UPDATE (5:35 p.m.) – The Hawai’i Police Department reports that Kuakini Highway in Kailua-Kona is now open. “This roadway was closed due to a suspicious device being located, this device has been properly removed and addressed,” police said in an alert. “The Hawai’i Police Department thanks the public for their patience and understanding.”

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii – A shopping mall and part of a road in Kona are closed because of a suspicious device.

Early this morning, a shop owner discovered a suspicious package had been placed at the door to his business at the King Kamehameha Mall.

After Hawaii County Police consulted with the U.S. Army Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team, they evacuated the mall and formed a perimeter around the area. As a result, Kuakini Highway, from Palani Road to Kaiwi Street was closed to traffic and is expected to remain closed through the afternoon.

Police Sergeant Rollin Rabara says they will reopen the road as soon as the EOD team gives the all clear.

Sherry Bracken contributed to this report. Photos courtesy Maggie Brown via Facebook.