Hawaiian Electric to use drones to perform aerial inspections of power lines

As part of its ongoing wildfire safety strategy, Hawaiian Electric is using unmanned aircraft, or drones, for aerial inspections of its electrical infrastructure in identified wildfire risk areas on Hawai‘i Island, Maui County and O‘ahu.

On Hawai‘i Island, Hawaiian Electric has contracted with Cyberhawk to conduct drone inspections alongside the company’s own staff.

Inspections will begin in April and continue through June 2026, and will typically be conducted weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., subject to weather conditions.

Personnel will drive Hawaiian Electric or Hawaiian Electric Contractor marked vehicles. If on foot, the drone operator will wear a Cyberhawk company-branded hard hat and vest. All personnel will carry a Hawaiian Electric employee or contractor identification badge.

“The drones play a critical role in the inspection process, and the technology enables Hawaiian Electric to more quickly identify issues to prevent or lessen the risk of wildfires,” according to a news release from the power company.

The inspections are performed at the poles and power lines, and no one will request to enter a home or business. There may be instances where the operator must enter private property, like a yard, to access a utility pole. In these instances, the operator will make their presence known before accessing equipment located on private property. Electric service will not be impacted.

For questions about this work, call Hawaiian Electric at 808-969-6999 weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. or Cyberhawk at 805-298-2694.

The Hawaiian Electric Unmanned Aerial Systems program is in full compliance and protection of all Federal Aviation Administration rules and has developed safety, training, operating, and privacy procedures to make sure the unmanned aircraft are flown with the highest regard for the safety of the public and crews. Drones performing scheduled flights in support of utility and infrastructure projects are regulated by the FAA.

Tampering with or damaging drone equipment or interfering with drone operations could be subject to federal enforcement or citation.
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