Hawaiian Electric Aerial Line Inspections, March 16-27

Power lines, file photo by Wendy Osher.

Hawaiian Electric will be using unmanned aircraft, or drones, and a helicopter to perform aerial power line inspections between Monday, March 16 and Friday, March 27, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the West and Central Maui areas. The project is weather permitting.

As part of the aerial survey, documentation will be done with a remote light detection and ranging surveying instrument to provide updated maps of the island’s transmission lines and other electrical infrastructure.

A helicopter will also be assessing spans of electrical equipment in areas with certain air space regulations or limited functioning ranges for the drone operators.

Company representatives say the drones, or Unmanned Aircraft Systems, are being used by Hawaiian Electric “as a cost-effective measure when accessing and inspecting its electrical equipment in remote areas or challenging terrains, for increased employee safety, and to reduce the company’s carbon footprint.”