Council creates permanent disaster recovery officer position after lessons from 2018 eruption

The Hawaii County Council voted unanimously July 8 to approve Bill 157 on its second and final reading, creating a county disaster recovery program led by a recovery officer appointed by the mayor.

Sponsor Council member Ashley L. Kerkowitz said the 2018 Kilauea eruption showed that recovery is measured in years, not days, and argued for institutionalizing long-term recovery capacity so the county can coordinate departments, pursue outside funding and maintain continuity between administrations. "This creates a blueprint to get our county a head start, not if a disaster happens, but when it happens," Kerkowitz said.

Supporters at the meeting, including longtime Puna recovery volunteers and nonprofit leaders, testified to the value of sustained, community-centered recovery efforts. Testifier Susie Osborne recounted personal and community losses from the eruption and urged creation of stable recovery infrastructure inside county government. The council approved the ordinance on 2nd and final reading by voice vote (9 ayes).

What happens next: With final adoption complete, the county will develop the program structure and the mayor will appoint a recovery officer to coordinate planning, community engagement and funding for future disaster response and long-term recovery.