Wildfire Update (Saturday, August 12): here.
Updated: Aug 12, 2023 1:05 PM
Hawaiian Electric’s restoration work continues today, with more than 300 Hawaiian Electric employees and contractors working to safely return power to West Maui and Upcountry communities. Employees on Oahu, Hawaii, Molokai, and Lanai also provide additional response resources, including staffing, expertise, and equipment, to facilitate and respond to recovery efforts on Maui.
Workers are currently installing a mobile substation at the damaged Lahaina Luna substation to help restore power to customers in adjacent lots, including homes, three schools and the county water utility. Crew members are also working today to replace some of the estimated 40 utility poles and other equipment damaged by the fire and high winds. Additional helicopter damage assessments are being conducted in the air and on the ground, and extensive remedial repairs are continuing in safe and accessible areas.
On Friday, Hawaiian Electric restored power to one of the three main transmission lines serving West Maui, and about 10,000 miles from Naapili, Pukori, and Mahinahina, where critical utility services such as water pumps and first response facilities are located. Restored service to 3,700 customers. The number of customers restored is still relatively low, so the goal is to bring additional lines online this weekend.
These are the parts of the system that supply power to communities and neighborhoods, as extensive damage has been done to the system at the distribution and substation level. The system is still vulnerable and recovery should be done with utmost caution. , ensure the safety of the public and employees.
Intermittent power outages may occur after power is restored. All Maui guests are asked to be mindful of their electricity usage and to conserve by limiting non-essential use. In upstate Maui, 74 customers are still without power, and workers are working to fix equipment as many trees and branches have burned down.
Hawaiian Electric President and Chief Executive Officer Sherry Kimura said that to support response efforts and to fully utilize the company’s resources across the five islands it serves to meet the needs of the Maui community. In order to be able to respond, we are going to the site on Maui. Kimura and the company continue to work closely with state, county and emergency response authorities on recovery plans and community response activities.
“Hundreds of Hawaiian Electric employees from across the islands are working on Maui’s front lines, working with many others to safely restore power, assess damage and clear debris. and support our families, neighbors and employees,” Kimura said. “In times of crisis, Hawaii will always come together. Hawaiian Electric will work with communities to restore and rebuild, no matter how long it takes.”
The HEI Charitable Foundation, run by Hawaiian Electric’s parent company, donated $100,000 to support recovery efforts. Of that amount, $50,000 was donated to the Maui United Way and $50,000 to the Hawaii Community Foundation Maui Strong Fund. American Savings Bank, whose parent company is also HEI, donated $100,000, including the American Red Cross.
As a reminder, affected customers in West Maui and parts of the Upcountry have been notified that their bills and payment collections are currently pending. If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service at 808-871-9777.
When using a portable generator, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your safety and that of Hawaiian Electric employees working to restore power to the distribution system. Do not connect a household outlet to the generator. Instead, connect your equipment and appliances directly to the generator. Make sure the wattage requirements of your appliance do not exceed the capacity of your generator or extension cord. Also, provide adequate ventilation for exhaust and cooling. Also, store fuel reserves in a safe place away from generators and other equipment that could ignite the fuel. Use containers designed for fuel storage.
Everyone should exercise caution and stay at least 30 feet (at least 2 car lengths) away from downed power lines as certain areas come back online. If you find a broken wire, consider it live and dangerous. Call the Hawaiian Electric Maui Trouble Line at 808-871-7777 to report the down line immediately.
Updates are also available at hawaiianelectric.com/windstormresponse