-long process, it really is. We’ve been patient long enough.”

Damage to structures was estimated at $290 million, and lava inundation of 13 miles of county roads and water supply infrastructure cost an additional $270 million.

At the same time, 875 acres of Hawaii island coastline were created as lava flowed into the sea.

The 8,488-acre lava field surrounding Leilani Estates — the epicenter of the eruption and birthplace of the prodigious fissure 8 — will be hot for perhaps decades.

County and state officials have said the true economic costs may never be known because of repairs that have still not been completed.

So the new $20 million — part of $60 million funded from the state Legislature two sessions ago for Kilauea recovery — is intended for private repairs and help not covered by state and federal money that was aimed at rebuilding state highways and other public areas.

“This money is intended to fill in the gaps,” Kierkiewicz said. “This is our most flexible pot of money.”

Also this week, Hawaii County officials announced the completion of a separate program to restore access off Highway 137 via a temporary road to Isaac Hale Beach Park and the restoration of Highway 132, providing access to isolated homes, the shoreline, agricultural land and open space.

Further public roads and portions of roads are scheduled for restoration, including Pohoiki Road; Leilani Avenue from Pohoiki Road to Kahukai Street; Lighthouse Road; and Highway 137 from the intersection with Highway 132 and Lighthouse Road to Kapoho Vacationland. Also planned is upgrading of the Highway 137 temporary road to Isaac Hale Beach Park to permanent standards.

Public roads that will not be restored are Hinalo, Lauone and Honuaula streets, the county said.

To address ongoing private needs, Kierkiewicz authored a county bill, passed by the Council in April, that provides up to $500,000 for nonprofit groups to help organize repairs expected to be requested by individuals, community associations and others not eligible for traditional recovery money from the state, county, Federal Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Department of Transportation.

In a statement, Kierkiewicz said the community “knows what it needs to bounce forward. … By leveraging this program, residents can implement community-based solutions that address the unique challenges they are seeing on the ground.”

Kierkiewicz later told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser the $20 million in legislative funding is “a real gift” with no restrictions other than to support “recovery and remediation.”

Among the requests, Kierkiewicz expects applications to rebuild private roads in Puna to allow access to homes and areas that have been cut off for the last two years, replace damaged roofs and, perhaps, even provide financial assistance with rent and mortgages.

Kierkiewicz said she does not expect the initial round of applications will exhaust the full $20 million.

“It’s a lot of money,“ she said. “I don’t think all of it will be spent on this first shot. … At the same time we need to exercise some discipline.”

—

RECOVERY FUNDS

How to apply for Kilauea recovery funds

Qualifying nonprofit organizations have until 4:30 p.m. July 24 to apply. Grants are capped at $500,000.

Applications and supporting documentation can be mailed to the Recovery Team at: 25 Aupuni St., Room 1301, Hilo, Hawaii 96720.