KAILUA-KONA — Work to replace damaged transmission poles and lines downed Sunday amid a winter storm will continue overnight and Wednesday in the Kalopa area.
One lane of Hawaii Belt Road, also known as Highway 19, will be closed to traffic to allow Hawaii Electric Light Co. crews to replace 16 damaged transmission poles and lines that were downed by gusty winds and fallen trees. Motorists are advised to drive with caution in the construction area and expect delays of up to 45 minutes.
Crews will work through the night and Wednesday to complete the work, HELCO said.
On Tuesday, the company said it partnered with the state Department of Transportation and County of Hawaii Department of Public Works to safely remove an uprooted 150-foot tree that was leaning toward power lines and the highway. Once the tree was removed, utility crews from Hilo, Kona and Waimea began the pole installations.
Currently, customers in portions of Honokaa, Kukuihaele, Waipunahina, Kalopa State Park, and Waipio Valley are without power.