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Hawaii County Council approves nearly $6 million in Kīlauea recovery grants to nonprofits
Summary
The council approved Resolution 459-26 to award roughly $5.98 million in Kīlauea recovery grants to nonprofit projects in Lower Puna after extensive public testimony from residents and community organizations; councilmembers said the awards will restore roads, cultural spaces and local economic projects.
The Hawaii County Council voted to approve Resolution 459-26 on March 4, 2026, authorizing grant awards for the Kīlauea Recovery Grant Program aimed at infrastructure repairs, cultural programming and local economic development in Lower Puna.
Councilmember Ashley Kirkowitz, the bill’s sponsor, described the funding as “this final tranche” of recovery awards and thanked community applicants and the county recovery team. The resolution as introduced provides $5,977,773 in grant funds to multiple nonprofit organizations; the recovery officer told the council the overall round of awards approaches $6,480,000 when including one item to be awarded under an administrative finance rule.
Dozens of residents and nonprofit leaders urged the council to approve the funding during the public comment period. Tim Rowland, president of Malama O Puna, said the grants will “help with the infrastructure, economic development projects for many Puna communities devastated by the 2018 eruption.” Deb Smith, board president of Vacationland Hawaii Community Association, testified that her subdivision lost “over 7 miles of roadway” and said the grant will allow members to use a previously suspended SBA loan to restore roads. Jennifer Perry, project manager for the Hololeo restoration, and others emphasized the projects’ importance for access, stewardship and local livelihoods.
Officer Lay, the county recovery representative, told the council the application round drew 45 applications totaling nearly $12 million in requests; review led to the recommended awards before the council. Lay said a small number of projects still needed fiscal sponsors and the recovery office would return with a second resolution next month to finalize those awards.
The council approved Resolution 459-26 by voice vote; the clerk recorded the outcome as 8 ayes and 1 excused. Councilmembers said they expect the grants to unlock road restorations, community gathering places and economic supports in Lower Puna.
Next steps: staff will complete due diligence for projects requiring fiscal sponsorship and return to council with a follow-up resolution. The approved award list and administrative awards handled under finance rules will be implemented through the county recovery office and the identified fiscal hosts.
