Kauai power reaches 25% as critical transmission repairs progress

News admin September 10, 2026 0 Comments

Kauai power reaches 25% as critical transmission repairs progress

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Power has been restored to approximately 25% of Kauaʻi as of Wednesday afternoon, representing more than 6,000 customers brought back online following Hurricane Lowell, according to the Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative.

The cooperative announced that both Kauaʻi Veterans Memorial Hospital and Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital have been fully energized. Utility crews are actively working to restore power to Wilcox Medical Center on Wednesday evening.

Progress is up significantly from the 10% restoration reported on Tuesday. In addition to power restorations, crews completed repairs to the Līhuʻe Substation and conducted drone inspections of local distribution lines.

Transmission line repairs advance

Approximately 63% of the island’s major transmission lines are now repaired and energized. Restoring these lines remains a critical priority, as they are necessary to deliver power to local distribution circuits and individual properties, the utility said.

Under upcoming plans, crews will inspect distribution lines in Kōloa and begin clearing vegetation from transmission lines stretching from Kapaʻa to the north shore. KIUC stated that restoration efforts will prioritize critical infrastructure and high-density population areas.

Mutual aid and safety notes

The first wave of crews from Hawaiian Electric is scheduled to arrive on Thursday, Sept. 10, to assist with damage and equipment assessments. Additional trucks and utility equipment are scheduled to arrive via barge on Friday.

KIUC also announced it has suspended collections activities for delinquent accounts until storm recovery is complete.

With many residents operating gas-powered generators, officials are urging extreme caution. Generators must be kept outdoors, at least 20 feet away from homes with exhaust pointed away from doors and windows, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Residents should never plug a generator directly into a household outlet due to the risk of back feeding utility lines, and generators should always be allowed to cool before refueling.