×

Man is arrested for rule violation

Citations grow to 53 as residents call police nonemergency line to report rule infractions

WAILUKU — A man who was reported to be yelling and swearing at people in Kihei was arrested Wednesday for violating public health emergency rules, as the total number of citations issued for such violations increased to 53.

People have been calling the police nonemergency number to report violations of the emergency stay-at-home rules issued by Mayor Michael Victorino, said Maui police spokeswoman Lt. Audra Sellers.

“Officers are out there trying to talk to the people and educate them and also write citations,” Sellers said. “Unfortunately, some people don’t learn.”

The rules call for people to stay at home unless they’re doing essential activities.

County beach parks are closed and beaches are open only for essential activities, including fishing, swimming, surfing and stand-up paddling alone or with immediate household members. Exercise, such as running and walking, is allowed.

Charles Powell, 53, who gave no local address, was arrested at about 7:30 a.m. Wednesday for violating the public health emergency rules after police responded to a report of a man yelling and swearing at people near St. Theresa Church in Kihei, according to an affidavit filed in court to support his arrest.

Officers were directed to nearby Azeka Makai shopping center, where Powell was seen sitting on a stolen red motorcycle, police reported.

Officers had made contact with Powell three times Tuesday and twice Wednesday for being disorderly, and he had been warned and reprimanded to abide by the emergency rules over several days, police said.

He was charged with violating public health emergency rules and disorderly conduct, with his bail set at $300.

As of Thursday afternoon, police reported 53 citations for violating public health emergency rules had been issued since Saturday. Most of the citations were issued in the Kihei district, which tallied 38, followed by Molokai with seven. Five citations were issued in the Hana district, and one each were given in the Wailuku, Lanai and Lahaina districts.

On Wednesday, police records showed about 40 calls reporting violations of the emergency rules in locations throughout the county. No citations were issued Wednesday, police reported.

* Lila Fujimoto can be reached at lfujimoto@mauinews.com.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?
     
Support Local Journalism on Maui

Only $99/year

Subscribe Today