While Kauai right now is confronting the reality of its preparedness for Hurricane Lowell, the state Department of Health will survey households in Kona, Kohala and Hamakua districts next week to assess their readiness for, and health impacts from natural disasters. A similar assessment was made of folks in Hilo, Puna and Kau in mid-2025 — long before Hurricane Lala took a swipe at Hawaii island.