Hawai‘i Electric Light crews work to restore electric service in Hawaiian Paradise Park. HEL photo.
UPDATE: July 24, 5:45 p.m.
Hawai‘i Electric Light has restored electric service to the remaining 100 customers in Hawaiian Paradise Park, Leilani Estates, Kapoho, Orchidland Estates, Honoka‘a and Kailua-Kona, who were impacted by high winds from Tropical Storm Darby.
ORIGINAL POST: July 24, 1:11 p.m.
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Overnight, Hawai‘i Electric Light restored electric service to 900 customers in various parts of Hāmākua, upper Puna and Kona that were impacted by high winds from Tropical Storm Darby.
About 100 customers in Hawaiian Paradise Park, Leilani Estates, Kapoho, Orchidland Estates, Honoka‘a and Kailua-Kona remain without power.
Crews worked through the night to repair damage to utility poles and power lines that was caused primarily by fallen trees, tree branches and tree bark contacting power lines.
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“Many of our employees have been working around the clock since Friday to prepare for the storm and to then safely restore electric service as quickly as possible,” said Rhea Lee-Moku, public information officer. “We know how difficult it is to be without electricity for a long period of time, and we thank our customers for their patience and understanding.”
Hawai‘i Electric Light expects to restore service to the remaining 100 customers tonight.
However, it cautions that although the eye of the storm has passed over Hawai‘i Island, the weather forecast reports thunderstorms and heavy rain approaching the east side of the island. Lightning and moisture-soaked trees can make work conditions unsafe for crews. This may delay restoration efforts in areas impacted by the thunderstorms.
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Crews will continue to work to restore power to customers unless weather conditions become hazardous and unsafe.
The company also reminds the community that high winds and heavy rains may have partially uprooted trees and cracked tree branches that can easily topple or break. Do not approach or touch a downed line as it can be energized and dangerous.
To report an outage, a low-hanging or downed power line, please call 969-6666.
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