Hawaiian Electric expands Hawai‘i Island drone inspections for wildfire safety
Weekday drone inspections of electrical infrastructure began began this week in South Kona and Waimea and will continue through November in other areas.
Hawaiian Electric is expanding drone inspections of its electrical infrastructure on Hawai‘i Island to reduce wildfire risk.
Drones, or unmanned aircraft, play a critical role in inspecting wildfire risk areas, according to a news release. The technology allows the utility to more quickly identify infrastructure issues that could lead to fires.
Hawaiian Electric has contracted with Asplundh Engineering Services to conduct inspections beginning this week in South Kona and Waimea and continuing through November. Another contractor, Cyberhawk, is performing drone inspections in other areas.
Employees will inspect poles and power lines weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., weather permitting. On rare occasions, crews may return to an area on a weekend to complete or repeat an inspection that could not be finished during the week.
Personnel will drive Hawaiian Electric or Asplundh-marked vehicles and carry identification badges. If on foot, the drone operator will wear an Asplundh hard hat and vest.
In some instances, operators may need to enter private property to access a utility pole. Electric service will not be effected.
For more information, call Hawaiian Electric at 855-304-9191 or Asplundh at 909-816-6496.
The Hawaiian Electric Unmanned Aerial Systems program complies with federal Federal Aviation Administration rules. The FAA regulates drones performing flights in support of utility and infrastructure projects.
