Eight people claiming Hawaiian sovereignty rights were arrested Friday for illegally squatting in a home in Kurtistown on Hawaii island.

Police said repeated efforts by a Realtor to evict the eight Puna residents from the foreclosed home on Kapalai Road in Kurtistown were unsuccessful. There had been former tenants.

State sheriffs served an eviction notice on July 25 to squatters in one of two homes on the property, police said. “Several of the adults present were confrontational, refusing to identify themselves, but all 12 persons (adults and children) left the property with their belongings. The Realtor later changed the locks on the doors,” police said in a press release.

During a check of the house on Aug. 5, police said “a woman outside the house who immediately went inside, secured the door and refused to come out, arguing that she had Hawaiian Sovereignty rights allowing occupancy of the house and property,”

On Friday police returned and said they were prepared to force entry into the home if necessary, but those inside voluntarily opened the door.

The eight adults were arrested, but refused to be fingerprinted or photographed, claiming Hawaiian sovereignty.

Police said no children were present, and the Humane Society was contacted to remove seven dogs.

Those arrested and charged with first-degree criminal trespassing were:

Tiana Kaniaupio, 19

Sarah Kanuha, 35

Herman Elderts Jr., 37

Shaun Kanuha, 40

Victoria Elderts, 58

Herman Elderts Sr., 65

William Elderts, 73

Barbara Elderts, 83

Bail was set for each at $1,000.