Kīlauea Recovery Housing Survey

Kīlauea Recovery Housing Survey Results

The County of Hawai‘i's Kīlauea Disaster Recovery Team launched a Housing Recovery survey in February 2021 to help guide recovery projects, including a Voluntary Housing Buyout Program. Surveys were mailed to 1,275 owners of properties affected by the eruption and made available online.

815 survey responses were submitted. Mahalo to everyone who participated! View result highlights below.

What were the impacts to your property?

Respondents were allowed to select more than one.

Did you own this property or rent housing at this property at the time of the eruption?

Where do you live now?

456 respondents (56%) said they currently live on the Island of Hawai‘i, with 228 living within the Puna District.

Currently, what is your plan for the property that was impacted by the eruption?

Buyout interest

Respondents were allowed to select multiple options. Of the 791 respondents who answered this question, 625 (79%) selected "Pursue a County buyout" as at least one of their options.

This graph shows the total number of responses for each category. Respondents were allowed to select more than one.

Weighing their options

Some respondents were weighing multiple options. Interest in a buyout remained considerable among those who were considering returning, keeping their property without returning, or indicated they did not know what their plans were.

Of the 192 respondents who selected "Regain access", 88 also indicated interest in a buyout.

Of the 47 respondents who selected "Retain land, not return", 37 also indicated interest in a buyout.

Of the 231 respondents who selected "Don't know", 130 also indicated interest in a buyout.

What do you recommend the County do with properties obtained through the buyout program?

Respondents were allowed to select multiple options.

Program requirements

Since buyouts are funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the County is required to leave acquired properties as open space or used in a way that is compatible with open space. For example, limited agricultural activities may be allowed. The County also may partner with community organizations or residents to assist with maintaining purchased properties.

If you are considering returning to your property, which of the following conditions are important to your decisions?

Respondents were asked to pick their top three priorities. The results above reflect how often each option was selected.

Housing Insecurity

Number who reported experiencing challenges with buying a home or securing a stable rented property:

207 What is your current living situation?

Insurance

Number who reported having homeowner's insurance:

396

Number who reported receiving an insurance payment:

276

Total insurance payouts reported:

$70,515,516

Average insurance payout:

$255,491

Appreciate

Credits:

Created with images by Fredy Thürig - "Aerial view of the eruption of the volcano Kilauea on Hawaii, in the picture Fissure 8, May 2018" • mhgstan - "blazing blooms of ohia flowers at the Volcano National Park, Big Island, Hawaii" • Klodien - "Leilani Estate, Hawaii, USA. - January 14, 2020: Devastation in parts untouched by 2018 lava. Poisonous gases and vapors escape ground of forest and abandoned house. Green plants and dead trees." • Eric Dale Creative - "Fresh Lava From The 2018 Kilauea Eruption Covers The Road In Leilani Estates, Big Island Of Hawaii, USA"