Hawaiian Electric monitor conditions, could shut off power in high fire risk areas

Hawaiian Electric may proactively shut off power in high-risk areas on Hawaiʻi Island and Maui as it monitors the threat from high winds and dry conditions.

As part of the Public Safety Power Shutoff program, Hawaiian Electric may shut off power in areas including Waikiʻi, Kawaihae, Waikōloa, Puakō, and South Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island and West Maui, Central Maui, and Upcountry in Maui, as a National Weather Service Red Flag Warning remains in effect through 6 p.m. Saturday.

Hawaiian Electric continues to monitor weather conditions across leeward areas and some central areas of the islands in its service territories, as well as northern portions of Hawaiʻi Island.

Public Safety Power Shutoff determinations can change at any time based on weather conditions, and customers in these areas are urged to initiate their own emergency plans and prepare for the possibility of extended power outages.

The criteria for determining a shutoff are persistent drought conditions, wind gusts 45 mph and higher, and relative humidity below 45%.

The company analyzes data from weather stations and cameras near its infrastructure in high-risk areas with potential for fire spread. Wind gusts can be stronger in higher elevations than in residential areas.

Outages not related to the company’s Public Safety Power Shutoff program could still occur due to high winds and other conditions.

For more information and maps, call Hawaiian Electric’s Public Safety Power Shutoff hotline at 844-483-8666 toll-free or go to hawaiianelectric.com/psps.

Public Safety Power Shutoff Process

• If power is shut off, it will remain off as long as hazardous weather conditions persist.
• When the weather improves, power lines must be inspected and any damage must be repaired before service can be restored. This may involve ground crews and aerial inspections using helicopters and drones.
• This process may result in extended outages lasting several hours, possibly even days depending on the location and extent of any damage.

How to stay informed 

Hawaiian Electric will provide updates frequently through the news media and the following mobile-friendly resources: 

• Hawaiian Electric website: hawaiianelectric.com 
• Twitter/X: @HwnElectric; @mauielectric; @hielectriclight
• Facebook: facebook.com/HawaiianElectric 
• Mobile app: free download available on Apple App and Google Play stores 

You also have the option to sign up to receive emergency outage alerts from Hawaiian Electric at hawaiianelectric.com/psps.