Hawaiian Electric begins addressing storm-related power outages

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – As Hurricane Nolo moves slowly west Saturday, Hawaiian Electric has employees, contractors and support staff deployed across Hawaii Island, Oahu and Maui County to respond to high winds and heavy rain.

Read more Hawaiian Electric prepares to address storm-related power outages

As of 7:30 a.m., utility crews are working to restore power to about 626 customers on Hawaii Island in Ocean View, Hamakua, Lower Puna, Kau and North Kohala, while fewer than 40 customers are without power in Maui County and fewer than 40 on Oahu.

The utility says crews stand ready to assess damage and make repairs once conditions are safe, but warns saturated ground increases the risk of falling trees and urges residents to prepare for extended outages.

Hawaiian Electric crews who had been assisting with restoration efforts on Kauaʻi, are back on their respective islands and are available for storm response.

The company is working to keep outage maps and social media updated with information as it becomes available.

Because of the dynamic nature of the storm system, Hawaiian Electric said that outage information represents a snapshot in time and may change as conditions progress.

Check hawaiianelectric.com or the company’s mobile app for the latest outage information.

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Estimated time of restoration may not be available until the storm passes and damage assessments can be completed. Customers who cannot find their outage on the map can report it online or by calling the company’s trouble lines:

Hawaiian Electric’s priorities for restoration emphasize safety and essential community services. If outages occur, restoration efforts will take place in a manner designed to restore power to the greatest number of customers first.

Damage assessments must be completed before repairs and restoration can begin.

Assessments, especially in remote areas, can take several days depending on the severity of damage, accessibility of roads and availability of helicopters. While the company does use drones, there are line-of-sight limitations.

Safety reminders

Even when winds have subsided, conditions can be dangerous. The company is urging customers in storm-impacted areas to take the following safety precautions:

Call the Trouble Line for the appropriate island to report any downed power lines, and the company will send personnel out to inspect the damage when it is safe to do so.

Customers should call 911 or our Trouble Lines to report dangerous situations, such as downed power lines or sparking electrical equipment. Keep phone lines open for emergencies.

Read more Hurricane Nolo begins slowly moving westward, remains south of Hawaii Island

Visit hawaiianelectric.com/electricalsafety for more safety tips.