THURSDAY UPDATE 1 P.M.: Power restored to more than 80% of Maui customers
400+ employees and contractors dedicated to effort
Release Date: 8/17/2023
KAHULUI, Aug. 17, 2023 – More than 400 Hawaiian Electric employees and contractors are continuing with efforts to rebuild sections of the electric grid and safely restore service in parts of West Maui and Upcountry.
As of this morning, about 1,900 customers in West Maui remain without electricity. This number does not include structures that were damaged or destroyed. Hawaiian Electric will be reaching out to those whose power may be restored after this week. Power has been restored to more than 80% of customers who have been without electricity since last week.
“In times of crisis, Hawaii always comes together, and Hawaiian Electric will continue to stand by our Maui ohana, friends, colleagues and neighbors,” said Shelee Kimura, president and CEO of Hawaiian Electric. “Our company has responded to nearly every kind of natural disaster, and we are committed to working with so many others to rebuild from this tragedy today, tomorrow and into the future.”
The company continues to work closely with state and county emergency management teams who prioritized critical circuits for restoration, including those serving stores, pharmacies, gas stations, county water, wastewater and public safety facilities.
Crews continue working to install a second mobile substation to support restoration for the Launiupoko to Olowalu areas. Substations step down power from high-voltage transmission lines to lower-voltage distribution lines that serve neighborhoods. The installation process takes time to connect the substation to the grid safely and reliably. Once online, the mobile substation would power facilities that provide essential needs.
Updates are also available at hawaiianelectric.com/windstormresponse.
