Skip to content

Here's what could happen if you violate quarantine rules while traveling

May 02, 2020
2 min read
Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head Crater including the hotels and buildings in Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu island, Hawaii. Waikiki Beach in the center of Honolulu has the largest number of visitors in Hawaii
Here's what could happen if you violate quarantine rules while traveling
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

A California couple was arrested in Hawaii after blatantly disobeying the states self-quarantine mandate and refusing to sign the required quarantine acknowledgment at their hotel.

This all started on April 29, when the couple arrived at their Waikiki-area hotel to check in for their honeymoon. The front desk manager read the couple the requirements under Hawaii's self-quarantine order — that went into effect on March 26 — which states that all visitors will be required to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival.

Sign up for the free daily TPG newsletter for more tips and travel deals.

The couple allegedly "scoffed" at the front desk manager and refused to sign the acknowledgment, reported KITV4. The pair then shared that they had plans to meet up with friends and visit parks and beaches, claiming that the airport screeners assured them it would be okay.

Later that evening, the couple returned to the hotel with pizza and still refused to sign the acknowledgment, stating that they weren't violating any rules. The next morning, the hotel manager was informed that the two had left their hotel room again, which ultimately led to the couple's arrest.

The couple is now being charged for unsworn falsification to authority and violation of the 14-day quarantine under Hawaii Revised Statutes. The punishment for violating Hawaii's quarantine policy is a fine up to $5,000, and/or up to one year of jail time.

Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

This mandate has been in place for over a month and Hawaii is taking these orders seriously. With U.S. airlines issuing very lenient change and cancellation policies, we encourage travelers to postpone nonessential trips.

Related: Why traveling to Hawaii is worth it

Hawaii is a beautiful place to visit, but it's best enjoyed when you're able to truly explore all the islands have to offer without the limits of a 14-day quarantine.

Featured image by Getty Images/iStockphoto

TPG featured card

4 / 5
Go to review
Rewards rate
1XChoose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee
2XEarn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status + $300 of Bilt Cash
Annual fee
$495
Regular APR
26.74 - 34.74% variable
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Good Credit, Excellent Credit

Pros

  • Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
  • Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
  • $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
  • $200 Bilt Cash annually
  • Priority Pass membership
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons

  • Moderate annual fee
  • Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
  • Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
  • Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
  • 2X points on everyday spend
  • $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
  • $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
  • Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
  • Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
  • Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.