An international terrorism expert says Hawaii officials will need strong leadership and to work close with the community to keep next year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting safe.

Rohan Gunaratna of the Singapore-based International Center for Political Violence and Terrorism Research said today while attending a security conference in Waikiki.

He says the team preparing security for Honolulu’s 2011 APEC meeting will need a visionary leader who’s able to pull together military, law enforcement and intelligence expertise.

Gunaratna is urging officials to work closely with the community so the public will report suspicious activity and prevent terrorism. He says the public can be the eyes and ears for authorities.