×

Man gets 10 days in jail for violating emergency rules

WAILUKU — A judge told a man to “start paying attention, follow the rules,” as he was sentenced to 10 days in jail for twice violating emergency rules by not wearing a face mask.

Matthew Greer, 42, pleaded guilty Monday to two counts of violating public health emergency rules, attempted third-degree assault, criminal littering and failure to appear.

His latest arrest occurred Saturday at Azeka Shopping Center Mauka in Kihei when security officers responded to a disorderly conduct report, Deputy Prosecutor Lu’ukia Nakanelua said during a hearing Monday in Wailuku District Court.

She said Greer took several swings at two security officers. While fleeing, he picked up his belongings, including clothing and trash, then left the trash on the roadway, Nakanelua said.

“He was observed not wearing a mask,” she said.

Greer also was cited for not wearing a mask Feb. 11 on a sidewalk at Azeka Mauka, then failed to appear in court March 18, she said.

He was sentenced to two- and five-day jail terms for two other emergency rules violations by not wearing a mask on Jan. 19 and Feb. 26, Nakanelua said.

Deputy Public Defender William Pannell said Greer was homeless and hasn’t been working for a while.

When Judge Blaine Kobayashi asked Greer when he last had a job, he said, “I do recycle almost on a daily basis, but officially it’s been a year or two.”

He said he previously had been cleaning bars at Kihei Kalama Village and was looking for work.

“Given the fact that you have prior convictions for similar charges, I think you should thank your attorney for getting this plea agreement,” Kobayashi said in sentencing Greer. “If you continue to engage in the kind of behavior you have been engaging in, the penalty goes up each time you get convicted.

“Start paying attention, follow the rules. Follow the law and be a law-abiding citizen.”

Greer also was ordered to perform 54 hours of community service and to pay $225 in fees.

A 10-day jail term also was imposed on a 30-year-old Montana man who pleaded guilty Monday to violating public health emergency rules.

Police said Joshua Poor arrived on Maui on Friday without an approved negative COVID-19 test and without lodging to complete the mandatory 10-day travel quarantine.

* 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