Two tourists were arrested at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii, for allegedly trying to bribe a screener to let them bypass a ten-day quarantine. Hawaii currently requires all travelers to submit proof of a negative COVID test that was taken within 72 hours of their arrival. Travelers who cannot provide proof of a negative test are required to quarantine for ten days.
When Johntrell White, 29, arrived at the airport, he allegedly offered the screener $2,000 if she let him skip the mandatory quarantine. Then, Nadia Bailey, 28, offered the screener an extra $1,000 if she would allow both of them into the state without having to spend ten days in quarantine. Officials said that neither of them had proof of negative test.
The screener refused to accept the bribe and contacted the police, who arrested White and Bailey. They were each charged with bribery and sent back home to Louisiana.
If convicted, they could face up to 15 years behind bars and a fine equal to the amount of the bribe.
Hawaii has seen a significant drop-off in travelers due to the coronavirus pandemic. In February 2019, airports reported between 25,000 and 35,000 passengers entered the state every day. This year, airports are reporting between 8,000 and 10,000 passengers arriving every day. More than half of the arrivals are tourists.
Photo: Getty Images