Hawaii County police are investigating several home burglaries that took place in the Keaukaha area of Hilo during the tsunami evacuation Saturday night. 

Police said eight homes were broken into on Kalanianaole Ave.

Detectives are investigating the cases as a “burglary of a dwelling during a civil defense emergency,” which is a Class A felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. 

Police ask that anyone with information about the thefts to  call Sergeant James Correa at (808) 961-2289 or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.  Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 in Hilo or (808) 329-8181 in Kona.