The Hawaiʻi Asthma Plan (HAP) 2030 represents a coordinated effort between stakeholders and partners throughout the state who worked together to develop objectives and strategies that utilize data, best practices, and evidence-based science. The resulting HAP 2030 reflects a common vision for managing asthma to help the people of Hawaiʻi, especially those most at-risk, lead healthy lives.

Asthma is a chronic condition that intermittently inflames and narrows the airways in the lungs. Asthma affects people of all ages and often starts during childhood. Symptoms of an asthma attack include shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness. Asthma attacks can be triggered by allergens (such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold), irritants (such as secondhand smoke and vog), and respiratory infections (such as the flu). These exacerbations drive emergency department visits and hospitalizations, and their associated costs to the health care system, as well as negatively impact school and work attendance and quality of life. Although there is no cure for asthma, symptoms can be controlled with proper clinical treatment, appropriate use of medication, self-management education, and limited exposure to environmental triggers.

Despite ongoing and targeted public health efforts to reduce the burden of asthma in Hawaiʻi, asthma-related health disparities persist. Compared to the State Average, Native Hawaiian adults are 1.5 times more likely to currently have asthma according to 2018 BRFSS data.

The HAP 2030 incorporates principles of the Social Ecological Model and is organized into four sector areas: Community Design and Access, Education, Health Care, and Worksite. The plan prioritizes goals, objectives, and strategies that lead to policy, systems, and environmental change. Objectives were developed using current data, best practices, and evidence-based science, and reflect one or more cross-cutting themes.

The HAP 2030 is meant to be a living document that is reviewed and updated throughout the plan’s timeframe. Implementation of the plan will be a collective effort by individuals and organizations across the state.