Hawaiian Electric pushes to restore power to remaining outage customers ahead of next storm

Hawaiian Electric on Thursday, March 19, was using all of its available resources — including extra personnel, helicopters and heavy equipment — to continue power restoration efforts as safely as possible.

The utility reported about 99% of the affected customers on Hawaiʻi Island, Oʻahu and in Maui County now have power.

Customers also were being urged to prepare for any potential extended or new outages with a second kona low on the way.

Power was restored as of about 4 p.m. Thursday to about 60 of the remaining customers experiencing outages on the Big Island.

About 960 customers who were impacted by the storm remain without power.

Linemen from O‘ahu, Hilo, Waimea and Kona — along with two contract line crews — worked Thursday in Leilani, Nānāwale and scattered areas around the island. Repairs in the hardest hit areas were hampered by numerous fallen trees, mostly the brittle albizia that can grow to more than 150 feet tall.

Tree trimming crews have been cutting and removing trees so utility crews can access areas to begin repairs.

Customers can view current outages and report outages on Hawaiian Electric’s online outage map.

They also can call the Hawaiian Electric Trouble Line for Hawai‘i Island at 1-855-304-9191 for additional information, with questions or to report issues.