Hawaii County is seeking public comment on its draft Action Plan addressing the use of $83.84 million in federal grants provided for housing recovery following the 2018 Kilauea eruption.
Hawaii County is seeking public comment on its draft Action Plan addressing the use of $83.84 million in federal grants provided for housing recovery following the 2018 Kilauea eruption.
Comments will be accepted through Aug. 18.
The draft plan demonstrates how the Hawaii 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 eruption destroyed 723 structures, including 612 homes. Of the destroyed homes, 294 were primary residences.
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 Kilauea’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 www.recovery.hawaiicounty.gov. Copies of the document are available for review at 25 Aupuni St., Suite 1301, in Hilo.
Comments can be submitted via email to kilauearecovery@hawaiicounty.gov; in person at 25 Aupuni St., Suite 1301, in Hilo; or via U.S. mail to 25 Aupuni St., Suite 1301, Hilo, HI 96720.
