KPD Arrests Wainiha Man for Violating 14-Day Quarantine

Michael Rowan. Photo courtesy of KPD

Kaua‘i police arrested 64-year-old Michael Rowan of Wainiha on Tuesday for violating Hawai‘i’s 14-day quarantine emergency rules pertaining to Covid-19, according to a news release from the County of Kaua‘i.

The quarantine requires that all trans-Pacific travelers stay in an approved accommodation for 14 days, including having food delivered, except for emergency medical purposes.

Rowan arrived on a direct Delta flight from Los Angeles International Airport on Aug. 2. According to a police report, Rowan claimed to be a returning resident, but selected the Kaua‘i Palms Hotel as his quarantine location.

On Tuesday, Rowan was reported to have left his room three times and approached hotel staff in the lobby while not wearing a mask on those occasions.

Police responded to the hotel and Rowan was arrested at around 1:15 p.m. for violating the state’s emergency Covid-19 rules.

He has since posted $1,000 in bail and was escorted by police back to his quarantine location for the remainder of his 14 days of quarantine.

KPD has made 60 arrests to-date for violations of the 14-day quarantine emergency rules. All individuals who are arrested are subject to up to one year in jail and/or up to $5,000 in fines.

Kaua‘i police and Hawai‘i National Guard personnel continue to maintain a daily checkpoint at the Līhu‘e Airport where all travelers are reminded of the quarantine requirements for anyone who has traveled outside Hawai‘i during the prior 14 days. Travelers from both direct Mainland flights and interisland flights are screened for this purpose.

KPD reminds the public that there are follow-up protocols in place to monitor and confirm that all arrivals who are subject to quarantine continue to comply for the full 14 days after their arrival.