destruction of sections of Kapoho, Royal Gardens, Kalapana and Kaimū. Since 1983 (but prior to 2018), lava flows destroyed about 190 structures and covered approximately 50 square miles out of the 500 square miles of Puna. Living in Puna has some other unique considerations. For example, most homes in Puna rely on rainwater catchment for their household water. This lack of water availability for firefighting is also an issue with insurance companies. Climate The climate is a mild tropical climate with abundant rainfall, especially in the northern parts and areas of higher elevation. The terrain is characterized by gentle slopes with no defined waterways. Although rainfall is occasionally very heavy (one storm in 2003 brought 36 inches (90 cm) of rain in 24 hours), flooding is rare due to the slope and porosity of the volcanic rock. The vegetation ranges from rainforest to desert shrub and coastal strand. Large areas of native forest are present in the Wao Kele o Puna and Kahauala tracts. Places of interest Besides visiting the active Kīlauea volcano and the currently active lava flows in the area of Kalapana, another interesting site within the Puna district was the heated tide pools at Ahalanui Beach Park (aka Pualaa County Park), where spring water was naturally heated through geothermal energy and this mixed with ocean water along the shoreline. Prior to the eruption in 1960 at Kapoho, the pools were not heated but were cold; in 2018 the park was overrun by lava. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, (the entrance is inside the district of Kaū) Issac Hale Beach Park (Pohoiki) Access blocked due to 2018 eruption. Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation Notable people Arthur Johnsen, Artist William "Billy" Kenoi, Mayor of Hawaii County (2008–2016) Harry Kim, Mayor of Hawaii County (2000–2008 and 2016-) Jason Scott Lee, Actor, owner and creator of Ulua Theatre, Volcano Village resident Joseph Nāwahī, Native Hawaiian legislator, newspaper publisher, and painter Emily Naeole, Hawaii County Councilwoman Abra Moore, Folk-styled rock singer-songwriter William H. Shipman, Founder of W. H. Shipman Ltd., agricultural entrepreneur, and major private land owner in Puna Gallery References Districts of Hawaii County, Hawaii Geography of Hawaii (island)