Police arrest 3 protesters, cite another 5 at ‘reopen Hawaii’ rally in front of State Capitol
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
Honolulu police arrest a protester during a rally today at the Hawaii State Capitol in support of reopening the state of Hawaii’s businesses and economy at the State Capitol. At least three protesters were arrested and several others were cited at the protest.
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
People hold signs along Beretania Street during a rally today at the State Capitol in support of reopening the state of Hawaii’s businesses and economy.
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
Registered nurse Paula Gallagher, left, and two other healthcare professionals hold signs during a counterprotest at today’s “reopen Hawaii” rally at the State Capitol.
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
A protester is arrested by Honolulu police during a rally in support of reopening the state of Hawaii’s businesses and economy today.
Three people were arrested today during a rally at the Hawaii State Capitol to protest local government restrictions aimed at stopping COVID-19.
Organizers of the rally, which began at noon and was promoted online at change.org, called the restrictions an “illegal lockdown.” In addition to the arrests, five people were issued citations for violating emergency rules, according to the Honolulu Police Department.
About 200 participants demonstrated on the mauka pedestrian entryway of the Capitol with signs containing messages that included “Open Hawaii Be Akamai” and “Tyranny is nonessential.”
Honolulu Police Department officers moved in after a half-hour to enforce an emergency order from Gov. David Ige that prohibits gathering in public places.
The rally thinned out a bit by 1 p.m. but continued along nearby sidewalks.
Click here for more photos of today’s rally.
This story has been updated with Honolulu police officers issuing five citations. An earlier version, based on preliminary information from HPD, said at least 20 people were cited.
