(BIVN) – Kūkulu Hou, a government-organized housing fair for residents affected by the recent eruption of Kīlauea, was held Saturday on the campus of Keaʻau High School. The event was billed as an opportunity for people “to get one-stop assistance and guidance from Realtors, financial institutions, builders and other private and government entities.”

The event, held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. – featured information sessions on low-interest loans, the building permit process, real estate opportunities, and insurance. Residents had the chance to consult one-on-one with representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, and hear presentations on government loan programs from the Federal Housing Authority, USDA Rural Housing and the Veterans Administration.

Eruption survivors were also invited to participate in “Share Your Story” sessions, coordinated by the County’s Office of Housing and Community Development.

There was Keiki Fun Zone and Exhibit Hall. Puʻuhouna O Puna provided water and lunch.

“We’ve been working as fast as we can,” said Hawaiʻi County Public Works Deputy Director Merrick Nishimoto, who apologized “that government sometimes works at a pace that is not as quick as the wants of the people.”

“We went into this disaster with a housing shortage,” said HPM Building Supply Safety Manager Darryl Oliveira, “and all of a sudden we had 600 homes lost and families displaced. How do we find them housing?”