A Utah man was arrested twice in Hawaii for violating a mandatory 10-day travel quarantine in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities said.
David Barnes, 50, from the city of Bountiful, arrived at Līhu‘e Airport on Dec. 28, after traveling from the mainland, the County of Kaua‘i said on Facebook.
Officials instructed him to quarantine at an approved accommodation for 10 days, as required, authorities said.
Although he did not have a place to stay when he arrived, he made reservations at the Sheraton Kaua‘i Coconut Beach Resort in Kapa‘a — and was allowed to leave the airport once those reservations were confirmed, officials said.
But instead of heading to the resort, Barnes allegedly walked to Costco, where he went shopping.
He was arrested for violating the state’s emergency COVID-19 rules, released on $1,000 bail and required to complete his travel quarantine.
He then checked into the Kaua‘i Inn in Līhu‘e — but did not stay there, officials said.
He was arrested again on Jan. 5, charged with three more counts of violating the governor and mayor’s orders, and one count of simple trespass, according to authorities.
Barnes allegedly violated the order on New Year’s Day, and then again on Jan. 3 and 4, The Garden Island reported.
Court documents obtained by the outlet reveal the trespassing incident occurred on the grounds of the Kaua’i Marriott Resort & Beach Club.
Two Tik Tok videos Barnes posted on Dec. 27 show that he went for a COVID-19 test in anticipation of his Kaua‘i trip, and the results were negative, according to the report.
Since Dec. 28, he posted 83 more videos — several in which he blasted the Kaua‘i Police Department and made disrespectful references to the island, according to the report.
Some clips show him completing compliance checks from the Hawaii National Guard, having food delivered and watching TV, the outlet reported.
“This place is tyranny,” Barnes said in one video obtained by FOX 13 Salt Lake City. “Kauai Communist Party. I’m a Chinese spy sent to Kauai sent by TikTok to f–k with Kauai and its people.”
“What a drag!” he groused in another clip.
A motion by the state to increase Barnes’ bail was denied Tuesday, according to the Island.
Because all Barnes’ charges are misdemeanors, the state ordered Barnes to be tested by a doctor for his fitness and capacity.
A second bail hearing will be held at 1 p.m. local time Wednesday.