Hawaii not messing around when it comes to enforcing tourist quarantines
Monday’s “wanted” post on the Maui Police Department Facebook page included all the information one would expect: a photo, physical description, phone number to call with information. And a description of the Colorado woman’s alleged offense: “violating the Rules and Orders for failure to quarantine.”
According to police, the 31-year-old tourist arrived on Maui on Friday, acknowledged the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine and said she would be at a hostel. Later, authorities got a call that she had canceled her reservation; when efforts to reach her failed, police took their search public.
The visitor dragnet is the latest example of how seriously Hawaii - a destination that attracted more than 10 million tourists last year - is treating the coronavirus threat posed by outsiders as new cases in the state have dwindled. Between May 12 and Tuesday, nine new cases have been reported statewide.
Gov. David Ige, a Democrat, on Tuesday extended the twoweek quarantine rule for all travelers who arrive in Hawaii through June 30.
For visitors, the rule means no leaving their hotel room for any reason but medical care.
No pool, spa or restaurant. No beach or shopping. Just room service and the same view for two weeks.
“You’re looking outside and it’s absolutely beautiful,” says Jerry Agrusa, an associate professor in the School of Travel Industry Management at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. “It’s like putting a kid in a candy store and not letting them buy anything. You can just look.”
Arriving passengers have to sign an order to confirm that they know about the quarantine and understand that violating it is a criminal offense that could land them a $5,000 fine and a year in prison.
They must also undergo a health screening and submit a form listing the place they’re staying - authorities will check to confirm reservations - and contact information.
More than 90% of hotels that are open are issuing room keys that can only be used once, according to the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association. Its president and chief executive, Mufi Hannemann, urged members in a message on the website not to give guests any extra chances if they break the quarantine.