Hawai´i Special Agents Conduct Quarantine Compliance Checks

Special Agents of the Hawai´i Department of the Attorney General’s Investigation Division did a sweep of quarantine locations to check for compliance on Friday, April 30, 2021.

These agents have conducted quarantine compliance checks since August of 2020, primarily at Waikīkī hotels, to ensure traveler compliance with COVID-19 emergency rules.  

To date, there have been 55 arrests for travel self-quarantine violations, according to a report from the State of Hawai´i. The state added that the primary focus of these operations is to educate travelers and to touch base during their quarantine periods and to address incidences of travelers attempting to work around the system. 

As part of last Friday’s operation, special agents visited 10 hotels. Prior to engaging in their compliance checks, they coordinated with hotel security staff to compare lists of travelers subject to the 10-day mandatory self-quarantine. 

Deputy Chief Special Agent (DCSA) Paul Jones said, “We’re just trying to keep people honest and accountable, and let residents know that even though enforcement is difficult with some visitors playing the system, so to speak to avoid quarantine, we’re out there doing what we can to protect them.” 

Hilton Hawaiian Village Director of Security Jerry Dolak said the predominant reason guests are required to quarantine is because they failed to use one of the State’s approved testing methods. The Hilton property has one entire floor reserved for quarantining guests and ensures food is delivered to travelers’ rooms. Housekeeping services are not provided until they check out. 

Opponents of the actions have called the compliance checks a waste of financial resources and the quarantining itself as a violation of travelers’ rights.