KPD Arrests 2 Men for Quarantine Violation

Within a week, two men were arrested for violating the state’s 14-day quarantine order related to COVID-19.

The first arrest occurred on June 5 when 25-year-old Benjamin McGranahan, of Canoga Park, California, was taken into custody at Līhu‘e Airport after refusing to abide by the 14-day quarantine rule, which requires all arriving visitors and returning residents to remain at an appropriate quarantine location for two weeks.

McGranahan posted $100 in bail on Monday. Kaua‘i police then escorted the 25-year-old to a quarantine location on the island. According to police, he will receive regular compliance checks by the Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD) and Hawai‘i National Guard personnel.

The second man taken into custody was 55-year-old Sean Wade of Captain Cook on the Big Island. According to police, he arrived on Kaua‘i on Monday and was later arrested after reportedly trespassing on a property in ‘Anini. He was released from KPD’s Detention Center on Tuesday and was escorted back to Līhu‘e Airport where he chose to return home to Hawai‘i island.

“We would like to remind everyone that even though the island is opening back up, Hawai‘i’s 14-day quarantine remains in effect for inter-island travel until June 16. For mainland travelers and arrivals, the 14-day quarantine will remain in effect even longer,” said Patrol Services Bureau Assistant Chief Mark Begley. “Kaua‘i police and/or the Hawai‘i National Guard remain posted daily at the Līhu‘e and other Kaua‘i airports where we continue to verify information on arriving individuals who are subject to the quarantine. Compliance checks are also conducted daily around the island to ensure the quarantine rules are being followed. These emergency measures are designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on Kaua‘i and to protect the health and safety of our community. We greatly appreciate the extensive support and partnership we have received from our community members and businesses, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, and our state and county partners.”

KPD has made a total of 16 arrests related to violations of the 14-day quarantine order since its implementation by Gov. David Ige on March 26.

To report a suspected violation of the 14-day quarantine order, authorities ask residents to call KPD Dispatch at 241-1711 or go online at https://kauaigov.seamlessdocs.com/f/covidvio.