Utility companies urged to take action on fire and infrastructure hazards

On Wednesday, State Representative Darius K. Kila, alongside State stakeholders and local community advocates, held a press conference calling on Hawaiian Electric, Hawaiian Telcom, and Charter/Spectrum Hawaiʻi to take immediate, coordinated action to repair and remove hazardous utility infrastructure along the Farrington Highway corridor, which runs through Māʻili, Nānākuli, Honokai Hale, and Ko ʻOlina. 

Rep. Kila issued a formal letter to the utility companies – Hawaiian Electric Company, Hawaiian Telcom, and Charter Communications/Spectrum Hawaiʻi, calling for immediate action and pledging to follow up with each agency within 30 days. The letter, dated May 21, 2025, is available [here]. 

“The Leeward Coast is the driest region on Oʻahu and among the most fire-prone. Over the years, our community has watched as aging poles, sagging wires, and abandoned utility equipment have been left to deteriorate along this critical corridor, creating serious wildfire, safety, and traffic hazards,” said Rep. Kila, who serves as the Chair of the House Committee on Transportation. “I’m calling on these companies to identify derelict wires, establish a shared maintenance timeline, and work with property owners to create an action plan to address these fire and infrastructure hazards.”  

The press conference highlighted a growing coalition of voices demanding immediate and sustained action to protect residents, improve infrastructure, and mitigate wildfire risks on the Leeward Coast. 

“The Leeward Coast is increasingly vulnerable to wildfires,” said ʻElepaio Social Services Executive Director Alicia Higa. “We’re urging utility companies to act now: fix dangerous infrastructure, take responsibility for ongoing maintenance, and keep the community informed at every step. This is about more than utilities — it’s about public safety, equity, and protecting our people and our homes.” 

“For nearly 100 years, our homesteaders have called Nānākuli home,” said Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Public Information Officer Diamond Badajos. ” Today, more than 10,000 Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries continue to live across more than 4,700 acres of Hawaiian homelands throughout the Wai’anae district. One of O’ahu’s driest regions – the Wai‘anae Coast is no stranger to threat of wildfire. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with other state agencies, the city, and private entities to ensure Nānākuli is prepared for its next wildfire threat.” 

Robin Shishido, Deputy Director of the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation, provided an update on the department’s proactive efforts to address the area’s high-risk conditions and improve transportation safety for residents. 

“We recognize the Leeward Coast of all islands are the driest areas in the state, especially here in the Nānākuli area,” said Deputy Director Shishido. “We are working on improvements to Paʻakea Road to provide a parallel route to Farrington Highway which will go between Māʻiliʻili Road and Lualualei Naval Road. We are in the process of acquiring land and designing improvements that will include resurfacing, striping, signage and guardrails. We anticipate completing construction by fall of this year and will open the roadway to the public. Once opened the roadway will be available for everyday use and not just for emergencies. In addition, we are working with the Navy and Army on having Kolekole Pass as an emergency route.” 

The Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center was also present to share its support for coordinated action between local government, utility companies, and community stakeholders. 

“Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center works closely with the City and County and State on training, planning, and preparing for disasters. In our planning and training, we prepare with the understanding that we have limited access into and out of the coast,” said Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center Executive Vice President Nick Hughey. “We want to match that preparedness for a disaster with the efforts of preventing such tragedies. It is vital and we need to insist that all efforts be made to have the safest infrastructure in place on the Waiʻanae Coast including the most up-to-date utility wiring and poles.”