(BIVN) – Hawaii State Senator Russell Ruderman has a proposal that could shape the future of a post-eruption Puna district.

Senator Ruderman, fresh off a helicopter survey over a devastated Leilani Estates Subdivision and Kapoho, reflected on current events during a recent interview. He praised the effort to create temporary micro-shelters for residents who have lost their homes and have taken up at nearby Red Cross shelters. Now, Ruderman has a plan for the next step.

Ruderman – who says he has been in talks with Mayor Harry Kim about creating a new community – says the State can provide land for relocation of lava-inundated homeowners and property owners, as provided under HRS 171.93, passed after 1960 tsunami.

Ruderman believes there should be no more development in lava zone 1, and has instead identified two large state-parcels on either side of Highway 130, near Maku’u Market. Ruderman says water, highway access and electricity are available.

The Puna senator proposes the land be leased to a reputable non-profit, such as Habitat for Humanity, to develop the relocated homesteads. The non-profit would oversee long-term licenses to 1/4, 1/2, and 1 acre lots, instead of a full subdivision.

Senator Ruderman goes into detail in the video interview above.