#Surgeon General Jerome Adams cited for breaking Hawaii COVID-19 rules

US Surgeon General Jerome Adams was reportedly slapped with a citation for violating coronavirus lockdown rules in Hawaii.

Adams, who was helping out with a spike of cases on the island this summer, received the citation dated Aug 23, for congregating in a park that was closed to the public during the pandemic to prevent crowded gatherings, Axios first reported.

“Observed ADAMS in Kualoa Regional Park with two other males standing, looking at the view taking pictures,” wrote the officer who ticketed the federal official.

The park, located on Oahu’s northeastern coast, is known for its views of the unique, cone-shaped Mokolii island.

Adams allegedly told the officer he didn’t know the park was closed.

“ADAMS stated he is visiting here to work with the governor for COVID,” the officer wrote. “ADAMS stated he did not know the parks were closed and could not be there.”

He has a court date for the citation scheduled for Oct. 21.

Days after the citation, Adams joined Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell for a news conference announced a federal push to increase coronavirus testing on the islands.

“I’m proud of you, Hawaii. I’m proud of every single one of you who has sacrificed over the past several months,” Adams said at the time, WHIO reported. “And to the people who are lapsing a little bit, I want you to understand that a little bit of fun right now can result in shutdowns further on down the road. It’s important that we all do the right things right now, even if we don’t feel we are personally at risk.”

The surgeon general’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.