Over 100,000 Hawaiian Electric customers left in the dark amid Kona low storm

HONOLULU (Island News) — Thousands of customers across Oahu are experiencing power outages this morning.

The number of power outages rose to about 137, impacting approximately 109,425 customers on Friday morning according to HECO’s outage map at 1:30 p.m.

HECO is urging customers in Hawaii Kai and portions of East Honolulu to prepare for the possibility for extended outages that may last overnight or longer. As of 2 p.m., about 113,800 customers are without power across Oahu and 15,600 customers in parts of Maui County.

On Oahu, East Honolulu relies on power lines that bring electricity to the area from Windward Oahu. Officials confirm that two of the three transmission lines running along the base of the Ko’olau range near Waimanalo and crossing into East Honolulu have been damaged. The single remaining line services the area. If this line is damaged by the storm, repairs will be delayed because the steep, hazardous terrain and severe weather will prevent crews from safely accessing the site.

In Maui County, crews are working to restore power in various areas of Maui, Lana’i and a pocket area in Moloka’i.

— 

As of 1:50 p.m. on Friday, the following areas on Oahu are without power:

• Kaneohe
• Waikiki
• Haleiwa
• Kailua
• Waimea
• Wahiawa
• Mililani
• Waipahu
• Makakilo

At this time, the cause of the outages and estimated restoration times are unavailable. Customers are advised to stay prepared and follow updates from the utility company.

—

HECO reported that a lightning strike destroyed a pole along an Oahu transmission line earlier Friday morning. Officials advise the public to stay far away from downed lines, flooding and debris, as lines could be energized and dangerous.

The largest outage, affecting 7,895 customers, began at 2:53 a.m. in areas including Ala Moana, Diamond Head, Kaimuki, Kakaʻako, Kapahulu, Kinau, Makiki, Manoa, McCully, Moiliili, Palolo, St. Louis Heights, Tantalus, and Waikīkī.

Other outages included:

1,792 customers in Diamond Head, Kahala, Kaimuki, Kapahulu, and Waikīkī (started 2:47 a.m.)

1,746 customers in Enchanted Lake, Kailua, Keolu, and Lanikai (started 3:07 a.m.)

1,148 customers in Kalihi Valley, Kamehameha Heights, Kaneohe, Liliha, Moanalua, and Nuuanu (started 3:08 a.m.)

1,144 customers in Ewa, Kapolei, and Makakilo (started 2:14 a.m.)

You can contact HECO’s trouble lines at the following numbers:

• Oahu: 1-855-304-1212
• Maui County: 1-855-304-8181
• Hawaii Island: 1-855-304-9191

Click here to view the latest updates on outages.

If you’re without power, report your specific location at HECO’s 24/7 trouble line at 1-855-304-1212 or online here.