LIHU’E — The state of Hawai‘i’s oral motion to increase bail was denied Tuesday afternoon in Fifth Circuit Court for a Utah man accused of violating county government quarantine orders three times in a week.
The state ordered that David Barnes, 50, of Bountiful, Utah, be tested by a doctor for his fitness and capacity, as all of his charges are misdemeanors.
Barnes has charges of three separate violations of quarantine and a trespassing charge.
Barnes’ charges for violating quarantine were only a few days apart.
Barnes’ first violation occurred on Jan. 1, then he violated it again on Jan. 3 and proceeded to violate it on Jan. 4.
According to court documents, he was also charged with trespassing on the premises of the Kaua’i Marriot Resort &Beach Club.
Barnes arrived at Lihu‘e Airport on Dec. 28 after traveling from the mainland.
There, he was instructed to quarantine at an approved accommodation for 10 days.
According to a Kaua‘i Police Department press release, he did not have lodging in place when he arrived, and made reservations at the Sheraton Kaua‘i Coconut Beach Resort in Waipouli. Officials allowed him to leave the airport after reservations were confirmed.
According to two TikTok videos dated Dec. 27, Barnes had taken a COVID-19 test and gotten a negative result in anticipation of his trip to Kaua‘i.
Barnes proceeded to leave the airport on foot and reportedly walked to Costco Wholesale and proceeded to shop. The KPD arrested him that same day. According to the KPD, he was released on $1,000 bail and required to complete his travel quarantine.
Barnes’ TikTok account shows 83 videos posted since Dec. 28, many of which he tags the Kaua‘i Police Department. In several TikToks, Barnes verbally attacks the KPD and its officers and makes disrespectful references to the island.
In videos posted during his quarantine period, Barnes films himself watching television, having food delivered, and completing compliance checks from the Hawai‘i National Guard.
According to the court, his current bail remains at $11,000, and there will have a second bail hearing on this matter at 1 p.m. today in Fifth District Court.
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Jason Blasco, reporter, can be reached at 245-0437 or jblasco@thegardenisland.com.
