UPDATE: Hawaiian Electric urges preparation, warns of phony alerts online ahead of Kona storm

Update at 2:15 p.m. March 12: Hawaiian Electric is urging customers to prepare for extended power outages as a powerful Kona storm system makes its way across the islands.

According to Hawaiian Electric, they do not anticipate implementing its Public Safety Power Shutoff Program despite what phony alerts have been claiming online.  The company is monitoring conditions and preparing for storm-related outages.

“We want to reassure our customers that we’re ready to respond,” said Jim Alberts, Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of Hawaiian Electric. “As long as it’s safe, we’ll be out there restoring power, and we’ll work continuously after the storm clears until all customers have power again.”

The National Weather Service’s forecast includes the potential for significant flash flooding, damaging winds, strong to severe thunderstorms, and snow and ice on Hawaiʻi Island summits.

Hawaiian Electric’s response may be delayed as crews will not be able to make repairs in dangerous weather conditions. Flooding, fallen structures, debris and other obstacles also can affect the scope and speed of power restoration.

Damage to the electrical infrastructure could be extensive. This damage could require extended repair work, and in extreme cases require us to rebuild parts of our system.

“We urge our customers to complete their final preparations, prepare for outages and make safety their highest priority,” Alberts said. “And we thank our customers in advance for their patience with what we know will be a challenging next several days. Please know that we’ll be out in force as soon as it’s safe to work.”

Hawaiian Electric warns the public about phony alerts that have been circulating online about possible Public Safety Power Shutoff Program outages due to the Kona storm.

The utility urges customers to use the following mobile-friendly resources for the latest and accurate communications about outages and restoration information:

• Website: hawaiianelectric.com
• Free mobile app: Apple App and Google Play stores
• Facebook: facebook.com/HawaiianElectric
• Twitter/X: @HwnElectric; @mauielectric; @hielectriclight

Original post at 12:45 p.m. March 9: Hawaiian Electric is preparing to respond to severe weather, including thunderstorms and flash flooding, is forecasted to hit the Hawaiian Islands.

Gov. Josh Green issued an emergency proclamation in advance of a storm system expected to bring heavy rain, flooding, strong thunderstorms and damaging winds across the Hawaiian Islands this week.

The storm is expected to affect Kauaʻi and Oʻahu first, with conditions expanding across the rest of the state through the weekend.

Hawaiian Electric urges customers to review family and business emergency plans, ensure they have supplies they need on hand, and keep close watch on the development of the storm. Preparation and safety tips are available at hawaiianelectric.com/stormcenter.

Detailed tips may also be found in Hawaiian Electric’s free Handbook for Emergency Preparedness, which can be downloaded from the website at hawaiianelectric.com/prepare.

Customers are urged to take the following precautions:

• Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, emergency generators, battery-operated (hand-crank or solar) radios, light sticks, and lanterns to be sure they are operational, and buy extra batteries.
• If someone in your home is dependent on electrically powered, life-sustaining medical equipment, check backup facilities. Plan where to go should the need for evacuation occurs. If you need to go to the hospital or other emergency shelter, remember to take your medical equipment and medications with you to the facility.
• If you plan to use a ladder while preparing your home for the storm, note the location of power lines before you begin. Be sure that ladders or scaffolds are far enough away so that you – and the ends of the tools you’re using – stay at least 10 feet away from power lines. Before lowering a TV antenna or satellite dish, make sure to turn off and unplug the TV.
• If you plan to use a portable generator after the storm, make sure it is placed in a well-ventilated area outside the home, and be sure to carefully follow all instructions in the manufacturer’s manual.
• Most counties will suspend trash and debris pickup before a storm. Please do not trim trees now, as high winds can turn cut branches into dangerous, flying debris. However, if you have already trimmed trees, help to prevent outages by tying down or securing any of those loose branches or other debris.