Hawaii island police arrested two people after they were allegedly squatting in a vacant home in Leilani Estates on Christmas Day.

Police arrested a man and a woman, both 47, on Dec. 25 on suspicion of trespassing.

Officers responded to complaints of trespassers at a vacant home near the 3500 block of Maile Street shortly before 11:20 a.m. When police arrived, they found the suspects illegally occupying the residence.

Officers also found a firearm. In addition to trespassing, the male suspect was arrested on suspicion of possession of an altered weapon.

Some empty homes in the Leilani Estates subdivision have been a target of squatting and looting after some residents were forced to vacate their homes in the wake of the Kilauea eruption.

The Hawaii County Police Department is working with affected residents and the Leilani Community Association to tackle the problem.

In a news release, Capt. Kenneth Quiocho, commander of the Puna District, said, “We have met several times on the issues related to the community concerns in Leilani, and are working toward keeping the area safe for the residents who have already been through such a tragic event with the lava and damage to their homes, neighborhoods and lives.”