UPDATE – (8:45 p.m.) – Police arrested a man that they say is responsible for the bomb threat that closed down a large area in Keaʻau on Tuesday. 

(BIVN) – The public is being asked to avoid an area in Keaʻau for the next several hours due to police activity.

The Hawai‘i Police Department issued an alert message at 1:25 p.m., warning the motorists to avoid the area near the intersection of Pili Mua Street and Old Volcano Road.

“Old Volcano Road is closed between Highway 11 and Keaʻau-Pāhoa Road,” police reported. “Pedestrians and residents in the immediate area are also advised to remain clear of the scene for their safety.”

UPDATE – (8:45 p.m.) – The closure was later confirmed by police to be in response to a bomb threat made at a post office in the Kea‘au Shopping Center.