County of Maui Prepares for MECO Strike

By Wendy Osher

Maui Electric Company offices in Kahului. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The County of Maui is preparing for an planned strike at Maui Electric Company in which workers are expected to walk off the job at 3:30 this afternoon.

The Mayor’s office issued a statement this afternoon saying precautions are being taken to prepare for the potential MECO strike.

County Managing Director, Keith Regan, has since instructed all departments to test their generators and to have all fuel tanks topped off and ready for operation in the unlikely event of a disruption in service.  This includes sewage pumping stations which must be kept operational so that sewage continues to flow and be processed.

The Maui Police Department will station officers at the picket lines to ensure the safety of both sides in the event of a strike.  Police, fire and other County crews will be placed on stand-by in the event of a power outage.

According to county authorities, MECO officials have assured the mayor that there should not be any disruptions in service.

“We hope that both sides can resolve their differences quickly,” said Mayor Alan Arakawa. “In the meantime, the County will take all the necessary steps to ensure the safety of our citizens.”