Over 2K Hawaiian Electric Customers Remain Without Power After Weekend Storm

Approximately 2,600 Hawaiian Electric customers on the Big Island remain without power after a weekend storm that brought powerful winds and torrential rain across the state.

As of 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8, an estimated 3,200 customers are still without power statewide with most of the outages occurring on the Big Island. Hawaiian Electric reports 400 on O‘ahu and 200 on Maui.

While most will be restored today, officials say customers who are still without power should plan for the potential of at least another day without electricity.

“We know some people haven’t had electricity for several days and we know they’re frustrated,”
said Scott Seu, president and CEO of Hawaiian Electric. “Some people are also frustrated that
we haven’t been able to give them a firm estimate on when the lights will come back on. I want
to acknowledge that frustration and assure you that our crews are working as quickly and safely
as possible under challenging conditions. I know it’s been hard but thank you for hanging in, we
really appreciate your patience and understanding.”

More than 200 Hawaiian Electric repair crew members, technicians and system operators are working non-stop on Oʻahu, Maui and the Big Island to restore electricity.

Crews are continuing damage assessments and responding to widespread outages in Puna and Kona. Puna areas include Leilani Estates, Eden Roc Estates, Nanawale, Hawaiian Beaches, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Ainaloa, Kurtistown, Fern Acres, and Volcano. Kona areas include Kailua, Kaloko, Holualoa, Captain Cook, and Kealia.

The majority of outages involve trees that have fallen into power lines. Crews sometimes need to trim or clear trees before they can begin repairs. Hawaiian Electric works with state, county and contract tree trimmers to remove fallen trees and large trees that are blocking roadways.