The 2018 Kīlauea eruption showcased what our Puna community does best: it shows up to care for each other. Along with a handful of Puna residents, we launched Puʻuhonua o Puna ("The Hub"), a grassroots effort that coordinated disaster relief and fostered healing. It was aloha in action. This experience sparked a vision: a network of hubs across the island, mobilizing not just in emergencies, but also strengthening connections, building resilience, and increasing access to opportunities year-round.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a chance to establish proof of concept. Council Member Kierkiewicz spearheaded the creation of over 35 Resilience Hubs across Hawai'i Island, empowering residents to take action on challenges most pressing to their communities.

Since then, the Resilience Hub network has broadened and grown stronger, serving as a model for communities everywhere. The core principle is simple: community-driven, government-supported. When we empower communities to create and implement solutions, these initiatives become sustainable.

Resilience Hubs are integral to building stronger, more connected, and capable communities. As we face future challenges, these hubs will be central to our collective success.

To learn more or join the Resilience Hub network, go to vibranthawaii.org/hubs.