It's amazing the difference a year makes all right. The most amazing part may be how much unfinished business remains on this anniversary of the devastating Big Island earthquake.

Today's anniversary serves as a public reminder of the true cost of failure to prepare for disaster as thoroughly as possible.

That failure became evident an instant after the 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck shortly after 7 a.m., most notably for the communications gap impeding civil defense officials in reaching the public.

Later, Hawai'i became painfully aware of the cost: many millions of dollars in damage to transportation infrastructure, schools and other facilities, where repairs are still needed.

On Maui, barricades remain on the Pi'ilani Highway after the earthquake created cracks in the cliffs above it and caused sections underneath the road to deteriorate. The closure has literally divided the community and has caused families to relocate from the area of Kaupo, a rural community whose business has been cut off by the closure. The price tag to fix the highway is expected to be in the millions.

Various panels and individual experts have weighed in, making recommendations that deserve full compliance. The state's consumer advocate has released a review of actions by the state's power utilities during and after the disaster. The report identified a need for more training at the utilities to improve response, which should be implemented if a repeat of O'ahu's islandwide blackout is to be averted.

In addition, the Governor's Comprehensive Communications Review Committee recently found that State Civil Defense has improved its emergency alert system and its links to key media outlets.

However, work must continue on making emergency broadcasts accessible to those not proficient in English or who use sign language. And more Neighbor Island radio stations need power backups to remain on the air.

What the 2006 temblor demonstrated is the need to be sure communication links are strong well in advance of disaster. Keeping the public informed is essential to the mission of keeping them safe.