Convening a special session of the state Legislature is supposed to be a rare occurrence. But then, so are volcanic eruptions. Even on the scale of natural calamities, the current one in Puna overwhelmed all projections. And there is no end in sight.
According to the latest count, 577 homes have been incinerated by lava, based on a survey of aerial photos compared with real property records. More than 2,000 residents have been forced to evacuate.
Whether the evacuees are lifelong Hawaii island residents backed up by family support systems, or recent arrivals dependent on emergency shelter, they are displaced. Makeshift accommodations cannot replace their homes, and lives continue to be disrupted.
The magnitude of this calamity, still unfolding, justifies state lawmakers’ serious consideration of calls for a special session. First, however, they and county leaders must hammer out a blueprint for the way forward, a plan that would provide focus and keep the Legislature on task for a short, efficient convocation.
Driving this initiative is the Hawaii County Council, which yesterday passed a resolution asking for a special session, as well as the lawmakers who represent the Puna area at the state Capitol. They, and others, will have to do some serious negotiating, informed by community input, to solidify the agenda before convening.
The mission must be to find a middle path that provides stabilization and a more secure future for Hawaii County residents, but does not excessively detract from other state needs.
President Donald Trump has approved federal emergency housing aid and other relief, and the state already has released $12 million to support Hawaii County’s response. One element of the session planning would be an assessment of how much more in state funds may be required.
There is reason for concern. According to Hawaii island officials’ latest tally, the county has incurred at least $1.4 million in unanticipated expenses May 3-20, including overtime, road repairs, security and providing shelter to evacuees. And exacerbating that mounting cost is the fact that the county will lose untold tax receipts because of properties lost to the eruption, not to mention a potential drop in tourist revenues.
Beyond the immediate fiscal worries — or even the issue of replacing destroyed roads and other infrastructure — it’s the long-range future of the county that merits state attention.
Hawaii island already struggles with its own homelessness crisis. Ensuring that the additionally displaced population can find a route back to self-sufficiency would serve the broader economic and social health of the county and state.
State officials should identify public parcels that could be used for more of the micro-units or other structures similar to those already deployed to the Sacred Hearts Shelter. After the crisis abates, they could be repurposed as “ohana zones” for the homeless, or as transitional housing projects.
The state Department of Agriculture could purse contingencies for the displaced farmers as well. A state-supported ag park would be a possible initiative to help farmers get back into production.
State Sen. Russell Ruderman, who represents the Puna district, rightly observed that it’s time to think about rebuilding the community for the long term. There should be ways to ease the regulatory process to shorten the timeline.
Many of the homeowners have insurance, but how much should the public contribute?
That will be the toughest issue to settle. Parcels to be leased as residential lots, perhaps? Should more help be offered, or less?
As always, it’s a question of balance. But solutions must be found to guide these people, and Hawaii County, out of this growing crisis.
