Power Restored to Makawao, Waiehu After Heavy Rains

Power restored. Graphic by Wendy Osher.

Maui Electric crews have restored electrical power to customers in Makawao and Waiehu following heavy rains that caused trees to fall on overhead power lines last night.

At approximately 8:40 p.m., about 1,910 customers in Makawao lost service when a tree fell on lines along Baldwin Avenue, Maui Electric representatives said.

Crews were dispatched to repair the lines and power was restored to all customers in Makawao by 12:35 a.m., with the exception of small pockets of customers in the upcountry and Nāhiku areas, said Maui Electric’s Shayna Decker.

Restoration crews were en route to these areas at first light this morning when working conditions were deemed safer.

Around 10:28 p.m. last night, about 758 customers in Waiehu also lost power when trees came into contact with overhead lines. All customers in Waiehu had power restored at around 12:08 a.m. today after crews trimmed back the trees.

Maui Electric issued a reminder to customers that electricity can be dangerous and electrical safety should never be taken for granted, especially during an emergency or storm situation. Maui Electric urges customers to consider the following safety measures before, during and after a disaster or power outage:

· Before a storm hits or if there is a power outage, unplug all unnecessary electric equipment and appliances until the storm has passed or until power is restored.

· Stay away from downed power lines. Assume they are energized and dangerous. If you see someone injured after touching a downed power line, call 9-1-1 for help.

· Make plans in advance to go to a safe location where electricity will be available if someone in your home depends on an electrically powered life support system and you don’t have a backup generator.

· When using a portable generator, carefully read and follow instructions in the manufacturer’s manual. Do not plug the generator into your household electrical outlets.