150 Maui Customers Still Without Power, Overnight Outage Possible

Upper Ulumalu Road, Maui. 2.11.19 PC: Nicole Ellison

Maui Electric is asking approximately 150 remaining customers in the Olinda and Pi‘iholo area as well as small pockets of Ha‘ikū to prepare for an extended outage with the possibility of an overnight outage. Several crews are continuing to make repairs to multiple areas after large trees brought down power lines. Work will continue through the night to get power restored as quickly as possible.

“We’re doing everything we possibly can to bring these last few homes back online,” said Sharon Suzuki, president of Maui County and Hawai’i Island Utilities. “We know that being without power is a hardship for families and we thank you for your patience and understanding.”

The damage from the high winds in the Upcountry area was extensive. The repair work includes the removal of large trees, resetting new poles in some parts, and restringing power lines in several different areas to fully restore customers.

As of 6:30 p.m., Maui Electric crews restored service to approximately 300 customers in the Olinda, Pi’iholo and Ha‘ikū areas.

Due to storm-related power outages, Maui Electric offers these food safety tips for customers who may experience an extended outage:

• During a power outage, a fully-stocked free-standing freezer will keep most of your foods frozen for up to 48 hours — if you don’t open the door! Each time you open the door, cold air gets out.
• The freezer section of a refrigerator-freezer will keep most of your foods frozen ten to twenty-four hours. Try not to open the freezer door during an outage as you’ll let the cold air escape.
• If power restoration is taking longer than anticipated, put some dry ice in the freezer. Always use gloves or tongs when handling it. Dry ice can be placed directly on top of your foods. Remember, dry ice cools foods below it.
• After the power has been restored, check your foods and immediately cook foods that have thawed out but are still cold. Dispose of any food that has an off color or odd odor, or perishable foods that have warmed to room temperature for an unknown length of time.