Power restored to about 400 more Big Island customers; about 2,000 still remain in dark

Hawaiian Electric reported in its 5 p.m. update that power was restored to about 400 more Big Island customers today, March 18.

About 2,000 customers remain without power in Hawaiian Paradise Park, Kapoho, Leilani Estates, Mountain View, Nānāwale, Orchid Isle Estates, Wright Road and various pockets in North and South Kona.

Damage assessments and tree clearing continue.

Additional contractors arrived today. Crews from O‘ahu will arrive Thursday, March 19, to assist with repairs.

Crews are working through hazardous and complex conditions to repair overhead and underground electrical infrastructure.

However, a new, weaker storm front approaching the state could delay ongoing restoration efforts. The company asks for continued patience as the remaining restorations are lengthy and could be further complicated by additional rainfall in the forecast.

How Hawaiian Electric restores power

Crews are deployed to repair lines and restore power after dangerous weather conditions subside.

Emergency facilities such as hospitals, water utility infrastructure, wastewater plants, military facilities and the airports have first priority for restoration after a storm.

Power can be restored anytime between several minutes to several days, depending on several factors:

• The cause and severity of the damage to the electric utility’s infrastructure.
• Weather conditions.
• Accessibility of the damaged area.
• Special parts needed to repair the damage.
• In general, underground repairs take longer than repairs to overhead lines as they are inaccessible until flood waters recede or are pumped out and thick mud removed.

Customers should stay at least 30 feet or more away from downed power lines, as they could still be energized and dangerous.

Downed power lines should be reported to the Hawaiian Electric Trouble Line for Hawaiʻi Island at 1-855-304-9191.