Literal translation
The sea snatches the bundle, it is gone; It goes when one is not watchful.
Tsunami interpretation
A person who fails to watch out often loses. Never turn your back on the sea.

This Hawaiian proverb is as important today as it was in the past. Although Hawaii has a tsunami warning siren system to alert us to evacuate, the sirens do not cover all coasts, and in some cases, sirens could be weaker than the sounds of heavy surf or strong winds. It is also possible that a local tsunami may strike the coast before a warning is issued or siren sounds. Please respect and appreciate the ancient Hawaiians who, with this proverb, hoped to save more lives in future generations than were tragically and needlessly lost in the past.