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Downtown Hilo faces a number of challenges of which natural and man -made hazards are <br />paramount. If we do not take into consideration our health and safety, all other endeavors may <br />become redundant. By making sure we are safe and healthy, we are able to more effectively <br />work towards enhancing other things like local education, a profitable economy, a consistent <br />tourism industry and appropriate building and infrastructure. <br /><MAIN BODY - Meeting the Challenges> <br />So how do we rise up to meet the challenges that we face? We educate ourselves and others by <br />utilizing local resources. We challenge ourselves to take positive action in our everyday lives <br />that will enhance and sustain our way of life for future generations. We ensure that everyday, <br />we work towards effectively communicating to our friends and neighbors the knowledge that <br />they need to live safely and sustainably here in Hawai'i. <br /><CLOSING> So back to my initial question: would we be ok if a tsunami hit tomorrow. Well, the <br />answer to that question depends entirely on you. What part can you play in working to sustain <br />our Downtown Hilo community? What can you do to ensure the safety of yourself and your <br />loved ones in the next disaster? How can you become familiar with sustainable practices and <br />tools needed to preserve our diverse cultures and ways of life? If you are a business owner in <br />downtown Hilo, are you prepared for the next inevitable tsunami? <br />I can say with complete confidence that all the resources you need to find the answers to these <br />questions can be found in this room. We have a wealth of local resources here in Hilo and we <br />should begin a new era of education using local resources and knowledge. <br />So, after this discussion, look at the person sitting next to you, smile and greet them, these are <br />your friends, your neighbors, your fellow community members. "Talk- Story" with them, share <br />experiences and knowledge, for it is this bond that will keep us safe, ensure us to live in <br />harmony with our environment and preserve this unique and delightful place that we all call <br />home. Thank you. <br />[End] <br />TOWN MEETING SPEECH — SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 <br />