Four O'ahu men have been charged with animal cruelty after Honolulu police raided a Nānākuli cockfight attended by an estimated 500 people Saturday afternoon.

Officers served a search warrant at 87-1029 Hakimo Road and had to cut the lock to gain entry, said Sgt. Darryl Castillo.

"There's been a lot of chicken fights on Hakimo Road," Castillo said. "They have their own security. Officers went to the location about three weeks ago and were challenged by the security."

The four men charged were most likely chicken handlers, Castillo said.

They are:

• Malosi Frank Lavatai, 18, of the Hakimo Road address. He posted $2,000 bail on charges of cruelty to animals.

• Joseph Lai, 44, of 'Olu'olu Street, Waimā- nalo. He posted $2,000 bail on charges of cruelty to animals.

• Patrick Takahashi, 30, of Waipahu, who posted $3,000 bail on charges of cruelty to animals and possessing a prohibited gaff, which is attached to the legs of fighting chickens.

• Loreto Arzagi Jr., 35, of Waipahu, who posted $3,000 bail on charges of cruelty to animals and possessing a prohibited gaff.

"There have been sporadic cockfights in the area," Castillo said. "Someone heard there was to be a derby."