Safety Alert: Telcom lines often mistaken for power lines

Understanding the difference between utility lines and poles will help the public report hazards, including downed or sagging lines and damaged equipment or poles, to the responsible company.

Hawaiian Electric often receives reports about low-hanging lines that in nearly all cases, turn out to be lines, poles or equipment owned by telecommunications companies.  Reporting issues to the appropriate utility will facilitate timely efforts to ensure safe, continued service.

Hawaiian Electric poles typically hold several sets of lines. The multiple thinner wires, located highest up on the pole are electric lines that carry electric current. The thicker lines located lower on the pole belong to either telephone, cable or internet providers and do not typically carry electric current. City or state streetlights and wiring may also be attached to the pole.

Telecommunication poles are not owned by Hawaiian Electric and are often shorter and smaller in circumference. They only hold telecommunications lines, which are largely bundled together to appear as thick single lines. Both sets of poles may have streetlights attached.

“If you see thick cables drooping close to the ground those aren’t power lines,” said Jim Kelly, vice president for Government and Community Relations and Corporate Communications. “Because we know there is heightened concern about fire hazards we want people to know the difference between our equipment and equipment owned by others.”

Power Lines

• Report downed power lines immediately by calling one of the Trouble Lines below, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Oʻahu: 1-855-304-1212
  • Maui County: 1-855-304-8181
  • Hawaiʻi island: 1-855-304-9191
• If you see an injured person who touched a downed power line, call 9-1-1 for help.
• Don’t try to rescue the individual because electrical current can travel through them to you and you risk becoming a victim yourself
• Warn others to stay away

Telecommunication Lines

• To report safety concerns about telecommunication lines, call:
  • Hawaiian Telcom: 808-643-3456 or 808-643-6111
  • Spectrum: 833-949-0036