Hawai‘i Gas Update on Hurricane Lane

Hawai‘i Gas has been busy the past few days making sure Hawai‘i’s first responders such as the Coast Guard, police and fire departments as well as critical facilities such as hospitals have an adequate supply of gas throughout Hurricane Lane.

“Although we do not predict any issues or disruptions with our underground pipeline and supporting infrastructure, Hawai‘i Gas has crews standing by and our call center is staffed and prepared to serve our customers and community through this event,” said Alicia Moy, Hawai‘i Gas president and CEO.

Gas customers with the proper appliances are able to cook, have hot water and have emergency power even during power outages. Hawai‘i Gas’ synthetic natural gas (SNG) plant on O‘ahu is operating normally and its underground pipeline continues to deliver gas to customers from Kapolei to Hawai‘i Kai. Hawai‘i Gas currently has an adequate supply of feedstock for its SNG Plant. As an added layer of energy security, the company has liquefied natural gas (LNG) on-site and is prepared to supplement production if there is a disruption in its primary fuel source. The SNG Plant also has double redundant backup with LNG as well as with a propane-air backup system.

The Hawai‘i Gas team has taken a proactive approach to servicing its propane customers statewide by working through Thursday and making some deliveries today to top off customers’ tanks where conditions have been safe for its employees to do so. Hawai‘i Gas has made extra deliveries to propane dispenser customers to ensure the public was able to fill propane tanks for their grills in time for the storm as well. Hawai‘i Gas customers should not attempt to move permanently installed gas canisters, tanks or cylinders.

“Across the state, we will do everything we can to keep our customers supplied with natural gas and propane during and after this event,” said Moy. “We are prepared for the worst but hoping for the best. We have more than a million gallons of inventory statewide and our inter-island barges are ready to transport propane between islands as needed. Another shipment of propane is scheduled to arrive the first week of September, pending the harbors reopening.”

Hawai‘i Gas customers should not turn off their gas unless advised to do so by emergency management officials or Hawai‘i Gas. However, those who are evacuating their homes or businesses may turn off their gas by following the instructions online. It is critical to note that for safety reasons, only a trained Hawai‘i Gas technician may turn the gas back on.

As always, if anyone smells gas or suspects a gas leak, stay away from it, call 911 and then call Hawai‘i Gas at 808-535-5933. Hawai‘i Gas is also taking service and delivery requests online.