LIHU‘E — Famous record producer and music mogul Rick Rubin, who pled no contest to a disorderly-conduct charge, was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine Tuesday afternoon in Fifth District Court.
Rubin appeared in Fifth District Court via a Zoom teleconference. Another man, presumed by the court to be his handler David Mills, stood next to him during the conference, and was told he was not allowed to speak during the hearing.
Rubin, 57, opted out of making a statement on his behalf when he told Judge Michael Soong, “No, thank you.”
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tyler Saito argued Rubin knew of Kaua‘i County’s COVID-19 protocol and restrictions before he arrived at Lihu‘e Airport on Sept. 1.
Rubin’s attorney, Craig De Costa, told the judge and the prosecutor that Rubin was confused about the rules.
De Costa further said Rubin was following doctor’s orders to get additional exercise when he was charged with a COVID-19 violation after violating the required quarantine on Sept. 2.
For the quarantine violation, Rubin potentially faced a maximum sentence of one year in jail or a $5,000 fine.
“(Rubin) had no intention of coming into contact with anyone on the beach (in front of his home),” De Costa said.
Rubin, who was cited walking on an empty ‘Anini Beach near his lodging location and near no one but a member of the paparazzi, committed the alleged violation during Kaua‘i’s mandatory 14-day quarantine period for off-island visitors.
Rubin, who has approximately a $250-million net worth, according to celebritynetworth.com and is the co-founder of Def Jam Records with Russell Simmons, was ordered by the court to pay a $1,000 fine within the next three months in order to be in compliance with his plea agreement.
•••
Jason Blasco, reporter, can be reached at 245-0437 or jblasco@thegardenisland.com.
