UPDATE: Coconut Tree Downs Wailuku Lines, Power Restored

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

(Update: 12:36 p.m. 1/17/12)

All power has since been restored to affected customers in the Wailuku area.  The outage was caused by a fallen coconut tree that downed power lines.

(Update: 12:27 p.m. 1/17/12)

As of 12:27 p.m., MECO officials say a majority of customers affected by a power outage in Wailuku have power restored.

MECO crews remain on the scene to complete the necessary repairs caused by downed power lines.

Six customers in the immediate vicinity of the fallen line remain without power.

MECO estimates that these customers will be brought back on line within an hour.

Authorities say the lines were brought down by a fallen coconut tree.

(Update: 12:08 p.m., January 17, 2012)

Officials at Maui Electric Company say a downed power line is to blame for an outage affecting customers in Wailuku.

According to MECO Spokesperson, Kau’i Awai-Dickson, a fallen coconut tree brought down the lines that resulted in the outage.

The incident was reported at approximately 10:40 a.m., and is affecting customers from Kanaloa Street to Liholiho Street and laterals.

MECO crews are currently on the scene working to reroute power to bring customers back online and begin repairs.

Company officials request the public’s patience as crews work to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

In the interest of safety, the public is asked to stay away from the area.

(Posted: 11:42 a.m., January 17, 2012)

Maui Electric Company is experiencing a power outage affecting customers in the Wailuku area.

MECO officials say crews are working to identify the cause and restore electrical service as quickly and safely as possible.

An update will be provided as soon as more information becomes available.