Responsibility of Visitor Safety

       Many visitors on this island plan exciting excursions in hopes to experience what nature has to offer. Little do they know the dangers they may face along the way. The island of Hawaii is constantly having to deal with accidents on our most popular attractions. Some say the visitor is to blame, and others, the location. I, on the other hand, would have to blame the property owner because they are responsible for installing warning signs, taking care of the land, and putting restrictions on the property.

       Keeping up with the property's maintenance needs is the first step to ensure the safety of all visitors. The County of Maui apologized for the lack of warning signs after David Potts' death from being striked by a large wave. The property owner should be the most familiar with the location and what it is capable of. Therefore, they should warn visitors of any hazards that might jeopardize their safety. Taking care of the land is another task the property owner should be aware of. Something as simple as keeping the area free from litter will prevent injury. Paula Ramirez and Elizabeth Brem both died after walking off an area of a cliff hidden by vegetation.  Fences can only be built with the authorization of the property owner. Restrictions are needed to alert the visitors of where they are allowed to be and where they should stay away from. Property owners have a great deal of responsibility when it comes to protecting everyone that steps foot onto their land.

       The property owner is responsible for the safety of all visitors because they are in charge of installing warning signs, taking care of the land, and putting restrictions where needed. It's hard to put the blame on the property because the outdoors can be very unpredictable. Weather can also add on to the list of hazards. The people should use their common sense where ever they go. They need to understand the possible dangers before even entering the property. The visitors can't be fully blamed because they can make careless mistakes just like everyone else. As you can see, the property owner, location, and visitors all have some part in causing an accident, but the property owner should have complete responsibility because it is their land after all.