Kona low recovery: About 3,200 are still without power, Hawaiʻi County asks for damage reports

Although the most severe weather has passed, the County of Hawaiʻi is still recovering from last weekend’s kona low storm.

As of 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, about 3,200 Hawaiian Electric customers who were impacted by the storm remain without power, mostly in the Puna area, according to the utility company.

In Puna, more than 50 damaged or broken poles and multiple spans of downed lines have been identified. Tree trimming crews continue to clear fallen trees and debris from roads so crews can access areas and make repairs, Hawaiian Electric said.

Ten tree trimming crews on Tuesday were cutting and removing trees that caused extensive damage to power lines and utility poles on the Big Island.

Restoring electricity may take long in some areas that were hardest hit with locally-heavy downpours.

Weather has resulted in significant flooding, sinkholes, landslides and downed vegetation. Underground lines in particular cannot be accessed until flood waters recede or are pumped out and the thick mud is removed.

On Hawai‘i Island, there was maximum rainfall of 38.77 inches with wind gusts up to 135 mph.

Crews are currently working to fix more than 50 damaged or broken poles and multiple spans of downed power lines in Hawaiian Acres, Hawaiian Beaches, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Kapoho and Volcano in Puna. Response has been slowed due to several Albizia trees falling on vacant private property as well as weather conditions resulting in heavily saturated grounds.

In North Kona, crews are clearing fallen trees and debris in Kailua-Kona and Makalei, where response has been slowed due to weather conditions and accessibility. Some of the muddy, washed out roads require special equipment and rough terrain roads often require hiking.

“In the aftermath of the Kona Low event, our crews are working tirelessly under adverse conditions and we appreciate the public’s continued understanding during this long and complex process to restore power to everyone,” said Jim Alberts, Hawaiian Electric senior vice president and chief operations officer.

For more information, visit the Hawaiian Electric Storm Restoration Process.

Device charging:

County of Hawaiʻi Department of Parks and Recreation is assisting residents without power by opening facilities for recharging cell phones, portable power banks and similar small devices at the following locations and hours:

• AJ Watt Gym at Mountain View Park from 8 a.m.to 4 p.m.
• Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility in Pāhoa from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Herbert Shipman Park pavilion in Keaʻau from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sgt. Rodney J.T. Yano Memorial Hall in Captain Cook from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

County of Hawaiʻi damage assessments

The County of Hawaiʻi is encouraging residents and businesses to report damage from the kona low storm.

Damage reports are used to assist the county in identifying priorities and focusing resources if state or federal disaster assistance becomes available.

“We realize many residents still face challenges from the storm and may be focused on cleaning up, but damage reports can help the County target help where it’s needed most,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda.

Damage reports for residences and businesses can be made to the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency online or over the phone at (808) 935-0031.

Agricultural reports can be made to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency online or over the phone at (808) 933-8334.

Residents can report storm-related needs and connect with support with a request-for-assistance form on the Vibrant Hawaiʻi website.

Brown water advisories

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health is advising beach users to stay out of waters when the water appears brown or murky, especially following storms or heavy rain since water may contain higher than normal pollutant levels.

Current advisories:

• Shorelines from Pololū Valley in North Kohala to Holoholokai Beach Park in South Kohala
• Shorelines from Pauoa Bay in South Kohala and Honokohau Harbor in North Kona
• Shorelines from Alula Beach (Dog Beach) in North Kona to Honaunau Bay in South Kona
• Shorelines from Ki’ilae Bay in South Kona to Kalae Point (South Point) in Kaʻū

The Department of Health recommends staying out of the water for 48 to 72 hours after the rain has stopped and after the beach has received full sunshine. The department also advises the public to avoid swimming, wading in, or drinking water from any freshwater streams or ponds to prevent leptospirosis –– a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria.

For more information, visit the Department of Health website.

Water outages

Residents who have lost power and need water for household use can access County water spigots, available at locations across the island.

Spigot locations can be viewed on the Department of Water Supply website, or the County of Hawaiʻi Hazard Impact Map.