Public safety power shutoffs possible for Big Island

Hawaiian Electric continues to monitor wildfire threat because of high winds and dry conditions in locations of the Big Island with the highest risk exposure, with the possibility of proactively shutting off power in areas with the highest risk as a public safety power shutoff.

This especially includes the South Kohala.

No public safety power shutoffs are in effect. Customers in communities with high wildfire risk are urged to put emergency plans into action and prepare for the possibility of extended power outages.

A wind advisory is in effect through 6 a.m. Thursday for north, south and southeastern portions of the Big Island, including the Kohala area.

Forecasts indicate potential higher wind gusts and dropping humidity levels from 2 to 8 p.m.

Hawaiian Electric continues to monitor weather conditions throughout its service territories, particularly in areas where wildfire risk is elevated.

Outages in North Kohala affecting about 2,100 customers were caused by weather conditions, but not related to a public safety power shutoff. Additional outages not related to public safety power shutoffs also could still happen because of expected high winds and other conditions.

Public safety power shutoff determinations can change at any time.

Criteria for determining a shutoff, which must be met concurrently, are:

• Persistent dry or drought conditions.
• Wind gusts 45 mph and stronger.
• Relative humidity below 45%.

Hawaiian Electric analyzes data from weather stations and cameras near its infrastructure in high-risk areas with potential for fire spread. Wind speeds at higher elevations can be significantly stronger than those in nearby communities.

Call the Hawaiian Electric Public Safety Power Shutoff Hotline at 1-844-483-8666 toll-free or visit the Hawaiian Electric website for additional information and maps of locations considered as high risk for wildfire.

Also follow Hawaiian Electric on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube or download the electric utility mobile app for the most up-to-date information and more.

Visit the Hawaiian Electric website to learn more about Hawaiian Electric products and services. Also sign up to receive emergency outage alerts.