Quarantine violations in court

LIHU‘E — A couple that allegedly broke the state’s COVID-19 mandatory 14-day quarantine emergency order pleaded not guilty during separate hearings Wednesday morning.

Adam Schwarze of Hawai‘i and Desiree Marvin of Alexandria, Virginia were arrested by the Kaua‘i Police Department on April 10 after flying from O‘ahu on Southwest Airlines, the department reported.

Schwarze and Marvin, charged separately, both waived their rights to a jury trial and will appear for a trial setting on Sept. 8.

Both appeared by phone from Washington, D.C., where they are currently with a sick family member. In June, both Schwarze and Marvin were granted permission to travel out of state. A motion to amend the couple’s leave of jurisdiction was granted by District Court Judge Michael Soong to the September court date.

According to a preliminary report, the couple were advised of the state’s 14-day quarantine order upon arrival. Part of this rule requires travelers to head directly to their quarantine lodging.

KPD reported that the couple turned in the opposite direction of their stated destination. The couple was stopped again, where they were advised of the quarantine order and to go to their quarantine location.

About an hour and a half since a KPD officer observed the unoccupied rental vehicle in the parking lot of the Princeville Foodland, where they were arrested. Both posted $100 bails.

This misdemeanor charge has a penalty of up to $5,000 in fines and/or up-to one year in prison.