Hawaiʻi Police Department
Administration
Major Samuel Jelsma
Phone: (808) 961-2265
Media Release
Pursuant to Governor David Ige’s Second and Fourth Supplementary Emergency Proclamation related to the COVID-19 pandemic, all persons entering the state or traveling interisland are required to self-quarantine for 14-days (exceptions granted for those performing emergency response or critical infrastructure functions, and medical purposes on inter-island travel).
Police Chief Paul Ferreira confirms that the Hawaiʻi Police Department is the agency responsible for the enforcement of the 14-day mandatory quarantine within Hawaiʻi County when violations occur.
Travelers arriving on Hawaiʻi Island are met by representatives of various State agencies at the airports, where they are medically screened and officially notified of the 14-day mandatory quarantine. In addition information is collected and verified on the traveler’s lodging accommodations while on the island. This information is compiled by the State agencies, who will also conduct periodic follow-ups with the traveler(s) to ensure compliance with the mandate.
The information collected on travelers is made available to the County and through the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, additional periodic follow-ups are conducted to ensure compliance with the mandate. The Hawaiʻi Police Department working in conjunction with the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense will conduct follow-up checks, investigations, and enforcement when notified of possible violations. In addition Officers on patrol during routine contacts with the public will have access to the list of quarantined travelers to determine if violations are occurring.
Any person found to be in violation of this quarantine requirement would be subject to a misdemeanor conviction, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to a year.
Chief Ferreira also relates his department is keenly aware of the sacrifices being made by the community with respect to the Governor’s proclamation and the department will be diligent in pursuing those individuals seeking to circumvent the quarantine restrictions.