Hawaii Island faces another storm threat with nearly 9K still out of power
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Around 8,800 customers are still without power and utility officials expect nearly all impacted customers on Hawai‘i Island to be restored today, except for those in remote and severely damaged areas.
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The hardest-hit district of Kaʻū is not expected to regain power until Sept. 8.
Meanwhile, Hawaiian Electric said power has already been restored to all customers impacted by the storm on Oahu and Maui, two days earlier than its Friday target.
Work is still underway to the electrical systems on each island, and crews continue to work on small pocket outages and individual service lines, HECO noted.
“We don’t know exactly how strong the storm will be when it passes through, you know, what the effects are and what its impacts might be,” said Darren Pai, HECO spokesperson. “We’re trying to get as many customers back and restored as possible before the storm gets here.”
Estimated restoration times are based on the best information available at the time. Times may be adjusted due to access issues, additional damage, unsafe conditions, or specialized equipment. The list below focuses on larger or more complex outage areas that are estimated to take longer to fully restore. The purpose of this list is to enable customers to make plans based on estimated restoration times.
| Estimated Restoration | Area |
|---|---|
| Within 24 hours for most, extended outages for some |
|
| Beyond 48 hours, significant extended outage possible |
|
| 5–7 days |
|
| By Sept. 8 for full restoration; many sooner |
|
Crews stabilize grid ahead of next storm
Crews continue to work on stabilizing the systems, repairing damage, and safely restoring as many customers as possible across service territories ahead of a new potential storm system approaching the state. With another storm on the way, Hawaiian Electric is urging customers to review their emergency plans, ensure they have supplies on hand, and closely monitor weather updates.
Free emergency preparation and safety tips are available on hawaiianelectric.com/stormcenter or via their downloadable Handbook for Emergency Preparedness, which is offered in multiple languages and a children’s version.
RELATED LINK: Download Hawaii News Now’s hurricane kit checklist
Power outage maps by county
Check for updates and report outages
In addition to outage maps, HECO recommends following them online, and on their social media accounts on Twitter/X @HwnElectric, @mauielectric, and @hielectriclight, and on Facebook.
The company released maps with estimated times of restoration for areas that remain without power.
On Kauaʻi, follow KIUC on Facebook or signup for text or email outage notifications via SmartHub.
California crews assist on Hawaiʻi Island
To help speed up recovery, mutual assistance utility workers from Southern California Edison have deployed to Hawaiʻi Island, joining more than 500 local employees and contractors working to restore some of the hardest-hit areas that saw severe flash flooding and extreme winds.
Lala passed south of Hawaii first as a hurricane, then a tropical storm. Hawaiian Electric said flooding, uprooted trees and unstable ground limited crew access and slowed restoration efforts.
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Crews were forced to temporarily suspend work during the peak of the storm because high winds made it unsafe for workers to operate bucket trucks 30 to 40 feet in the air.
The utility said several major transmission lines — the backbone of the power grid — were heavily damaged. Because some span miles of mountainous terrain, repairs could be especially difficult and may require crews to hike into affected areas. To help assess these rugged locations, damage assessments by helicopter and drones began on Hawaiʻi Island and Maui on Sunday, and on Oʻahu on Monday.
Report downed power lines
Customers in Hawaii, Maui, and Honolulu counties can call Hawaiian Electric’s Trouble Lines to report any downed power lines, which should always be treated as energized and dangerous.
Customers on Kauaʻi can call the Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative at (808) 246-4300.
Safety guidelines during outages
Utility officials are urging residents to stay away from downed power lines, flooding, and debris, as dangerous conditions persist. Downed power lines should always be treated as energized and dangerous. The public must stay at least 30 feet away and immediately report any sparking electrical equipment.
If you are using a portable generator, make sure it is placed in a well-ventilated area outside the home, and be sure to carefully follow all instructions in the manufacturer’s manual.
Drivers should also use caution around crews working along roadways and treat intersections with non-working traffic signals as four-way stops.
Click here for additional safety information.
Filing damage claims
Hawaiian Electric is warning customers about misinformation circulating regarding filing claims after a power outage.
Hawaiian Electric is not responsible for losses “caused by accident, storm, fire, strikes, riots, war, public safety power shutoff or any cause not within the company’s control through the exercise of reasonable diligence and care.”
Uncovered losses include:
More information on filing damage claims can be found on Hawaiian Electric’s website.
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