The reason why a lot of defensive supplies did not reach Hawaii was due to the inadequate distribution system, bureaucratic confusion, and lack of coordination among the military branches. The supplies were being sent to various destinations, including the Philippines, Panama Canal Zone, and Alaska, which were deemed more critical and vulnerable to attack than Hawaii at the time. Additionally, there was a belief that Japan would not attack the United States directly, and therefore, Hawaii was seen as a less important location for military preparations. However, this belief proved to be a fatal mistake when Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, catching the United States off guard and unprepared.