Family Displaced By Lava

Photo: The 2 houses in the horseshoe (right top) are our homes.

12 Of Us ... Forcinelli Family Story

On May 3, 2018, Kilauea Volcano began erupting in Leilani Estates, several miles from our home. On May 27, 2018, my family was displaced from our homestead. Lava from Kilauea Volcano covered much of Highway 132 from Pahoa to Kapoho, veered down Noni Farms Road, then through the woods and covered 8 acres of our 11 acre farm. A horseshoe of lava surrounds our two houses, orchard & vegetable gardens. A river of lava flows like rapids just a few hundred feet away. Access roads have been covered, gasses from the lava are killing the fruit trees and plants, and make living on the farm unthinkable. At any time the lava channel could breach and completely cover the rest of our 3 acres. 

My family ... mom, dad, 7 brothers and sisters, my son and my partner (12 of us) plus 2 dogs have relocated to a rental house in Pahoa ...  indefinitely. Scientists say the lava could flow for 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months, 3 years, 3 decades. No one knows.

My families' savings were invested in this property. My dad's income from selling fruit and vegetables from our organic orchard and gardens no longer exists. Our home and gardens were a way of life. A good life.

We now face the unknown. As many of us do in our little community. We are asking for donations to rebuild our home and life. Funding will be used towards new land, housing, fruit trees & gardens. We may receive partial funding from FEMA, though that is yet to be decided. I know we will need much more than they have to offer, so are reaching out to you for any assistance you can give.

Thank you in advance.

With ALOHA,

Frankie Jane, Abe, Frank, Pam, Jo Lee, Arroyo, Angelo, Arcadian, Satori, Adia, Alex & Syel