MECO Hopes to Prevent Havoc from Metallic Balloons

Metallic balloons. Image courtesy UH.

By Wendy Osher

Maui Electric Company issued a reminder to the public to hold on tight to metallic balloons as the graduation season gets into full swing.

MECO is asking the public to take measures to prevent the balloons from being released, saying power outages can occur when the items become entangled in power lines.

To avoid power outages and ensure safety, MECO released a list of tips including the following: ensure metallic balloons are attached to a weighted object; double check that ribbons are tied securely to each balloon at its sealing point; use only non-metallic ribbons to tie or decorate balloons; properly dispose of metallic balloons by deflating them; and most importantly, never release a metallic balloon into the sky.

If you see a metallic balloon or any object caught in power lines, MECO officials advise that the public should not attempt to remove it. Instead, they should report the incident by calling Maui Electric at 871-7777, or 1-877-871-8461 on Lānaʻi or Molokaʻi.

A series of commencement ceremonies takes place this week for high schools in Maui County, beginning with ceremonies for graduating seniors at King Kekaulike High School on Thursday; and Baldwin High on Friday.

Then on Saturday, there are four graduations beginning with Lānaʻi High at 2 p.m., Hāna High at 3:30 p.m., Molokaʻi at 4, and Maui High at 5 p.m.   On Sunday night, both Kaʻahumanu Hou and seniors at Lahainaluna High School are scheduled to graduate.