Hawaiian Electric monitors wildfire risk, weighs possible power shutoffs

Hawaiian Electric crews are monitoring worsening weather conditions that could prompt a Public Safety Power Shutoff in parts of Hawaii Island, the utility announced Monday.

At 5 p.m., Hawaiian Electric reported that relative humidity levels declined throughout the day in areas including South Kohala on Hawaii Island, at times dropping below 45 percent. Wind gusts reached up to 50 mph, though officials said the strongest winds did not occur at the same time as the lowest humidity readings.

Officials with the utility company said it will consider activating its Public Safety Power Shutoff program if three conditions occur simultaneously: persistent drought, wind gusts of 45 mph or higher, and relative humidity below 45 percent.

If those criteria are met, the utility could proactively cut power within the next 24 hours in communities with high wildfire risk exposure.

Customers in affected areas are urged to review emergency plans and prepare for the possibility of extended outages. The company said that any current outages are unrelated to its Public Safety Power Shutoff program.

The electric company’s emergency response plan includes close weather monitoring, coordination with state and county emergency management officials, pre-positioning of crews and equipment to expedite restoration, and outreach encouraging customers to prepare safely.

For more information and maps of areas that have high wildfire risk, click here or call Hawaiian Electric’s PSPS toll-free hotline at 1-844-483-8666.