Some In Puna May Be Weeks Away From Power

While Hawai‘i Electric Light crews are making “significant progress” restoring electricity to its customers in Iselle-ravaged Puna, the worst-hit areas may not get power for at least another two weeks, the utility noted in a media release today.

Restoring power may be much faster in many areas, but actual restoration times will depend on the extent of the damage at each location, the release said.

Service was restored to 400 customers Sunday while an estimated 1,500 customers remain without power, HELCO said.

Significant progress was reported in Hawaiian Acres, Hawaiian Beaches/Hawaiian Shores, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Seaview Estates and Black Sands Beach. Yet pockets of customers within these areas may still be out of power, and they are urged to call 969-6666.

Electrical line crews expect to continue making progress in Nanawale Estates, Leilani Estates, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Kapoho, Lanipuna Gardens, Tangerine Acres and portions of upper Puna.

HELCO said specific areas of focus Monday included:

· Nanawele Estates – electrical line crews are working on the main power line that brings electric service to the subdivision. Tree trimming and construction crews are also preparing the area by clearing and trimming trees and digging holes to replace utility poles damaged by falling trees.

· Lanipuna Gardens – electrical line crews are working on repairs. Tree trimming and construction crews are also preparing the area by clearing and trimming trees and digging holes to replace utility poles damaged by falling trees.

· Tangerine Acres – electrical line crews are working on repairs. Tree trimming and construction crews are also preparing the area by clearing and trimming trees and digging holes to replace utility poles damaged by falling trees.

· Leilani Estates – electrical line crews have restored power along Leilani Boulevard and are now working on Kahukai Street and side streets, which suffered extensive damage from fallen trees.

· Seaview Estates – electrical line crews are working on the main power line that brings service to the subdivision. Tree trimming crews are also preparing the area by clearing and trimming trees.

· Kapoho – electrical line crews are working on the main power line along Kapoho Road to Kapoho Beach Lots.

· Hawaiian Paradise Park – electrical line crews will be replacing poles on side streets within the subdivision and restoring power.

Customer Information Center in Puna

Hawai‘i Electric Light’s Customer Information Center at Leilani Estates Community Center 13-3441 Moku St., in lower Puna, is open daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or longer if needed as the restoration process continues. Company representatives will answer questions and provide the status of repairing the damage, and customers may use a charging station at the center for their electronic devices, the release said.

The center at the Hawaiian Shores Community Center in Hawaiian Beaches is closed.