LĪHU‘E, HAWAII – Kaua‘i police arrested 43-year-old Michael Pectol of Pacific Grove, California on Tuesday night for violating Hawai‘i’s 14-day quarantine emergency rules pertaining to COVID-19. The quarantine requires that all trans-Pacific visitors and returning residents stay in an approved accommodation for 14 days, including having food delivered, except for emergency medical purposes.
Pectol arrived on a direct Delta flight from Los Angeles International Airport around 5:20 p.m.
“When he arrived, he attempted to deceive our police detectives into believing that he was going to make the proper accommodations at a local hotel for the duration of his quarantine period,” said Patrol Services Bureau Assistant Chief Mark Begley. “But when the detectives followed up on the matter, it was determined that he did not make proper accommodations and was attempting to avoid the Governor’s requirement.”
Pectol was subsequently arrested at approximately 8 p.m., and after receiving a medical evaluation and clearance at Wilcox Hospital, was taken to Kauaʽi Police Department’s detention center where he is currently being held on $1,000 bail.
KPD has made 48 arrests to-date for violations of the 14-day quarantine emergency rules. All 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 visitors and returning residents are required to stop after arriving on the island.
