Power outages impact 193K across Hawaii after Lala damages grid lines

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Approximately 193,000 customers across Hawaii remain out of power as utility crews battle high winds and flooding to restore power knocked out by Lala.

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The tropical cyclone passed south of the islands first as a hurricane, then a tropical storm, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

Road closures, flooding, fallen trees, and ongoing severe weather have slowed the restoration process in multiple areas, utility officials said.

Latest outage numbers by county

As of 2:30 p.m. Sunday:

Restoration efforts hampered, extended outages expected

On Hawaiʻi Island, some customers in the hardest-hit rural areas are being asked to prepare for extended outages that could last weeks or even months.

In Upcountry Maui, extended power outages prompted the Maui Emergency Management Agency and American Red Cross to open a charging station equipped with Wi-Fi at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Eddie Tam Memorial Center social hall, 931 Makawao Ave. The area will double as a shelter.

Damage assessments by helicopter and drones are taking place on Hawaiʻi Island and Maui on Sunday, with Oʻahu assessments scheduled to begin Monday.

Hawaiian Electric says several main transmission lines—the backbone of the power grid—were heavily impacted by the storm. Officials noted that because some of these lines cross remote, mountainous terrain and span miles, repairs will be highly challenging and may require crews to hike in.

On Kauaʻi, the Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative crews are working to restore power to as many members as possible. But due to current conditions, power is not expected to be restored Sunday night in Kōkeʻe, Mt. Kahili, Kīpū and Wainiha.

Restoration efforts in those areas will resume as soon as conditions allow, KIUC said.

How to check for updates

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.

On Kauaʻi, follow KIUC on Facebook or signup for text or email outage notifications via SmartHub.

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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.

Out-of-state assistance requested

HECO has requested personnel from partner electric utilities from the mainland to help expedite post-storm restoration. Roughly 100 crew members are anticipated to arrive as early as Tuesday and could begin work as soon as Wednesday.

HECO spokesman Darren Pai cautioned residents not to assume work isn’t underway simply because they don’t see crews in their neighborhood.

“They may be working on a line that is further away, but it is still connected to your neighborhood,” Pai said. “So it’s all part of the effort to get your lights back on.”

Pai said 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.

“Our crews are on the ground working nonstop to get your lights back on,” Pai said.

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.

Drivers should also use caution around crews working along roadways and treat intersections with non-working traffic signals as four-way stops.

Additionally, customers using portable generators should keep them outside in well-ventilated areas and strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

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