Wainiha Man Arrested After Violating 14-Day Quarantine Mandate

A Wainiha man was arrested for violating the governor’s 14-day mandatory quarantine in place due to COVID-19. This is Kaua‘i Police Department’s 60th arrest to date for violation of the statewide emergency rule.

Michael Rowan was arrested Tuesday at Kaua‘i Palms Hotel after reportedly leaving his room three times and approaching hotel staff in the lobby while not wearing a mask on those occasions. 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.

The 64-year-old arrived to the Garden Island on a direct Delta flight from Los Angeles International Airport on Aug. 2. While he claimed to be a returning resident, he selected the hotel as his quarantine location.

KPD 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. All individuals who are arrested for violating the quarantine are subject to up to one year in jail and/or up to $5,000 in fines.