Every year, thousands visit the island of Hawaii for vacation. This island is filled with breathtaking landscapes and tourism spots, however these can be dangerous to tourists who are unaware of the potential risks. On July 29th 2017, my father Joe Barbieri drowned at the popular tourist site known as the Nakalele Blowhole. He was swept into the water, where he was unable to survive the relentless rip current. The rugged waters and terrain make this spot especially dangerous, even to the best swimmers. Joe is not the only person to have lost their life or get injured at this site. Others have also drowned, fallen from rocks or have been sucked into the blowhole itself. The potential dangers of this site need to be known. My family wishes that the county of Maui, its resorts and community would make it a priority to warn tourists and locals about the risks of the Nakalele Blowhole and similar natural attractions. Residents of Hawaii have expressed that such warnings and signs will deter tourists from visiting, however the safety of visitors should be priority. If you agree, please consider signing this petition.

I write this petition as a call to action for Maui/Hawaii officials to do the following:

-Put up warning signs at and around the Nakalele Blowhole, informing visitors of the potential risks and how to promote safety

-Have multiple Rescue Buoys available at the Nakalele Blowhole site AND more buoys in the water

-Block off/restrict dangerous areas if possible

-Encourage those who work in where there are a high volume of tourists (ie resorts, hotels, airports) to remind visitors about how to be safe on the island when possible. Prevention is key.

If these changes ARE made, it will help public safety in Maui and it will bring peace to my family to know that some positivity grew out of Joe’s death.

If these changes ARE NOT made, then more people will suffer tragedy that could be preventable. Hawaii is supposed to be a place of leisure, nature and beauty...no one should feel unsafe.

I would also like to ask that anyone reading this petition please tell my fathers story to those who visit Hawaii, or share this petition to educate others about the potential dangers of the Nakalele Blowhole and similar sites.

Stay healthy, stay safe. Thank you.