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HELCO responding to power outages due to wind damage *UPDATES*

7:40 p.m. Update from HELCO

Kapoho – Pahoa Road, Vacationland, Beachlots areas have their power restored. Crews continue to work on other areas. Customers can report their addresses to (808) 969-6666

6 p.m. Update from HELCO

Hawai‘i Electric Light crews continue to respond to outages caused by windy conditions affecting Hawai‘i Island yesterday and today.

As of 5:30 p.m., an estimated 5,000 customers are without power in portions of Hawaiian Paradise Park, Orchidland, Ainaloa, Hawaiian Beaches, Hawaiian Shores, Kapoho, Nanawale, Leilani Estates, Fern Forest, Fern Acres, Hawaiian Acres, Eden Roc, Aloha Estates, Volcano Village, Hawi, Wood Valley, Hilo, and Waimea.

In some areas, strong winds toppled trees and caused extensive damage to power lines and utility poles. Ongoing windy conditions make it unsafe for tree trimmers to clear roadways and for crews to conduct assessments and make repairs. Customers in Hawaiian Beaches, Hawaiian Shores, Kapoho, Nanawale, and Leilani Estates are advised to prepare for extended outages which could last into next week and in some areas, much longer.

As windy conditions and restoration efforts continue, the community is reminded to be safe and treat downed power lines as energized and dangerous. Do not handle or move any fallen or damaged utility equipment. If someone is injured by a downed power line, do not approach them. Call 9-1-1 for assistance. For more safety information, please see our “Handbook for Emergency Preparedness” which is available on our website www.hawaiielectriclight.com, at our business offices, or by phone at 969-0137.

Hawai‘i Electric Light asks customers who have not yet reported their power outage to call its trouble line at 969-6666. Due to the high call volume, customers may experience a longer wait time before speaking with a representative. The company sincerely apologizes for this inconvenience and thanks customers for their patience and understanding.

1:45 p.m. UPDATE FROM HELCO

Power has been restored to customers in Waimea and North Kohala.

MEDIA RELEASE

HELCO crews remove a tree fallen across utility lines as they restore power to customers. Photo courtesy of HELCO

HELCO crews remove a tree fallen across utility lines as they restore power to customers. Photo courtesy of HELCO

Hawai‘i Electric Light crews are working to safely restore service to customers who lost electricity as a result of windy conditions affecting Hawai‘i Island on Feb. 13 and 14.

Strong winds caused trees and branches to fall on and damage power lines and poles, primarily in the Puna area. Crews have been working since last night to restore service in Aloha Estates, Mountain View, Hawaiian Acres, Ainaloa, Orchidland, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaiian Beaches, and Nanawale.

  • As windy conditions and restoration efforts continue, Hawai‘i Electric Light reminds the community to stay safe and offers this important safety information:
  • Treat downed power lines as energized and dangerous.
  • Do not handle or move any fallen or damaged utility equipment.
  • Do not approach any downed power lines, as they may have electricity running through them and can be dangerous. If you see someone injured by a downed power line, do not approach them and call 9-1-1 for assistance.
  • Use generators outdoors and away from flammable materials. Generators connected directly to your home may feed excess electricity back into power lines, creating a public safety hazard. Plug appliances directly into your generator using extension cords.
  • Unplug unnecessary and sensitive electronic equipment. Use high-quality surge suppressors for electric appliances that remain plugged in.
  • Use batteries to power flashlights and lanterns. Do not use candles or other flammable fuel sources, as they are fire hazards.
  • Be aware of trees and utility poles that were weakened by storm winds and have the potential for falling.
  • Anyone who is without power and who is dependent on electric-powered life support medical equipment should make arrangements to go to an alternate location with power. They should bring their medical equipment and medications with them. They should also stay in contact with their medical equipment supplier for any special equipment needs.

To report an outage or downed power line, please call 969-6666.

Hawai‘i Electric Light thanks the community for their patience and cooperation as its employees work to quickly restore service as safely as possible.

2 Responses to “HELCO responding to power outages due to wind damage *UPDATES*”

  1. joyce says:

    Lelani Estates without power too

  2. Mike Daak says:

    Why – Can’t HELCO keep large trees (those that could potentially take down primary feeder cables) away from their lines? My power was off yesterday, then again today. After 7 hours of no power, HELCO says they have No Estimate for when power may be delivered. Really ! Could you even possibly estimate which day/week or month it might be restored. On a previous outage, my Microwave and Fridge failed at the same time – yet HELO says this was out of their control. My question – Who does have control over keeping trees away from their lines? I’ve never lived any place where electrical power was so unreliable. I think it is time for the Public Utilities Commission to take note of this reoccurring event, while claiming no responsibility and seemingly letting it go on.

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