Redirect FEMA Funds to 2018 Kīlauea Eruption Disaster Zones in Puna

The Issue:

Seven years after the 2018 Kīlauea eruption devastated Leilani Estates and surrounding Lower East Rift Zone (LERZ) communities, hundreds of residents still await FEMA recovery funds. Meanwhile, these funds are being diverted to unaffected areas like Pāhoa, Hilo, and Kea‘au through initiatives like "Revitalize Puna," leaving disaster zones neglected.

Our Demands:

Stop Fund Misallocation: Immediately halt FEMA recovery funds for projects outside the 2018 Kīlauea disaster zones (Leilani Estates, Pohoiki, Highway 137, Opihikao, Pohoiki Road). Redirect all funds to these affected areas.Investigate "Revitalize Puna": FEMA must conduct a transparent financial audit of "Revitalize Puna," detailing every cent of federal disaster funds received, spent, and allocated, including personal profits by organizers. Make results public. Reimburse Residents: Compensate affected residents for years of additional expenses (e.g., gas, vehicle maintenance) due to delayed recovery efforts, including unfulfilled road funding promises.

Why This Matters: Hawai‘i County has a history of diverting Kīlauea recovery funds to non-disaster areas, leaving Puna communities struggling. "Revitalize Puna" ignores LERZ residents’ needs, funding island-wide upgrades while we face daily hardships. This pattern of neglect must end.

Call to Action: We, the undersigned, demand FEMA act immediately to ensure 2018 Kilauea recovery funds are directed to the true disaster zones along Pohoiki Road and surrounding areas. Stop the misuse of funds on publicity stunts like "Activate Puna" events and unrelated businesses such as the "Pāhoa Lava Museum" (#aolehewa), which do nothing to aid the actual victims of the eruption.

Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka Aina I Ka Pono 

Mahalo, Jasmine Steiner

KahuPuna

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