Puna is one of the most economically disadvantaged of all the districts in Hawaii.  It is not a densely populated district however it is the fastest growing district in Hawaii.  It has the 3rd highest unemployment, 3rd lowest per capita income and the highest percentage of  households reliant on food stamps in the state(55%) . Traditionally, it is a rural area with a diversified agricutural industry.  Most,however, are employed in the professional and service industries necessitating a commute to Hilo.  

Recently, it endured several major natural disasters, hurricane Iselle,  Kilauea’s 2014 lava flow, and presently the 2018 lava eruptions at Leilani estates, Lanipuni estates and destruction of Kapoho.  These disasters exposed the need for improvements in roads, medical access,housing availability  and jobs within the district.