Demand Warning Signs at Lumaha'i Beach: Save Lives

The Issue

On March 5th, 2022, Matthew Preziose, with his soulmate, Nick, on a vacation in the paradise destination of Hawaii, went for a swim in the waters of Lumaha'i Beach at the suggestion from a local tour guide. The day turned into a tragic and horrible nightmare when Matt became distressed in a rip current that was sweeping him out to sea. Nick attempted to save Matt but, unfortunately, was unable to. After an exhausting three day search, Matt was never found. 

The locals hang up signs WARNING the tourists of danger at this beach, no lifeguards, giant waves, riptides, strong currents. The county of Kauai rips these warning signs down for sake of saving their #1 resource: TOURISM. Googling "best places to swim" will result in the beach of Lumah’i being ranked as one of the first. Tour guides suggest to tourists to swim here. 

It is time to prioritize SAFETY over money. Sign this petition to demand official warning signs be posted on the beach of Lumaha'i warning others to avoid swimming in the dangerous waters. It could save lives and prevent another tragedy from occurring. With enough traction, the government officials of Kauai County will be pressured to create change. 

This petition was created in loving memory and honor of Matthew Preziose, a light to everyone who met him, especially his dear family and friends.

10,064

The Issue

On March 5th, 2022, Matthew Preziose, with his soulmate, Nick, on a vacation in the paradise destination of Hawaii, went for a swim in the waters of Lumaha'i Beach at the suggestion from a local tour guide. The day turned into a tragic and horrible nightmare when Matt became distressed in a rip current that was sweeping him out to sea. Nick attempted to save Matt but, unfortunately, was unable to. After an exhausting three day search, Matt was never found. 

The locals hang up signs WARNING the tourists of danger at this beach, no lifeguards, giant waves, riptides, strong currents. The county of Kauai rips these warning signs down for sake of saving their #1 resource: TOURISM. Googling "best places to swim" will result in the beach of Lumah’i being ranked as one of the first. Tour guides suggest to tourists to swim here. 

It is time to prioritize SAFETY over money. Sign this petition to demand official warning signs be posted on the beach of Lumaha'i warning others to avoid swimming in the dangerous waters. It could save lives and prevent another tragedy from occurring. With enough traction, the government officials of Kauai County will be pressured to create change. 

This petition was created in loving memory and honor of Matthew Preziose, a light to everyone who met him, especially his dear family and friends.

The Decision Makers

Former State House of Representatives
3 Members
John M. Mizuno
Former State House of Representatives - Hawaii-28
Scott K. Saiki
Former State House of Representatives - Hawaii-26
Dee Morikawa
Former State House of Representatives - Hawaii-16
Brian Schatz
U.S. Senate - Hawaii
David Ige
Former Governor - Hawaii
Patrick Porter
Patrick Porter
Parks & Rec Director for Kauai County

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Petition created on March 11, 2022