KIUC restores 73% of Kauaʻi power, shares North Shore restoration outlook

News admin September 12, 2026 0 Comments

KIUC restores 73% of Kauaʻi power, shares North Shore restoration outlook

KAUAI (HawaiiNewsNow) – About 73% of Kauaʻi’s power was restored Friday as Kauaʻi Island Utility outlines a tentative north shore restoration outlook.

KIUC said at around 4 p.m. Friday, 2,700 additional customers had their power restored.

Outages remain on the north shore, in portions of Līhu‘e, Kalāheo, Kōloa, Kekaha and Kōke‘e, the utility said.

KIUC said contract crews cleared vegetation and repaired transmission lines that served the north shore in communities north of Moloaa.

KIUC and Hawaiian Electric crews are conducting damage assessments on distribution infrastructure. KIUC president and chief executive officer David Bissel surveyed damage on the north shore and met with community members in Princeville and Hanalei to share a general roadmap for restoration of about 5,000 accounts served by the north shore transmission line.

Bissell estimated that transmission repairs could be complete by the end of next week, with distribution repairs to follow as transmission circuits are deemed safe for energization.

The first north shore restorations could begin late next week, but restoration will occur in phases when distribution circuits are deemed safe for energization.

KIUC said there is no estimate for full restoration of the north shore, as damage to utility infrastructure, especially along Powerline Road, is extensive. A more detailed restoration schedule for the north shore will be shared as soon as available.

On Thursday, KIUC said it would commit 10 crews to work on the north shore restoration effort.

KIUC will implement daily communication with customers via the Everbridge notification system to provide updates on restoration efforts and timelines.

The utility encourages north shore members to update their contact information so they can receive the messages via phone, text and email. To confirm your contact information, call (808) 246-4300.

Transmission line repairs advance

KIUC stated that restoration efforts will prioritize critical infrastructure and high-density population areas.

On Thursday, KIUC repaired circuits in Līhu‘e that feed the Judiciary complex, Kaua‘i Police Department and Rice Street.

The utility said it focused on clearing vegetation and transmission line repairs from Kapa‘a to the north shore, the first critical step in the area’s restoration. Upon the transmission system’s repair, work can begin to address damage to the distribution system.

KIUC announced that both Kauaʻi Veterans Memorial Hospital and Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital have been fully energized. Wilcox Medical Center transitioned back to electricity from KIUC Wednesday night after taking steps to maintain power during the hurricane.

Nearly 100 personnel from Hawaiian Electric (HECO), Southern California Electric and HMS Construction arrived Thursday to help KIUC’s line crews and contractors.

Equipment is also coming from Hawaiʻi Island that was used after Hurricane Lala hit Kaʻu.

“Before the hurricane’s expected impact, we activated our generators as a precaution to support uninterrupted patient care and prepare for any emergency needs,” said Jen Chahanovich, president and CEO of Wilcox Medical Center.

In addition to power restorations, crews completed repairs to the Līhuʻe Substation and conducted drone inspections of local distribution lines.

Mutual aid and safety notes

The first wave of crews from Hawaiian Electric arrived on Thursday 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.