While it may be too soon to panic, there is an immediate need for public and private agencies to come together to protect our economy from the storms now buffeting it.

Some of that effort was on display last week. At its board meeting, the Hawai'i Tourism Authority — fearing a tourism crisis akin to the aftermath of 9/11 — pushed for a swift, coordinated effort among the industry to boost its marketing efforts. It's a good short-term step to encouraging demand and filling airline seats.

But it's no guarantee, and the larger picture remains worrisome and unsettled.

How will we thrive with a smaller, less robust tourism market? How are our non-tourism alternatives faring?

And how will we cope with the pervasive effects of rising energy costs: The higher price of food, gas and housing?

The urgency to address these questions grows with each passing day. The tourism industry can't answer them alone; as we've said before, we need to review our current economic initiatives and find ways to sharpen them to meet this looming crisis.

It's time for our public and business leaders to step up, together with this common goal, and roll up their sleeves.