A primary duty of government is protecting the health and welfare of its citizens, especially in times of disaster. Some would say it's the most important duty of all.

That's why it's wise for both the state and the city to move ahead with plans to upgrade their emergency operations centers.

In the event of a major disaster — a tsunami, hurricane or, heaven forbid, a man-made catastrophe — the government response must be swift and expertly coordinated.

But it's also important in tough economic times like these that taxpayer money be invested efficiently.

Each of the two centers, hardened and loaded with state-of-the-art technology, would cost about $70 million. Each serves a separate purpose, officials say. The city's center would coordinate the first responsers — ambulances, firefighters and the like — and manage traffic on O'ahu. The state's center would monitor and respond to all the counties' needs with its own resources, including the National Guard.

But full funding for both centers remains in doubt. Officials acknowledge that the current economic climate could delay the work.

State and city officials should work closely together to avoid redundant spending and seek efficiencies to reduce costs, which could allow the centers to be finished sooner rather than later. Sooner is obviously better. A major disaster may not wait until later.