Only One in Ten Hawaiʻi Households Are Truly Prepared for Emergencies, According to New Research

A new academic study has revealed a concerning reality about disaster readiness in Hawaiʻi: only about 12% of households meet the state’s official emergency preparedness standards. In simple terms, this means nearly nine out of ten households across the islands do not have enough essential supplies to handle a major disaster without immediate outside help.

The research, conducted by scholars from the University of Hawaiʻi system, highlights a significant gap between what residents believe about their preparedness and what they have actually done to prepare. Given Hawaiʻi’s geographic isolation and exposure to natural hazards, the findings raise serious questions about resilience, public communication, and long-term disaster planning.

What Emergency Preparedness Means in Hawaiʻi

The State of Hawaiʻi recommends that households maintain at least a 14-day supply of critical necessities. This includes:

Food that does not require refrigeration or cooking
Water, typically one gallon per person per day
Essential medications and medical supplies
Basic hygiene items, first aid materials, and emergency tools

The goal of this recommendation is to ensure families can survive independently if supply chains are disrupted or emergency services are overwhelmed. In island environments like Hawaiʻi, disasters can delay aid for extended periods, making household-level preparedness especially important.

Despite these clear guidelines, the study found that the vast majority of households fall well short of these standards.

Inside the Study: Scope and Methodology

The study is titled “An Analysis of Disaster Preparedness and Household Compliance in Hawaiʻi: A Socio-cognitive Approach” and was published in the International Journal of Mass Emergencies & Disasters in 2025.

Researchers surveyed 1,006 households across all major Hawaiian islands, making it the most comprehensive assessment of household emergency preparedness in the state to date. The research was led by Professor Konstantinos Zougris of UH West Oʻahu, along with Associate Professor Albie Miles.

Rather than focusing only on whether people had supplies, the study examined why households do or do not prepare, using a socio-cognitive framework. This approach looks at how beliefs, perceptions, and social factors influence behavior.

A Dangerous Perception Gap

One of the most important findings was a moderate but meaningful gap between perceived preparedness and actual preparedness. Many respondents believed they were ready for an emergency, yet lacked the recommended supplies when their households were assessed more closely.

This mismatch is particularly concerning because false confidence can delay real preparation. If people believe they are already prepared, they are less likely to take additional steps, even as risks increase.

Key Factors That Influence Preparedness

The study identified several factors that strongly affect whether households comply with preparedness recommendations:

Risk perception: Households that believe disasters are unlikely tend to prepare less.
Trust in authorities: When trust in government guidance is low, compliance drops.
Perceived behavioral control: People who feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to prepare are less likely to take action.
Past disaster experience: Households that have lived through previous disasters are generally more prepared.
Financial constraints: The cost of storing two weeks’ worth of supplies can be a major barrier, especially for lower-income families.

These factors interact in complex ways, meaning preparedness is not simply about awareness. Even people who understand the risks may struggle to act due to cost, confidence, or competing priorities.

Why This Matters So Much for Hawaiʻi

Hawaiʻi faces unique disaster risks compared to many mainland regions. These include:

Hurricanes and tropical storms
Earthquakes and tsunamis
Volcanic activity
Severe supply-chain disruptions, especially for food and fuel

Because Hawaiʻi imports a large portion of its food and essential goods, any interruption to shipping can have immediate consequences. In a major disaster scenario, outside assistance may take days or even weeks to arrive. This makes household preparedness not just helpful, but critical for survival.

Recommendations for Improving Readiness

The researchers emphasize that state-level recommendations alone are not enough. Simply telling people what they should do does not guarantee action. Instead, the study outlines several targeted strategies to improve preparedness:

Region-specific public communication that reflects local risks and realities
Expanded education and training programs that go beyond basic checklists
Community-based initiatives, such as neighborhood preparedness groups
Financial incentives or support programs to help households afford emergency supplies

These measures aim to address both psychological and structural barriers, making preparedness more achievable and realistic for a wider range of households.

Connection to Food System Resilience

The findings are particularly relevant in the context of the Hawaiʻi Food System Summit 2025, held on December 8–9. The summit focuses on food system resilience and disaster preparedness, bringing together more than 200 stakeholders from across the islands.

The study reinforces the idea that household preparedness and food system planning are deeply connected. Without adequate home-level stockpiling and local food resilience, even well-designed emergency response systems can struggle.

Broader Lessons Beyond Hawaiʻi

While the study is focused on Hawaiʻi, its implications extend far beyond the islands. Many disaster-prone regions worldwide face similar challenges, including complacency, misinformation, and economic barriers to preparedness.

By using a socio-cognitive approach, the research offers a framework that other regions can adapt to better understand why preparedness gaps persist, even when risks are well known.

Emergency Preparedness Resources

For households seeking guidance, the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency provides a detailed Ready Guide and a 14-day supply checklist. These resources outline practical steps families can take to gradually build preparedness without feeling overwhelmed.

Final Thoughts

The takeaway from this research is clear: most Hawaiʻi households are not as prepared as they think they are. Improving preparedness will require more than awareness campaigns. It will demand targeted communication, community engagement, and meaningful support that makes preparedness achievable for everyone.

As climate risks grow and supply chains remain fragile, household readiness is no longer optional. This study serves as both a warning and a roadmap for building a more resilient Hawaiʻi.

Research paper:
https://doi.org/10.1177/02807270251397396