Public Safety Power Shutoff possible with high wind advisory in place amid dry conditions on Hawai‘i Island

A Public Safety Power Shutoff Watch is in place as Hawaiian Electric monitors wildfire risks due to high winds and dry conditions in the Kawaihae and Waikōloa areas.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu issued a wind advisory for Hawai‘i County until 6 a.m. Friday, as northeast winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected with gusts of up to 50 mph.

If weather conditions intensify over the next 24 to 48 hours, Hawaiian Electric may proactively shut off power in communities at high risk of wildfire as a Public Safety Power Shutoff. Customers in these areas are urged to initiate their own emergency plans and prepare for the possibility of extended power outages.

Outages that are not related to the company’s PSPS program could still occur due to other conditions.

For more information and maps, call Hawaiian Electric’s PSPS hotline at 1-844-483-8666 toll-free or go to hawaiianelectric.com/PSPS.

Hawaiian Electric urges customers to check emergency equipment such as flashlights and lanterns (make sure they are operational and buy extra batteries), emergency generators, battery-operated radios and light sticks. The power company advises having a battery-powered radio on hand to listen for updates on weather conditions and possible PSPS outage implementation.

For residents who depend on electrically powered, life-sustaining medical equipment, Hawaiian Electric advises checking backup facilities. Plan where to go if an evacuation is ordered.

The public is advised to stay at least 30 feet or more away from all power lines and to assume a downed power line is energized and dangerous.

For emergency assistance, call 911. For Hawaiian Electric, call the Trouble Line at 1-855-304-9191.