Rogue tourists arrested as Hawaii tries to curb virus spread

[TexasTowelie]

HONOLULU — Hawaii authorities are cracking down on rogue tourists who are visiting beaches, riding personal watercraft, shopping and generally flouting strict requirements that they quarantine for 14 days after arriving.

A newlywed California couple left their Waikiki hotel room repeatedly, despite being warned by hotel staff, and were arrested. Others have been arrested at a hotel pool, loading groceries into a vehicle outside a Costco and bringing take-out food back to a hotel room.

The rules, the strictest in any U.S. state, have helped keep infections relatively low. As of Wednesday, Hawaii reported 626 coronavirus cases and 17 deaths.

Yet the shutdown has devastated the islands’ economy, which is hugely dependent on tourism. Since March 26, when Hawaii put the rules in place, about 5,000 visitors have arrived, compared to pre-pandemic times when about 30,000 came daily.

Read more: https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2020/05/07/hawaii-news/rogue-tourists-arrested-as-hawaii-tries-to-curb-virus-spread/

[Jeebo]

1. You mean you can still get on a plane and fly to Hawaii?

But you have to stay in a hotel room for 14 days after you get there? How do you eat during those 14 days if you can't get groceries or go out for takeout? Do you have to just order room service without ever leaving your hotel room for those 14 days? Is that your ONLY food option?

I think I'll just stay where I am.

-- Ron

[msongs]

2. airports are federal, state cannot stop incoming. it could Keep them on the airport tho by

not allowing to leave airport property