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

Police said repeated efforts to evict the eight Puna residents, who were former tenants, from the foreclosed home on Kapalai Road in Kurtistown were unsuccessful.

An eviction notice was served 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,” police said in a news release.

During a check of the house Aug. 5, police said a woman outside the house “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, when the door was voluntarily opened and the eight adults arrested. They 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; and Barbara Elderts, 83.

Bail for each was set at $1,000.