News Release – DOH to Conduct Emergency Preparedness Survey in West Hawaiʻi Communities
STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI
JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
KA ʻOIHANA OLAKINO
KENNETH S. FINK, MD, MGA, MPH
DIRECTOR
KA LUNA HOʻOKELE
DOH TO CONDUCT EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS SURVEY IN WEST HAWAIʻI COMMUNITIES
26-116
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2026
KONA, Hawaiʻi – The Hawaiʻi Department of Health’s (DOH) Hawaiʻi District Health Office will conduct a Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) survey to assess household emergency preparedness and the impacts of natural disasters on household health in the Kona, Kohala and Hāmākua districts from Sept. 14-18. This follows a similar CASPER survey conducted in the Hilo, Puna and Kaʻū districts in May 2025, that informed ongoing Hurricane Lala response and recovery efforts. (Report link.)
“The CASPER survey in Hawaiʻi County allows us to assess household public health emergency preparedness and evacuation plans, as well as understand household awareness and concerns. CASPER surveys have been used for years across the state, elevating the community’s voice in emergency preparedness. We are excited to partner with Hawaiʻi County stakeholders to conduct a second survey that will engage communities that were not included in last year’s survey,” said Dr. John Kolman, district health officer, Hawaiʻi District Health Office. “Our communities have experienced a lot in the past year – severe weather, earthquakes and wildfires. The rigorous information we gather through the survey will enable the Hawaiʻi District Health Office and Hawaiʻi County to better meet our communities’ needs before, during and after a disaster.”
Survey teams will go door-to-door in 30 randomly selected census blocks. Seven households within each block will be randomly selected for a total of 210 household-level surveys. Teams are primarily comprised of DOH staff, with support from local volunteer agencies as available.
The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and participation is voluntary. All responses are confidential; no names or addresses will be collected. Selected households will be asked about prior disaster impacts; their emergency and evacuation plans; awareness of and concerns related to infectious diseases; and general health and well-being.
Team members will wear vests identifying themselves as part of the DOH survey team and will carry identification cards. Selected households may also choose to complete the survey by phone.
The CASPER survey methodology was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to rapidly assess the health and resource needs of a community following a disaster.
“We greatly appreciate the participation of Hawaiʻi County residents and our community partners in this survey effort,” Kolman said. “Mahalo for generously sharing your time and responses with our survey teams.”
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