The County of Hawaiʻi, in collaboration with the local Puna organization Hoʻoulu Lāhui have been awarded an Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) fellow for a 30-month fellowship. The fellow for this initiative is Mina Viritua Jr., who was chosen for his extensive history and deep roots in the area.

The ERC Fellowship program is led by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) through a $30 million cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). The program aims to build capacity in economically distressed areas across the U.S. while cultivating the next generation of economic development leaders. While no direct grant funds are provided, each Host Organization is matched with a Fellow to work with communities in the implementation of community-based economic development projects.

In a press release Mina Viritua Jr. said, “Being able do this fellowship in Puna, where I was born and raised, is a dream come true. I am thrilled to contribute to the economic recovery and well-being of the community that has shaped me. Working alongside the incredible people of Puna is not just a job for me; it’s a personal and professional journey, and I am eager to make a positive impact.”

The County of Hawai’i and Hoʻoulu Lāhui are among the 65 host sites nationwide selected out of 500 applicants to receive support in advancing a project critical to the economic recovery of their community.

For more information visit the ERC project website.