Big Island Now poll results: Mixed feelings felt about Hawaiian Electric’s Public Safety Power Shutoff program

Big Island residents have lots of mixed feelings about Hawaiian Electric’s Public Safety Power Shutoff Program, or PSPS, which started July 1.

The program allows the power company to preemptively shut off power for approximately 19,300 customers in high-wind areas on the Big Island that are at risk of wildfire during dry conditions.

PSPS was being considered last month amid high winds and dry conditions, which dissipated with Hurricane Hone. The power company decided not to initiate the program.

This program will impact customers on the Big Island located between Kohala and Waikōloa in North Hawai‘i, between Kalaoa and Hōlualoa in West Hawai‘i and between Mauna Kea Access Road and Waiki‘i Ranch.

With this new program, Big Island Now wanted to know how the public felt about it. More than 900 people voted in the August poll that asked readers: “What are your thoughts on the Public Safety Power Shutoff program?”

Thirty-four percent of voters felt PSPS put people at risk as losing power would mean losing the ability to power medical supplies.

Social media commenter Silva0072 wrote: “It’s ridiculous. They never had to do this in the past because the infrastructure and vegetation was maintained regularly.”

Nineteen percent of voters sided with there is no simple answer to protecting against wildfires but they were open to the program.

Social media commenter Susan A Regeimbal wrote: “I would think losing power would be preferable to losing you home, life, or livelihood! I am sure Lahaina would have gladly sacrificed power to prevent the tragedy that occurred.”

Social media commenter Scooter wrote: “Transition to underground wires in windy areas.”

Theron Dauchy commented: I’m concerned about the water for firefighting being turned off as the pumps are electric.”

Chaunceymcfeeters8 wrote: “They have been doing it in California for years and it is just another scam. Yes get generators, it’s really expensive to lose all the food in your freezer.”

See full results below:

• I think it puts people at risk. Losing power means losing ability to power medical supplies. 318 (34%)
• There is no simple answer to protecting against wildfires. But I’m open to the program. 181 (19%)
• I think it’s a great idea. It will save lives. 101 (10%)
• I don’t know enough about the program to say if it’s helpful or not. 81 (8%)
• Not sure about the program, but I like the weather camera stations. 73 (7%)
• It’s hard to say. The program hasn’t been engaged at this point. 69 (7%)
• None of the above. Leave a comment below. 102 (11%)
• Total Votes: 925