8 Occupy Honolulu protesters released from police custody
Demonstrators of the Occupy Honolulu protest group are arrested by Honolulu police, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, in Honolulu. Honolulu Police arrested between seven or eight protestors after they refused to leave park property and did not provide a State ID when asked. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC begin in Honolulu next week. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)
A woman walks by several police cars near Thomas Square, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, in Honolulu. Honolulu Police arrested between seven or eight Occupy Honolulu protestors after they refused to leave park property and did not provide a State ID when asked. Protestors claimed the police arrested their members when they refused to move off the public sidewalk. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC begin in Honolulu next week. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)
Demonstrators of the Occupy Honolulu protest group are arrested by Honolulu police, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, in Honolulu. Honolulu Police arrested between seven or eight protestors after they refused to leave park property and did not provide a State ID when asked. Protestors claimed the police arrested their members when they refused to move off the public sidewalk. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC begin in Honolulu next week. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)
An Occupy Honolulu demonstrator is arrested by Honolulu police, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, in Honolulu. Honolulu Police arrested between seven or eight protestors after they refused to leave park property and did not provide a State ID when asked. Protestors claimed the police arrested their members when they refused to move off the public sidewalk. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC begin in Honolulu next week. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)
Members of the Occupy Honolulu protest group sit on the sidewalk near Thomas Square, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, in Honolulu. Honolulu Police arrested between seven or eight protestors after they refused to leave park property and did not provide a State ID when asked. Protestors claimed the police arrested their members when they refused to move off the public sidewalk. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC begin in Honolulu next week. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)
A demonstrator named Jim, holds a protest sign while sitting near his tent close to Thomas Park, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, in Honolulu. Honolulu Police arrested between seven or eight protestors after they refused to leave park property and did not provide a State ID when asked. Protestors claimed the police arrested their members when they refused to move off the public sidewalk. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC begin in Honolulu next week. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)
Eight Occupy Honolulu protesters arrested Saturday night after trying to establish an encampment at Thomas Square have been released, according to police.
The protesters were among some 40 people who gathered at the park Saturday night. They were arrested after refusing to leave after 10 p.m., the park’s official closing time.
The group’s website reported that the eight arrested faced a cumulative $1,700 in bail but the Honolulu Police Department’s booking section said all eight were released without having to post bail.
Some 20 police officers arrived late Saturday at the park near downtown Honolulu. Members of Occupy Honolulu had said earlier Saturday that they planned to begin camping at the park starting at its 10 p.m. closing time.
The Honolulu protesters are part of a broader movement that is largely demonstrating against disparities in the nation’s economic system.
Honolulu organizers said they also stood “in solidarity” with the homeless who are being forced from the streets and parks as the city prepares this week to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.
