KAILUA-KONA — Hawaii Electric Light Co. crews are working to restore electric service to customers impacted by this weekend’s winter storm.
Gusty winds and fallen trees downed power poles and lines, causing power interruptions primarily in North and East Hawaii, the company said.
Since Saturday morning, about 9,700 customers have been directly affected by wind storm impacts on the transmission and distribution system. On Sunday morning, about 45,800 customers experienced a power interruption due to a sudden loss of generation, also caused by the wind storm impacts, HELCO said.
The company is conducting damage assessments today. Currently, about 2,000 customers in Honokaa and Waipunahina remain without power. Crews are working to remove and replace at least 13 transmission poles that were downed by gusty winds.
HELCO reminds the community to assume that downed power lines are energized and dangerous. Stay at least 30 feet away and report it by calling 969-6666.