Puna residents could remain without power for 2 more weeks

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Hawaii Electric Light Co. continues to restore electric service to customers who lost power as a result of Tropical Storm Iselle. However, the company said in a prepared statement Wednesday that it could take another two weeks — in some cases, even longer — to restore power to all affected customers.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. continues to restore electric service to customers who lost power as a result of Tropical Storm Iselle. However, the company said in a prepared statement Wednesday that it could take another two weeks — in some cases, even longer — to restore power to all affected customers.

Service to an additional 100 customers was restored Tuesday, the company said Tuesday in a written statement. An estimated 1,100 customers remain without power. That is 99 percent of the company’s Big Island customers.

Nearly all of the customers remaining without power are located in Nanawale Estates, Vacationland and Kapoho Beach Lots where electrical line crews are focusing efforts, the company said Wednesday.

Customers in other areas who are still without power should report their outage by calling 969-6666.

The utility said electrical line crews were also working Wednesday in Hawaiian Paradise Park, Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens. Tree-trimming and hole-digging crews are also working in Hawaiian Acres, Lanipuna Gardens and Nanawale.

Although crews have made good progress and restoration in many areas may be much faster, estimates indicate it could take approximately another two weeks – and in some cases, even longer – to restore power to the areas with the most significant damage. Actual restoration times for each location will depend on the extent of the damage.