Hawaii State Authorities Arrest Honeymooners After Violating Quarantine Rules

Special agents of the Department of the Attorney General in Hawaii arrested 20-year-old Borice Leouskiy and 26-year-old Yuliia Andreichenko of Citrus Heights, California, for violating quarantine policies of the state. The California honeymooners were among the latest to be arrested by authorities for violating the state’s mandatory self-quarantine for travelers.

Two-Week Self-Quarantine Rule

Hawaii became the first U.S. state to impose a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine order for travelers arriving at the islands. The rule took effect on March 26 and was modified on April 1 to include inter-island travelers.

Since that time, state officials reported only 4,638 travelers visited the islands for pleasure or business. It was a far cry from the 856,250 visitors recorded in the same period last year. Despite the imposition of the rule, however, the daily average out-of-state visitors coming to the islands since tourism lockdowns started in March has reportedly increased slightly.

Visitors Were Aware Of The Rule

According to a report by local news station KHON, the couple was made aware by the hotel staff about the state’s requirements as regards the two-week self-quarantine rule. A hotel representative told KHON the information was made available to the couple upon arrival at the Waikiki hotel Wednesday night.

Hotel staff said, however, that the couple mocked the instruction and claimed that the information contradicted what was told them by airport screeners. They also informed the hotel staff they were planning to visit some friends and also would like to go to the beaches during the isolation period.

They reportedly left the hotel premises, and upon returning, they were already carrying a box of pizza with them. When the hotel manager asked the visitors about it, they claimed they were allowed to leave and buy food.

Left The Hotel Again

The following day, the newlyweds reportedly left the Waikiki hotel again, prompting the management to notify authorities. The couple was subsequently arrested and charged with violating the 14-day quarantine rule of the state.

State Attorney General Clare Connors, expressed her appreciation for the cooperation and vigilance of the hotel staff in helping maintain the safety and health of residents and visitors. “It is important that everyone flying into Hawaii at this time, abide by our mandatory rules,” Attorney General Clare Connors said.